Oak Valley Bancorp
Annual Report 2020

Plain-text annual report

D E F I N I N G M O M E N T S C E L E B R A T I N G 30 YEARS OAK VAL LEY BANCORP 2020 ANNUAL RE PORT S E L E C T E D F I N A N C I A L D A T A F I V E - Y E A R S U M M A R Y (In thousands except for per share amounts) Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Interest income Interest expense Net interest income Provision for loan losses Non-interest income Non-interest expense Net income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Net income Net earnings per share (diluted) Cash dividends paid per share Cash dividends paid Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) Year End Balance Sheet Total assets Total earning assets Gross loans Cash and cash equivalents Investment securities Non-interest bearing deposits Interest bearing deposits Total deposits Total stockholder’s equity $46,110 1,153 44,957 2,165 4,815 29,864 17,743 4,056 13,687 $1.68 $0.28 $2,299 8,138,528 $1,511,478 1,420,229 1,013,115 226,656 220,589 $572,927 794,882 1,367,809 129,694 $42,602 1,568 41,034 545 5,047 28,847 16,689 4,200 12,489 $1.54 $0.27 $2,214 $40,174 1,606 38,568 555 4,712 27,378 15,347 3,810 11,537 $1.42 $0.26 $2,117 $35,245 $32,289 1,065 34,180 350 5,976 24,565 15,241 6,147 9,094 $1.13 $0.25 $2,022 764 31,525 484 4,413 24,315 11,139 3,474 7,665 $0.95 $0.24 $1,940 8,116,627 8,100,098 8,081,497 8,082,657 $1,147,785 $1,094,887 $1,034,852 $1,002,110 1,067,816 750,985 147,594 193,385 1,027,161 711,902 126,145 209,818 971,199 662,544 149,173 182,360 $405,738 $344,554 $325,959 614,191 1,019,929 112,570 641,941 986,495 99,038 612,923 938,882 90,767 938,595 610,949 190,810 160,333 $311,879 602,214 914,093 82,450 DEAR CUSTOMERS, SHAREHOLDERS AND FRIENDS: Defining moments. When you look back at the course of history – whether you are talking about great civilizations or great companies – you will find a series of defining moments which spurred evolution and growth. In some cases, the growth may occur as one defining moment; and in others, it may result from a string of events which fuel the transformation from good to great. On the following pages, we highlight several key events that brought us to where we are today—some more pivotal than others— but all holding a notable place in the bank’s 30-year history. While many events have collectively driven the bank’s success, the past year will be remembered as a monumental moment for asset and loan growth. With all the uncertainty the pandemic brought upon us, we are extremely proud of our team’s response in supporting the needs of clients and local business owners as they navigated through difficult times. While many banks closed branch lobbies and reduced hours, Oak Valley kept our branches open, while embracing digital channels to expedite transactions remotely. In 2020, the bank processed 1,672 first draw PPP loans, totaling over $244 million as we sought to secure desperately needed funding for clients and local businesses. In the past year, the bank’s commitment to serving the needs of the business community was called to action and on display. This historic growth resulting from the bank’s fervent participation in PPP, combined with over $50 million of organic (non-PPP) loan growth, helped the bank attain record-level earnings. Years from now, when we reflect on 2020, we are confident the relationships forged during these times will be among the strongest client connections we have ever made. While the events of 2020 have been extraordinary, through dedication and hard work, our teams have turned in a remarkably solid financial performance. For the year ended December 31, 2020, net income totaled $13.7 million, or $1.68 per diluted share, representing an increase of 9.6% compared to $12.5 million or $1.54 per diluted share for 2019. The increase to net income compared to the prior year was primarily due to strong earning asset growth and corresponding increases to net interest income. Total assets grew to $1.51 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $363.7 million over the prior year. Gross loans at year- end totaled $1.01 billion, reflecting an increase of $262.1 million over the prior year. Total deposits increased to $1.37 billion at year-end, an increase of $347.9 million over the prior year. “YEARS FROM NOW, WHEN WE REFLECT ON 2020, WE ARE CONFIDENT THE RELATIONSHIPS FORGED DURING THESE TIMES WILL BE AMONG THE STRONGEST CLIENT CONNECTIONS WE’VE EVER MADE.” or providing a premier banking experience, we are committed to supporting our neighbors and community leaders who are dedicated to strengthening the places we call home. As we celebrate 30 years serving the needs of our amazing communities, we would like to thank the individuals, families, and businesses that have blessed us Our teams remain rooted in creating a culture of service, integrity, teamwork, credit quality, and community. They are diligent in attracting new clients and strengthening the relationships with our existing clients. We wholeheartedly believe that if we can deliver on these promises, while introducing new clients to and immersing them in our unique service culture, they will become enthusiastic advocates for the bank. We are dedicated to offering financial solutions to meet the needs of our communities. Whether lending to clients devoted to serving the Central Valley and Sierra Region with their patronage. Whether you have been with us for the long haul, recently started a banking relationship, or have only just discovered Oak Valley Community Bank, we appreciate your respective loyalty, choice, and consideration. You have our steadfast commitment that we’ll continue building the bank in the image upon which it was founded: cultivating lifelong customers by providing a relationship-oriented brand of superior service. As always, thank you for your support, investment, and belief in community banking. Sincerely, Christopher M. Courtney S TAY I N G S T R O N G T O G E T H E R of our staff to work from home, minimizing exposure and allowing them to more easily balance the new home life paradigm. The can-do spirit and team loyalty cultivated in our branches carried over to the work-from-home environment, fueling a seamless operation where camaraderie remained as strong as productivity and service. continue serving customers with the same commitment to personalized service and convenience. We also arranged for nearly 40 percent L O O K I N G B A C K A T O U R 3 0 Y E A R H I S T O R Y Bob Stewart (right) of R.L. Stewart Insurance opens his account, earning the distinction of being Oak Valley’s first client. Since its inception, Oak Valley Community Bank has steadfastly pursued its mission of cultivating lifelong customers by executing a unique brand of relationship service. As a business partner, supporter, and friend, the bank became a trusted ally to thousands during the global pandemic—providing a port in the storm to customers new and old. We invite you to experience our journey in the following pages, showcasing some of the bank’s highlights during the past three decades. 19 91 19 92 19 93 1994 Oak Valley Community Bank is founded by a group of community- minded individuals with a vision to make local banking available to Oakdale and surrounding communities. The branch welcomes its first customers in May 1991. Founding Board Members assemble to mark the moment at one of the bank’s early shareholder meetings. offered a port in the storm to new customers who were turned away by their own banks, providing them with much-needed PPP loans. This provided a unique watershed moment for us to showcase our personalized approach to banking, with a high probability of attracting these individuals—many who were already disillusioned with their existing financial institution—and turning them into new, long-term customers. Even with the demands of the pandemic, we continued to grow in both stature and strength as a loyal provider to, and builder of, the communities we serve. As the pandemic stretched into summer and beyond, our employees continued to rally, working with cross- trained team members and executives rolling up their sleeves to work virtually alongside loan officers and credit staff to fulfill PPP loans and service other banking needs. Naturally, keeping everyone safe was of utmost importance, so like many businesses, we enforced social distancing and masking in our branches to to the aid of our existing clients to help alleviate their financial burdens, we also The circumstances of the past year presented an unprecedented challenge to humankind, testing our strength, agility, perseverance and ultimately our sense of hope. Oak Valley Community Bank, which has served as business partner, supporter and friend to many, became a trusted ally during these uncertain times. Not only did we come S E R V I N G O U R C O M M U N I T I E S When we first explored the idea of starting a de novo community bank 30 years ago, the goal was simple: to build a single branch to serve the banking needs of Oakdale and the surrounding towns. Our aim was to provide competitive rates and premier service to the local business community. But after opening the first branch, the impetus to grow was too great, especially with neighboring counties in need. By 2000, Oak Valley established branches in Sonora and Modesto, and was eyeing opportunities in the Eastern Sierra. And, thanks to our dedicated staff, loyal customers, shareholder support, and directors’ guidance, our vision and footprint continue to grow. In addition to PPP loan balances, we generated millions of dollars in regular loan production and deposit growth to attain our highest level of profitability, thanks to the combined efforts of our dedicated teams. For the fifth consecutive year, Success Capital Expansion and Development Corporation recognized Oak Valley as their “Most Active SBA 504 Lending Partner” in 2020. We booked nearly $8 million in loans, helping to fund over $21 million in total projects. Additionally, Mike Garcia, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking, was awarded for “Largest SBA 504 Loan.” Both distinctions reflect our commitment to providing the small business community with local access to the capital needed to grow businesses and promote growth in the Central Valley. The bank also received an “Outstanding” rating, the highest possible, for its community development and lending efforts in its most recent Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Performance Evaluation from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. This achievement makes the bank one of only 11 banks, regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank and headquartered in California, to receive an Overall Rating of Outstanding since 2010. During the evaluation period, Oak Valley originated over 60 community development loans totaling $114.2 million to support Community Reinvestment purposes; invested $7.8 million in Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) that helped low- and moderate-income borrowers obtain mortgage loans; and contributed $21.3 million within its assessment areas, representing 20 percent of its Tier 1 Capital. L O O K I N G B A C K | C O N T I N U E D The Oakdale branch achieves rapid success, exceeding $41 million in total assets by the end of the year. Moving westward, Oak Valley opens a branch on McHenry Avenue in Modesto to serve local businesses and residents in rapidly growing Stanislaus County. A new era of expansion begins. The bank reaches into the Eastern Sierra, establishing its first branch in Bridgeport to serve a market ready to embrace the spirit of community banking. Total assets reach $134 million by year end. Oak Valley rapidly gains market share in Stanislaus County. A push for expansion begins with the launch of branches in Turlock, Stockton, Patterson, and Ripon in quick succession, bringing the bank’s footprint to ten branches. Reconstruction is completed on the Clocktower Building, restoring this historical landmark to its former glory. The bank moves into its new headquarters. 199 5 199 6 1 997 1 99 8 1 99 9 2 00 0 20 01 20 02 20 03 20 04 20 05 20 06 20 07 With a mission to grow slowly and focus on personalized customer service, the bank opens a branch in Sonora, pushing the bank’s assets to over $55 million. With banking options scarce in the Eastern Sierra, Oak Valley ventures into the region to establish three branches. The bank adds branches in Mammoth Lakes and Bishop to strengthen its presence in the Eastern Sierra. Oak Valley enters the Modesto downtown core to increase visibility and customer convenience, relocating the McHenry branch to the 12th Street Plaza Building. The bank opens the Escalon branch. The bank opens or relocates six branches over two years. Northern Modesto experiences continued growth and the bank seizes the opportunity to open a second branch in this bustling business and farming community - offering superior service and a strong foundation of deposits. The Oak Valley Team Since the pandemic began, it’s been anything but business as usual at Oak Valley. Not only did we quickly push through $244 million in PPP loans, at times working day and night to accomplish this feat, through it all we continued to process all types of loans and fulfilled our customers routine banking needs. We commend and congratulate our heroes, the entire Oak Valley team, who went above and beyond to keep everything running smoothly. “ We have a tried and true saying at Oak Valley: ‘Service to our customers is only as good as service to each other.’ I believe it’s the close relationships and teamwork culture we’ve nurtured in the branches that enable us to accomplish the seemingly impossible.” Christopher M. Courtney, President and CEO L O O K I N G T O T H E F U T U R E Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Oak Valley increased charitable giving and donations of both volunteer time and money to needy organizations. In certain cases, the bank provided donations to many nonprofits they regularly support instead of, or in addition to, providing PPP loans to help rescue or revitalize programs and services. One notable investment this past year was the bank’s generous financial contribution to help establish the Stanislaus Community Foundation’s Business Resilience Fund. Oak Valley has consistently supported the foundation with contributions toward its numerous innovative community development efforts for many years. We also maintained our commitment to providing operational support to the most vulnerable organizations, including the Modesto Gospel Mission serving homeless individuals. The bank continued its financial assistance to meet the Mission’s immediate needs with a focus on future recovery, helping to fund training in life skills and employment, in addition to addiction recovery and medical services for its clients. This year, volunteers also banded together to deliver food to needy seniors. In total, the bank logged more than 1,600 volunteer hours last year in support of community development and service organizations spanning several counties. Oak Valley also extended funding to the Center for Human Services (CHS) in Modesto, serving more than 500,000 individuals, children and families annually in Stanislaus County for the past 50 years via seven core program areas: Mental Health Services, Shelter Services, Youth Services, Juvenile Justice Services, School Based Services, Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Resource Centers. The bank also continued its business partnership with the organization via a new credit facility for the expansion of their Youth Navigation Center which will engage, stabilize and prepare the county’s most vulnerable youth for bright futures. L O O K I N G B A C K | C O N T I N U E D The bank returns to McHenry, opening a third branch in Modesto to capitalize on the city’s continued business growth. In kind, Oak Valley opens its first branch in Manteca to serve the needs of customers and enhance coverage in southern San Joaquin County. As the economy continues to rebound from the recession, the bank envisions another round of expansion to include new branches in Tracy, downtown Sonora, and the acquisition of Mother Lode Bank. Oak Valley Bancorp is established to provide the bank with greater opportunities for growth by enhancing the flexibility in the ownership structure. The bank begins publicly trading on NASDAQ. Oak Valley has grown to 17 branches and $1.5 billion in assets. The COVID-19 pandemic descends on the U.S., and Oak Valley rallies to support its customers and other local businesses in the region. 2008 2009 201 0 2011 201 2 2 013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 202 0 Again focused on visibility and customer convenience, the bank relocates the Mammoth Lakes branch to the main shopping district’s central core to increase business development opportunities. In larger markets, the bank typically establishes a Loan Production Office before embarking upon the development of a full-service branch. The bank boldly moves to establish a presence in Sacramento, beginning with a loan production office on Capitol Mall, followed by a full-service branch nine months later. The bank relocates the East Sonora and Turlock branches. The bank issues $244 million in PPP loans, extending greatly needed funds to existing clients and brand new customers seeking a more responsive PPP experience. Jose Sabala, Community Reinvestment Act Officer If there is a food drive, fundraising campaign, or volunteer event, you can bet that Jose Sabala is involved, if not playing a leadership role. For the past three years, Jose has served as the bank’s Community Reinvestment Act Officer, evaluating new community development opportunities, businesses and non- profits with borrowing needs in underserved areas within the bank’s footprint. Both highly recognized and well-loved in the community, Jose combines his knowledge, active involvement, and local partnerships to serve numerous needy organizations, often recruiting other Oak Valley team members to the effort. Jose is a current member of South Modesto Partnerships, Stanislaus County New Leadership Network, Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, City Ministry Network, and Love Our Cities. MARKET MAKERS John Cavender Raymond James & Associates (415) 616-8935 Joey Warmenhoven Wedbush Securities (503) 922-4888 FOUNDERS Steve Benak, MD Andrea Boston-Gilbert Gordon A. and Yvonne Brown Robert and Beverly Brunker William D. and Joyce A. Compton Hal and Chrys Copp Betty Dallas Ramon A. Esslinger Donald Fagundes Richard A. and Susan J. Franco Joel W. Geddes, Jr. Harrison Gibbs James Lawrence Gilbert Thomas A. and Julia D. Haidlen Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Heckendorf Barbara Heckendorf Mrs. Beverly Haidlen Holloway Leonard B. and Betty M. Jackson Barry M. and Betty-Lynn Jett Henry Kamps, Jr. Arne and Birgitta Knudsen Soren and Sharon Knudsen Steven Knudsen Joe and Joyce Martin Della Messner Bill and Sharon Morris James A. Morrison III Ben and Judy Mullins Dr. and Mrs. J. Patrick Mulrooney Thomas W. and Marsha L. Orr Willem Postma Mike Reed Roger M. and Delsie Schrimp Romain and Janette Schonhoff Ralph P. and Margitta R. Sikkema, DVM Richard D. and Ola L. Stokes George and Ruth Thoukis Danny L. and Suzette Titus DeWayne F. Titus Lynda Vaughan Richard J. Vaughan Jack Watkins Gilbert O. Wymond III B A N K O F F I C E R S DIRECTORS Donald L. Barton Chairman of the Board Chairman Investment Committee Agribusinessman James L. Gilbert Vice Chairman of the Board Chairman Nominating Committee Feed and Seed Business Christopher M. Courtney President and CEO Oak Valley Community Bank Lynn R. Dickerson Non Profit Executuve Thomas A. Haidlen Automobile Dealer H. Randolph Holder Media Company Executive Allison C. Lafferty Attorney Daniel J. Leonard Chairman Compensation Committee Winery Executive Ronald C. Martin Retired Bank Executive Janet S. Pelton Chairman Audit Committee Certified Public Accountant Danny L. Titus Chairman CRA Committee Real Estate and Investments Terrance P. Withrow Chairman Loan Committee Certified Public Accountant and Farmer DIRECTORS EMERITUS Michael Q. Jones General Contracting and Real Estate Richard J. Vaughan Agribusinessman In Memoriam: Roger M. Schrimp Attorney and Cattle Rancher Barry M. Jett Real Estate Investor Arne J. Knudsen Wholesale Nurseryman Romain J. Schonhoff CPA and Farmer OFFICERS Christopher M. Courtney President and CEO Rick McCarty Senior Executive Vice President Chief Operating Officer Corporate Secretary Julie DeHart Executive Vice President Retail Banking Group Cathy Ghan Executive Vice President Commercial Real Estate Janis Powers Executive Vice President Risk Management Mike Rodrigues Executive Vice President Chief Credit Officer Russell Stahl Executive Vice President Information Technology Gary Stephens Executive Vice President Commercial Banking Group Kim Booke Senior Vice President Credit Administration Peter Brown Senior Vice President Credit Administration Melissa Fuller Senior Vice President Human Resources Jeff Gall Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer Mike Garcia Senior Vice President Commercial Banking Jeff Hushaw Senior Vice President Commercial Banking Bill Nunes Senior Vice President Marketing Michael Petrucelli Senior Vice President Commercial Banking Linda Spinelli Senior Vice President Central Operations INDEPENDENT AUDITORS RSM US LLP 44 Montgomery St, Ste 3900 San Francisco, CA 94104 LEGAL COUNSEL Matteo G. Daste Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe, LLP 405 Howard St San Francisco, CA 94105 CORRESPONDENT BANK MUFG Union Bank, N.A. 400 California St San Francisco, CA 94104 Pacific Coast Bankers’ Bank 340 Pine St, Ste 401 San Francisco, CA 94104 TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR Computershare 250 Royall St Canton, MA 02021 (800) 962-4284 D e e p R o o t s ~ S t r o n g B r a n c h e s San Francisco 80 Sacramento Bridgeport Stockton Manteca 580 Ripon Tracy Patterson Escalon Sonora Oakdale Modesto Turlock 99 5 Fresno 395 Mammoth Lakes Bishop EASTERN SIERR A COMMUNITY BA NK BRIDGEPORT 166 Main Street Bridgeport, CA 93517 (760) 932-7926 MAMMOTH LAKES 307 Old Mammoth Road Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 (760) 924-0990 BISHOP 351 N Main Street Bishop, CA 93514 (760) 874-BANK (2265) www.escbank.com ATM ONLY LOCATIO NS : United States Marine Corps Marine Housing Exchange Coleville, CA United States Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, CA B R A N C H E S OAK VALLEY COMMUNITY BANK OAKDALE 125 N Third Avenue Oakdale, CA 95361 (209) 848-BANK (2265) SONORA-DOWNTOWN 85 Mono Way Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 396-7720 SONORA-EAST 14890 Mono Way Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 532-7100 MODESTO-12TH & I 1200 I Street Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 549-BANK (2265) MODESTO-DALE 4120 B Dale Road Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 758-8000 MODESTO-MCHENRY 3508 McHenry Avenue Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 579-3360 TURLOCK 241 W Main Street Turlock, CA 95380 (209) 633-2850 PATTERSON 20 Plaza Patterson, CA 95363 (209) 892-5757 STOCKTON 2935 W March Lane Stockton, CA 95219 (209) 320-7850 RIPON 150 N Wilma Avenue Ripon, CA 95366 (209) 599-9430 ESCALON 1910 McHenry Avenue Escalon, CA 95320 (209) 821-3070 M ANT ECA 191 W North Street Manteca, CA 95336 (209) 249-7360 T R ACY 1034 N Central Avenue Tracy, CA 95376 (209) 834-3340 SACRAMENTO 455 Capitol Mall Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 260-5800 www.ovcb.com   UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 OR TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Commission File Number: 001-34142 OAK VALLEY BANCORP (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) California (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 125 North Third Avenue Oakdale, California (Address of principal executive offices) 26-2326676 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 95361 (Zip Code) (209) 848-2265 (Registrant’s telephone number including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Common Stock Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Trading Symbol OVLY None (Title of class) Name of each exchange on which registered The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  No  Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes  No  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  No  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S- T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes  No  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer  Accelerated filer  Non-accelerated filer  Smaller reporting company  Emerging growth company  If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  No  As of June 30, 2020, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing price of $12.68 per share of the registrant’s common stock as reported by the Nasdaq, was approximately $86 million. As of March 26, 2021, there were 8,235,939 shares of common stock outstanding. Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s 2020 fiscal year end and are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TABLE OF CONTENTS BUSINESS RISK FACTORS UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS PROPERTIES LEGAL PROCEEDINGS MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND 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 DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES OTHER INFORMATION 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 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES FORM 10-K SUMMARY PART I ITEM 1 - ITEM 1A - ITEM 1B - ITEM 2 - ITEM 3 - ITEM 4 - PART II ITEM 5 - ITEM 6 - ITEM 7 - ITEM 7A - ITEM 8 - ITEM 9 - ITEM 9A - ITEM 9B - PART III ITEM 10 - ITEM 11 - ITEM 12 - ITEM 13 - ITEM 14 - PART IV ITEM 15 - ITEM 16 - SIGNATURES 4 20 33 33 33 33 34 34 35 63 65 65 65 66 67 67 68 68 68 68 70 71 2 SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This Annual Report on Form 10-K (Annual Report) includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “1933 Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “1934 Act”). Those sections of the 1933 Act and 1934 Act provide a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their financial performance so long as they provide meaningful, cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ significantly from projected results. All statements contained in this Annual Report other than statements of historical fact, including, for example, statements regarding descriptions of plans or objectives of management for future operations, products or services, forecasts of our revenues, earnings or other measures of economic performance, our assessment of significant factors and developments that may affect our results, regulatory controls and processes and their impact on our business, our business strategy and plans and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “potentially,” “estimate,” “continue.” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan” “expect,” and similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our and the U.S. government’s response to it, and including those listed in this “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” and those described in Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment, and new risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this Annual Report may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward- looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that the future results, levels of activity, performance or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, except as required by law. You should read this Annual Report with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances may be materially different from what we expect. 3 ITEM 1. BUSINESS OF OAK VALLEY BANCORP Overview of the Business PART I Oak Valley Bancorp. Oak Valley Bancorp (the “Company”) was incorporated on April 1, 2008 in California for the purpose of becoming Oak Valley Community Bank’s parent bank holding company. Effective July 3, 2008, Oak Valley Bancorp acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Oak Valley Community Bank (the “Bank”) (from time to time, the Bank and the Company may be generally referred to as “we”, “us” or “our”). The principal office of Oak Valley Bancorp is located at 125 North Third Avenue, Oakdale, California 95361, and its principal telephone is (209) 848-2265. The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of common stock, without par value, of which 8,218,873 are issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value, of which no shares are issued and outstanding. The Company is the holding company of the Bank, and its only assets are the outstanding capital stock of the Bank, which the Company wholly owns, cash and income tax benefits receivable classified as other assets. Oak Valley Community Bank. The Bank commenced operations in May 1991. The Bank is an insured bank under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and is a member of the Federal Reserve. The Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and regular examination by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), the Federal Deposit Insurance Commission (FDIC) and the Federal Reserve Board (FRB). Since its formation, the Bank has provided basic banking services to individuals and business enterprises in Oakdale, California and the surrounding areas. The focus of the Bank is to offer a range of commercial banking services designed for both individuals and small to medium-sized businesses in the two main areas of service of the Bank: the Central Valley and the Eastern Sierras. The Bank offers a complement of business checking and savings accounts for its business customers. The Bank also offers commercial and real estate loans, as well as lines of credit. Real estate loans are generally of a short-term nature for both residential and commercial lending purposes. Longer-term real estate loans are generally made with adjustable interest rates and contain customary provisions for acceleration. Traditional residential mortgages are available to Bank customers through a third party. The Bank offers other services for both individuals and businesses including online banking, remote deposit capture, mobile banking, merchant services, night depository, extended hours, wire transfer of funds, note collection, and automated teller machines in a national network. The Bank does not currently offer international banking or trust services although the Bank may make such services available to the Bank’s customers through financial institutions with which the Bank has correspondent banking relationships. The Bank does not offer stock transfer services, nor does it directly issue credit cards. Expansion Branch Expansion. Since opening our doors of the main Oakdale branch in 1991, our network of branches and loan production offices have been expanded geographically. As of December 31, 2020, we maintained seventeen full-service branch offices (in addition to our corporate headquarters) and one loan production office. Beginning in October 1995, we started our geographic expansion outside of Oakdale, by opening a Loan Production Office in Sonora, California. We subsequently opened a branch in Sonora and two branches in Modesto. In September 2000, we expanded into the Eastern Sierra, opening a branch in Bridgeport, California under the name Eastern Sierra Community Bank. Since that time, we have added branches in Mammoth Lakes and Bishop. During 2005 and 2006, we aggressively increased our presence in the Central Valley, by opening branches in Turlock, Stockton, Patterson, Ripon and Escalon. In March 2007, our corporate headquarters expanded by adding an adjacent historical building located in downtown Oakdale to our complex. In 2011, we opened a third branch in Modesto and a branch in Manteca. In 2014, we opened a new branch in Tracy. In 2015, we added a second branch in Sonora. In 2018, we opened a new branch in Sacramento. We intend to continue our growth strategy in future years through the opening of additional branches and loan production offices as demand dictates and resources permit. Bank Holding Company Reorganization. Effective July 3, 2008, we entered into a bank holding company reorganization, whereby each outstanding share of common stock of the Bank was exchanged into a share of common stock of the Company. Operating our banking business within a holding company structure provides, among other things, greater operating flexibility; facilitates the potential acquisition of related businesses as opportunities may arise from time to time; improves our ability to diversify 4 as needed; enhances our ability to remain competitive in the future with other companies in the financial services industry that are organized in a holding company structure; and improves our ability to raise capital to support growth. Business Segments Management has determined that because all of the banking products and services offered by the Company are available in each branch of the Bank, all branches are located within the same economic environment and management does not allocate resources based on the performance of different lending or transaction activities, it is appropriate to aggregate the Bank branches and report them as a single operating segment. No customer accounts for more than 10 percent of revenues for the Company or the Bank. Primary Market Area We conduct business from our main office in Oakdale, a city of approximately 23,500 residents located in Stanislaus County, California. Oakdale is approximately 15 miles from Modesto and sits at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, at the edge of the California Central Valley agricultural area. Through our branches, we serve customers in the Central Valley, from Fresno to Sacramento, and in foothill locations. We also reach into the Highway 395 corridor in the Eastern Sierras and in the towns of Bishop, Mammoth and Bridgeport. Approximately 98% of our loans and 90% of our deposits are generated from the Central Valley. The Central Valley area includes Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Tuolumne counties and has a total population of over 3 million. Lending Activities General. Our loan policies set forth the basic guidelines and procedures by which we conduct our lending operations. These policies address the types of loans available, underwriting and collateral requirements, loan terms, interest rate and yield considerations, compliance with laws and regulations and our internal lending limits. Our Board of Directors reviews and approves our loan policies on an annual basis. We supplement our own supervision of the loan underwriting and approval process with periodic loan audits by experienced external loan specialists who review credit quality, loan documentation and compliance with laws and regulations. We engage in a full complement of lending activities, including: • commercial real estate loans, • commercial business lending and trade finance, • Small Business Administration lending, and • consumer loans, including automobile loans, home mortgages, credit lines and other personal loans. As part of our efforts to achieve long-term stable profitability and respond to a changing economic environment in the California Central Valley, we constantly evaluate a variety of options to augment our traditional focus by broadening the services and products we provide. Possible avenues of growth include more branch locations, expanded suite of technology-based services and new types of lending. Loan Procedures. Loans recommended for approval by the Senior Loan Committee made up of our Board of Directors and designated executive officers of the bank, by Joint Authority or by loan officers, to the extent of their lending authority. Our Board of Directors authorizes our lending limits. Our President and Chief Credit Officer are responsible for evaluating the authority limits for individual credit officers and recommending lending limits for all other officers to the board of directors for approval. We grant individual lending authority to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Credit Officer, Credit Administrator and to some department managers and loan officers. Our highest management lending authority or Joint Authority includes all amounts above the individual officer loan authority and below the Senior Loan Committee limits of $5,000,000 for real estate secured loans, $2,500,000 for loans secured by collateral other than real estate and cash, $1,500,000 for unsecured loans, or when the borrower’s aggregate total outstanding commitment exceeds $5,000,000. These loans require joint approval of either the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Credit Officer, Senior Lending Officer or Credit Administrator. At December 31, 2020, the Bank’s authorized legal lending limits were $19.4 million for unsecured loans plus an additional $13.0 million for specific secured loans. Legal lending limits are calculated in conformance with California law, which prohibits a bank from lending to any one individual or entity or its related interests an aggregate amount which exceeds 15% of primary capital 5 plus the allowance for loan losses on an unsecured basis, plus an additional 10% on a secured basis. The Bank’s primary capital plus allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2020 totaled $129.7 million. We seek to mitigate the risks inherent in our loan portfolio by adhering to certain underwriting practices. The review of each loan application includes analysis of the applicant’s prior credit history, income level, cash flow and financial condition, tax returns, cash flow projections, and the value of any collateral to secure the loan, based upon reports of independent appraisers and audits of accounts receivable or inventory pledged as security. In the case of real estate loans over a specified amount, the review of collateral value includes an appraisal report prepared by an independent, Bank-approved, appraiser. Real Estate Loans. We offer commercial real estate loans to finance the acquisition of new or the refinancing of existing commercial properties, such as office buildings, industrial buildings, warehouses, hotels, shopping centers, automotive industry facilities and multiple dwellings. At December 31, 2020, consumer and commercial real estate loans constituted 68% of our loan portfolio, of which 96% were commercial real estate loans. Commercial real estate loans typically have 10-year maturities with up to 25-year amortization of principal and interest and loan-to-value ratios of not more than 75% of the appraised value or purchase price, whichever is lower. We usually impose a prepayment penalty during the period within 3 to 5 years of the date of the loan. Construction loans are comprised of loans on commercial, residential and income producing properties that generally have terms of 1 year, with options to extend for additional periods to complete construction and to accommodate the lease-up period. We usually require 15% equity capital investment by the developer and loan to value ratios of not more than 75% of anticipated completion value. Miniperm loans finance the purchase and/or ownership of commercial properties, including owner-occupied and income producing properties. We also offer miniperm loans as take-out financing with our construction loans. Miniperm loans are generally made with an amortization schedule ranging from 20 to 25 years, with a lump sum balloon payment due in 3 to 5 years. Equity lines of credit are revolving lines of credit with repayment term and are collateralized by junior deeds of trust on residential real properties. They generally bear a rate of interest that floats with our base rate or the prime rate, and have maturities of 25 years (10-year interest only with 15-year amortization). We purchase participation interests in loans made by other financial institutions from time to time. These loans are subject to the same underwriting criteria and approval process as loans made directly by us. Our real estate loans are typically collateralized by first or junior deeds of trust on specific commercial properties and equity lines of credit, and are subject to corporate or individual guarantees from financially capable parties, as available. The properties collateralizing real estate loans are principally located in our primary market areas of the California Central Valley and the Eastern Sierra. Real estate loans typically bear interest rates that float with an established index. Our real estate portfolio is subject to certain risks, including (i) downturns in the California economy, (ii) significant interest rate fluctuations, (iii) reduction in real estate values in the California Central Valley, (iv) increased competition in pricing and loan structure, and (v) environmental risks, including natural disasters. As a result of the high concentration of the real estate loan in our loan portfolio, potential difficulties in the real estate markets could cause significant increases in nonperforming loans, which would reduce our profits. A decline in real estate values could cause some of our mortgage loans to become inadequately collateralized, which would expose us to a greater risk of loss. Additionally, a decline in real estate values could adversely affect our portfolio of commercial real estate loans and could result in a decline in the origination of such loans. However, we strive to reduce the exposure to such risks and seek to continue to maintain high quality in our real estate loans by (a) reviewing each loan request and each loan renewal individually, (b) using a joint approval system for the approval of each loan request for loans over a certain dollar amount, (c) adhering to written loan policies, including, among other factors, minimum collateral requirements, maximum loan-to-value ratio requirements, cash flow requirements and personal guarantees, (d) performing secondary appraisals from time to time, (e) conducting external independent credit review, and (f) conducting environmental reviews, where appropriate. We review each loan request on the basis of our ability to recover both principal and interest in view of the inherent risks. We monitor and stress test our entire portfolio, evaluating debt coverage ratios and loan-to-value ratios, on a quarterly basis. We monitor trends and evaluate exposure derived from simulated stressed market conditions. The portfolio is stratified by owner classification (either owner-occupied or non-owner occupied), product type, geography and size. As of December 31, 2020, the aggregate loan-to-value of the entire commercial real estate portfolio was 52.2%, based on the most recent appraisals as of the time of origination or renewal. Historical data suggests that the Bank continues to maintain strong LTV, which has served as a cushion against precipitous reductions in real estate values. Non-owner occupied CRE comprises 45.4% of the Bank’s total commitments, as of December 31, 2020. The loan-to-value on the non-owner occupied CRE segment was 37.8%, 6 as of December 31, 2020. The highest concentration by product type is CRE Office, which comprised 22.3% of total CRE loan commitments outstanding, as of December 31, 2020. Our portfolio diversity in terms of both product types and geographic distribution, combined with strong debt coverage ratios, a low aggregate loan-to-value and a reasonable percentage of owner-occupied properties, significantly mitigate the risks associated with excessive commercial real estate concentration. These elements contribute strength to our overall real estate portfolio in the event of any weakness in the real estate market. Commercial Business Lending. We offer commercial loans to sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations, with an emphasis on the real estate related industry. These commercial loans include business lines of credit and commercial term loans to finance operations, to provide working capital or for specific purposes, such as to finance the purchase of assets, equipment or inventory. Since a borrower’s cash flow from operations is generally the primary source of repayment, our policies provide specific guidelines regarding required debt coverage and other important financial ratios. Lines of credit are extended to businesses or individuals based on the financial strength and integrity of the borrower and are secured primarily by real estate, accounts receivable and inventory, and have a maturity of one year or less. Such lines of credit bear an interest rate that floats with the prime rate, Constant Maturity Treasury or another established index. Commercial term loans are typically made to finance the acquisition of fixed assets, refinance short-term debts or to finance the purchase of businesses. Commercial term loans generally have terms from one to five years. They may be collateralized by the asset being acquired or other available assets and bear interest rates, which either floats with the prime rate, LIBOR or another established index or is fixed for the term of the loan. Our portfolio of commercial loans is also subject to certain risks, including (i) downturns in the California economy, (ii) significant interest rate fluctuations; and (iii) the deterioration of a borrower’s or guarantor’s financial capabilities. We attempt to reduce the exposure to such risks through (a) reviewing each loan request and renewal individually, (b) requiring a joint signature approval system, (c) mandating strict adherence to written loan policies, and (d) performing external independent credit review. In addition, we monitor loans based on short-term asset values as required on a monthly or quarterly basis. In general, during the term of the relationship, we receive and review the financial statements of our borrowing customers on an ongoing basis, and we promptly respond to any deterioration that we note. Small Business Administration Lending Services. Small Business Administration, or SBA, lending, forms an important part of our business. Our SBA lending service places an emphasis on minority-owned businesses. Our SBA market area includes the geographic areas encompassed by our full-service banking offices in the California Central Valley and in the Eastern Sierra. As an SBA lender, we enable borrowers to obtain SBA loans in order to acquire new businesses, expand existing businesses, and acquire locations in which to do business. We also participated in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) established in 2020 to provide economic assistance to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumer Loans. Consumer loans include personal loans, auto loans, home improvement loans, home mortgage loans, revolving lines of credit and other loans typically made by banks to individual borrowers. We provide consumer loan products in an effort to diversify our product line. Our consumer loan portfolio is subject to certain risks, including: • amount of credit offered to consumers in the market, • interest rate increases, and • consumer bankruptcy laws which allow consumers to discharge certain debts. We attempt to reduce the exposure to such risks through the direct approval of all consumer loans by: • reviewing each loan request and renewal individually, • using a dual signature system of approval, • strictly adhering to written credit policies, and • performing external independent credit review. 7 Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds Our primary sources of funds are deposits and loan repayments. Scheduled loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, whereas deposit inflows, outflows and unscheduled loan prepayments (which are influenced significantly by general interest rate levels, interest rates available on other investments, competition, economic conditions and other factors) are not as stable. Customer deposits also remain a primary source of funds, but these balances may be influenced by adverse market changes in the industry. We may resort to other borrowings, on an as needed basis, as follows: • on a short-term basis to compensate for reductions in deposit inflows at less than projected levels, and • on a longer-term basis to support expanded lending activities and to match the maturity of repricing intervals of assets. We offer a variety of accounts for depositors, which are designed to attract both short-term and long-term deposits. These accounts include certificates of deposit, or “CDs”, regular savings accounts, money market accounts, checking accounts, savings accounts, health savings accounts and individual retirement accounts, or “IRAs”. These accounts generally earn interest at rates established by management based on competitive market factors and management’s desire to increase or decrease certain types or maturities of deposits. As needs arise, we augment these customer deposits with brokered deposits. The more significant deposit accounts offered by us are described below: Certificates of Deposit. We offer several types of CDs with a maximum maturity of five years. The substantial majority of our CDs have a maturity of one to twelve months and pay compounded interest typically credited monthly or at maturity. Regular Savings Accounts. We offer savings accounts that allow for unlimited ATM and in-branch deposits and withdrawals. Interest is compounded daily and paid monthly. Money Market Account. Money market accounts pay a variable interest rate that is tiered depending on the balance maintained in the account. Minimum opening balances vary. Interest is compounded daily and paid monthly. Checking Accounts. Checking accounts are generally non-interest and interest bearing accounts, respectively, and may include service fees based on activity and balances. Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings. To supplement our deposits as a source of funds for lending or investment, we borrow funds in the form of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). We regularly make use of Federal Home Loan Bank advances as part of our interest rate risk management, primarily to extend the duration of funding to match the longer-term fixed rate loans held in the loan portfolio as part of our growth strategy. As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank system, we are required to invest in Federal Home Loan Bank stock based on a predetermined formula. Federal Home Loan Bank stock is a restricted equity security that can only be sold to other Federal Home Loan Bank members or redeemed by the Federal Home Loan Bank. As of December 31, 2020, we owned $4,003,000 in FHLB stock. Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank are typically secured by our entire real estate loan portfolio, which includes residential and commercial loans. At December 31, 2020, our borrowing limit with the Federal Home Loan Bank was approximately $318 million. Internet and Mobile Banking We offer Internet banking services, which allows our customers to access their deposit accounts through the Internet. Customers are able to obtain transaction history and account information, transfer funds between accounts, make person-to-person payments and make on-line bill payments. We intend to improve and develop our Internet banking products and delivery channels as the need arises and our resources permit. Mobile Banking offers many of the same services as internet banking but also includes mobile check deposit. Other Services We offer ATMs located at branch offices as well as three other ATMs at various off-site locations, and customer access to an ATM network. Additionally, we offer remote deposit capture service to allow commercial deposit customers the convenience of scanning check deposits for quicker access to deposited funds. 8 Marketing Our marketing relies principally upon local advertising and promotional activity and upon personal contacts by our directors, officers and shareholders to attract business and to acquaint potential customers with our personalized services. We emphasize a high degree of personalized client service in order to be able to provide for each customer’s banking needs. Our marketing approach emphasizes the advantages of dealing with an independent, locally managed and state-chartered bank to meet the particular needs of consumers, professionals and business customers in the community. Our management continually evaluates all of our banking services with regard to their profitability and efforts and makes determinations based on these evaluations whether to continue or modify our business plan, where appropriate. We do not currently have any plans to develop any new lines of business, which would require a material amount of capital investment on our part. Competition Regional Branch Competition. We consider our primary service area to be composed of the counties of San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Inyo and Mono Counties, of California. The banking business in California generally, and in our primary service area, specifically, is competitive with respect to both loans and deposits and is dominated by a relatively small number of major banks which have many offices operating over wide geographic areas. These include Wells Fargo Bank, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase Bank and Bank of the West. We compete for deposits and loans principally with these banks, as well as with savings and loan associations, thrift and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage companies, insurance companies, offerors of money market accounts and other lending institutions. Among the advantages of these institutions are their ability to finance extensive advertising campaigns and to allocate their investment assets to regions of highest yield and demand, their ability to offer certain services, such as international banking and trust services which are not offered directly by the Company and, the ability by virtue of their greater total capitalization, to have substantially higher lending limits than we do. In addition, as a result of increased consolidation and the passage of interstate banking legislation there is and will continue to be increased competition among banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions for the deposit and loan business of individuals and businesses. As of June 30, 2020, our primary service areas contained 274 banking offices, with approximately $52.4 billion in total deposits. As of June 30, 2020, we had total deposits of approximately $1.3 billion, which represented approximately 2.5% of the total deposits in the Bank’s primary service area. There can be no assurance that the Bank will maintain its competitive position against current and potential competitors, especially those with greater resources than the Bank. The four largest competing banks had 113 total branches and deposits averaged approximately $269 million per office as of June 30, 2020 within the Bank’s primary service area. In order to compete with major financial institutions in our primary service areas, we use to the fullest extent the flexibility that our independent status permits. This includes an emphasis on specialized services, local promotional activity, and personal contacts by our officers, directors and employees. In the event that there are customers whose needs exceed our lending limits, we may arrange for such loans on a participation basis with other financial institutions. We also assist customers who require other services that we do not offer by obtaining such services from correspondent banks. However, no assurance can be given that our continued efforts to compete with other financial institutions will be successful. In addition to other banks, our competitors include savings institutions, credit unions, and numerous non-banking institutions, such as finance companies, leasing companies, insurance companies, brokerage firms, and investment banking firms. In recent years, increased competition has also developed from specialized finance and non-finance companies that offer money market and mutual funds, wholesale finance, credit card, and other consumer finance services, including on-line banking services and personal finance software. Strong competition for deposit and loan products affects the rates of those products as well as the terms on which they are offered to customers. Other Competitive Factors. The more general competitive trends in the industry include increased consolidation and competition. Strong competitors, other than financial institutions, have entered banking markets with focused products targeted at highly profitable customer segments. Many of these competitors are able to compete across geographic boundaries and provide customers increasing access to meaningful alternatives to banking services in nearly all significant products areas. Mergers between financial institutions have placed additional pressure on banks within the industry to streamline their operations, reduce expenses, and increase revenues to remain competitive. Competition has also intensified due to the federal and state interstate banking laws, which permit banking organizations to expand geographically, and the California market has been particularly attractive to out-of-state institutions. The Financial Modernization Act, which has made it possible for full affiliations to occur between banks and securities firms, insurance companies, and other financial companies, is also expected to intensify competitive conditions. 9 Technological innovations have also resulted in increased competition in the financial services industry. Such innovations have, for example, made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer customers automated transfer payment services that were previously considered traditional banking products. In addition, many customers now expect a choice of several delivery systems and channels, including telephone, mail, home computer, mobile devices, ATMs, self-service branches and/or in-store branches. Business Concentration. No individual or single group of related accounts is considered material in relation to our total assets or deposits, or in relation to our overall business. However, approximately 68% of our loan portfolio held for investment at December 31, 2020 consisted of real estate-related loans, including construction loans, mini-perm loans, real estate mortgage loans and commercial loans secured by real estate. Moreover, our business activities are currently focused primarily in Central California, with the majority of our business concentrated in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Sacramento, Inyo and Mono Counties. Consequently, our results of operations and financial condition are dependent upon the general trends in the Central California economies and, in particular, the residential and commercial real estate markets. In addition, the concentration of our operations in Central California exposes us to greater risk than other banking companies with a wider geographic base in the event of catastrophes, such as earthquakes, fires and floods in this region. Employees As of December 31, 2020, we had 191 employees (161 full-time employees and 30 part-time employees). None of our employees are currently represented by a union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our relations with our employees to be good. Economic Conditions and Legislative and Regulatory Developments As it is the case with financial institutions with our size and scope, our profitability primarily depends on interest rate differentials. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control and cannot be predicted, such as inflation, recession and unemployment, and the impact that future changes in domestic and foreign economic conditions might have on the Company. A more detailed discussion of the Company’s interest rate risks and the mitigation of those risks is included in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our business is also influenced by the monetary and fiscal policies of the Federal government and the policies of regulatory agencies. The Federal Reserve Board implements national monetary policies (with objectives such as maintaining price stability, stimulating growth and reducing unemployment) through its open-market operations in U.S. Government securities, by adjusting the required level of reserves for depository institutions subject to its reserve requirements, and by varying the target Federal funds and discount rates applicable to borrowings by depository institutions. The actions of the Federal Reserve Board in these areas influence the growth of bank loans, investments, and deposits and also affect interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The nature and impact of any future changes in monetary and fiscal policies on us cannot be predicted. From time to time, federal and state legislation is enacted that 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 light of recent conditions in the United States economy and the financial services industry, the Trump administration, Congress, the regulators and various states continue to focus attention on the financial services industry. Additional proposals that affect the industry have been and will likely continue to be introduced. The Company cannot predict whether any of these proposals will be enacted or adopted or, if they are, the effect they would have on our business, the Company's operations or financial condition. Supervision and Regulation in General The banking and financial services business in which we engage is highly regulated. Such regulation is intended, among other things, to protect depositors insured by the FDIC and the entire banking system. These regulations affect our lending practices, consumer protections, capital structure, investment practices and dividend policy. The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. The Company and the Bank are each subject to supervision and regulation by a number of federal and state agencies and regulatory bodies, as outlined below. The Company is subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”). As a bank holding company, the Company is regulated and is subject to inspection, examination and supervision by the Federal Reserve Board. It is also subject to the California Financial Code, as well as limited oversight by the DFPI and the FDIC. Under the Federal Reserve Board’s regulations, a bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary banks. The 10 BHCA regulates the activities of holding companies including acquisitions, mergers, and consolidations and, together with the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act of 1999, the scope of allowable banking activities. As a California-state chartered bank, the Bank is subject to primary supervision, examination and regulation by the DFPI and the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board is the primary federal regulator of state member banks. The Bank is also subject to regulation by the FDIC, which insures the Bank’s deposits as permitted by law. If, as a result of an examination of a bank, the Federal Reserve Board determines that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other aspects of its operations are unsatisfactory, or that it or its management is violating or has violated any law or regulation, various remedies are available to the Federal Reserve Board. Such remedies include the power to: enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices; require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice; issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced; direct an increase in capital; restrict growth; assess civil monetary penalties; remove officers and directors; institute a receivership; and, ultimately terminate the bank’s deposit insurance, which would result in a revocation of its charter. The DFPI separately holds many of the same remedial powers. The commercial banking business is also influenced by the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government and the policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, also known as the FRB or the Federal Reserve Board. As a member of the Federal Reserve System, we are subject to certain regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The regulations of these agencies govern most aspects of our business, including the filing of periodic reports, and activities relating to dividends, investments, loans, borrowings, capital requirements, certain check-clearing activities, branching, mergers and acquisitions, reserves against deposits, and numerous other areas. Supervision, legal action and examination of us by the FRB is generally intended to protect depositors and is not intended for the protection of our shareholders. The Federal Reserve Board implements national monetary policies (with objectives such as curbing inflation and combating recession) by its open-market operations in United States Government securities, by adjusting the required level of reserves for financial intermediaries, subject to its reserve requirements and by varying the discount rates applicable to borrowings by depository institutions. The actions of the Federal Reserve Board in these areas influence the growth of bank loans, investments and deposits and affects interest rates charged on loans and paid on deposits. Indirectly such actions may also impact the ability of non-bank financial institutions to compete with us. The nature and impact of any future changes in monetary policies cannot be predicted. The laws, regulations and policies affecting financial services businesses are continuously under review by Congress and state legislatures and federal and state regulatory agencies. From time to time, legislation is enacted which has the effect of increasing the cost of doing business, limiting or expanding permissible activities or affecting the competitive balance between banks and other financial intermediaries. Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the operations and taxation of banks, bank holding companies and other financial intermediaries are frequently made in Congress, in the California legislature and by various bank regulatory agencies and other professional agencies. Changes in the laws, regulations or policies that impact us cannot necessarily be predicted, but they may have a material effect on our business and earnings. The federal and state bank regulatory agencies may respond to concerns and trends identified in examinations by issuing enforcement actions to, and entering into cease and desist orders, consent orders and memoranda of understanding with, financial institutions requiring action by management and boards of directors to address credit quality, liquidity, risk management and capital adequacy concerns, as well as other safety and soundness or compliance issues. Banks and bank holding companies are also subject to examination and potential enforcement actions by their state regulatory agencies. 11 Bank Holding Company and Bank Regulation Bank holding companies and their subsidiaries are subject to significant regulation and restrictions by Federal and State laws and regulatory agencies. Federal and State laws, regulations and restrictions, which may affect the cost of doing business, limit permissible activities and expansion or impact the competitive balance between banks and other financial services providers, are intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the FDIC deposit insurance fund (“DIF”), and secondarily for the stability of the U.S. banking system. They are not intended for the benefit of shareholders of financial institutions. The following discussion of key statutes and regulations to which the Company and the Bank are subject is a summary and does not purport to be complete nor does it address all applicable statutes and regulations. This discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the statutes and regulations referred to in this discussion. The wide range of requirements and restrictions contained in both Federal and State banking laws include: • Requirements that bank holding companies serve as a source of strength for their banking subsidiaries. In addition, the regulatory agencies have “prompt corrective action” authority to limit activities and order an assessment of a bank holding company if the capital of a bank subsidiary falls below capital levels required by the regulators. • Limitations on dividends payable to shareholders. A substantial portion of the Company’s funds to pay dividends or to pay principal and interest on our debt obligations is derived from dividends paid by the Bank. The Company’s and the Bank’s ability to pay dividends is subject to legal and regulatory restrictions. The Federal Reserve Board has authority to prohibit bank holding companies from paying dividends if such payment is deemed to be an unsafe or unsound practice. • Limitations on dividends payable by bank subsidiaries. These dividends are subject to various legal and regulatory restrictions. The federal banking agencies have indicated that paying dividends that deplete a depositary institution’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. Moreover, the federal agencies have issued policy statements that provide that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings. • Safety and soundness requirements. Banks must be operated in a safe and sound manner and meet standards applicable to internal controls, information systems, internal audit, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth and compensation, as well as other operational and management standards. These safety and soundness requirements give bank regulatory agencies significant latitude in exercising their supervisory authority and their authority to initiate informal or formal enforcement action. • Requirements for approval of acquisitions and activities. Prior approval or non-objection of the applicable federal regulatory agencies is required for most acquisitions and mergers and in order to engage in certain non-banking activities and activities that have been determined by the Federal Reserve to be financial in nature, incidental to financial activities, or complementary to a financial activity. Laws and regulations governing state-chartered banks contain similar provisions concerning acquisitions and activities. • The Community Reinvestment Act (the “CRA”). The CRA requires that banks help meet the credit needs in their communities, including the availability of credit to low and moderate income individuals. If the Company or the Bank fails to adequately serve their communities, penalties may be imposed, including denials of applications for branches, to add subsidiaries and affiliates, or to merge with or purchase other financial institutions. • The Bank Secrecy Act, the USA Patriot Act, and other anti-money laundering laws. These laws and regulations require financial institutions to assist U.S. Government agencies in detecting and preventing money laundering and other illegal acts by maintaining policies, procedures and controls designed to detect and report money laundering, terrorist financing, and other suspicious activity. • Limitations on the amount of loans to one borrower and its affiliates and to executive officers and directors. • Limitations on transactions with affiliates. • Restrictions on the nature and amount of any investments in, and ability to underwrite certain securities. 12 • Requirements for opening of branches intra- and interstate. • Fair lending and truth in lending laws to ensure equal access to credit and to protect consumers in credit transactions. • Provisions of the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLBA”) and other federal and state laws dealing with privacy for nonpublic personal information of customers. The following discussion summarizes certain significant laws, rules and regulations affecting both the Company and the Bank. The Bank addresses the many state and federal regulations it is subject to through a comprehensive compliance program that addresses the various risks associated with these issues. The following discussion is not meant to cover all applicable rules and regulations and it is qualified in its entirety by reference to such laws, rules and regulations which may change from time to time. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”), enacted in 2010 has broadly affected the financial services industry by creating resolution authorities, requiring ongoing stress testing of capital, mandating higher capital and liquidity requirements, increasing regulation of executive and incentive-based compensation and requiring numerous other provisions aimed at strengthening the sound operation of the financial services sector depending, in part, on the size of the financial institution. Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act provides for: • • • • • • • • capital standards applicable to bank holding companies may be no less stringent than those applied to insured depository institutions; annual stress tests and early remediation or so-called living wills are required for larger banks with more than $50 billion of assets as well risk committees of their boards of directors that include a risk expert and such requirements may have the effect of establishing new best practices standards for smaller banks; trust preferred securities must generally be deducted from Tier 1 capital although depository institution holding companies with assets of less than $15 billion as of year-end 2009 were grandfathered with respect to such securities issued prior to March 19, 2020 for purposes of calculating regulatory capital; the assessment base for federal deposit insurance was changed to consolidated assets less tangible capital instead of the amount of insured deposits, which generally increased the insurance fees of larger banks, but had relatively less impact on smaller banks; repeal of the federal prohibition on the payment of interest on demand deposits, including business checking accounts, and made permanent the $250,000 limit for federal deposit insurance; the establishment of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”) with responsibility for promulgating regulations designed to protect consumers’ financial interests and prohibit unfair, deceptive and abusive acts and practices by financial institutions, and with authority to directly examine those financial institutions with $10 billion or more in assets for compliance with the regulations promulgated by the CFPB; limits, or places significant burdens and compliance and other costs, on activities traditionally conducted by banking organizations, such as originating and securitizing mortgage loans and other financial assets, arranging and participating in swap and derivative transactions, proprietary trading and investing in private equity and other funds; and the establishment of new compensation restrictions and standards regarding the time, manner and form of compensation given to key executives and other personnel receiving incentive compensation, including documentation and governance, proxy access by stockholders, deferral and claw-back requirements. As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, federal regulators have adopted regulations to (i) increase capital requirements on banks and bank holding companies pursuant to Basel III, and (ii) implement the so-called “Volcker Rule” of the Dodd-Frank Act, which 13 significantly restricts certain activities by covered bank holding companies, including restrictions on proprietary trading and private equity investing. In addition to the Dodd-Frank Act, other legislative and regulatory proposals affecting banks have been made both domestically and internationally. Among other things, these proposals include significant additional capital and liquidity requirements and limitations on size or types of activity in which banks may engage. Legislation is introduced from time to time in the United States Congress that may affect our operations. In addition, the regulations governing us may be amended from time to time. Any legislative or regulatory changes in the future could adversely affect our operations and financial condition. Volcker Rule The “Volcker Rule” prohibits insured depository institutions and companies affiliated with insured depository institutions (“banking entities”) from engaging in short-term proprietary trading of certain securities, derivatives, commodity futures and options on these instruments, for their own account. The Volker Rule also imposes limits on banking entities’ investments in, and other relationships with, hedge funds or private equity funds. Certain collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), securities backed by trust preferred securities are exempted. The Volker Rule provides exemptions for certain activities, including market making, underwriting, hedging, trading in government obligations, insurance company activities, and organizing and offering hedge funds or private equity funds. The Volker Rule also clarifies that certain activities are not prohibited, including acting as agent, broker, or custodian. The compliance requirements under the Volker Rule vary based on the size of the banking entity and the scope of activities conducted. Banking entities with significant trading operations will be required to establish a detailed compliance program and their CEOs will be required to attest that the program is reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the final rule. Independent testing and analysis of an institution’s compliance program will also be required. The Volker Rule reduces the burden on smaller, less-complex institutions by limiting their compliance and reporting requirements. Additionally, a banking entity that does not engage in covered trading activities will not need to establish a compliance program. The Company and the Bank held no investment positions at December 31, 2020 or 2019 that were subject to the final rule. Therefore, while these new rules may require us to conduct certain internal analysis and reporting, we believe that they will not require any material changes in our operations or business. Capital Adequacy Requirements Banks and bank holding companies are subject to various capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weighting and other factors. The federal banking agencies have adopted risk-based minimum capital guidelines 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 and transactions which are recorded as off balance sheet items. Under these guidelines, nominal dollar amounts of assets and credit equivalent amounts of off balance sheet items are multiplied by one of several risk adjustment percentages, which range from 0% for assets with low credit risk, such as federal banking agencies, to 100% for assets with relatively high credit risk. The higher the category, the more risk a bank is subject to and thus the more capital that is required. The regulatory agencies’ risk-based capital guidelines are based upon capital accords of the internal Basel Committee on Bank Supervision (“Basel Committee”), a committee of central banks and bank supervisors/regulators from the major industrialized countries that develops broad policy guidelines, which each country’s supervisors can use to determine the supervisory policies they apply to their home jurisdiction. In December 2010, the Basel Committee released its final framework for strengthening international capital and liquidity regulation, now officially identified as “Basel III.” In July 2014, the U.S. federal bank regulatory agencies approved the U.S. version of Basel III, which revises the risk-based and leverage capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with Basel III and to meet the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. Although many of the rules contained in these regulations are applicable only to large, internationally active banks, some of them will apply on a phased in basis to all banking organizations, including the Company and the Bank. Among other things, the rules establish a new minimum common equity Tier 1 ratio (4.5% of risk-weighted assets), a higher minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital requirement (6.0% of risk- weighted assets) and a minimum non-risk-based leverage ratio (4.00% eliminating a 3.00% exception for higher rated banks). The new additional capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk weighted assets over each of the required capital ratios were phased in from 2016 to 2019 and must be met to avoid limitations on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends, repurchase shares or pay discretionary 14 bonuses. The additional “countercyclical capital buffer” is also required for larger and more complex institutions. The new rules assign higher risk weighting to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual status and certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property. The rules also change the permitted composition of Tier 1 capital to exclude trust preferred securities, mortgage servicing rights and certain deferred tax assets and include unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt and equity securities (with a one-time opt out option for Standardized Banks (banks with less than $250 billion of total consolidated assets and less than $10 billion of foreign exposures)). The rules, including alternative requirements for smaller community financial institutions like the Company, were fully phased in by the end of 2019. The Bank is well capitalized. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Bank’s Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 13.1% and 12.3%, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 12.0% and 11.3%, and our Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 12.0% and 11.3%, respectively. In addition to the risk-based guidelines, federal banking regulators require banking organizations to maintain a minimum amount of Tier 1 capital to total average assets, referred to as the leverage ratio. Banks that have received the highest rating of the five categories used by regulators to rate banks and are not anticipating or experiencing any significant growth must maintain a ratio of Tier 1 capital (net of all intangibles) to adjusted total assets, or “Leverage Capital Ratio”, of at least 3%. All other institutions are required to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 100 to 200 basis points above the 3% minimum, for a minimum of 4% to 5%. Pursuant to federal regulations, banks must maintain capital levels commensurate with the level of risk to which they are exposed, including the volume and severity of problem loans. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Bank’s Leverage Capital Ratios were 8.0% and 9.5%, respectively. Federal banking regulators may set capital requirements higher than the minimums described above for financial institutions whose circumstances warrant it. For example, a financial institution experiencing or anticipating significant growth may be expected to maintain capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels without significant reliance on intangible assets. A bank may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if, after notice and the opportunity for a hearing, the appropriate federal agency finds an unsafe or unsound condition or practice so warrants, but no bank may be treated as “critically undercapitalized” unless its actual capital ratio warrants such treatment. At each successively lower capital category, an insured bank is subject to increased restrictions on its operations. For example, a bank is generally prohibited from paying management fees to any controlling persons or from making capital distributions, if to do so would make the Bank “undercapitalized.” Asset growth and branching restrictions apply to undercapitalized banks, which are required to submit written capital restoration plans meeting specified requirements (including a guarantee by the parent holding company, if any). “Significantly undercapitalized” banks are subject to broad regulatory authority, including among other things, capital directives, forced mergers, restrictions on the rates of interest they may pay on deposits, restrictions on asset growth and activities, and prohibitions on paying certain bonuses without FRB approval. Even more severe restrictions apply to critically undercapitalized banks. Most importantly, except under limited circumstances, the appropriate federal banking agency is required to appoint a conservator or receiver for an insured bank not later than 90 days after the Bank becomes critically undercapitalized. In addition to measures taken under the prompt corrective action provisions, insured banks may be subject to potential actions by federal regulators for unsafe or unsound practices in conducting their businesses or for violations of any law, rule, regulation or any condition imposed in writing by the agency or any written agreement with the agency. Enforcement actions may include the issuance of cease and desist orders, termination of insurance of deposits (in the case of a bank), the imposition of civil money penalties, the issuance of directives to increase capital, formal and informal agreements, or removal and prohibition orders against “institution- affiliated” parties. Dividends The payment of cash dividends by the Bank to the Company is subject to restrictions set forth in the California Financial Code (the “Code”). Prior to any distribution from the Bank to the Company, a calculation is made to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Code and to ensure that the Bank remains within capital guidelines set forth by the DFPI and the FRB. In the event that the intended distribution from the Bank to the Company exceeds the restriction in the Code, advance approval from FRB is required. Management anticipates that there will be sufficient earnings at the Bank level to provide dividends to the Company to meet its cash requirements for 2021. 15 Safety and Soundness Standards Federal banking agencies have also adopted guidelines establishing safety and soundness standards for all insured depository institutions. Those guidelines relate to internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan underwriting and documentation, compensation and interest rate exposure. In general, the standards are designed to assist the federal banking agencies in identifying and addressing problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. If an institution fails to meet these standards, the appropriate federal banking agency may require the institution to submit a compliance plan and institute enforcement proceedings, if an acceptable compliance plan is not submitted. Deposit Insurance and FDIC Insurance Assessments Our deposits are insured by the FDIC to the maximum amount permitted by law, which is currently $250,000 per depositor. As insurer, the FDIC imposes deposit insurance premiums and is authorized to conduct examinations of and to require reporting by FDIC-insured institutions. FDIC-insured institutions are required to pay an additional quarterly assessment called the FICO assessment in order to fund the interest on bonds issued to resolve thrift failures in the 1980s. This assessment continued until the end of 2019, as the bonds matured in the years 2017 through 2019. The final collection was on the March 29, 2019 FDIC Quarterly Certified Statement Invoice. The FDIC assesses deposit insurance premiums quarterly on each FDIC-insured institution based on annualized rates. Each institution with $10 billion or more in assets is assessed under a scorecard method using supervisory ratings, financial ratios and other factors. Such institutions are also subject to a temporary surcharge required by the Dodd-Frank Act. As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, deposit insurance premiums are assessed on the amount of an institution’s total assets minus its Tier 1 capital. Smaller institutions are assessed by a method using supervisory ratings and financial ratios. Community Reinvestment Act We are subject to certain requirements and reporting obligations involving the CRA. The CRA generally requires federal banking agencies to evaluate the record of financial institutions in meeting the credit needs of local communities, including low and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA further requires that a record be kept of whether a financial institution meets its community credit needs, which record will be taken into account when evaluating applications for, among other things, domestic branches, consummating mergers or acquisitions, or holding company formations. In measuring a bank’s compliance with its CRA obligations, the regulators now utilize a performance-based evaluation system, which bases CRA ratings on the Company’s actual lending service and investment performance, rather than on the extent to which the institution conducts needs assessments, documents community outreach activities or complies with other procedural requirements. In connection with its assessment of CRA performance, the FRB assigns a rating of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve” or “substantial noncompliance.” Our CRA performance is evaluated by the FRB under the intermediate small bank requirements. The FRB’s last CRA performance examination was performed on us and completed in October of 2019 and we received an overall “Outstanding” CRA Assessment Rating. Anti-Money Laundering Regulations A series of banking laws and regulations beginning with the Bank Secrecy Act in 1970 require banks to prevent, detect, and report illicit or illegal financial activities to the federal government to prevent money laundering, international drug trafficking, and terrorism. Under the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, financial institutions are subject to prohibitions against specified financial transactions and account relationships as well as enhanced due diligence and “know your customer” standards in their dealings with high risk customers, foreign financial institutions, and foreign individuals and entities. We have extensive controls to comply with these requirements. Privacy and Data Security The GLBA of 1999 imposed requirements on financial institutions with respect to consumer privacy. The GLBA generally prohibits disclosure of consumer information to non-affiliated third parties unless the consumer has been given the opportunity to object and has not objected to such disclosure. Financial institutions are further required to disclose their privacy policies to consumers annually. The GLBA also directs federal regulators to prescribe standards for the security of consumer information. We are subject to such standards, as well as standards for notifying consumers in the event of a security breach. We must disclose our 16 privacy policy to consumers and permit consumers to “opt out” of having certain personal financial information disclosed to unaffiliated third parties. We are required to have an information security program to safeguard the confidentiality and security of customer information and to ensure proper disposal. Customers must be notified when unauthorized disclosure involves sensitive customer information that may be misused. Data privacy and data security are areas of increasing state legislative focus. The California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), which became effective and enforceable in 2020 requires, among other things, covered companies to provide new disclosures to California consumers regarding the use of personal information, gives California residents expanded rights to access their personal information and allows such consumers new abilities to opt-out of certain sales of personal information.  Further, the new California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) which was passed in November 2020, significantly modifies the CCPA. These modifications may result in additional uncertainty and require us to incur additional costs and expenses in our effort to comply. Because we meet the thresholds set forth in the CCPA and CPRA, we will be required to comply with these laws. We will continue to monitor developments related to the CCPA and CPRA. The full impact of the CCPA and CPRA on our business is yet to be determined. Like other lenders, we use credit bureau data in their underwriting activities. Use of such data is regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), and the FCRA also regulates reporting information to credit bureaus, prescreening individuals for credit offers, sharing of information between affiliates and using affiliate data for marketing purposes. Similar state laws may impose additional requirements on us. Other Consumer Protection Laws and Regulations Bank regulatory agencies are increasingly focusing on compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations. Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by the Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. The Bank’s operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, and consumer protection statutes and regulations, such as the: • Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers; • Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves; • Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit; • Fair Credit Reporting Act, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies; • Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies; • Truth in Savings Act; and • rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws. The operations of the Bank are also subject to the: • Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records; • Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E promulgated thereunder, which govern automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services; • Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (also known as “Check 21”), which gives “substitute checks,” such as digital check images and copies made from that image, the same legal standing as the original paper check; and • The USA PATRIOT Act (“Patriot Act”), which requires financial institutions to, among other things, establish broadened anti-money laundering compliance programs, and due diligence policies and controls to ensure the detection and reporting of money laundering. Such required compliance programs are intended to supplement existing compliance requirements that also apply to financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act and the Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations. Due to heightened regulatory concern related to compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations generally, we may incur additional compliance costs or be required to expend additional funds for investments in the local communities we serve. 17 Restriction on Transactions between Member Banks and their Affiliates Transactions between the Company and the Bank are quantitatively and qualitatively restricted under Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Federal Reserve Regulation W. Section 23A places restrictions on the Bank’s “covered transactions” with the Company, including loans and other extensions of credit, investments in the securities of, and purchases of assets from the Company. Section 23B requires that certain transactions, including all covered transactions, be on market terms and conditions. Federal Reserve Regulation W combines statutory restrictions on transactions between the Bank and the Company with FRB interpretations in an effort to simplify compliance with Sections 23A and 23B. Securities Laws and Corporate Governance The Company is subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act, both as administered by the SEC. As a company listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Company is subject to Nasdaq listing standards for listed companies. As discussed above, we are also subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, and other federal and state laws and regulations which address, among other issues, required executive certification of financial presentations, corporate governance requirements for board audit committees and their members, and disclosure of controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information. Nasdaq has also adopted corporate governance rules, which are intended to allow shareholders and investors to more easily and efficiently monitor the performance of companies and their directors. Finally, the Company is subject to the provisions of the California General Corporation Law, while the Bank is also subject to the California Financial Code provisions. Environmental Regulations In the course of our business, we may foreclose and take title to real estate, and could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. 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. In addition, as 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 ever become subject to significant environmental liabilities, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Other Pending and Proposed Legislation Other legislative and regulatory initiatives which could affect us and the banking industry, in general, are pending and additional initiatives 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 us 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. We cannot predict whether, or in what form, any such legislation or regulations may be enacted or the extent to which our business would be affected thereby. Available Information The Company maintains an Internet website at http://www.ovcb.com. The Company makes available its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the 1934 Act and other information related to the Company free of charge, through this site as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files those documents with, or otherwise furnishes them to, the SEC. The Company’s website also contains its Committee Charters, Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct and Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Company’s internet website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this annual report on Form 10-K. 18 In addition, copies of our filings are available by requesting them in writing or by phone from: Corporate Secretary Oak Valley Bancorp 125 North Third Avenue Oakdale, California 209-844-7578 19 ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS An investment in our securities is subject to certain risks. These risk factors should be considered by prospective and current investors in our securities when evaluating the disclosures in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, results of operations and financial condition could suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. COVID-19 RISKS Our business and our customers are negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we cannot predict the overall cost or duration of these impacts on our business or the economy as a whole. As a result of both consumer responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and government-imposed stay-home or shelter in place orders, many businesses have suffered extreme financial hardship. Unemployment has increased both nationally and in California, and on June 8, 2020, the National Bureau of Economic Research announced that the United States was in an economic recession. Consequentially, we have substantially increased our allowance for credit loss in response to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We consider certain qualitative factors for each loan pool, including changes in collateral values and economic conditions, to adjust the expected historic loss rates for current and forecasted conditions that are not incorporated into the historical loss information. However, we cannot be sure that the amount by which we have increased our allowance for credit losses will be adequate or that additional increases to the allowance for credit loss will not be needed in subsequent periods. The lack of information regarding when orders requiring the closure of non-essential parts of our economy will be lifted, how they will be lifted, the potential for future outbreaks of infections that may require additional closures of the economy and the long lasting impacts of the pandemic on the economy generally, the actual credit performance of our loan portfolio as compared to the modeled estimation, as well as on consumer behavior in the near term and the long run, make it hard to accurately model the total expected impact to the credit quality of our loan portfolio. While our provisioning incorporates past events and current conditions regarding the expected economic impact, the actual impact is unknowable, and a failure to make adequate provision may result in future losses above our expected losses, which would have a negative impact on our capital position, liquidity, financial position and results of operations. In March 2020, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decreased the federal funds target rate in March 2020 to a range of 0%-0.25%, which resulted in a reduction in our earning assets yields. Even though further FOMC rate cuts are not forecasted for 2021, we expect this negative impact will continue to some degree due to continued repricing of existing loans and investment securities. The potential compression of net interest income and net interest margin could occur if interest rates remain static or decline, given that our balance sheet is asset sensitive to interest rate changes primarily due to the number of variable rate loans and a high level of interest-earning cash balances. This could in turn result in further decrease on the yield of earning assets compared to the cost of deposits and other funds, which remain at historic lows and cannot reasonably be further reduced. To date, we have not closed any of our branches for extended periods in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many other banks in our area have had to close branches due to risks of infection or actual infection within those branches. While we have implemented social distancing and sanitation plans and other safeguards and provided personal protection equipment for our front line employees, those employees remain at heightened risk for infection due to their exposure to the public, and any exposure to the virus may require us to temporarily close one or more of our branches in order to provide for appropriate cleaning of the branch to reduce the risk of infection. These measures, including limiting branch access, potential closures and costs of increased cleaning, may increase our costs of doing business and decrease the profitability of our branches, which may in turn impact our results of operations. The extent to which the COVID-19 global pandemic and measures taken in response to it will impact our business, results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and are difficult to predict; these developments include, but are not limited to, the duration and spread of the pandemic, its severity, the actions to contain the virus or address its impact, including the effectiveness of vaccination programs, U.S. and foreign government actions to respond to the reduction in global economic activity, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume. As a participating lender in the SBA PPP loans, the Company and the Bank are subject to additional risks of litigation from the Bank’s customers or other parties regarding the Bank’s processing of loans for the PPP and risks that the SBA may not fund some or all PPP loan guaranties. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law, which included a $349 billion loan program administered through the SBA referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, which the Bank participated in as a lender. After the initial $349 billion in PPP funds were exhausted, the Treasury Department announced that an additional $310 billion would be available in a second round of the First Draw PPP, which commenced on April 27, 2020 and 20 closed on August 8, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the PPP remained closed and was not accepting applications, but resumed on January 11, 2021. PPP loans have a two-year term if the loan was approved by the SBA prior to June 5, 2020, and loans approved after that date have a five-year term. All PPP loans earn interest at 1%. Since the opening of the PPP, several other larger banks have been subject to litigation regarding the process and procedures that such banks used in processing applications for the PPP. The Company and the Bank may be exposed to the risk of similar litigation, from both customers and non-customers that approached the Bank regarding PPP loans, regarding its process and procedures used in processing applications for the PPP. Class action lawsuits have also been filed in some states against certain lenders alleging that those institutions inappropriately prioritized larger loans for processing in order to maximize agency fees. If any such litigation is filed which names the Company or the Bank as a defendant and which is not resolved in a manner favorable to the Company or the Bank, it may result in significant financial liability or adversely affect the Company’s reputation. In addition, litigation can be costly, regardless of outcome. Any financial liability, litigation costs or reputational damage caused by PPP related litigation could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The Bank may also have unplanned credit risk on PPP loans if a determination is made by the SBA that there is a deficiency in the manner in which the loan was originated, documented, funded, or serviced by the Bank, such as an issue with the eligibility of a borrower to receive a PPP loan, which may or may not be related to the ambiguity in the laws, rules and guidance regarding the operation of the PPP. In the event of a loss resulting from a default on a PPP loan and a determination by the SBA that there was a deficiency in the manner in which the PPP loan was originated, funded, or serviced by the Company, the SBA may deny its liability under the guaranty, deny forgiveness of the forgivable part of the PPP loan, reduce the amount of the guaranty, or, if it has already paid under the guaranty, seek recovery of any loss related to the deficiency from the Company. See Notes 1 and 20 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations” for additional discussion of risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the actual operational and financial impacts that we have experienced to date. Risks Associated with Our Business Our business strategy includes sustainable growth plans, and our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected if we fail to grow or fail to manage our growth effectively. We intend to pursue an organic growth strategy for our business. If appropriate opportunities present themselves, we may also engage in selected acquisitions of financial institutions, branch acquisitions and other business growth initiatives or undertakings. There can be no assurance that we will successfully execute our organic growth strategy, that we will be able to negotiate or finance such activities or that such activities, if undertaken, will be successful. There are risks associated with our growth strategy. To the extent that we grow through acquisitions, we cannot ensure that we will be able to adequately or profitably manage this growth. Acquiring other banks, branches or other assets, as well as other expansion activities, involves various risks including the risks of incorrectly assessing the credit quality of acquired assets, encountering greater than expected costs of integrating acquired banks or branches, the risk of loss of customers and/or employees of the acquired institution or branch, executing cost savings measures, not achieving revenue enhancements and otherwise not realizing the transaction’s anticipated benefits. Our ability to address these matters successfully cannot be assured. There is also the risk that the requisite regulatory approvals might not be received and other conditions to consummation of a transaction might not be satisfied during the anticipated timeframes, or at all. In addition, our strategic efforts may divert resources or management’s attention from ongoing business operations, may require investment in integration and in development and enhancement of additional operational and reporting processes and controls, and may subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny. To finance an acquisition, we may borrow funds, thereby increasing our leverage and diminishing our liquidity, or raise additional capital, which could dilute the interests of our existing stockholders. Our growth initiatives may also require us to recruit experienced personnel to assist in such initiatives. Accordingly, the failure to identify and retain such personnel would place significant limitations on our ability to successfully execute our growth strategy. In addition, to the extent we expand our lending beyond our current market areas, we could incur additional risks related to those new market areas. We may not be able to expand our market presence in our existing market areas or successfully enter new markets. If we do not successfully execute our growth plan, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and growth prospects. In addition, if we were to conclude that the value of an acquired business had decreased and that the related goodwill had been impaired, that conclusion would result in an impairment of goodwill charge to us, which would adversely affect our results of operations. While we believe we will have the executive management resources and internal systems in 21 place to successfully manage our future growth, there can be no assurance growth opportunities will be available or that we will successfully manage our growth. Our financial condition and results of operations are dependent on the economy, particularly in the Bank’s market areas. Our primary market area is concentrated in the Central Valley and the Eastern Sierras. Adverse economic conditions in any of these areas can reduce our rate of growth, affect our customers’ ability to repay loans and adversely impact our financial condition and earnings. General economic conditions, including inflation, unemployment and money supply fluctuations, also may affect our profitability adversely. A deterioration in economic conditions in the market areas we serve could result in the following consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations: • Demand for our products and services may decline; • Loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures may increase; • Collateral for our loans may further decline in value; and • The amount of our low cost or noninterest-bearing deposits may decrease. We cannot accurately predict the possibility of weakness in the national or local economy effecting our future operating results. We cannot accurately predict the possibility of the national or local economy’s return to recessionary conditions or to a period of economic weakness, which would adversely impact the markets we serve. Any deterioration in national or local economic conditions would have an adverse effect, which could be material, on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and any economic weakness could present substantial risks for the banking industry and for us. There are risks associated with our lending activities and our allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb actual incurred losses in our loan portfolio. Lending money is a substantial part of our business. Every loan carries a certain risk that it will not be repaid in accordance with its terms or that any underlying collateral will not be sufficient to assure repayment. This risk is affected by, among other things: • cash flow of the borrower and/or the project being financed; • • in the case of a collateralized loan, the changes and uncertainties as to the future value of the collateral; the credit history of a particular borrower; • changes in economic and industry conditions; and • the duration of the loan. We maintain an allowance for loan losses which we believe is appropriate to provide for probable incurred losses inherent in our loan portfolio. The amount of this allowance is determined by our management through a periodic review and consideration of several factors, including, but not limited to: • an ongoing review of the quality, size and diversity of the loan portfolio; • evaluation of non-performing loans; • historical default and loss experience; • historical recovery experience; • existing economic conditions; • • risk characteristics of the various classifications of loans; and the amount and quality of collateral, including guarantees, securing the loans. 22 If actual losses on our loans exceed our estimates used to establish our allowance for loan losses, our business, financial condition and profitability may suffer. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, we review our loans and the loss and delinquency experience, and evaluate economic conditions and make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. If our estimates are incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in the need for additions to our allowance through an increase in the provision for loan losses. Deterioration in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses. In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for loan losses or the recognition of further charge-offs (which will in turn also require an increase in the provision for loan losses if the charge-offs exceed the allowance for loan losses), based on judgments different than that of management. Any increases in the provision for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Our underwriting practices may not protect us against losses in our loan portfolio. We seek to mitigate the risks inherent in our loan portfolio by adhering to specific underwriting practices, including: analyzing a borrower’s credit history, financial statements, tax returns and cash flow projections; valuing collateral based on reports of independent appraisers; and verifying liquid assets. Although we believe that our underwriting criteria are, and historically have been, appropriate for the various kinds of loans we make, we have incurred losses on loans that have met these criteria, and may continue to experience higher than expected losses depending on economic factors and consumer behavior. In addition, our ability to assess the creditworthiness of our customers may be impaired if the models and approaches we use to select, manage, and underwrite our customers become less predictive of future behaviors. Finally, we may have higher credit risk, or experience higher credit losses, to the extent our loans are concentrated by loan type, industry segment, borrower type, or location of the borrower or collateral. Deterioration in real estate values and underlying economic conditions in the Central Valley and the Eastern Sierras could result in significantly higher credit losses to our portfolio. Our commercial real estate loans involve higher principal amounts than other loans and repayment of these loans may be dependent on factors outside our control or the control of our borrowers. We originate commercial real estate loans for individuals and businesses for various purposes, which are secured by commercial properties. These loans typically involve higher principal amounts than other types of loans, and repayment is dependent upon income generated, or expected to be generated, by the property securing the loan in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service, which may be adversely affected by changes in the economy or local market conditions. For example, if the cash flow from the borrower’s project is reduced as a result of leases not being obtained or renewed in a timely manner or at all, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Commercial real estate loans also expose us to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate because the collateral securing these loans typically cannot be sold as easily as residential real estate. In addition, many of our commercial real estate loans are not fully amortizing and contain large balloon payments upon maturity. Such balloon payments may require the borrower to either sell or refinance the underlying property in order to make the payment, which may increase the risk of default or non-payment. If we foreclose on a commercial real estate loan, our holding period for the collateral typically is longer than for residential mortgage loans because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral. Additionally, commercial real estate loans generally have relatively large balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Accordingly, if we make any errors in judgment in the collectability of our commercial real estate loans, any resulting charge-offs may be larger on a per loan basis than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios. Repayment of our commercial and industrial loans is often dependent on the cash flows of the borrower, which may be unpredictable, and the collateral securing these loans may not be sufficient to repay the loan in the event of default. We make our commercial and industrial loans primarily based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Collateral securing commercial and industrial loans may depreciate over time, be 23 difficult to appraise and fluctuate in value. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect the amounts due from its customers. We are exposed to risk of environmental liabilities with respect to real properties which we may acquire. In prior years, due to weakness of the U.S. economy and, more specifically, the California economy, including higher levels of unemployment than the nationwide average and declines in real estate values, certain borrowers have been unable to meet their loan repayment obligations and, as a result, we have had to initiate foreclosure proceedings with respect to and take title to a number of real properties that had collateralized their loans. As an owner of such properties, we could become subject to environmental liabilities and incur substantial costs for any property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up that may be required due to any environmental contamination that may be found to exist at any of those properties, even though we did not engage in the activities that led to such contamination. 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 seeking damages for environmental contamination emanating from the site. If we were to become subject to significant environmental liabilities or costs, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be adversely affected. Our business is subject to interest rate risk and variations in interest rates may hurt our profits. To be profitable, we have to earn more money in interest that we receive on loans and investments than we pay to our depositors and lenders in interest. If interest rates rise, our net interest income and the value of our assets could be reduced if interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits, increases more quickly than interest received on interest-earning assets, such as loans, other mortgage-related investments and investment securities. This is most likely to occur if short-term interest rates increase at a faster rate than long-term interest rates, which would cause our net interest income to go down. In addition, rising interest rates may hurt our income, because that may reduce the demand for loans and the value of our securities. In a rapidly changing interest rate environment, we may not be able to manage our interest rate risk effectively, which would adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. If interest rates decline, our net interest income could be reduced if interest rates on interest-earning assets such as loans, investment securities and cash balances, decrease more quickly than interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits. New lines of business, new products and services, or strategic project initiatives may subject us to additional risks. From time to time, we may seek to implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services, we may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved, and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible, which could in turn have a material negative effect on our operating results. New lines of business and/or new products or services also could subject us to additional regulatory requirements, increased scrutiny by our regulators and other legal risks. Additionally, from time to time we undertake strategic project initiatives. Significant effort and resources are necessary to manage and oversee the successful completion of these initiatives. These initiatives often place significant demands on a limited number of employees with subject matter expertise and management and may involve significant costs to implement as well as increase operational risk as employees learn to process transactions under new systems. The failure to properly execute on these strategic initiatives could adversely impact our business and results of operations. Strong competition within our market areas may limit our growth and profitability. Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense. In our market areas, we compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms operating locally and elsewhere. Many of these competitors have substantially greater name recognition, resources and lending limits than we do and may offer certain services or prices for services that we do not or cannot provide. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to successfully compete in our markets. In addition, our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our clients by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy client demands for convenience, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our clients. 24 Risks Related to Our Operations We face significant operational risks. We operate many different financial service functions and rely on the ability of our employees, third party vendors and systems to process a significant number of transactions. Operational risk is the risk of loss from operations, including fraud by employees or outside persons, employees’ execution of incorrect or unauthorized transactions, data processing and technology errors or hacking and breaches of internal control systems. Our enterprise risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risk and reducing the potential for losses. Our enterprise risk management framework seeks to mitigate risk and loss to us. We have established comprehensive policies and procedures and an internal control framework designed to provide a sound operational environment for the types of risk to which we are subject, including credit risk, market risk (interest rate and price risks), liquidity risk, operational risk, compliance risk, strategic risk, and reputational risk. However, as with any risk management framework, there are inherent limitations to our current and future risk management strategies, including risks that we have not appropriately anticipated or identified. In certain instances, we rely on models to measure, monitor and predict risks. However, these models are inherently limited because they involve techniques, including the use of historical data in some circumstances, and judgments that cannot anticipate every economic and financial outcome in the markets in which we operate, nor can they anticipate the specifics and timing of such outcomes. There is no assurance that these models will appropriately capture all relevant risks or accurately predict future events or exposures. Accurate and timely enterprise-wide risk information is necessary to enhance management’s decision-making in times of crisis. If our enterprise risk management framework proves ineffective or if our enterprise-wide management information is incomplete or inaccurate, we could suffer unexpected losses, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. In addition, our businesses and the markets in which we operate are continuously evolving. We may fail to fully understand the implications of changes in our businesses or the financial markets or fail to adequately or timely enhance our enterprise risk framework to address those changes. If our enterprise risk framework is ineffective, either because it fails to keep pace with changes in the financial markets, regulatory requirements, our businesses, our counterparties, clients or service providers or for other reasons, we could incur losses, suffer reputational damage or find ourselves out of compliance with applicable regulatory or contractual mandates. An important aspect of our enterprise risk management framework is creating a risk culture in which all employees fully understand that there is risk in every aspect of our business and the importance of managing risk as it relates to their job functions. We continue to enhance our enterprise risk management program to support our risk culture, ensuring that it is sustainable and appropriate to our role as a major financial institution. Nonetheless, if we fail to create the appropriate environment that sensitizes all of our employees to managing risk, our business could be adversely impacted. Managing reputational risk is important to attracting and maintaining customers, investors and employees. 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, regulatory investigations, cybersecurity breaches, marketplace rumors and questionable or fraudulent activities of our customers. We have policies and procedures in place to promote ethical conduct and protect our reputation. However, these policies and procedures may not be fully effective and cannot adequately protect against all threats to our reputation. 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 oversight. 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 or on terms that are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry or economy in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity as a result of a downturn in the 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 disruption in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry. 25 We currently hold a significant amount of bank owned life insurance. At December 31, 2020, we held bank owned life insurance (BOLI) on certain key and former employees and executives and our directors, with a cash surrender value of $25,325,000. The eventual repayment of the cash surrender value is subject to the ability of the various insurance companies to pay death benefits or to return the cash surrender value to us if needed for liquidity purposes. We continually monitor the financial strength of the various companies with whom we carry these policies. However, any one of these companies could experience a decline in financial strength, which could impair its ability to pay benefits or return our cash surrender value. If we need to liquidate these policies for liquidity purposes, we would be subject to taxation on the increase in cash surrender value and penalties for early termination, both of which would adversely impact earnings. We rely on numerous external vendors. We rely on numerous external vendors to provide us with products and services necessary to maintain our day-to-day operations. Accordingly, our operations are exposed to risk that these vendors will not perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service level agreements. The failure of an external vendor to perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service level agreements because of changes in the vendor's organizational structure, financial condition, support for existing products and services or strategic focus or for any other reason, could be disruptive to our operations, which in turn could have a material negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations. We also could be adversely affected to the extent such an agreement is not renewed by the third-party vendor or is renewed on terms less favorable to us. Our holding company relies on dividends from the Bank for substantially all of its income and the net proceeds of capital raising transactions are currently the primary source of funds for cash dividends to our preferred and common stockholders. Our primary source of revenue at the holding company level is dividends from the Bank and we also have previously relied on the net proceeds of capital raising transactions as the primary source of funds for cash dividends to our preferred and common stockholders. To the extent we are limited in our ability to raise capital in the future, our ability to pay cash dividends to our stockholders could likewise be limited, especially if we are unable to increase the amount of dividends the Bank pays to us. If the Bank is unable to pay dividends to us, then we may not be able to service our debt, including our senior notes, pay our other obligations or pay cash dividends on our preferred and common stock. Our inability to service our debt, pay our other obligations or pay dividends to our stockholders could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and the value of your investment in our securities. We may elect or be compelled to seek additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed. We are required by federal regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. At some point, we may need to raise additional capital to support continued growth. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions, our financial performance and a number of other factors, many of which are outside our control. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of our ability to raise additional capital if needed or on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations could be materially impaired and our financial condition and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected. Technology Risks Our security measures may not be sufficient to mitigate the risk of a cyber-attack or cyber theft. Communications and information systems are essential to the conduct of our business, as we use such systems to manage our customer relationships, our general ledger and virtually all other aspects of our business. Our operations rely on the secure collection, processing, storage, and transmission of confidential, personal, and other information using our computer systems and networks and as part of our internet banking activities, as well as the computer systems and networks of third party service providers that support our operations, but which we do not control. Although we take protective measures and endeavor to enhance them as circumstances warrant, the security of our computer systems, software, and networks, as well as those of our computer systems and networks of third party service providers that support our operations, may be vulnerable to security breaches, unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses, or other malicious code and cyber-attacks whose objectives include obtaining unauthorized access confidential and personal information, manipulation or destruction of data, disruption or our services, or theft of money. If one or more of these events occur, this could jeopardize our or our customers' confidential, personal, and other information collected and processed by, stored in, and 26 transmitted through our computer systems and networks and our third party service providers, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations or adversely impact our customers or counterparties. These adverse consequences could include causing certain customers to cease doing business with us, impair our ability to attract new customers or expand relationships with existing customers and third parties, making it difficult to service customers and comply with regulatory obligations (including privacy and banking laws), or impair our brand and reputation. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to enhance our protective measures, to investigate any such event, notify individuals, third parties, or regulators, and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, and we may be subject to litigation and financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered through any insurance maintained by us. We could also suffer significant reputational damage. Our security measures may not protect us from systems failures or interruptions. While we have established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the impact of systems failures and interruptions, there can be no assurance that such events will not occur or that they will be adequately addressed if they do. In addition, we outsource certain aspects of our data processing and other operational functions to certain third-party providers. If our third-party providers encounter difficulties, or if we have difficulty in communicating with them, our ability to adequately process and account for transactions could be affected, and our business operations could be adversely impacted. Threats to information security also exist in the processing of customer information through various other vendors and their personnel. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our information security infrastructure or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities in response to continuing information systems security threats. The occurrence of any systems failure or interruption could damage our reputation and result in a loss of customers and business, could subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or could expose us to legal liability. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We rely on communications, information, operating and financial control systems technology from third party service providers, and we may suffer an interruption in those systems. We rely heavily on third party service providers for much of our communications, information, operating and financial control systems technology, including our online banking services and data processing systems. We also rely on third party vendors, who may experience unauthorized access to and disclosure of client or customer information or the destruction or theft of such information. Any failure or interruption, or breaches in security, of these systems could result in failures or interruptions in our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, servicing and/or loan origination systems and, therefore, could harm our business, operating results and financial condition. Additionally, interruptions in service and security breaches could lead existing customers to terminate their banking relationships with us and could make it more difficult for us to attract new banking customers. We are subject to a variety of federal and state privacy and data security laws, which govern the collection, safeguarding, sharing and use of customer information We are subject to a variety of federal and state privacy and data security laws, which govern the collection, safeguarding, sharing and use of customer information, and require that financial institutions have in place policies regarding information privacy and security. For example, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLBA”) requires all financial institutions offering financial products or services to retail customers to provide such customers with the financial institution’s privacy policy and practices for sharing nonpublic information with third parties, provide advance notice of any changes to the policies and provide such customers the opportunity to “opt out” of the sharing of certain personal financial information with unaffiliated third parties. It also requires banks to safeguard personal information of consumer customers. Some state laws also protect the privacy of information of state residents and require adequate security for such data, and certain state laws may, in some circumstances, require us to notify affected individuals of security breaches of computer databases that contain their personal information. These laws may also require us to notify law enforcement, regulators or consumer reporting agencies in the event of a data breach, as well as businesses and governmental agencies that own data. Data privacy and data security are areas of increasing state legislative focus. The California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), which became effective and enforceable in 2020 requires, among other things, covered companies to provide new disclosures to California consumers regarding the use of personal information, gives California residents expanded rights to access their personal information and allows such consumers new abilities to opt-out of certain sales of personal information.  Further, the new California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) which was passed in November 2020, significantly modifies the CCPA. These modifications may result in additional uncertainty and require us to incur additional costs and expenses in our effort to comply. Because we meet the thresholds 27 set forth in the CCPA and CPRA, we will be required to comply with these laws. We will continue to monitor developments related to the CCPA and CPRA. The full impact of the CCPA and CPRA on our business is yet to be determined. Like other lenders, we use credit bureau data in their underwriting activities. Use of such data is regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), and the FCRA also regulates reporting information to credit bureaus, prescreening individuals for credit offers, sharing of information between affiliates and using affiliate data for marketing purposes. Similar state laws may impose additional requirements on us. Regulatory Risks We operate in a highly regulated environment and our operations and income may be affected adversely by changes in laws, rules and regulations governing our operations. We are subject to extensive regulation and supervision by the DFPI, FRB and the FDIC. The FRB regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States. Its fiscal and monetary policies determine in a large part our cost of funds for lending and investing and the return that can be earned on those loans and investments, both of which affect our net interest margin. FRB policies can also materially affect the value of financial instruments that we hold, such as debt securities. Its policies also can affect our borrowers, potentially increasing the risk that they may fail to repay their loans or satisfy their obligations to us. Changes in policies of the FRB are beyond our control and the impact of changes in those policies on our activities and results of operations can be difficult to predict. The Company and the Bank are heavily regulated. This regulation is to protect depositors, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, and not stockholders. These regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the ability to impose increased capital requirements and restrictions on a bank’s operations, to reclassify assets, to determine the adequacy of a bank’s allowance for loan losses and to set the level of deposit insurance premiums assessed. Congress, state legislatures and federal and state agencies continually review banking, lending and other laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, new regulations or legislation, that applies to us or additional deposit insurance premiums could have a material adverse impact on our operations. Because our business is highly regulated, the laws and applicable regulations are subject to frequent change. Any new laws, rules and regulations could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or growth prospects. Such changes could subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. The Dodd-Frank Act and supporting regulations could have a material adverse effect on us. The Dodd-Frank Act provides for various capital requirements and new restrictions on financial institutions and their holding companies. These changes may result in additional restrictions on investments and other activities. Regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act significantly impact our operations, and we expect to continue to face increased regulation. These regulations may affect the manner in which we do business and the products and services that we provide, affect or restrict our ability to compete in our current businesses or our ability to enter into or acquire new businesses, reduce or limit our revenue or impose additional fees, assessments or taxes on us, intensify the regulatory supervision of us and the financial services industry, and adversely affect our business operations. The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, established the CFPB with broad authority to administer and enforce a new federal regulatory framework of consumer financial regulation. Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have extended implementation periods and require extensive rulemaking, guidance and interpretation by various regulatory agencies. While some rules have been finalized or issued in proposed form, some have yet to be proposed. It is impossible to predict when all such additional rules will be issued or finalized, and what the content of such rules will be. We must apply resources to ensure that we are in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and any implementing rules, which may increase our costs of operations and adversely impact our earnings. We expect that the Dodd-Frank Act, including current and future rules implementing its provisions and the interpretations of those rules, will reduce our revenues, increase our expenses, require us to change certain of our business practices, increase the regulatory supervision of us, increase our capital requirements and impose additional assessments and costs on us, and otherwise adversely affect our business. 28 The short-term and long-term impact of the changing regulatory capital requirements and new capital rules is uncertain. In July 2013, the FRB and the other federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule to revise their risk-based and leverage capital requirements and their method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with Basel III and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule applies to all banking organizations, including the Company. Among other things, the rule establishes a common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement of 4.5 percent of risk-weighted assets and a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital requirement of 6.0 percent of risk-weighted assets and assigns higher risk-weightings than in the past (150 percent) to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on non-accrual status and certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property. The final rule also limits a banking organization’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” in excess of 2.5 percent of common equity tier 1 capital in addition to the minimum risk-based capital ratios. An institution will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. While our current capital levels exceed the capital requirements, our capital levels could decrease in the future as a result of factors such as acquisitions, faster than anticipated growth, reduced earnings levels, operating losses and other factors. The application of more stringent capital requirements for us could, among other things, result in lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital, and result in our inability to pay dividends or repurchase shares if we were to be unable to comply with such requirements. We are subject to federal and state fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to material penalties. Federal and state fair lending laws and regulations, such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The Department of Justice, CFPB and other federal and state agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. A successful challenge to our performance under the fair lending laws and regulations could adversely impact our rating under the CRA and result in a wide variety of sanctions, including the required payment of damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on merger and acquisition activity and restrictions on expansion activity, which could negatively impact our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. Non-compliance with the Patriot Act, Bank Secrecy Act, or other laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions or operating restrictions. The Patriot and Bank Secrecy Acts require financial institutions to develop programs to prevent financial institutions from being used for money laundering and terrorist activities. If such activities are detected, financial institutions are obligated to file suspicious activity reports with the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. These rules require financial institutions to establish procedures for identifying and verifying the identity of customers seeking to open new financial accounts. In addition, legal requirements relating to the collection, storage, handling, use, disclosure, transfer, and security of personal data continue to increase, along with enforcement actions and investigations by regulatory authorities related to data security incidents and privacy violations. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines, sanctions or restrictions that could have a material adverse effect on our strategic initiatives. Several banking institutions have received large fines, or suffered limitations on their operations, for non- compliance with these laws and regulations. Although we have developed policies and procedures designed to assist in compliance with these laws and regulations, no assurance can be given that these policies and procedures will be effective in preventing violations of these laws and regulations. We are subject to a variety of federal and state privacy and data security laws, which govern the collection, safeguarding, sharing and use of customer information We are subject to a variety of federal and state privacy and data security laws, which govern the collection, safeguarding, sharing and use of customer information, and require that financial institutions have in place policies regarding information privacy and security. For example, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLBA”) requires all financial institutions offering financial products or services to retail customers to provide such customers with the financial institution’s privacy policy and practices for sharing nonpublic information with third parties, provide advance notice of any changes to the policies and provide such customers the opportunity to “opt out” of the sharing of certain personal financial information with unaffiliated third parties. It also requires banks to safeguard personal information of consumer customers. Some state laws also protect the privacy of information of state residents and require adequate security for such data, and certain state laws may, in some circumstances, require us to notify affected individuals of security breaches of computer databases that contain their personal information. These laws may also require us to notify law enforcement, regulators or consumer reporting agencies in the event of a data breach, as well as businesses and governmental agencies that own data. 29 Data privacy and data security are areas of increasing state legislative focus. For example, in November 2020, a ballot initiative called the California Privacy Rights Act ("CPRA"), passed in California. The CPRA will create additional obligations relating to personal information that would take effect on January 1, 2023 (with certain provisions having retroactive effect to January 1, 2022). The CPRA’s implementing regulations are expected on or before July 1, 2022, and enforcement is scheduled to begin July 1, 2023. We will continue to monitor developments related to the CPRA. The full impact of the CPRA on our business is yet to be determined. In addition, laws similar to the CPRA may be adopted by other states where we do business and the federal government may also pass data privacy or data security legislation. Like other lenders, we use credit bureau data in their underwriting activities. Use of such data is regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), and the FCRA also regulates reporting information to credit bureaus, prescreening individuals for credit offers, sharing of information between affiliates and using affiliate data for marketing purposes. Similar state laws may impose additional requirements on us. Increases in deposit insurance premiums and special FDIC assessments will negatively impact our earnings. We may pay higher FDIC premiums in the future. The Dodd-Frank Act increased the minimum FDIC deposit insurance reserve ratio from 1.15 percent to 1.35 percent. The FDIC has adopted a plan under which it will meet this ratio by the statutory deadline of December 31, 2020. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the FDIC to offset the effect of the increase in the minimum reserve ratio on institutions with assets less than $10 billion. To implement the offset requirement, the FDIC has imposed a temporary surcharge on institutions with assets greater than $10 billion. In addition to the minimum reserve ratio, the FDIC must set a designated reserve ratio. The FDIC has set a designated reserve ratio of 2.0, which exceeds the minimum reserve ratio. Tax and Financial Risks The Company has a deferred tax asset that may or may not be fully realized. The Company has a 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 the tax basis of assets and liabilities computed using enacted tax rates. If we determine that we will not achieve sufficient future taxable income to realize our net deferred tax asset, we are required under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to establish a full or partial valuation allowance. If we determine that a valuation allowance is necessary, we are required to incur a charge to operations. 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, 2020, the Company had a net deferred tax asset of $1.4 million. For additional information, see Note 10 to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We may experience future goodwill impairment. If our estimates of the fair value of our reporting units change as a result of changes in our business or other factors, we may determine that a goodwill impairment charge is necessary. Estimates of fair value are based on a complex model using, among other things, estimated cash flows and industry pricing multiples. The Company tests its goodwill for impairment annually as of December 31 (the Measurement Date), and quarterly if a triggering event causes concern of a possible goodwill impairment charge. At each Measurement Date, the Company, in accordance with ASC 350-20-35-3, evaluates, based on the weight of evidence, the significance of all qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of the reporting units is less than its carrying amount. The assessment of qualitative factors at the most recent Measurement Date (December 31, 2020), indicated that it was not more likely than not that impairment existed; as a result, no further testing was performed. No assurance can be given that the Company will not record an impairment loss on goodwill in the future and any such impairment loss could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In preparing our financial statements we make certain assumptions, judgments and estimates that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements, which, if not accurate, may significantly impact our financial results. 30 We make assumptions, judgments and estimates for a number of items, including the fair value of financial instruments, goodwill and other intangible assets, the realizability of deferred tax assets, the fair value of stock awards, the allowances for loan losses, income tax provisions and determination, recognition and measurement of impaired loans. These assumptions, judgments and estimates are drawn from historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from our estimates, and such differences could significantly impact our financial results. General Risks We depend on our key employees. Our future prospects are and will remain highly dependent on our directors and executive officers. Our success will, to some extent, depend on the continued service of our directors and continued employment of the executive officers. The unexpected loss of the services of any of these individuals could have a detrimental effect on our business. Although we have entered into employment agreements with members of our senior management team, no assurance can be given that these individuals will continue to be employed by us. The loss of any of these individuals could negatively affect our ability to achieve our business plan and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other external events could significantly impact our business. Severe weather, natural disasters such as earthquakes and wildfires, acts of war or terrorism, global pandemics 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 our borrowers to repay their outstanding loans, cause significant property damage or otherwise impair the value of collateral securing our loans, and result in loss of revenue and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. Although we have established disaster recovery plans and procedures, and we monitor the effects of any such events on our loans, properties and investments, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on us or our earnings or our financial condition. Anti-takeover provisions could negatively impact our stockholders. Provisions in our charter and bylaws, the corporate law of the State of California and federal regulations could delay, defer or prevent a third party from acquiring us, despite the possible benefit to our stockholders, or otherwise adversely affect the market price of any class of our equity securities. These provisions include: the election of directors to staggered terms of three years; advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our Board of Directors and for proposing matters that stockholders may act on at stockholder meetings, a requirement that only directors may fill a vacancy in our Board of Directors, and the other provisions of our charter and bylaws. Our charter also authorizes our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock, and preferred stock could be issued as a defensive measure in response to a takeover proposal. In addition, pursuant to federal banking regulations, as a general matter, no person or company, acting individually or in concert with others, may acquire more than 10 percent of our common stock without prior approval from our federal banking regulator. These provisions may discourage potential takeover attempts, discourage bids for our common stock at a premium over market price or adversely affect the market price of, and the voting and other rights of the holders of, our common stock. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for holders of our common stock to elect directors other than the candidates nominated by our Board of Directors. Our business could be negatively affected as a result of actions by activist stockholders. Campaigns by stockholders to effect changes at publicly traded companies are sometimes led by investors seeking to increase short-term stockholder value through various corporate actions. In the future we may have disagreements with activist stockholders which could prove disruptive to our operations. Activist stockholders could seek to elect their own candidates to our board of directors or could take other actions intended to challenge our business strategy and corporate governance. Responding to actions by activist stockholders may adversely affect our profitability or business prospects, by diverting the attention of management and our employees from executing our strategic plan. Any perceived uncertainties as to our future direction or strategy arising from activist stockholder initiatives could also cause increased reputational, operational, financial, regulatory and other risks, harm our ability to raise new capital, or adversely affect the market price or increase the volatility of our securities. If we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements could be impaired and investors’ views of us could be harmed. As a public company, we are required to maintain internal control over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal controls. We have evaluated and tested our internal controls in order to allow management to report on our internal 31 controls, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. If we are not able to meet the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, we would be required to disclose material weaknesses if they develop or are uncovered and we may be subject to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any such action could negatively impact the perception of us in the financial market and our business. In addition, our internal controls may not prevent or detect all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the control system will be met. If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they publish negative reports about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline. The trading market for our common stock may be influenced by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have control over these analysts. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our stock or change their opinion of our shares or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline. The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and this may make it difficult for you to sell shares of common stock owned by you at times or at prices you find attractive. The trading price of our common stock may fluctuate widely as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside our control. In addition, the stock market is subject to fluctuations in the share prices and trading volumes that affect the market prices of the shares of many companies. These broad market fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Among the factors that could affect our stock price are: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • actual or anticipated quarterly fluctuations in our operating results and financial condition and prospects; changes in revenue or earnings estimates or publication of research reports and recommendations by financial analysts; failure to meet analysts’ revenue or earnings estimates; speculation in the press or investment community; strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions or restructurings; acquisitions of other banks or financial institutions; actions by institutional stockholders; fluctuations in the stock price and operating results of our competitors; general market conditions and, in particular, developments related to market conditions for the financial services industry; proposed or adopted regulatory changes or developments; anticipated or pending investigations, proceedings, or litigation that involve or affect us; successful management of reputational risk; health epidemics, such as the recent outbreak of coronavirus; and domestic and international economic factors, such as interest or foreign exchange rates, stock, commodity, credit, or asset valuations or volatility, unrelated to our performance. The stock market and, in particular, the market for financial institution stocks, has experienced significant volatility. As a result, the market price of our common stock may be volatile. In addition, the trading volume in our common stock may fluctuate more than usual and cause significant price variations to occur. The trading price of the shares of our common stock and the value of our other securities will depend on many factors, which may change from time to time, including, without limitation, our financial condition, performance, creditworthiness and prospects, future sales of our equity or equity related securities, and other factors identified above 32 in “Forward-Looking Statements,” and in this Item 1A — “Risk Factors.” The capital and credit markets can experience volatility and disruption. Such volatility and disruption can reach unprecedented levels, resulting in downward pressure on stock prices and credit availability for certain issuers without regard to their underlying financial strength. A significant decline in our stock price could result in substantial losses for individual stockholders and could lead to costly and disruptive securities litigation. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES Not applicable. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS From time to time, the Company is a party to claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Our management evaluates its exposure to these claims and proceedings individually and in the aggregate and provides for potential losses on such litigation if the amount of the loss is estimable and the loss is probable. To our knowledge, there are no material litigation matters pending at the current time. Although the results of any such litigation matters and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the final outcome of any such claims and proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, liquidity, or results of operations. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. 33 ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES. PART II Trading Symbol and Holders of Common Stock Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “OVLY.” On March 26, 2021, there were approximately 378 shareholders of record of the common stock and 8,235,939 outstanding shares of common stock. The actual number of shareholders is greater than this number of record holders and includes shareholders who are beneficial owners but whose shares are held in street name by brokers and other nominees. Dividends Our ability to pay any cash dividends will depend not only upon our earnings during a specified period, but also on our meeting certain capital requirements. Dividends the Company declares are subject to the restrictions set forth in the California General Corporation Law (the “Corporation Law”). The Corporation Law provides that a corporation may make a distribution to its shareholders if the corporation’s retained earnings equal at least the amount of the proposed distribution. The Corporation Law also provides that, in the event that sufficient retained earnings are not available for the proposed distribution, a corporation may nevertheless make a distribution to its shareholders if it meets two conditions, which generally stated are as follows: (i) the corporation’s assets equal at least 1 and 1/4 times its liabilities, and (ii) the corporation’s current assets equal at least its current liabilities or, if the average of the corporation’s earnings before taxes on income and before interest expenses for the two preceding fiscal years was less than the average of the corporation’s interest expenses for such fiscal years, then the corporation’s current assets must equal at least 1 and 1/4 times its current liabilities. Additionally, the Federal Reserve Board has authority to limit the payment of dividends by bank holding companies, such as the Company, in certain circumstances, requiring, among other things, a holding company to consult with the Federal Reserve Board prior to payment of a dividend if the company does not have sufficient recent earnings in excess of the proposed dividend. The principal source of funds from which the Company may pay dividends is the receipt of dividends from the Bank. The availability of dividends from the Bank is limited by various statutes and regulations. The Bank is subject first to corporate restrictions on its ability to pay dividends. Further, the Bank may not pay a dividend if it would be undercapitalized after the dividend payment is made. The payment of cash dividends by the Bank is subject to restrictions set forth in the California Financial Code (the “Financial Code”). The Financial Code provides that a bank may not make a cash distribution to its shareholders in excess of the lesser of (a) bank’s retained earnings; or (b) bank’s net income for its last three fiscal years, less the amount of any distributions made by the bank or by any majority-owned subsidiary of the bank to the shareholders of the bank during such period. However, a bank may, with the approval of the DFPI, make a distribution to its shareholders in an amount not exceeding the greatest of (a) its retained earnings; (b) its net income for its last fiscal year; or (c) its net income for its current fiscal year. In the event that the DFPI determines that the shareholders’ equity of a bank is inadequate or that the making of a distribution by the bank would be unsafe or unsound, the DFPI may order the bank to refrain from making a proposed distribution. The FDIC may also restrict the payment of dividends if such payment would be deemed unsafe or unsound or if after the payment of such dividends, the bank would be included in one of the “undercapitalized” categories for capital adequacy purposes pursuant to federal law. While the Federal Reserve Board has no general restriction with respect to the payment of cash dividends by an adequately capitalized bank to its parent holding company, the Federal Reserve Board might, under certain circumstances, place restrictions on the ability of a particular bank to pay dividends based upon peer group averages and the performance and maturity of the particular bank, or object to management fees to be paid by a subsidiary bank to its holding company on the basis that such fees cannot be supported by the value of the services rendered or are not the result of an arm’s length transaction. Shareholders are entitled to receive dividends only when and if dividends are declared by our Board of Directors. Although we have paid dividends in the past, it is no guarantee that we will pay cash dividends in the future. ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA Not applicable. 34 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion of financial condition as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and results of operations for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2020 should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, included in this report. Average balances, including balances used in calculating certain financial ratios, are generally comprised of average daily balances. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs and involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward- looking statements. You should carefully read “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included in this report. Introduction Our continued focus on responsible community banking fundamentals and our strong customer relationships have enabled us to increase our market presence through growth in our loan portfolio, which is primarily funded by steady core deposit growth. As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately $1.51 billion in total assets, $1.01 billion in total gross loans, and $1.37 billion in total deposits. We believe the following were key indicators of our performance during 2020: • Total assets increased to $1.51 billion at the end of 2020, an increase of 31.7% from $1.15 billion at the end of 2019. • Total deposits increased to $1.37 billion at the end of 2020, an increase of 34.1%, from $1.02 billion at the end of 2019. • Total net loans increased to $997 million at the end of 2020, an increase of 34.6%, from $741 million at the end of 2019. • Net interest income increased to $45.0 million in 2020, an increase of $3.9 million or 9.6%, compared to $41.0 million in 2019, mainly as a result of growth of our loan and investment portfolios. • The growth in total assets, deposits, loans and net interest income as described above was bolstered by PPP loans funded during 2020, which had an outstanding balance of $211 million as of December 31, 2020. • Provision for loan losses increased by $1,620,000 to $2,165,000 in 2020, compared to $545,000 in 2019, mainly due to a qualitative adjustment in the loan loss reserve corresponding to the COVID-19 pandemic and loan growth during 2020. • The ratio of total non-performing loans to total loans decreased to 0.00% at December 31, 2020 from 0.15% at December 31, 2019. Management considers the size of the ratio of non-performing assets to total loans to be low and manageable, and reserves have been taken appropriately. • Total noninterest income decreased to $4.8 million in 2020, a decrease of 4.6%, from $5.0 million in 2019, which is mainly due to a reduction in overdraft fee income during 2020 as higher deposit account balances corresponding to PPP and stimulus payments, coupled with pandemic related changes in spending patterns resulted in relatively low overdraft activity. • Total noninterest expense increased from $28.8 million in 2019 to $29.9 million in 2020, primarily due to staffing increases and general operating costs necessary to support the growing loan and deposit portfolios. • Provision from income taxes decreased by $144,000 to $4.1 million in 2020, mainly due to a higher percentage of our pre-tax income coming from tax-free municipal bond interest income. These items, as well as other factors, contributed to the increase in net income for 2020 to $13.7 million from $12.5 million in 2019, which translates into $1.68 per diluted share in 2020 as compared to $1.54 per diluted share in 2019. Over the past several years, our network of branches and loan production offices have expanded geographically. We currently maintain seventeen full-service offices. We intend to continue our growth strategy in future years through the opening of additional branches and loan production offices as our needs and resources permit. 35 COVID-19 Impact The coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic and the Federal Reserve's response to the economic challenges during 2020 has resulted in an uncertain and rapidly evolving economy. In response to the pandemic, approximately 27% of our administrative staff were working remotely as of December 31, 2020, while all of the branch staff have returned to working in the office. . To date, we have been able to fully support our remote workforce and these remote work arrangements have not adversely impacted our ability to serve our clients. These remote work arrangements have also not had an impact on our financial reporting systems or the internal controls we have over financial reporting, disclosures and related procedures. In addition to the remote work arrangements, the Company has taken many other measures to protect employees and customers, including, adherence to state mask wearing mandates, social distancing, sanitizing protocols and posting of public safety notices on branch buildings. The most significant impact of COVID-19 on our business has been to the quality of our loan portfolio and to net interest income as short-term interest rates have sharply declined. During the second quarter, we increased the qualitative factors used in the determination of the adequacy of our allowance for loan and lease loss in anticipation of the impact that COVID-19 will have on our clients and their ability to fulfill their obligations. The provision for loan losses increased by $1,620,000 in 2020 due to qualitative adjustments in the loan loss reserve corresponding to COVID-19 pandemic. Offsetting these factors was loan interest and fee income of $4,720,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans funded during 2020 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), as the Bank committed early to be an active participant in the effort to support local businesses through the PPP program. Further, higher deposit account balances corresponding to PPP and government stimulus payments, coupled with changes in business and consumer spending patterns amid the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and business lockdowns, resulted in relatively low overdraft activity and hence the decrease to non- interest income. Outside of this recent trend, the Bank’s core customer base and corresponding service fee income related to servicing loan and deposit accounts, continues to grow at a steady pace. The year-to-date results were also bolstered by deferred loan cost GAAP accounting adjustments of $1,253,000 against salary expense during 2020, corresponding to the PPP loans funded. The COVID-19 Pandemic negatively impacted the revenue streams of certain borrowers, and during the second quarter of 2020 the Company elected to allow these borrowers to defer payments for a term up to six months. These deferrals were specifically related to the pandemic and the resulting economic hardships. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had no loans for which payments were deferred, as normal payment schedules had resumed on the deferrals granted during the second quarter of 2020. This compares to 53 loans with an outstanding balance of $74,868,000 as of June 30, 2020 for which payments were deferred due to the financial impact of COVID-19. After an evaluation of financial stability, no specific loan loss reserve allocation was required on any of these loans at the time of deferral and the short-term modifications granted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are not considered to be troubled debt restructurings. We have no certainty that the provisions we made during 2020 will be sufficient to absorb the losses that stem from the impact of COVID-19 on our clients. As the longer-term effects on our clients from the COVID-19 pandemic become more apparent, we may still need to charge-off some or all of the balance on certain loans and make further provisions to increase our allowance for loan and lease losses. These potential additional provisions for loan and lease losses will have a direct impact upon our capital, including the potential need to reevaluate the need for a valuation allowance on our deferred tax asset. At this time, we do not expect that there would be any material impairment to the valuation of other long-lived assets, right of use assets, or our investment securities. However, we expect a reduction in the amount of interest income we earn for the remainder of the year due to the FOMC rate cuts. In addition, on June 8, 2020, the National Bureau of Economic Research announced that the United States was in an economic recession. A prolonged recession may result in increased overdraft activity and defaults on loans, which could materially harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. The Bank is currently well capitalized under federal banking regulations that apply to all United States-based banks (see “Capital Ratios” section below for more information on the Bank’s capital position). In the event that future loan and leases loss and/or tax provisions reduce our capital surplus, we would be required to undertake measures to return the Bank's capital ratios to well capitalized levels, which could include but not be limited to raising additional capital or reducing the Banks asset size. We believe that we would have access to equity and debt markets to secure additional capital for the Bank should the need arise, but we have no certainty regarding the extent of the availability of these markets at the time such need would arise. Increased demand for liquidity by our clients is another impact that we anticipate could occur should the COVID-19 effects be prolonged. As of December 31, 2020, the Company and the Bank's on-balance sheet liquidity was very strong and combined with our contingent liquidity resources, we believe that the Bank has sufficient resources to meet the liquidity needs of our clients. In response to COVID-19, the Federal Reserve has made other provisions that could assist the Bank in satisfying its liquidity needs, such as reducing our reserve requirement to zero, expanding access to the discount window through collateral pledging and extension of term borrowings. 36 The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic affects the Company’s future financial results and operations will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the duration and broad impacts of the pandemic, and current or future actions in response thereto. Management is working closely with our Board of Directors as we plan and execute our response to the significant disruption caused by the crisis. See Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, for additional discussion of risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2021 Outlook As we begin our strategic business plan for 2021, we remained focused on relationship-based expansion throughout our market area. We plan to continue to focus on increasing our loan-to-deposit ratio to expand our net interest margin, while attempting to control expenses and credit losses. Favorable trends in our economy prompted the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee, or FOMC, to increase the target federal funds by 0.25% in 2016, 0.75% in 2017 and 1.00% in 2018, which was followed by decreases of 0.75% and 1.50% in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The increased market interest rates from 2016 through 2018 had a positive impact on net interest income mainly due to growth of earning assets and the fact that our balance sheet is slightly asset sensitive. In 2019 and 2020, that trend reversed and we recognized yield compression on our earning assets due to the FOMC rate cuts. Even though further FOMC rate cuts are not forecasted for 2021, we expect this negative impact will continue to some degree due to continued repricing of existing loans and investment securities. The potential compression of net interest income and net interest margin could occur if interest rates remain static or decline, given that our balance sheet is asset sensitive to interest rate changes primarily due to the number of variable rate loans and a high level of interest-earning cash balances. This could in turn result in further decrease on the yield of earning assets compared to the cost of deposits and other funds, which remain at historic lows and cannot reasonably be further reduced. Given our asset sensitive balance sheet, we expect our net interest income to benefit from interest rate increases, but we expect any such benefit to be proportional to the increase in rates. If we experience an increase in our yield on earnings assets, we could then determine to increase the interest rates we pay on our deposit accounts or change our promotional or other interest rates on new deposits in marketing activation programs to attempt to achieve a certain net interest margin. That said, in light of the current economic environment, if the rates increase is modest, it may not be possible to manage the interest margin in this manner, as competitive pressures may dictate that we increase deposit rates at a faster rate than the earning assets increase, thereby offsetting any gains to the net interest margin. The economies and real estate markets in our primary market areas are expected to continue to be significant determinants of the quality of our assets in future periods and, thus, our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. For 2021, management remains focused on the above challenges and opportunities and other factors affecting the business similar to the factors driving the 2020 results as discussed in this section. Critical Accounting Policies Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that effect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. In addition, GAAP itself may change from one previously acceptable method to another method, although the economics of our transactions would be the same. Management has determined the following accounting policies to be critical: Asset Impairment Judgments Certain of our assets are carried in our consolidated balance sheets at fair value or at the lower of cost or fair value. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to recognize impairment of such assets. We periodically perform analyses to test for impairment of various assets. In addition to our impairment analyses related to loans, another significant impairment analysis relates to other than temporary declines in the value of our securities. 37 Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired and are carried at fair value or below. Appraisals are done periodically on impaired loans and if required, an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral less the cost related to liquidation of the collateral. In some circumstances, an impaired loan may be charged off to bring the carrying value to fair value. Net realizable value of the underlying collateral is the fair value of the collateral, less estimated selling costs and any prior liens. Appraisals, recent comparable sales, offers and listing prices are factored in when valuing the collateral. We review and verify the qualifications and licenses of the certified general appraisers used for appraising commercial properties or certified residential appraisers for residential properties. Real estate appraisals may utilize a combination of approaches including replacement cost, sales comparison and the income approach. Comparable sales and income data are analyzed by the appraisers and adjusted to reflect differences between them and the subject property such as type, leasing status and physical condition. When the appraisals are received, management reviews the assumptions and methodology utilized in the appraisal, as well as the overall resulting value in conjunction with independent data sources, such as recent market data and industry-wide statistics. We generally use a 6% discount for selling costs which is applied to all properties, regardless of size. Appraised values may be adjusted to reflect changes in market conditions that have occurred subsequent to the appraisal date, or for revised estimates regarding the timing or cost of the property sale. These adjustments are based on qualitative judgments made by management on a case-by-case basis. Our available for sale portfolio is carried at estimated fair value, with any unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. We conduct a periodic review and evaluation of the securities portfolio to determine if the value of any security has declined below its carrying value and whether such decline is other than temporary. If such decline is deemed other than temporary, we would adjust the carrying amount of the security by writing down the security to fair value through a charge to current period income for the amount that is determined to be other than temporary . The fair values of our securities are significantly affected by changes in interest rates. In general, as interest rates rise, we expect that the fair value of fixed-rate securities should decrease; as interest rates fall, we expect that the fair value of fixed-rate securities should increase. With significant changes in interest rates, we evaluate our intent and ability to hold the security for a sufficient time to recover the recorded principal balance. Estimated fair values for securities are based on published or securities dealers’ market values. Market volatility is unpredictable and may impact such values. Allowance for Loan Losses Credit risk is inherent in the business of lending and making commercial loans. Accounting for our allowance for loan losses involves significant judgment and assumptions by management and is based on historical data and management’s view of the current economic environment. At least on a quarterly basis, our management reviews the methodology and adequacy of allowance for loan losses and reports its assessment to the Board of Directors for its review and approval. The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of probable incurred losses with regard to our loans. Our loan loss provision for each period is dependent upon many factors, including loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loans, delinquencies, management's assessment of the quality of the loans, the valuation of problem loans and the general economic conditions in our market area. We base our allowance for loan losses on an estimation of probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio. Our methodology for assessing loan loss allowances are intended to reduce the differences between estimated and actual losses and involves a detailed analysis of our loan portfolio, in three phases: • the specific review of individual loans, • the segmenting and review of loan pools with similar characteristics, and • our judgmental estimate based on various subjective factors: The first phase of our methodology involves the specific review of individual loans to identify and measure impairment. We evaluate each loan by use of a risk rating system, except for homogeneous loans, such as automobile loans and home mortgages. Specific risk rated loans are deemed impaired if all amounts, including principal and interest, will likely not be collected in accordance with the contractual terms of the related loan agreement. Impairment for commercial and real estate loans is measured either based on the present value of the loan’s expected future cash flows or, if collection on the loan is collateral dependent, the estimated fair value of the collateral, less selling and holding costs. 38 The second phase involves the segmenting of the remainder of the risk rated loan portfolio into groups or pools of loans, together with loans with similar characteristics, for evaluation. We determine the calculated loss ratio to each loan pool based on its historical net losses and benchmark it against the levels of other peer banks. In the third phase, we consider relevant internal and external factors that may affect the collectability of loan portfolio and each group of loan pool. The factors considered are, but are not limited to: • concentration of credits, • nature and volume of the loan portfolio, • delinquency trends, • non-accrual loan trends, • problem loan trends, • loss and recovery trends, • quality of loan review, • lending and management staff, • lending policies and procedures, • economic and business conditions, and • other external factors. Our management estimates the probable effect of such conditions based on our judgment, experience and known or anticipated trends. Such estimation may be reflected as an additional allowance to each group of loans, if necessary. Management reviews these conditions with our senior credit officers. To the extent that any of these conditions is evidenced by a specifically identifiable problem credit or portfolio segment as of the evaluation date, management’s estimate of the effect of such condition may be reflected as a specific allowance applicable to such credit or portfolio segment. Central to our credit risk management and our assessment of appropriate loss allowance is our loan risk rating system. Under this system, the originating credit officer assigns borrowers an initial risk rating based on a thorough analysis of each borrower’s financial capacity in conjunction with industry and economic trends. Approvals are made based upon the amount of inherent credit risk specific to the transaction and are reviewed for appropriateness by senior line and credit administration personnel. Credits are monitored by line and credit administration personnel for deterioration in a borrower’s financial condition which may impact the ability of the borrower to perform under the contract. Although management has allocated a portion of the allowance to specific loans, specific loan pools, and off-balance sheet credit exposures (which are reported separately as part of other liabilities), the adequacy of the allowance is considered in its entirety. It is the policy of management to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level adequate for risks inherent in the overall loan portfolio, however, the loan portfolio can be adversely affected if the state of California’s economic conditions and its real estate market in our general market area were to further deteriorate or weaken. Additionally, further weakness of a prolonged nature in the agricultural and general economy would have a negative impact on the local market. The effect of such economic events, although uncertain and unpredictable at this time, could result in an increase in the levels of nonperforming loans and additional loan losses, which could adversely affect our future growth and profitability. No assurance of the level of predicted credit losses can be given with any certainty. Non-Accrual Loan Policy Interest on loans is credited to income as earned and is accrued only if deemed collectible. Accrual of interest is discontinued when a loan is over 90 days delinquent or if management believes that collection is highly uncertain. Generally, 39 payments received on nonaccrual loans are recorded as principal reductions. Interest income is recognized after all principal has been repaid or an improvement in the condition of the loan has occurred that would warrant resumption of interest accruals. Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled using the liability method. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and the state of California. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal or state/local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2016. Fair Value Measurements We use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. We base our fair values on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Securities available for sale, derivatives, and loans held for sale, if any, are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis, such as certain impaired loans held for investment and securities held to maturity that are other-than- temporarily impaired. These non-recurring fair value adjustments typically involve write-downs of individual assets due to application of lower-of-cost or market accounting. We have established and documented a process for determining fair value. We maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements. Whenever there is no readily available market data, management uses its best estimate and assumptions in determining fair value, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management's judgment. As a result, if other assumptions had been used, our recorded earnings or disclosures could have been materially different from those reflected in these financial statements. For detailed information on our use of fair value measurements and our related valuation methodologies, see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326). This update revises the methodology used by financial institutions under GAAP to recognize credit losses in the financial statements. Currently, GAAP requires the use of the incurred loss model, whereby financial institutions recognize in current period earnings, incurred credit losses and those inherent in the financial statements, as of the date of the balance sheet. This guidance results in a new model for estimating the allowance for loan and lease losses, commonly referred to as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model. Under the CECL model, financial institutions are required to estimate future credit losses and recognize those losses in current period earnings. The amendments within the update are effective for fiscal years and all interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. In October 2019, FASB approved an amendment that will delay the adoption of this ASU for three years for certain entities including the Company since we are classified as a Small Reporting Company. Accordingly, this ASU will become effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. Upon adoption of the amendments within this update, the Company will be required to make a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this update will have on its financial statements. While the Company has not quantified the impact of this ASU, it does expect changing from the current incurred loss model to an expected loss model will result in an earlier recognition of losses. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles Goodwill and Other (Subtopic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The provisions of the update eliminate the existing second step of the goodwill impairment test which provides for the allocation of reporting unit fair value among existing assets and liabilities, with the net leftover amount representing the implied fair value of goodwill. In replacement of the existing goodwill impairment rule, the update will provide that impairment should be recognized as the excess of any of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the fair value of the reporting unit. Under the provisions of this update, the amount of the impairment is limited to the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. For public business entities that are Securities and Exchange Commission filers, the amendments of 40 the update became effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the standards update January 1, 2020 and evaluates goodwill in accordance with the provisions of the standard. Due to the economic impact that COVID-19 has had on the Company, management concluded that factors such as the decline in macroeconomic conditions have led to the occurrence of a triggering event and therefore an interim impairment test over goodwill was performed as of September 30, 2020. As part of this interim impairment assessment, in the event that the Company concluded that all or a portion of its goodwill is impaired, a non-cash charge for the amount of such impairment would be recorded to earnings. Such a charge would have no impact on tangible capital or regulatory capital. Based upon the results of our interim goodwill assessment, we have concluded that an impairment did not exist as of the time of the assessment. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Subtopic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The primary focus of ASU 2018-13 is to improve the effectiveness of the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The changes affected all companies that are required to include fair value measurement disclosures. In general, the amendments in ASU 2018-13 are effective for all entities for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. An entity is permitted to early adopt the removed or modified disclosures upon the issuance of ASU 2018-13 and may delay adoption of the additional disclosures, which are required for public companies only, until their effective date. The Company first adopted this ASU beginning with the period ended March 31, 2020, and it did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments that clarifies and improves areas of guidance related to recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging and recognition and measurement. The provisions of this ASU are effective January 1, 2020 and contain various methods of adoption. This ASU did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief. This ASU allows an option for entities to irrevocably elect the fair value option on an instrument-by-instrument basis for eligible financial assets measured at amortized cost basis upon adoption of the credit loss standards. This amendment provides relief for those entities electing the fair value option on newly originated or purchased financial assets, while maintaining existing similar financial assets at amortized cost, avoiding the requirement to maintain dual measurement methods for similar assets. The fair value option does not apply to held-to-maturity debt securities. The effective date for this ASU is the same as for ASU 2016-13, as discussed above. We will evaluate this ASU in conjunction with ASU 2016-13 to determine its impact on our financial condition and results of operations. In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04 - Reference Rate Reform (Subtopic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or other reference rates expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The ASU is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is in the process of evaluating the provisions of this ASU and its effects on our consolidated financial statements. 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 deposit service charges and fees, the increase in cash surrender value of life insurance, investment advisory service fee income and mortgage commissions. The majority of the Company's noninterest expenses are operating costs that relate to providing a full range of banking services to our customers. Overview We recorded net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $13,687,000 or $1.68 per diluted share compared to $12,489,000 or $1.54 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily due to an increase of $3,923,000 in net interest income, mainly from PPP loan fees and interest income and the growth of our loan and investment portfolios. Non-interest income decreased by $232,000 in 2020, mainly as a result of decreased NSF revenue due to higher cash balances in checking deposit accounts. The provision for loan losses increased by $1,620,000 in 2020 due to qualitative adjustments in the loan loss reserve corresponding to COVID-19 pandemic. Non-interest 41 expense increased by $1,017,000 associated with staffing and general operating overhead increases to support the growth of our loan and deposit portfolios. Highlights of the financial results are presented in the following table: (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2020 2019 As of and for the years ended December 31, For the period: Net income available to common shareholders Net income per common share: Basic Diluted Return on average common equity Return on average assets Common stock dividend payout ratio of earnings during the period Efficiency ratio At period end: Book value per common share Total assets Total gross loans Total deposits Net loan-to-deposit ratio $ $ $ 13,687 1.68 1.68 11.40 % 1.00 % 16.67 % 58.20 % $ $ $ $ 15.78 1,511,478 1,013,115 1,367,809 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 12,489 1.54 1.54 11.78 % 1.15 % 17.53 % 60.95 % 13.71 1,147,785 750,985 1,019,929 72.91 % 72.66 % Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin Our primary source of revenue is net interest income, which is the difference between interest and fees derived from earning assets and interest paid on liabilities obtained to fund those assets. Our net interest income is affected by changes in the level and mix of interest-earning assets and interest- bearing liabilities, referred to as volume changes. Our net interest income is also affected by changes in the yields earned on assets and rates paid on liabilities, referred to as rate changes. Interest rates charged on our loans are affected principally by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes and competitive factors. Those factors are, in turn, affected by general economic conditions and other factors beyond our control, such as federal economic policies, the general supply of money in the economy, legislative tax policies, governmental budgetary matters, and the actions of the Federal Reserve Board. 42 For a detailed analysis of interest income and interest expense, see the “Average Balance Sheets” and the “Rate/Volume Analysis” below. (Dollars in Thousands) 2020 Average Balance Interest Income/ Expense Avg Rate/ Yield Average Balance 2019 Interest Income/ Expense Avg Rate/ Yield Distribution, Yield and Rate Analysis of Net Income For the Years Ended December 31, Assets: Earning assets: Gross loans (1) (2) $ 930,578 $ 40,040 Securities of U.S. government agencies Other investment securities (2) Federal funds sold Interest-earning deposits Total interest-earning assets Total noninterest earning assets Total Assets Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity: Interest-bearing liabilities: Demand Money market Savings Time deposits $250,000 and under Tim deposits over $250,000 Borrowed Funds Total interest-bearing liabilities Noninterest-bearing liabilities: Noninterest-bearing demand deposits Other liabilities Total noninterest-bearing liabilities Shareholders' equity 7,644 212,020 20,406 106,458 22 6,457 57 461 4.30% 0.29% 3.05% 0.28% 0.43% $ 717,255 $ 34,903 12,436 187,846 11,977 79,647 129 6,327 242 1,675 1,277,106 47,037 3.68% 1,009,161 43,276 86,567 $ 1,363,673 75,102 $ 1,084,263 297,707 270,184 99,506 20,051 16,122 10,805 527 402 49 56 85 34 0.18% 0.15% 0.05% 0.28% 0.53% 0.31% 251,067 232,866 82,271 21,792 17,335 0 916 464 47 60 81 0 714,375 1,153 0.16% 605,331 1,568 514,996 14,211 529,207 120,091 359,113 13,775 372,888 106,044 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 1,363,673 $ 1,084,263 Net interest income Net interest spread (3) Net interest margin (4) $ 45,884 $ 41,708 3.52% 3.59% 4.87% 1.04% 3.37% 2.02% 2.10% 4.29% 0.36% 0.20% 0.06% 0.28% 0.47% 0.00% 0.26% 4.03% 4.13% (1) Loan fees have been included in the calculation of interest income. (2) Yields on municipal securities and loans have been adjusted to their fully-taxable equivalents (FTE), based on a federal marginal tax rate of 21.0%. (3) Represents the average rate earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. (4) Represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. 43 Net interest income, on a fully tax equivalent basis (“FTE”), increased $4,176,000 or 10.0% to $45,884,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $41,708,000 in 2019. Net interest spread and net interest margin were 3.52% and 3.59%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to 4.03% and 4.13%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019. This downward trend is mainly due to the FOMC rate cuts in March 2020 of 1.50% resulting in a decrease in earning asset yields, as described below. Our earning asset yield decreased 61 basis points in 2020 compared to 2019. The yield on loans recognized a decrease of 57 basis points for 2020 compared to 2019, which was primarily due to repricing of variable rate loans and lower rate indexes on new loans, resulting from the FOMC rate cuts in March 2020. The FOMC cut rates by 0.25% three times in 2019 with the first one in August and again by 1.50% in March 2020, so rates on average were significantly lower in 2020, as compared to 2019. Further compressing loan yield was the funding of $244 million in PPP loans beginning in April 2020, which only earned a contractual interest rate of 1.00%. The decrease in loan yield was minimized by the $3,091,000 in PPP net loan fees and costs recognized during 2020, which was paid by the SBA and is scheduled to be deferred over the life of the PPP loans. Also offsetting the earning asset yield compression was growth in the loan and investment portfolio average balances of $213,323,000 and $19,382,000, respectively, in 2020 as compared to 2019. The cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities decreased to 0.16% in 2020 compared to 0.26% in 2019 as our excess liquidity has allowed us to keep deposit rates at historic lows and even make some downward adjustments on certain accounts. Average non- interest-bearing demand deposit balances increased by $155,883,000 in 2020 compared to 2019, which contributed in lowering our cost of funds on total deposits. The net interest margin compression the Company recognized in 2020, is due to the factors discussed above which could possibly result in further compression if rate indexes on assets were to fall, and/or: 1) deposit interest rates remain at historic lows from which they cannot reasonably be further reduced, 2) competition in the lending market restrict significant increases in new loan rates, and 3) deposit growth out-paces loan growth as recognized in recent years, resulting in higher interest-bearing cash balances, which yield approximately 0.10% as of December 31, 2020. Changes in volume resulted in an increase in net interest income (on a FTE basis) of $11,636,000 for the year of 2020 compared to the year 2019, and changes in interest rates and the mix resulted in a decrease in net interest income (on a FTE basis) of $7,460,000 for the year 2020 versus the year 2019. Management closely monitors both total net interest income and the net interest margin. Market rates are in part based on the FOMC target Federal funds interest rate (the interest rate banks charge each other for short- term borrowings). The change in the Federal funds sold rates is the result of target rate changes implemented by the FOMC. In 2008, there were seven downward adjustments to the target rate totaling 325 basis points, bringing the target interest rate to a historic low with a range of 0% to 0.25% where it remained until December 2015 when the FOMC increased by 0.25% to a range of 0.25% to 0.50%. The FOMC increased the Federal funds rate again in December 2016 by 0.25% to a range of 0.50% to 0.75%. In 2017, the FOMC increased the Federal funds rate by 0.25% on three occasions resulting in a range of 1.25% to 1.50% as of December 31, 2017. In 2018, the FOMC increased the Federal funds rate by 0.25% on four occasions resulting in a range of 2.25% to 2.50% as of December 31, 2018. In 2019, the FOMC decreased the Federal funds rate by 0.25% on three occasions resulting in a range of 1.50% to 1.75% as of December 31, 2019. In 2020, the FOMC decreased the Federal funds rate by 0.50% and 1.00% on two occasions in March resulting in a range of 0.00% to 0.25% as of December 31, 2020. 44 Rate/Volume Analysis The following table below sets forth certain information regarding changes in interest income and interest expense of the Company for the periods indicated. For each category of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (i) changes in volume (change in average volume multiplied by old rate); and (ii) changes in rates (change in rate multiplied by old average volume). Changes in rate/volume (change in rate multiplied by the change in volume) have been allocated to the changes due to volume and rate in proportion to the absolute value of the changes due to volume and rate prior to the allocation. (Dollars in Thousands) Interest income: Net loans (1) Securities of U.S. government agencies Other Investment securities Federal funds sold Interest-earning deposits Total interest income Interest expense: Interest-Earning DDA Money market deposits Savings deposits Time certificates over $250,000 Other time deposits Borrowed Funds Total interest expense Rate/Volume Analysis of Net Interest Income For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. 2019 Increases (Decreases) Due to Change In For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 vs. 2018 Increases (Decreases) Due to Change In Volume Rate Total Volume Rate Total $ 10,381 $ (5,244) $ (50) 814 170 564 11,879 (57) (684) (355) (1,778) (8,118) $ 170 $ (559) $ 74 10 (5) (6) 0 243 (136) (8) 1 10 34 (658) (415) 5,137 (107) 130 (185) (1,214) 3,761 (389) (62) 2 (4) 4 34 $ 2,867 $ 259 $ 3,126 (64) 106 34 (1,114) 1,829 (17) 188 17 143 590 $ 26 $ 373 $ (176) (273) 4 (14) (5) 0 (165) 8 1 18 0 127 (81) 294 51 (971) 2,419 399 (449) 12 (13) 13 0 (38) Change in net interest income $ 11,636 $ (7,460) $ 4,176 $ 1,994 $ 463 $ 2,457 (1) Loan fees have been included in the calculation of interest income. 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 consolidated statements of income as the provision for loan losses. Specifically identifiable and quantifiable losses are promptly charged off against the allowance. The Company maintains the allowance for loan losses at a level that it considers to be adequate to provide for credit losses inherent in its loan portfolio. Management determines the level of the allowance by performing a quarterly analysis that considers concentrations of credit, past loss experience, current economic conditions, the amount and composition of the loan portfolio (including nonperforming and potential problem loans), estimated fair value of underlying collateral, and other information relevant to assessing the risk of loss inherent in the loan portfolio such as loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, and delinquencies. As a result of management’s analysis, a range of the potential amount of the allowance for loan losses is determined. The Company recorded provision for loan losses of $2,165,000 during the year ended December 31, 2020 to provide an adequate loan loss reserve for the new loan funding and to make a qualitative adjustment corresponding to the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared to provisions of $545,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company did not have any nonperforming loans at December 31, 2020 as compared to $1,103,000 at December 31, 2019, or 0.15% of total loans. Nonperforming loans are primarily in nonperforming real estate construction and development loans. The allowance for loan losses was $11,297,000 and $9,146,000 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, or 1.12% and 1.22%, respectively, of total loans. The decrease as a percentage of total loans is due to 45 the $211 million in PPP loans outstanding as of December 31, 2020 that do not require a reserve as they are fully guaranteed by the U.S. government through the SBA program. The strong credit quality has resulted in relatively low net charge-off totals of $14,000 in 2020 and $84,000 in 2019. The Company will continue to monitor the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and make additions to the allowance in accordance with the analysis referred to above. Because of uncertainties inherent in estimating the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, actual results may differ from management’s estimate of credit losses and the related allowance. Noninterest Income The following table sets forth a summary of noninterest income for the periods indicated: For the Years Ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2020 2019 Service charges on deposits Debit card transaction fee income Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance Mortgage commissions Gains on calls of securities Gain on sale of other real estate owned Other Total Amount $ $ 1,272 1,355 694 130 2 34 1,328 4,815 $ % 26.4% 28.1% 14.4% 2.7% 0.0% 0.7% 27.6% 100.00% $ Amount 1,619 1,297 602 88 138 0 1,303 5,047 % 32.1% 25.7% 11.9% 1.7% 2.7% 0.0% 25.8% Year-Over-Year % $ Change Change $ (347) -21.4% 58 92 42 (136) 34 25 4.5% 15.3% 47.7% -98.6% 1.9% -4.6% 100.00% $ (232) Average assets $ 1,363,673 $ 1,084,263 Noninterest income as a % of average assets 0.4% 0.5% Noninterest income was $4,815,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $5,047,000 for the year 2019. Service charge income decreased to $1,272,000 compared to $1,619,000 for 2019, due to higher balances held in checking deposit accounts and a change in spending patterns due to the COVID-19 pandemic leading to less overdraft activity and NSF fee income. Debit card transaction fee income increased to $1,355,000 in 2020 as compared to $1,297,000 in 2019, as a result of the increase in the aggregate number of transaction deposit accounts and corresponding service fee income, and the aforementioned spending pattern shift to debit cards due to the COVID-19 stay at home orders. Earnings on the cash surrender value of life insurance recognized an increase of $92,000 in 2020 compared to 2019, due to four new life insurance policies that began earning revenue in July of 2019. Mortgage commissions have increased by $42,000 for the year 2020, as compared to 2019, as a result of the increased demand for home purchases and refinancing. Gains on called securities decreased from $138,000 in 2019 to $2,000 in 2020, mainly due to one security that was called during the first quarter of 2019. There was one sale of an OREO property in 2020, which resulted in a gain of $34,000 as compared to no sales or corresponding gains in 2019. In 2020, other income increased by $25,000, which was attributable to investment advisory fee income increases. The Company continues to evaluate its deposit product offerings with the intention of continuing to expand its offerings to the consumer and business depositors. 46 Noninterest Expense The following table sets forth a summary of noninterest expenses for the periods indicated: (Dollars in thousands) 2020 2019 For the Years Ended December 31, Salaries and employee benefits Occupancy expenses Data processing fees Regulatory assessments (FDIC & DFPI) Other operating expenses Total Year-Over-Year % $ Change Change Amount $ 17,972 3,642 2,062 324 5,864 % 60.2% 12.2% 6.9% 1.1% 19.6% Amount $ 17,400 3,493 1,907 270 5,777 % 60.3% 12.1% 6.6% 0.9% 20.0% $ 572 149 155 54 87 $ 29,864 100.00% $ 28,847 100.00% $ 1,017 3.3% 4.3% 8.1% 20.0% 1.5% 3.5% Average assets $ 1,363,673 $ 1,084,263 Noninterest expenses as a % of average assets 2.2% 2.7% Noninterest expense was $29,864,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $1,017,000 or 3.5% compared to $28,847,000 for the year ended 2019. Salaries and employee benefits increased by $572,000 in 2020 to $17,972,000 compared to the prior year, due to expanding our staff to support loan and deposit growth. Included in the salary and benefit expense total is deferred loan cost GAAP accounting adjustments of $1,253,000 against salary expense in 2020, corresponding to PPP loans funded. Occupancy expense realized an increase of $149,000 in 2020 compared to the prior year, primarily from depreciation expense on new ATM machines purchased for our branches and rent increases on certain branch locations. Data processing costs increased in 2020 over 2019 by $155,000, primarily due to servicing costs on the growing number of loan and deposit accounts. FDIC and DFPI regulatory assessments increased by $54,000 in 2020 compared to 2019. In January 2019, the FDIC sent notification that small banks less than $10 billion would receive assessment credits for the portion of their assessments that contributed to the growth in the Deposit Insurance Fund Reserve Ratio from 1.15% to 1.35%, to be applied when the reserve ratio reached 1.38%. That threshold was achieved in early 2019 and therefore the Company did not recognize any expense for FDIC assessments during the third quarter of 2019. Additionally, the initial base assessment rate for financial institutions varies based on the overall risk profile of the institution as defined by the FDIC and our risk profile was stable during 2019 and 2020, with a slight improvement for both years in asset quality metrics that are included in the risk profile. We expect that the relatively low assessment rate should be offset by deposit growth in 2021. The increase to our recorded expense in 2020 was due to the aforementioned credit that was recognized in 2019 and higher deposit balances in 2020, as the FDIC assessment rates are applied to average quarterly total liabilities as the primary basis. Management is also aware of the potential for further assessment credits to be recognized in future periods if the FDIC reserve ratio remains above 1.38%. Other operating expenses increased by $87,000 or 1.5% to $5,864,000 in 2020, primarily as a result of various general operating expense increases required to support our growing business portfolios and compliance mandates, some of which included telephone and data communications, software license fees, advertising and charitable contributions. Management anticipates that noninterest expense should continue to increase as we continue to grow, and management believes the Company’s administration as currently set up is scalable to handle future deposit growth. However, management remains committed to cost-control and efficiency, and we expect to keep these increases to a minimum relative to growth. 47 Provision for Income Taxes We reported a provision for income taxes of $4,056,000 and $4,200,000 for the years 2020 and 2019, respectively. The effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations was 22.9% for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to 25.2% for the year 2019. These provisions reflect accruals for taxes at the applicable rates for federal income tax and California franchise tax based upon reported pre-tax income and adjusted for the effects of all permanent differences between income for tax and financial reporting purposes (such as earnings on qualified municipal securities, BOLI and certain tax-exempt loans). Financial Condition The Company’s total assets were $1,511,478,000 at December 31, 2020 compared to $1,147,785,000 at December 31, 2019, an increase of $363,693,000 or 31.7%. Net loans increased by $256,199,000, of which $210,822,000 was from PPP loans, investments increased $27,204,000, bank premises and equipment increased $541,000, interest receivable and other assets increased $90,000, while cash and cash equivalents increased $79,062,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019. Loans gross of the allowance for loan losses and deferred fees were $1,013,115,000 at December 31, 2020, compared to $750,985,000 at December 31, 2019, an increase of $262,130,000 or 34.9%. The increase was due to an increase of $54,329,000 or 9.0% in commercial real estate loans, an increase of $214,302,000 or 275.8% in commercial and industrial loans which included growth of $210,822,000 from PPP loans, a decrease of $6,398,000 or 16.9% in consumer loans and consumer residential loans and a decrease of $103,000 or 0.4% in agriculture loans. The PPP loans changed the composition of the loan portfolio categories, but excluding those loans, the composition remained relatively unchanged as a percentage of total loans, with commercial real estate comprising 65% and 81% of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Deposits increased $347,880,000 or 34.1% to $1,367,809,000 at December 31, 2020 compared to $1,019,929,000 at December 31, 2019. Demand, Money Market and Savings increased by $243,226,000, $67,980,000 and $37,763,000, respectively, while Time Deposits decreased by $1,089,000 as of December 31, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019. There were no short-term borrowing or long-term debt outstanding balances at December 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company uses short-term borrowings, primarily short-term FHLB advances, to fund short-term liquidity needs and manage net interest margin. Equity increased $17,124,000 or 15.2% to $129,694,000 at December 31, 2020, compared to $112,570,000 at December 31, 2019. Investment Activities Investments are a key source of interest income. Management of our investment portfolio is set in accordance with strategies developed and overseen by our Investment Committee. Investment balances, including cash equivalents and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions, are subject to change over time based on our asset/liability funding needs and interest rate risk management objectives. Our liquidity levels take into consideration anticipated future cash flows and all available sources of credits and are maintained at levels management believes are appropriate to assure future flexibility in meeting anticipated funding needs. Cash Equivalents and Interest-bearing Deposits in other Financial Institutions The Company holds federal funds sold, unpledged available-for-sale securities and salable government guaranteed loans to help meet liquidity requirements and provide temporary holdings until the funds can be otherwise deployed or invested. As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, we had $33,085,000 and $13,785,000, respectively, in federal funds sold. Investment Securities Management of our investment securities portfolio focuses on providing an adequate level of liquidity and establishing an interest rate-sensitive position, while earning an adequate level of investment income without taking undue risk. Investment securities that we intend to hold until maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities, and all other investment securities are classified as either available-for-sale or equity securities. Currently, all of our investment securities are classified as available-for-sale, except for one mutual fund classified as an equity security. The fair value of the equity security was $3,425,000 and $3,297,000 at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 48 respectively. Consistent with ASU 2016-01, equity securities are carried at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statement of income. Accordingly, the Company recognized an unrealized gain of $48,000 during the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to an unrealized gain of $101,000 during the year ended December 31, 2019. Our available for sale investment securities holdings increased by $27,076,000 or 14.2% to $217,164,000 at December 31, 2020, compared to holdings of $190,088,000 at December 31, 2019. The carrying values of available-for-sale investment securities are adjusted for unrealized gains or losses as a valuation allowance and any gain or loss is reported on an after-tax basis as a component of other comprehensive income. Total investment securities as a percentage of total assets decreased to 14.6% as of December 31, 2020 compared to 16.8% at December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, $147,795,000 of the investment securities were pledged to secure public deposits. As of December 31, 2020, the total unrealized loss on debt securities that were in a loss position for less than 12 continuous months was $59,000 with an aggregate fair value of $11,362,000. The total unrealized loss on debt securities that were in a loss position for greater than 12 continuous months was $529,000 with an aggregate fair value of $36,082,000. The following table summarizes the book value and fair value and distribution of our debt investment securities, which does not include equity securities, as of the dates indicated: Debt Investment Securities Portfolio December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Amortized Cost Market Value Amortized Cost Market Value Amortized Cost Market Value $ 22,802 $ 23,692 $ 31,180 $ 31,729 $ 44,474 $ 44,106 1,250 115,706 5,027 14,229 47,226 1,223 125,602 5,008 14,352 47,287 1,618 86,826 6,419 19,253 41,389 1,614 90,571 6,395 18,968 40,811 2,071 92,257 8,707 21,426 38,395 2,012 93,237 8,673 20,587 38,097 $ 206,240 $ 217,164 $ 186,685 $ 190,088 $ 207,330 $ 206,712 Dollars in Thousands Available-for-Sale: U.S. agencies Collateralized mortgage obligations Municipalities SBA pools Corporate debt Asset backed securities Total debt securities At December 31, 2020, fourteen asset-backed securities, seven Small Business Administration pools, three corporate debts, one U.S. agency, and one collateralized mortgage obligations make up the total debt securities in an unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months. At December 31, 2020, seven asset backed securities and three U.S. agencies make up the total debt securities in a loss position for less than 12 months. Management periodically evaluates each available-for-sale investment security in an unrealized loss position to determine if the impairment is temporary or other than temporary. This evaluation encompasses various factors including, the nature of the investment, the cause of the impairment, the severity and duration of the impairment, credit ratings and other credit related factors such as third party guarantees and the volatility of the security’s fair value. Management has determined that no investment security is other than temporarily impaired. The unrealized losses are due primarily to interest rate changes and the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is not likely that the Company will be required to sell the securities before the earlier of the forecasted recovery or the maturity of the underlying investment security. As of December 31, 2020, we did not have any investment securities that constituted 10% or more of the stockholders’ equity of any third-party issuer. 49 The following table summarizes the maturity and repricing schedule of our debt investment securities, which does not include equity securities, at their amortized cost and their weighted average yields at December 31, 2020: Debt Investment Maturities and Repricing Schedule Yields in the above table have been adjusted to a fully tax equivalent basis. Securities are reported at the earliest possible call, repricing or maturity date. Loans The following table sets forth the amount of total loans outstanding (including net deferred loan fees and costs) and the percentage distributions in each category, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. (Dollars in Thousands) Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Consumer Consumer residential Agriculture Unearned income YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 2019 $ 661,331 $ 607,002 292,006 636 30,887 28,255 (4,572) 77,704 1,274 36,647 28,358 (792) Total Loans, net of unearned income $ 1,008,543 $ 750,193 Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Consumer Consumer residential Agriculture Unearned income Total Loans, net of unearned income 65.6% 29.0% 0.1% 3.1% 2.8% -0.5% 100.0% 80.9% 10.4% 0.2% 4.9% 3.8% -0.1% 100.0% Commercial real estate loans increased $54,329,000 in 2020 as compared to 2019, due to the increased demand by qualified borrowers in our serving area. Of the commercial real estate loans at December 31, 2020, 64% are non-owner occupied and 36% are 50 YieldYieldYieldYieldYieldAvailable-for-sale:U.S. agencies$51.05%$4,1681.78%$4,3612.11%$14,2682.51%$22,8022.30%Collateralized mortgage obligations00.00%00.00%00.00%1,2501.53% 1,250 1.53%Municipalities8,5512.85%65,3513.66%38,3342.85%3,4705.66%115,7063.39%SBA pools00.00% 1,011 2.47% 2,609 2.64%1,4063.99% 5,026 2.98%Corporate debt3,6931.81%8,0361.95%2,5000.82%00.00%14,2291.72%Asset backed securities00.00% 1,960 0.76% 7,848 2.62%37,4190.97% 47,227 1.23%Total debt securities$12,2492.54%$80,5263.31%$55,6522.66%$57,8131.72%$206,2402.64% Within Five Years Within Ten YearsWithin One YearAfter One ButAfter Five But(Dollars in Thousands)AmountAmountAmountAmountAmountAfter Ten YearsTotal owner occupied. Our commercial real estate loan portfolio is weighted towards term loans for which the primary source of repayment is cash flow from net operating income of the real estate property. Commercial and industrial loans increased $214,302,000 in 2020 as compared to 2019, mainly due to the $210,822,000 in PPP loans outstanding at December 31, 2020 that were all funded during 2020 in response to the pandemic relief legislation. We have historically targeted well-established local businesses with strong guarantors that have proven to be resilient in periods of economic stress. Our residential loan portfolio includes no sub-prime loans, nor is it our normal practice to underwrite loans commonly referred to as "Alt-A mortgages", the characteristics of which are loans lacking full documentation, borrowers having low FICO scores or collateral compositions reflecting high loan-to-value ratios. Substantially all of our residential loans are indexed to Treasury Constant Maturity Rates and have provisions to reset five years after their origination dates. The following table summarizes our commercial real estate loan portfolio by the geographic location in which the property is located as of December 31, 2020 and 2019: (Dollars in Thousands) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ Commercial real estate loans by geographic location (County) Stanislaus San Joaquin Sacramento Fresno Tuolumne Contra Costa Shasta Merced Alameda Placer Marin Calaveras Santa Clara San Luis Obispo Sonoma Inyo San Francisco Solano Mono Butte Madera Other Total $ % of Commercial Real Estate Loans Amount % of Commercial Real Estate Loans Amount 184,853 141,749 58,608 43,858 26,547 22,010 17,918 13,982 12,183 11,981 11,626 9,347 8,890 7,350 7,058 5,801 5,160 4,966 4,785 3,896 3,624 55,139 661,331 $ 28.0% 21.4% 8.9% 6.6% 4.0% 3.3% 2.7% 2.1% 1.8% 1.8% 1.8% 1.4% 1.3% 1.1% 1.1% 0.9% 0.8% 0.8% 0.7% 0.6% 0.5% 8.4% 100.0% $ 160,790 131,199 54,757 46,975 31,795 14,453 8,075 17,336 10,421 11,316 11,885 12,168 9,059 7,452 7,166 7,127 5,285 5,161 4,249 4,327 2,720 43,286 607,002 26.5% 21.6% 9.0% 7.7% 5.2% 2.9% 1.3% 2.4% 1.7% 1.9% 2.0% 2.0% 1.5% 1.2% 1.2% 1.2% 0.9% 0.9% 0.7% 0.7% 0.4% 7.1% 100.0% 51 Construction and land loans are classified as commercial real estate loans and decreased $23.8 million in 2020 as compared to 2019. The table below shows an analysis of construction and land loans by type and location. Non-owner-occupied land loans of $5.3 million at December 31, 2020 included loans for lands specified for commercial development of $2.0 million and for residential development of $3.3 million, the majority of which are located in Stanislaus County. Construction and Land Loans Outstanding by Type and Geographic Location (Dollars in Thousands) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Construction and land loans by type Single family non-owner-occupied Single family owner-occupied Commercial non-owner-occupied Commercial owner-occupied Land non-owner-occupied Total Construction and land loans by geographic location (County) Stanislaus Fresno Sacramento Shasta San Joaquin Calaveras El Dorado Tuolumne Yolo Los Angeles Contra Costa Inyo San Mateo Other Total % of Construction and Land Loans 7.2% 2.7% 67.3% 8.7% 14.1% 100.0% Amount 2,712 1,030 25,426 3,291 5,318 37,777 % of Construction and Land Loans 34.5% 15.3% 14.0% 13.5% 9.3% 6.7% 3.8% 0.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.2% 100.0% Amount 13,016 5,766 5,279 5,112 3,528 2,524 1,422 281 0 0 0 0 0 849 37,777 $ $ $ $ % of Construction and Land Loans 2.7% 4.9% 49.5% 29.3% 13.6% 100.0% Amount 1,691 3,041 30,386 18,051 8,367 61,536 % of Construction and Land Loans 18.8% 16.8% 22.7% 7.9% 11.3% 2.7% 0.0% 1.5% 11.4% 2.6% 1.9% 1.4% 0.3% 0.7% 100.0% Amount 11,573 10,351 13,939 4,855 6,965 1,640 0 930 7,000 1,600 1,160 855 195 473 61,536 $ $ $ $ 52 Loan Maturities The following table shows the contractual maturity distribution and repricing intervals of the outstanding loans in our portfolio, as of December 31, 2020. In addition, the table shows the distribution of such loans between those with variable or floating interest rates and those with fixed or predetermined interest rates. The large majority of the variable rate loans are tied to independent indices (such as the Wall Street Journal prime rate or a Treasury Constant Maturity Rate). Substantially all loans with an original term of more than five years have provisions for the fixed rates to reset, or convert to a variable rate, after one, three or five years and are therefore classified as a variable rate loan in the table below. (In Thousands) Commercial real estate Commercial & industrial Consumer Consumer residential Agriculture Unearned income Total loans, net of unearned income Loans with variable (floating) interest rates Loans with predetermined (fixed) interest rates Loan Maturities and Repricing Schedule At December 31, 2020 Within One Year After One But Within Five Years After Five Years Total $ 82,552 $ 184,429 $ 394,349 $ 661,331 231,548 306 2,518 25,710 (1,546) 341,089 103,652 237,437 $ $ $ 48,406 287 12,945 2,145 (1,121) 247,091 146,661 100,430 $ $ $ 12,052 43 15,423 400 (1,905) 292,006 636 30,887 28,255 (4,572) $ $ $ 420,363 $ 1,008,543 260,276 160,087 $ $ 510,589 497,954 The majority of the properties taken as collateral are located in Northern California. We employ strict guidelines regarding the use of collateral located in less familiar market areas. Positive trends in Northern California real estate values, the low loan-to- value ratios in our commercial real estate portfolio, and the high percentage of owner-occupied properties further solidify our credit quality position. 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 have generally suffered their most severe earnings declines due to customers' inability to generate sufficient cash flow to service their debts and/or downturns in national and regional economies which have brought about declines in overall property values. 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. Nonperforming assets consist of loans on non-accrual status, loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest, loans restructured, where the terms of repayment have been renegotiated resulting in a reduction or deferral of interest or principal and OREO. Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when they become 90 days past due, unless management believes the loan is adequately collateralized and in the process of collection. The past due loans may or may not be adequately collateralized, but collection efforts are continuously pursued. Loans may be restructured by management when a borrower has experienced some changes in financial status, causing an inability to meet the original repayment terms, and where we believe the borrower will eventually overcome those circumstances and repay the loan in full. OREO consists of properties acquired by foreclosure or similar means and which management intends to offer for sale. The Company did not have any nonperforming loans at December 31, 2020, as compared to $1.1 million at December 31, 2019. The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans was 0.0% and 0.15% at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. 53 In addition, the Company held one OREO property as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, a residential land property that was acquired through foreclosure that was written down to a zero balance because the public utilities have not been obtainable, thereby rendering these land lots unmarketable at this time. Management believes that the reserve provided for nonperforming loans, together with the tangible collateral, were adequate as of December 31, 2020. See “Allowance for Loan Losses” below for further discussion. Except as disclosed above, as of December 31, 2020, management was not aware of any material credit problems of borrowers that would cause it to have serious doubts about the ability of a borrower to comply with the present loan payment terms. However, no assurance can be given that credit problems may exist that may not have been brought to the attention of management, or that credit problems may not arise in the future. The following table provides information with respect to the components of our nonperforming assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. (The figures in the table are net of the portion guaranteed by the U.S. Government): (Dollars in Thousands) Nonaccrual loans(1) Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Consumer Consumer residential Agriculture Total Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing (as to principal or interest): Total nonperforming loans Other real estate owned Total nonperforming assets Accruing restructured loans (2) Total impaired loans At December 31, 2020 2019 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ $ 855 0 0 248 0 1,103 0 $ 1,103 $ 0 1,103 0 $ 1,103 $ $ $ $ $ Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total loans and other real estate owned Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.15% 0.15% 829.19% (1) During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, no interest income related to these loans was included in net income while on nonaccrual status. Additional interest income of approximately $62,000 would have been recorded during the year ended December 31, 2019, if these loans had been paid in accordance with their original terms. (2) A “restructured loan” is one the terms of which were renegotiated to provide a concession because of deterioration in the financial position of the borrower. 54 Allowance for Loan Losses In anticipation of credit risk inherent in our lending business, we set aside allowances through charges to earnings. Such charges are not only made for the outstanding loan portfolio, but also for off-balance sheet items, such as commitments to extend credits or letters of credit. The charges made for the outstanding loan portfolio are credited to the allowance for loan losses, whereas charges for off-balance sheet items are credited to the reserve for off-balance sheet items, which is presented as a component of other liabilities. The provision for loan losses is discussed in the section entitled “Provision for Loan Losses” above. The balance of our allowance for loan losses is management's best estimate of the probable losses inherent in the portfolio. The ultimate adequacy of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond our control, including the real estate market, changes in interest rate and economic and political environments. In recent years, the economic recovery has had a positive impact on the financial stability of our borrowers resulting in improvements in credit quality of our loan portfolio which has allowed us to reduce the reserve for loan losses as a percentage of gross loans. In 2020, the economy slipped into a recession following the COVID-19 pandemic which inevitability impacted the financial condition of certain borrowers. We responded by making qualitative risk-based discretionary adjustments in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding economic stress. This adjustment combined with regular provisions corresponding to loan growth, resulted in an increase of $2,151,000 in the allowance for loan losses to $11,297,000 at December 31, 2020, as compared with $9,146,000 at December 31, 2019. In 2020, the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans decreased to 1.12% as of December 31, 2019, as compared to 1.22% as of December 31, 2019. This decrease as a percentage of total loans is due to the outstanding PPP loans that do not require a loan loss reserve as they are guaranteed by the federal government through the SBA program. Based on the current conditions of the loan portfolio, management believes that the $11,297,000 allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2020 is adequate to absorb losses inherent in our loan portfolio. No assurance can be given, however, that adverse economic conditions or other circumstances will not result in increased losses in the portfolio. Diversification, low loan-to-values, strong credit quality and enhanced credit monitoring contribute to a reduction in the portfolio’s overall risk in recent years and help to offset the economic risk corresponding to the current COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to monitor the impact of the economic environment, and adjustments to the provision for loan loss will be made accordingly. During 2020, the Company recognized net loan charge-offs of $14,000 as compared to $84,000 in 2019. Management reviews these conditions with our senior credit officers. To the extent that any of these conditions is evidenced by a specifically identifiable problem credit or portfolio segment as of the evaluation date, management’s estimate of the effect of such condition may be reflected as a specific allowance applicable to such credit or portfolio segment. Although management has allocated a portion of the allowance to specific loan categories, the adequacy of the allowance is considered in its entirety. Our allowance for loan losses consisted of amounts allocated to three phases of our methodology for assessing loan loss allowances, as follows (see details of methodology for assessing allowance for loan losses in the section entitled “Critical Accounting Policies”): (Dollars in Thousands) Phase of Methodology Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 Specific review of individual loans $ 0 $ Review of portfolio based on loss trends and current economic climate Review of portfolio based on inherent risk and other subjective factors 4,527 6,770 $ 11,297 $ 680 5,347 3,119 9,146 55 The Components of the Allowance for Loan Losses As stated previously in "Critical Accounting Policies," the overall allowance consists of a specific allowance for individually identified impaired loans, an allowance factor for categories of credits with similar characteristics and trends, and an allowance for changing environmental factors. The first component, the specific allowance, results from the analysis of identified problem credits and the evaluation of sources of repayment including collateral, as applicable. Through management's ongoing loan grading process, individual loans are identified that have conditions that indicate the borrower may be unable to pay all amounts due under the contractual terms. These loans are evaluated individually by management and specified allowances for loan losses are established when the discounted cash flows of future payments or collateral value of collateral-dependent loans are lower than the recorded investment in the loan. Generally, with problem credits that are collateral-dependent, we obtain appraisals of the collateral at least annually. We may obtain appraisals more frequently if we believe the collateral value is subject to market volatility, if a specific event has occurred to the collateral (e.g. tentative map has been filed), or if we believe foreclosure is imminent. Impaired loan balances decreased from $1,103,000 at December 31, 2019 to a zero balance at December 31, 2020. The specific allowance totaled $680,000 at December 31, 2019, and zero as of December 31, 2020, as we charge off substantially all of our estimated losses related to specifically identified impaired loans as the losses are identified. The second component, the allowance factor, is an estimate of the probable inherent losses in each loan pool stratified by major categories or loans with similar characteristics in our loan portfolio. This analysis encompasses segmenting and reviewing historical losses, loan grades by pool and current general economic and business conditions. Confirmation of the quality of our grading process is obtained by independent reviews conducted by consultants specifically hired for this purpose and by various bank regulatory agencies. This analysis covers our entire loan portfolio but excludes any loans that were analyzed individually for specific allowances as discussed above. There are limitations to any credit risk grading process. The number of loans makes it impractical to review every loan every quarter. Therefore, it is possible that in the future, some currently performing loans not recently graded will not be as strong as their last grading and an insufficient portion of the allowance will have been allocated to them. Grading and loan review often must be done without knowing whether all relevant facts are at hand. Troubled borrowers may deliberately or inadvertently omit important information from reports or conversations with lending officers regarding their financial condition and the diminished strength of repayment sources. The total amount allocated for the second component is determined by applying loss estimation factors based on loss history to outstanding loans. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the allowance allocated by categories of credits totaled $4.5 million and $5.3 million, respectively. The third component of the allowance for loan losses is an economic and qualitative component that is intended to absorb losses caused by portfolio trends, concentration of credit, growth, and economic trends, as stated previously in "Critical Accounting Policies". At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the general valuation allowance, including the economic component, totaled $6.8 million and $3.1 million, respectively. The increase is due in part to the qualitative risk-based adjustments pertaining to inherent risk associated with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While published economic data indicates that the economy is recovering from a recession cycle prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is uncertain that the recovery cycle will continue for any definite period of time. In response to this, we have been proactive in evaluating reserve percentages for economic and other qualitative loss factors used to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The increase to the third component of the allowance for loan losses reflected such evaluation. 56 The table below summarizes, for the periods indicated, loan balances at the end of each period, the daily averages during the period, changes in the allowance for loan losses arising from loans charged off, recoveries on loans previously charged off, additions to the allowance and certain ratios related to the allowance for loan losses: Allowance for Loan Losses (Dollars in thousands) Balances: Average total loans outstanding during period Total loans outstanding at end of period Allowance for loan losses: Balances at beginning of period Actual charge-offs: Consumer Consumer Residential Total charge-offs Recoveries on loans previously charged off: Commercial real estate Consumer Consumer Residential Total recoveries Net loan charge-offs Provision for loan losses Balance at end of period Ratios: Net loan charge-offs to average total loans Allowance for loan losses to total loans at end of period Net loan charge-offs to allowance for loan losses at end of period Net loan charge-offs to provision for loan losses 2020 2019 $ $ $ 930,578 1,013,115 9,146 $ $ $ 717,255 750,985 8,685 29 2 31 6 10 1 17 14 28 64 92 0 6 2 8 84 2,165 545 $ 11,297 $ 9,146 0.00% 1.12% 0.12% 0.65% 0.01% 1.22% 0.92% 15.41% 57 The table below summarizes the allowance for loan loss balance by type of loan balance at the end of each period (See “Loan Portfolio” above for a description of each type of loan balance): Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Amount % of Loan Balance to Gross Loans Amount % of Loan Balance to Gross Loans Applicable to: Commercial real estate $ Commercial and Industrial Consumer Consumer Residential Agriculture 9,310 1,079 22 325 561 $ 65.3% 28.8% 0.1% 3.0% 2.8% 7,250 1,002 38 331 525 80.9% 10.3% 0.2% 4.9% 3.7% Total Allowance $ 11,297 100.0% $ 9,146 100.0% Other Earning Assets For various business purposes, we make investments in earning assets other than the interest-earning securities and loans discussed above. The primary other earning assets held by the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, includes the cash surrender value of the BOLI policies, Federal Home Loan Bank stock and Federal Reserve Bank stock. During 2019, we purchased 4 new life insurance policies on certain directors and employees for a total investment of $5 million. During 2018, we committed to invest $5 million in a low-income housing tax credit fund (“LIHTC”) to promote our participation in CRA activities, which had an unfunded commitment of $1,425,000 as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we held another LIHTC investment that we’ve participated in since 2006, for which the original investment was $1 million, and there were no unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. For both LIHTC investments, we receive the return in the form of tax credits and tax deductions over a period of approximately 15 years. In 2017, we made a $1 million commitment as a limited partner, to a small business private equity partnership to promote our participation in CRA activities. Returns will be received in the form of dividends from the general partner. As of December 31, 2020, we have remaining commitments to fund an additional $470,000 on this investment. The balances of other earning assets as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows: (Dollars in Thousands) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 BOLI LIHTCs Small business private equity partnership Federal Reserve Bank Stock Federal Home Loan Bank Stock $ $ $ $ $ 25,325 $ 4,158 $ $ 530 754 $ 4,003 $ 24,631 4,640 480 758 4,003 58 Deposits and Other Sources of Funds Deposits Total deposits at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $1,367,809,000 and $1,019,929,000, respectively, representing an increase of $347,880,000 or 34.1% in 2020. The average deposits for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased $254,121,000 or 26.3% to $1,218,56,000 compared to $964,444,000 at December 31, 2019. Deposits are the Company’s primary source of funds. Due to strategic emphasis by management, core deposits (based on definition provided by FDIC’s Uniform Bank Performance Report) increased by $350.1 million or 35.0% in 2020 to $1.35 billion at December 31, 2020. The percentage of core deposits to total deposits increased slightly to 98.8% at December 31, 2020 as compared to 98.2% at December 31, 2019. The average rate paid on time deposits in denominations of over $250,000 was 0.28% and 0.47% for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. 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 herein. See “Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin” for further discussion. 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 $250,000, as customers with balances of that magnitude are typically more rate-sensitive than customers with smaller balances. The following tables summarize the distribution of average daily deposits and the average daily rates paid for the periods indicated: (Dollars in Thousands) Demand Money market Savings Time deposits $250,000 and under Time deposits over $250,000 Total deposits $ 1,218,566 Distribution of Average Daily Deposits Average Deposits 2020 2019 Average Balance Average Rate Average Balance Average Rate $ 812,703 270,184 99,506 20,051 16,122 0.18% 0.15% 0.05% 0.28% 0.53% 0.09% $ 610,180 232,866 82,271 21,792 17,335 $ 964,444 0.36% 0.20% 0.06% 0.28% 0.47% 0.16% The scheduled maturities of our time deposits in denominations of more than $250,000 at December 31, 2020 are as follows: Maturities of Time Deposits over $250,000 (Dollars in Thousands) Three months or less Over three months through six months Over six months through twelve months Over twelve months Total $ $ 505 2,498 10,221 2,910 16,134 59 Because our client base is comprised primarily of commercial and industrial accounts, individual account balances are generally higher than those of consumer-oriented banks. Three of our clients carry deposit balances of more than 1% of our total deposits, none of which had a deposit balance of more than 3% of total deposits at December 31, 2020. The Company had no brokered deposits as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. FHLB Borrowings Although deposits are the primary source of funds for our lending and investment activities and for general business purposes, we may obtain advances from the FHLB as an alternative to retail deposit funds. We had no outstanding balances as of December 31, 2020 but did advance $50 million during the second quarter of 2020 in anticipation of PPP loan fundings, which was fully paid off by July 2020. The average balance of FHLB advances outstanding in 2020 was $10.8 million for which we paid an average interest rate of 0.32%. We had no outstanding balances as of December 31, 2019 or at any time during 2019. See “Liquidity Management” below for the details on the FHLB borrowings program. Return on Equity and Assets The following table sets forth certain information regarding our return on equity and assets for the periods indicated: Return on average assets Return on average common equity Dividend payout ratio Equity to assets ratio Deferred Compensation Obligations Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 1.00 % 11.40 % 16.67 % 8.58 % 1.15 % 11.78 % 17.53 % 9.81 % We maintain a nonqualified, unfunded deferred compensation plan for certain key management personnel. Under this plan, participating employees may defer compensation, which will entitle them to receive certain payments upon retirement, death, or disability. The plan provides for payments commencing upon retirement and reduced benefits upon early retirement, disability, or termination of employment. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, our aggregate payment obligations under this plan totaled $10.6 million and $9.9 million, respectively. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements During the ordinary course of business, we provide various forms of credit lines to meet the financing needs of our customers. These commitments, which represent a credit risk to us, are not represented in any form on our balance sheets. As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, we had commitments to extend credit of $145.7 million and $164.7 million, respectively. Obligations under standby letters of credit, included in total commitments to extend credit, were $2.9 million and $3.1 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and there were no obligations under commercial letters of credit for either period. The effect on our revenues, expenses, cash flows and liquidity from the unused portion of the commitments to provide credit cannot be reasonably predicted because there is no guarantee that the lines of credit will be used. For more information regarding our off balance sheet arrangements, see Note 13- Commitments and Other Contingencies- to our 2020 year-end consolidated financial statements located elsewhere in this report. 60 Contractual Obligations The following chart summarizes certain contractual obligations of the Company as of December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands): Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years Total Operating lease obligations $ 1,199 $ 2,147 $ 1,274 $ 1,736 $ Supplemental retirement plans 122 364 646 3,359 6,356 4,491 Time deposit maturities 27,255 9,663 920 - 37,838 Total $ 28,576 $ 12,174 $ 2,840 $ 5,095 $ 48,685 As permitted or required under California law and to the maximum extent allowable under that law, we have certain obligations to indemnify our current and former officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was serving, at our request in such capacity. These indemnification obligations are valid as long as the director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The maximum potential amount of future payments that we could be required to make under these indemnification obligations is unlimited; however, we have a director and officer insurance policy that mitigates our exposure and enables us to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. We believe the estimated fair value of these indemnification obligations is minimal. Liquidity and Asset/Liability Management Management seeks to ascertain optimum and stable utilization of available assets and liabilities as a vehicle to attain our overall business plans and objectives. In this regard, management focuses on measurement and control of liquidity risk, interest rate risk and market risk, capital adequacy, operation risk and credit risk. Liquidity Liquidity to meet borrowers’ credit and depositors’ withdrawal demands is provided by maturing assets, short-term liquid assets that can be converted to cash and the ability to attract funds from depositors. Additional sources of liquidity may include institutional deposits, advances from the FHLB and other short-term borrowings, such as federal funds purchased. Since our deposit growth strategy emphasizes core deposit growth, we have avoided relying on brokered deposits as a consistent source of funds. The Company had no brokered deposits as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. As a secondary source of liquidity, we rely on advances from the FHLB to supplement our supply of lendable funds and to meet deposit withdrawal requirements. Advances from the FHLB are typically secured by a portion of our loan portfolio and stock issued by the FHLB. The FHLB determines limitations on the amounts of advances by assigning a percentage to each eligible loan category that will count towards the borrowing capacity. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had no FHLB advances outstanding and had sufficient collateral to borrow an additional $317.6 million and $275.2 million, respectively. In addition, the Company had lines of credit with its correspondent banks to purchase overnight federal funds totaling $70 million and $30 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. No advances were made on these lines of credit as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company’s liquidity depends primarily on dividends paid to it as the sole shareholder of the Bank. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company may depend on whether the Bank will be in a position to pay dividends based on regulatory requirements and the performance of the Bank. Maintenance of adequate liquidity requires that sufficient resources be available at all time to meet our cash flow requirements. Liquidity in a banking institution is required primarily to provide for deposit withdrawals and the credit needs of its customers and to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise. Liquidity management involves our ability to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without incurring significant loss, and to raise cash or maintain funds without incurring excessive additional cost. For this purpose, we maintain a portion of our funds in cash and cash equivalents, loans and securities available for sale. Our liquid assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019 totaled approximately $336.6 million and $241.0 million, respectively. Our liquidity level measured as the percentage of liquid assets to total assets was 22.3% and 21.0% at December 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively. 61 Capital Resources and Capital Adequacy Requirements In the past two years, our primary source of capital has been internally generated operating income through retained earnings. At December 31, 2020, total shareholders’ equity increased to $129.7 million, representing an increase of $17.1 million from December 31, 2019. The increase was due to net income of $13.7 million recorded to retained earnings, and other comprehensive income of $5.3 million, net of income taxes, due to the positive effect that declining treasury yields had on the unrealized market value adjustment of our available for sale investment portfolio during 2020. Also, retained earnings was reduced by the common stock dividend payments totaling $2.3 million during 2020. As of December 31, 2020, we had no material commitments for capital expenditures. We are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can trigger regulatory actions that could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements and operations. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, we must meet specific capital guidelines that rely on the quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Our capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. (See “Description of Business-Regulation and Supervision-Capital Adequacy Requirements” in this report for exact definitions and regulatory capital requirements.) As of December 31, 2020, we were qualified as a “well capitalized institution” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. The following table presents the regulatory minimums for well-capitalized institutions, compared to the Bank’s capital ratios as of the dates specified: Total capital to risk-weighted assets Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets Common equity tier 1 risk-weighted assets Tier I capital to average assets Regulatory Minimum (1) 10.5% 8.5% 7.0% 4.0% December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 13.1% 12.0% 12.0% 8.0% 12.3% 11.3% 11.3% 9.5% (1) 2019. The “Regulatory Minimum” thresholds in the table above are reflected on a fully phased-in basis, which occurred in January 62 ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. 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 should 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 a high percentage of variable rate earning assets and a vast majority of its deposits are non-maturing that reprice only at management’s discretion based on competition in the banking industry and liquidity needs of the Company. 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). 63  Presented below, as of December 31, 2020, is an analysis of the Company's interest rate risk as measured by changes in net interest income, for instantaneous and sustained parallel shifts of applicable interest rates, over one and two-year projection periods: Asset sensitivity indicates that in a rising interest rate environment the Company's net interest income would increase and in a decreasing interest rate environment the Company's net interest income would decrease. Liability sensitivity indicates that in a rising interest rate environment a Company's net interest income would decrease and in a decreasing interest rate environment the Company's net interest income would increase. For all of 2020, we were "asset-sensitive" meaning we expect our net interest income to increase as market rates increase and to decrease as market rates decrease. The relative level of asset sensitivity as of December 31, 2020 has increased from 2019 primarily due to an increase in sensitivity from higher interest-bearing cash balances. In the decreasing interest rate environments, we show a decline in net interest income as interest-bearing assets re-price lower while deposits remain at or near their floors. It should be noted that although net interest income simulation results are presented for down rate scenarios, most market rate reach zero before declining the full 100 basis points, and our simulation parameters floor rates at zero and assume they do not go negative. Therefore, results are less sensitive in down-rate exposure as compared to the prior year. Management believes that our interest rate risk modeling overcomes three shortcomings of the typical maturity gap methodology. First, it does not use arbitrary repricing intervals and accounts for all expected future cash flows. Second, because our model projects cash flows of each financial instrument under different interest rate environments, it can incorporate the effect of embedded options on an institution's interest rate risk exposure. Third, it allows interest rates on different instruments to change by varying amounts in response to a change in market interest rates, resulting in more accurate estimates of cash flows. However, as with any method of gauging interest rate risk, there are certain shortcomings inherent to the methodology. 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. 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 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. Impact of Inflation; Seasonality Inflation primarily impacts us by its effect on interest rates. Our primary source of income is net interest income, which is affected by changes in interest rates. We attempt to limit the impact of inflation on our net interest margin through management of rate- sensitive assets and liabilities and the analysis of interest rate sensitivity. The effect of inflation on premises and equipment as well as noninterest expenses has not been significant for the periods covered in this report. Our business is generally not seasonal. 64 (in thousands)Interest Rate Shock Scenario1 Year ProjectionDown 200Down 100BaseUp 100Up 200Up 300Up 400Interest Income$40,942 $43,778 $47,554 $53,485 $59,651 $65,919 $72,225 Interest Expense402 402 1,162 4,274 7,393 10,512 13,630 Net Interest Income$40,540 $43,376 $46,391 $49,211 $52,258 $55,408 $58,595 % Change-12.61%-6.50%6.08%12.65%19.44%26.31%2 Year ProjectionDown 100Down 100BaseUp 100Up 200Up 300Up 400Interest Income$75,032 $84,140 $94,418 $108,719 $123,479 $138,538 $153,756 Interest Expense786 786 2,381 8,939 15,511 22,083 28,655 Net Interest Income$74,245 $83,354 $92,037 $99,780 $107,968 $116,456 $125,101 % Change-19.33%-9.43%8.41%17.31%26.53%35.92%  ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA Our consolidated financial statements and the Independent Auditors’ Report appear on pages F-1 through F-45 of this Report and are incorporated into this Item 8 by reference. INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MANAGEMENT’S ASSESSMENT OF INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Balance sheets Statements of income Statements of comprehensive income Statements of shareholders’ equity Statements of cash flows Notes to financial statements PAGE F-1 F-2 F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 F-8 F-10 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Disclosure Controls and Procedures We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any system of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. As required by SEC rules, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness, as of December 31, 2020, of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Management of Oak Valley Bancorp is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those written policies and procedures that: 65 • • • • pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; provide reasonable assurance that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization of our management and board of directors; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Internal control over financial reporting includes the controls themselves, monitoring and internal auditing practices and actions taken to correct deficiencies as identified. 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 risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or because the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Our management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design and the testing of the operational effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. Based on that assessment, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2020 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting subsequent to the Evaluation Date. We have not experienced any significant impact to our internal controls over financial reporting despite the fact that most of our employees are working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The design of our processes and controls allow for remote execution with accessibility to secure data. We are continually monitoring and assessing the COVID-19 situation to minimize the impact, if any, on the design and operating effectiveness on our internal controls. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None. 66 ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PART III The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Corporate Governance and Board Matters,” and “Information About Directors and Executive Officers” in our Proxy Statement to be filed prior to the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Company and the Company have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all staff including the Chief Executive Officer, and the Chief Financial Officer. A copy of the Code of Ethics will be provided to any person, without charge, upon written request to Corporate Secretary, Oak Valley Bancorp, 125 North Third Avenue, Oakdale, CA 95361. Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act requires the Company’s officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that for the 2020 fiscal year the officers and directors of the Company complied with all applicable filing requirements, except for the late filings for the directors in the table below: Name Allison Lafferty Daniel Leonard Don Barton Randolph Holder Tom Haidlen Terrance Withrow Form 4 4 4 4 4 4 Transaction Type Purchase Purchase Purchase Purchase Purchase Purchase Transaction Date 2/12/2020 2/18/2020 4/27/2020 5/5/2020 8/3/2020 9/22/2020 # of Shares 600 391 4,500 42 2,249 5,300 ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Section entitled “Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in our Proxy Statement to be filed prior to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. 67 ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Equity Compensation Plan Information The following table provides information as of December 31, 2020 with respect to shares of our common stock that are authorized to be issued under the Company’s 2018 Equity Plan. Shares subject to restricted stock awards are not included in the table below. Plan Category Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Shareholders Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Shareholders Total A B Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights C Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column A) 0 $ 0 0 $ 0 0 0 558,299 0 558,299 Certain information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in our Proxy Statement to be filed prior to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Certain Relationship and Related Transactions” in our Proxy Statement to be filed prior to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to “Proposal No. 2: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our Proxy Statement to be filed prior to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES PART IV Documents Filed as Part of this Report: (a)(1) Financial Statements The Financial Statements of the Company and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are set forth on pages F-1 through F-45. (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 68 Exhibit Number INDEX TO EXHIBITS Description 3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Oak Valley Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10 filed on July 31, 2008). 3.2 First Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Oak Valley Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 10 filed on July 31, 2008). 3.3 Bylaws of Oak Valley Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Form 10 filed on July 31, 2008). 3.4 First Amended and Restated Bylaws of Oak Valley Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Form 8-A filed on January 14, 2009). 3.5 Certificate of Amendment of Bylaws dated effective as of August 11, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Form 10-Q filed on November 14, 2011). 3.6 4.1 Amendment of Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2013). Description of Securities of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 10-K filed on March 13, 2020) 10.1 Oak Valley Community Bank Form of Director Retirement Agreement. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10 filed on July 31, 2008). 10.2 Oak Valley Bancorp 2008 Equity Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form S-8 filed on March 25, 2009). 10.3 Oak Valley Bancorp 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed as of May 7, 2018). † 10.4 Oak Valley Community Bank Form of Executive Salary Continuation Agreement. 10.5 Executive Employment Agreement between Richard A. McCarty and Oak Valley Bancorp dated March 19, 2021. 14 Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2009). 21 Subsidiaries of the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to the Form 10 filed on July 31, 2008). 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Accounting Firm. 24 Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this report). 31.01 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 31.02 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.01 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* 101 The following financial statements from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, (iv) Consolidated Statements of 69 Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial. 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) * † Furnished, not filed. Indicates management contract or compensatory plan. ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY None. 70 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “1934 Act”) the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Oakdale, California on March 31, 2021. SIGNATURES OAK VALLEY BANCORP a California corporation By: /s/ CHRISTOPHER M. COURTNEY Christopher M. Courtney, President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the 1934 Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated. POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and directors of the registrant hereby constitutes and appoints Christopher M. Courtney and Jeffrey A. Gall, and each of them, as lawful attorney-in-fact and agent for each of the undersigned (with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in the name, place and stead of each of the undersigned officers and directors), to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1934 Act any and all amendments, supplements and exhibits to this report and any and all other documents in connection therewith, hereby granting unto said attorneys- in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or desirable to be done in order to effectuate the same as fully and to all intents and purposes as each of the undersigned might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Signature Title /s/ DONALD L. BARTON Donald Barton Director /s/ CHRISTOPHER M. COURTNEY Christopher M. Courtney President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ LYNN R. DICKERSON Lynn R. Dickerson Director /s/ JEFFREY A. GALL Jeffrey A. Gall /s/ JAMES L. GILBERT James L. Gilbert /s/ THOMAS A. HAIDLEN Thomas A. Haidlen /s/ H. RANDOLPH HOLDER H. Randolph Holder /s/ DANIEL J. LEONARD Daniel J. Leonard Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Principal Accounting Officer) Director Director Director Director Date March 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 /s/ RONALD C. MARTIN Director March 31, 2021 71 Ronald C. Martin /s/ JANET S. PELTON Janet S. Pelton /s/ DANNY L. TITUS Danny L. Titus /s/ TERRANCE P. WITHROW Terrance P. Withrow /s/ ALLISON C. LAFFERTY Allison C. Lafferty Director Director Director Director March 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 72 MANAGEMENT’S ASSESSMENT OF INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING The management of Oak Valley Bancorp is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control system was designed to ensure that material information regarding our operations is made available to management and the board of directors to provide them reasonable assurance that the published financial statements are fairly presented. There are limitations inherent in any internal control, such as the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls. As a result, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. As conditions change over time so too may the effectiveness of internal controls. Our management has evaluated our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO 2013) of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020. /s/ CHRISTOPHER M. COURTNEY Christopher M. Courtney, President and Chief Executive Officer /s/ JEFFREY A. GALL Jeffrey A. Gall, Chief Financial Officer F-1 To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Oak Valley Bancorp Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Oak Valley Bancorp and its subsidiary (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. Critical Audit Matters The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate. Allowance for Loan Losses As described in Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company's allowance for loan losses (allowance) represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans and, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based on management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. The allowance is comprised of three components: (1) specific valuation allowances determined in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 310 based on probable losses on specific loans, which represented $0 at December 31, 2020; (2) a historical allowance determined in accordance with ASC Topic 450 based on historical loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends, adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the impact of current conditions; and (3) an adjustment to historical losses determined in accordance with ASC Topic 450 based on general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company. The historical allowance combined with the adjustments for qualitative conditions represented $11,297,000 at December 31, 2020. The determination of the qualitative factors requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to the collectability of loans based on the experience, ability and effectiveness of the Company’s lending management and F-2 staff, the effectiveness of the Company’s loan policies, procedures and internal controls, changes in asset quality, changes in loan portfolio volume, the composition and concentrations of credit, the impact of competition on loan structuring and pricing, the effectiveness of the internal loan review function, the impact of environmental risks on portfolio risks, and the impact of rising interest rates on portfolio risk. Management believes changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on the value of the allowance. We identified the qualitative factors within the allowance as a critical audit matter. The qualitative factors within the allowance are a significant accounting estimate involving management's judgments and subjectivity. In turn, auditing management's judgments regarding the qualitative factors involved a high degree of subjectivity. The primary audit procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included, among others: • Obtaining an understanding of the management review control over the determination, review and approval of the qualitative factors and testing such control for design and operating effectiveness, as well as understanding of the controls over the data used in the determination of the qualitative factors. • Testing the data inputs used in the determination of qualitative factors to ensure completeness and accuracy by comparing to source documents and independently validating external data. • Evaluating management's process for determining the qualitative factors within the allowance, including evaluating whether the conclusions reached by management with respect to the final qualitative factor adjustments applied for each component were reasonable after considering internal and external data and assumptions related to those qualitative factors. Goodwill Impairment Assessment As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s goodwill balance was $3,313,000 at December 31, 2020, which is allocated to the Company’s sole reporting unit. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment, at a minimum, on an annual basis. To test for goodwill impairment, the Company applies a qualitative analysis of conditions in order to determine if it is more likely than not that the carrying value is impaired. In the event that the qualitative analysis suggests that the carrying value of goodwill may be impaired, the Company uses several quantitative valuation methodologies in evaluating goodwill for impairment. We identified the applicable goodwill impairment evaluations performed during the period as a critical audit matter. Goodwill impairment is a significant accounting estimate for which our audit procedures to evaluate management's judgments involved subjectivity and increased audit effort, including use of an internal specialist. • The primary audit procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included, among others: Obtaining an understanding of the management review controls relating to management’s goodwill impairment test, including the management review control over the reporting unit determination and the determination of the fair value of the reporting unit, and testing such controls for design and operating effectiveness. • Evaluating management’s determination of reporting units by reviewing management’s documentation discussing the conclusion of the chief operating decision maker and comparing to internal company data and assessing for reasonableness. • Utilizing an internal valuation specialist to assist in performing the following: o Evaluating the methodologies utilized by management. o Testing key inputs used by management to determine the fair value of the reporting unit, including: - - Independently assessing the appropriateness of selected acquisitions for comparable institutions. Independently obtaining data to verify the multiple of total value paid to target tangible equity for the acquisitions and the average control premiums for the acquisitions. /s/ RSM US LLP We have served as the Company's auditor since 2018. San Francisco, CA March 31, 2021 F-3 OAK VALLEY BANCORP CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (dollars in thousands) ASSETS Cash and due from banks Federal funds sold Cash and cash equivalents Securities - available for sale Securities - equity investments Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $11,297 and $9,146 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively Cash surrender value of life insurance Bank premises and equipment, net Goodwill and other intangible assets, net Interest receivable and other assets December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ 193,571 $ 33,085 226,656 217,164 3,425 997,246 25,325 15,770 3,740 22,152 133,809 13,785 147,594 190,088 3,297 741,047 24,631 15,229 3,837 22,062 $ 1,511,478 $ 1,147,785 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Deposits Interest payable and other liabilities Total liabilities $ 1,367,809 $ 13,975 1,381,784 1,019,929 15,286 1,035,215 Shareholders’ equity Common stock, no par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 8,218,873 and 8,210,147 shares issued and outstanding at at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax Total shareholders’ equity See accompanying notes F-4 25,435 4,216 92,349 7,694 129,694 25,435 3,777 80,961 2,397 112,570 $ 1,511,478 $ 1,147,785 OAK VALLEY BANCORP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) INTEREST INCOME Interest and fees on loans Interest on securities Interest on federal funds sold Interest on deposits with banks Total interest income INTEREST EXPENSE Deposits FHLB advances Total interest expense Net interest income Provision for loan losses YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 2019 $ 39,952 5,640 57 461 46,110 $ 34,813 5,872 242 1,675 42,602 1,119 34 1,153 44,957 2,165 1,568 0 1,568 41,034 545 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 42,792 40,489 NON-INTEREST INCOME Service charges on deposits Debit card transaction fee income Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance Mortgage commissions Gains on calls of available-for-sale securities Gain on sale of other real estate owned Other Total non-interest income NON-INTEREST EXPENSE Salaries and employee benefits Occupancy expenses Data processing fees Regulatory assessments (FDIC & DFPI) Other operating expenses Total non-interest expense Net income before provision for income taxes Total provision for income taxes Net Income 1,272 1,355 694 130 2 34 1,328 4,815 17,972 3,642 2,062 324 5,864 29,864 17,743 4,056 1,619 1,297 602 88 138 0 1,303 5,047 17,400 3,493 1,907 270 5,777 28,847 16,689 4,200 $ 13,687 $ 12,489 Net income per share $ 1.68 $ 1.54 Net income per diluted share $ 1.68 $ 1.54 See accompanying notes F-5 OAK VALLEY BANCORP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (dollars in thousands) Net income Other comprehensive income: Unrealized gains on securities: YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 2019 $ 13,687 $ 12,489 Unrealized holding gains arising during the period Less: reclassification for net gains included in net income Other comprehensive income, before tax Tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income Total other comprehensive income Comprehensive income 7,521 (2) 7,519 (2,222) 5,297 $ 18,984 $ 4,160 (138) 4,022 (1,190) 2,832 15,321 See accompanying notes F-6 OAK VALLEY BANCORP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY See accompanying notes F-7 AccumulatedAdditionalOtherTotalPaid-inRetainedComprehensiveShareholders’(dollars in thousands)SharesAmountCapitalEarningsIncome (Loss)EquityBalances, January 1, 20198,194,805$25,429$3,358$70,686$(435)$99,038Stock options exercised1,00066Restricted stock issued26,0950Restricted stock forfeited(4,500)0Restricted stock surrendered for tax withholding(7,253)(130)(130)Cash dividends declared $0.27 per share of common stock(2,214)(2,214)Stock based compensation549549Other comprehensive income2,8322,832Net income12,48912,489Balances, December 31, 20198,210,147$25,435$3,777$80,961$2,397$112,570Restricted stock issued17,7560Restricted stock forfeited(2,400) 0Restricted stock surrendered for tax withholding(6,630) (110) (110)Cash dividends declared $0.28 per share of common stock(2,299)(2,299)Stock based compensation549 549Other comprehensive income5,297 5,297Net income13,687 13,687Balances, December 31, 20208,218,873$25,435$4,216$92,349$7,694$129,694YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019Common Stock OAK VALLEY BANCORP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (dollars in thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities: Provision for loan losses Increase (decrease) in deferred fees/costs, net Depreciation Amortization of investment securities, net Stock based compensation Gain on sale of OREO property Gain on calls of available for sale securities Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance Increase in deferred tax asset Increase in interest payable and other liabilities (Increase) decrease in interest receivable Decrease (increase) in other assets Net cash from operating activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchases of available for sale securities Purchases of equity securities Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns of securities available for sale Investment in LIHTC Net increase in loans Purchase of FHLB Stock Purchase of BOLI policies Proceeds from sale of OREO Purchases of premises and equipment Net cash used in investing activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: FHLB advanced funds FHLB payments Shareholder cash dividends paid Net increase in demand deposits and savings accounts Net decrease in time deposits Proceeds from exercise of stock options Tax withholding payments on vested restricted shares surrendered Net cash from financing activities YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 2019 $ 13,687 $ 12,489 2,165 3,780 1,199 545 549 (34) (2) (694) (479) 262 (2,232) 494 19,240 (68,677) (80) 48,531 (1,573) (262,281) 0 0 171 (1,740) (285,649) 50,000 (50,000) (2,299) 348,969 (1,089) 0 (110) 345,471 545 (205) 1,091 899 549 0 (138) (602) (229) 6,527 298 (4,015) 17,209 (26,181) (90) 45,965 (595) (39,168) (404) (5,000) 0 (1,383) (26,856) 0 0 (2,214) 36,819 (3,385) 6 (130) 31,096 NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 79,062 21,449 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period 147,594 126,145 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid during the period for: Interest F-8 $ $ 226,656 $ 147,594 1,149 $ 1,558 Income taxes NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Real estate acquired through foreclosure Change in unrealized gain on securities Lease right-of-use assets NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Present value of lease obligations See accompanying notes $ $ $ $ $ 4,338 $ 3,870 137 $ 7,521 $ 273 $ 0 4,021 4,312 (210) $ (4,698) F-9 OAK VALLEY BANCORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1 — SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Operations On July 3, 2008 (the “Effective Date”), a bank holding company reorganization was completed whereby Oak Valley Bancorp (“the Company”) became the parent holding company for Oak Valley Community Bank (the “Bank”). On the Effective Date, a tax-free exchange was completed whereby each outstanding share of the Bank was converted into one share of the Company and the Bank became the sole wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of common stock, without par value, of which 8,218,873 are issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value, of which no shares are issued and outstanding. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated. In the opinion of Management, the consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows. All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Oak Valley Community Bank is a California State chartered bank. The Company was incorporated under the laws of the state of California on May 31, 1990 and began operations in Oakdale on May 28, 1991. The Company operates branches in Oakdale, Sonora, Bridgeport, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Modesto, Manteca, Patterson, Turlock, Ripon, Stockton, Escalon and Sacramento, California. The Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes, and Bishop branches operate as a separate division, Eastern Sierra Community Bank. The Company’s primary source of revenue is providing loans to customers who are predominantly middle-market businesses. 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. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include the allowance for loan losses, accounting for income taxes, fair value measurements and goodwill impairment. Actual results could differ from these estimates due to the uncertainty around the magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other factors. A summary of the significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows. Subsequent events — The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2020 through the date of the filing for potential recognition or disclosure. Cash and cash equivalents — The Company has defined cash and cash equivalents to include cash, due from banks, certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less, and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day periods. At times throughout the year, balances can exceed FDIC insurance limits. Securities available for sale — Available-for-sale securities consist of bonds, notes, and debentures not classified as trading securities or held-to-maturity securities. Available-for-sale securities with unrealized holding gains and losses are reported as an amount in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. Gains and losses on the sale or call of available-for-sale securities are determined using the specific identification method. The amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized as adjustments to interest income over the period to maturity, except for premiums on securities with call dates which are amortized to the earliest call date. Consistent with ASU 2016-01, equity securities consist of those securities with readily determinable fair value and are carried at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of income. Investments with fair values that are less than amortized cost are considered impaired. Impairment may result from either a decline in the financial condition of the issuing entity or, in the case of fixed interest rate investments, from rising interest rates. At each consolidated financial statement date, management assesses each investment to determine if impaired investments are temporarily impaired or if the impairment is other than temporary. This assessment includes a determination of whether the Company intends to sell the security, or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit losses. For debt securities that are considered other than temporarily impaired and that the F-10 Company does not intend to sell and will not be required to sell prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis, the amount of impairment is separated into the amount that is credit related (credit loss component) and the amount due to all other factors. The credit loss component is recognized in earnings and is calculated as the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows. The remaining difference between the security’s fair value and the present value of the future expected cash flows is deemed to be due to factors that are not credit related and is recognized in other comprehensive income. If the Company sold an impaired security, both the credit loss component and amount due to other factors would be recognized through earnings as described above. Other real estate owned — Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are to be sold and are initially recorded at fair value of the property at the date of foreclosure less estimated selling costs. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed and any subject revisions in the estimate of fair value are reported as adjustment to the carrying value of the real estate, provided the adjusted carrying amount does not exceed the original amount at foreclosure. Revenues and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in other operating expenses. Loans originated — Loans are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income, deferred loan fees, and the allowance for loan losses. Unearned discounts on installment loans are recognized as income over the terms of the loans. Interest on other loans is calculated by using the simple interest method on the daily balance of the principal amount outstanding. Loan fees net of certain direct costs of origination are deferred and amortized, as an adjustment to interest yield, over the estimated life of the loan. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as non-accrual loans. Accrual of interest on loans is discontinued either when reasonable doubt exists as to the full and timely collection of interest or principal or when a loan becomes contractually past due by ninety days or more with respect to interest or principal. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, all interest previously accrued, but not collected, is reversed against current period interest income. Income on such loans is then recognized only to the extent that cash is received and where the future collection of principal is probable. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought fully current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest. Allowance for loan losses — The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to operations. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries of previously charged off amounts, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based on management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additional allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination. The Company’s allowance for loan losses consists of three elements: (i) specific valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 310 based on probable losses on specific impaired loans measured on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent; (ii) historical valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 450 based on historical loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends, adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the impact of current conditions; and (iii) general valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 450 based on general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company. The Company considers a loan impaired when it is probable that all amounts of principal and interest due, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, will not be collected. Interest income is recognized on impaired loans in the same manner as non-accrual loans. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length F-11 of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. The method for calculating the allowance for unfunded loan commitments is based on an allowance percentage which is less than other outstanding loan types because they are at a lower risk level. This allowance percentage is evaluated by management periodically and is applied to the total undisbursed loan commitment balance to calculate the allowance for unfunded loan commitments which is recorded included in interest payable and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company considers a loan to be a troubled debt restructure (“TDR”) when the Company has granted a concession and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. 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 internal underwriting policy. A TDR loan is kept on non-accrual status until the borrower has paid for six consecutive months with no payment defaults, at which time the TDR is placed back on accrual status. A TDR loan is impaired and a specific valuation allowance is allocated, if necessary, so that the TDR loan is reported net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the TDR loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Premises and equipment — Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided for in amounts sufficient to relate the cost of depreciable assets to operations over their estimated service lives using the straight-line basis. The estimated lives used in determining depreciation and amortization are: Building Equipment 31.5 years 3 – 12 years Furniture and fixtures 3 – 7 years Leasehold improvements 5 – 15 years The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) on the effective date of January 1, 2019. All of the Company’s leases were determined to be operating leases. The Company determined the operating lease liability as of January 1, 2019, by calculating the present value of remaining base rent cash payments on each of its leases, excluding any renewal options regardless of the likelihood that the option would be exercised. The resulting operating lease liability recorded as of January 1, 2019 was $5,246,000, which is included in interest payable and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The ROU asset was then determined by adjusting the operating lease liability by deferred rent and unamortized tenant improvement allowance. The ROU asset recorded on January 1, 2019 was $4,817,000, which is included in interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the remaining term of the lease. The straight- line method of depreciation is followed for all assets for financial reporting purposes, but accelerated methods are used for tax purposes. Deferred income taxes have been provided for the resulting temporary differences. Income taxes — Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled using the liability method. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and the state of California. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2017 or to state/local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2016. Transfers of financial assets — Transfers of an entire financial asset, a group of financial assets, or a participating interest in an entire financial asset are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when: (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that contain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Advertising costs — The Company expenses marketing costs as they are incurred. Advertising expense was $401,000 and $304,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. F-12 Comprehensive income — Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes items previously recorded directly to shareholders’ equity, such as unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale. Comprehensive income is presented in the statements of comprehensive income and as a component of shareholders’ equity. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, $1,000 and $97,000 net of tax, respectively, was reclassified from comprehensive income into net income related to gains on called available for sale securities. Federal Reserve Bank Stock — Federal Reserve Bank stock represents the Company’s investment in the stock of the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) and is carried at par value, which reasonably approximates its fair value. While technically these are considered equity securities, there is no market for the FRB stock. Therefore, the shares are considered as restricted equity securities. Management periodically evaluates FRB stock for other-than-temporary impairment. Management’s determination of whether these investments are impaired is based on its assessment of the ultimate recoverability of cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of any decline in net assets of the FRB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FRB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FRB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FRB, (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, the customer base of the FRB, and (4) the liquidity position of the FRB. This investment is reflected as a component of interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Federal Home Loan Bank Stock — Federal Home Loan Bank stock represents the Company’s investment in the stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (“FHLB”) and is carried at par value, which reasonably approximates its fair value. While technically these are considered equity securities, there is no market for the FHLB stock. Therefore, the shares are considered as restricted equity securities. Management periodically evaluates FHLB stock for other-than-temporary impairment. Management’s determination of whether these investments are impaired is based on its assessment of the ultimate recoverability of cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of any decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, the customer base of the FHLB, and (4) the liquidity position of the FHLB. This investment is reflected as a component of interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Earnings per common share (“EPS”) — EPS is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. The table in footnote 12 shows: (1) weighted average basic shares, (2) effect of dilutive securities related to stock options and non-vested restricted stock, and (3) weighted average diluted shares. Basic EPS are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, excluding dilutive stock options and unvested restricted stock awards. Diluted EPS are calculated using the weighted average diluted shares. The total dilutive shares included in annual diluted EPS is a year-to-date weighted average of the total dilutive shares included in each quarterly diluted EPS computation under the treasury stock method. We have two forms of outstanding common stock: common stock and unvested restricted stock awards. Holders of restricted stock awards receive non-forfeitable dividends at the same rate as common stockholders and they both share equally in undistributed earnings. Therefore, under the two-class method, the difference in EPS is not significant for these participating securities. Stock based compensation — The Company recognizes in the consolidated statements of income the grant-date fair value of restricted stock, stock options and other equity-based forms of compensation issued to employees over the employees’ requisite service period (generally the vesting period). The Company uses the straight-line recognition of expenses for awards with graded vesting. The fair value of each restricted stock grant is based on the closing market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The Company issued restricted stock grants totaling 17,756 and 26,095 shares in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Fair values of financial instruments — The consolidated financial statements include various estimated fair value information as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. Such information, which pertains to the Company’s financial instruments, does not purport to represent the aggregate net fair value of the Company. Further, the fair value estimates are based on various assumptions, methodologies, and subjective considerations, which vary widely among different financial institutions and which are subject to change. Fair value measurements — The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. The Company bases the fair values on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis, such as certain impaired loans held for investment and securities held to maturity that are other-than-temporarily impaired. These non-recurring fair value adjustments typically involve write-downs of individual assets due to application of lower-of-cost or market accounting. F-13 The Company has established and documented a process for determining fair value. The Company maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements. Whenever there is no readily available market data, Management uses its best estimate and assumptions in determining fair value, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of Management's judgment. As a result, if other assumptions had been used, our recorded earnings or disclosures could have been materially different from those reflected in these financial consolidated statements. Reclassifications — Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. There was no effect on net income or shareholders’ equity as a result of reclassifications. Goodwill and other intangible assets — As of December 31, 2020 intangible assets are comprised of goodwill of $3,313,000 and core deposit intangibles of $427,000, which were acquired through a business combination, as compared to goodwill of $3,313,000 and core deposit intangible of $524,000 as of December 31, 2019. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives. If an event occurs that indicates the carrying amount of an intangible asset may not be recoverable, management reviews the asset for impairment. Any goodwill and any intangible asset acquired in a purchase business combination determined to have an indefinite useful life is not amortized, but is evaluated for impairment, at a minimum, on an annual basis. The core deposit intangible represents the estimated future benefits of acquired deposits and is booked separately from the related deposits. The value of the core deposit intangible asset was determined using a discounted cash flow approach to arrive at the cost differential between the core deposits (non-maturity deposits such as transaction, savings and money market accounts) and alternative funding sources. The core deposit intangible is amortized on an accelerated basis over an estimated ten-year life, and it is evaluated periodically for impairment. No impairment loss was recognized as of December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2020, the core deposit intangibles future estimated amortization expense is as follows: (in thousands) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total Core deposit intangible amortization $ 93 $ 89 $ 86 $ 82 $ 77 $ 427 The Company applies a qualitative analysis of conditions in order to determine if it is more likely than not that the carrying value is impaired. In the event that the qualitative analysis suggests that the carrying value of goodwill may be impaired, the Company uses several quantitative valuation methodologies in evaluating goodwill for impairment that includes assumptions made concerning the future earnings potential of the organization, and a market-based approach that looks at values for organizations of comparable size, structure and business model. The current year's review of qualitative factors did not indicate that impairment has occurred, as such no quantitative analysis was performed at December 31, 2020. Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326). This update revises the methodology used by financial institutions under GAAP to recognize credit losses in the financial statements. Currently, GAAP requires the use of the incurred loss model, whereby financial institutions recognize in current period earnings, incurred credit losses and those inherent in the financial statements, as of the date of the balance sheet. This guidance results in a new model for estimating the allowance for loan and lease losses, commonly referred to as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model. Under the CECL model, financial institutions are required to estimate future credit losses and recognize those losses in current period earnings. The amendments within the update are effective for fiscal years and all interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. In October 2019, FASB approved an amendment that will delay the adoption of this ASU for three years for certain entities including the Company since we are classified as a Small Reporting Company. Accordingly, this ASU will become effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. Upon adoption of the amendments within this update, the Company will be required to make a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this update will have on its financial statements. While the Company has not quantified the impact of this ASU, it does expect changing from the current incurred loss model to an expected loss model will result in an earlier recognition of losses. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles Goodwill and Other (Subtopic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The provisions of the update eliminate the existing second step of the goodwill impairment test which provides for the allocation of reporting unit fair value among existing assets and liabilities, with the net leftover amount representing the implied fair value of goodwill. In replacement of the existing goodwill impairment rule, the update will provide that impairment should be recognized as the excess of any of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the fair value of the reporting unit. Under the provisions of this update, the amount of the impairment is limited to the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. For public business entities that are Securities and Exchange Commission filers, the amendments of F-14 the update became effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the standards update January 1, 2020 and evaluates goodwill in accordance with the provisions of the standard. Due to the economic impact that COVID-19 has had on the Company, management concluded that factors such as the decline in macroeconomic conditions have led to the occurrence of a triggering event and therefore an interim impairment test over goodwill was performed as of September 30, 2020. As part of this interim impairment assessment, in the event that the Company concluded that all or a portion of its goodwill is impaired, a non-cash charge for the amount of such impairment would be recorded to earnings. Such a charge would have no impact on tangible capital or regulatory capital. Based upon the results of our interim goodwill assessment, we have concluded that an impairment did not exist as of the time of the assessment. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Subtopic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The primary focus of ASU 2018-13 is to improve the effectiveness of the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The changes affect all companies that are required to include fair value measurement disclosures. In general, the amendments in ASU 2018-13 are effective for all entities for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. An entity is permitted to early adopt the removed or modified disclosures upon the issuance of ASU 2018-13 and may delay adoption of the additional disclosures, which are required for public companies only, until their effective date. The Company first adopted this ASU beginning with the period ended March 31, 2020, and it did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments that clarifies and improves areas of guidance related to recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging and recognition and measurement. The provisions of this ASU became effective and was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2020. This ASU did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief. This ASU allows an option for entities to irrevocably elect the fair value option on an instrument-by-instrument basis for eligible financial assets measured at amortized cost basis upon adoption of the credit loss standards. This amendment provides relief for those entities electing the fair value option on newly originated or purchased financial assets, while maintaining existing similar financial assets at amortized cost, avoiding the requirement to maintain dual measurement methods for similar assets. The fair value option does not apply to held-to-maturity debt securities. The effective date for this ASU is the same as for ASU 2016-13, as discussed above. We will evaluate this ASU in conjunction with ASU 2016-13 to determine its impact on our financial condition and results of operations. In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04 - Reference Rate Reform (Subtopic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or other reference rates expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The ASU is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is in the process of evaluating the provisions of this ASU and its effects on our consolidated financial statements. NOTE 2 — CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS Cash and due from banks includes balances with the Federal Reserve Bank and other correspondent banks. Prior to March 2020, the Fed Reserve Bank required the Company to maintain a minimum reserve balance based on a percentage of the Company’s deposit liabilities. Effective March 26, 2020, the Federal Reserve Bank reduced the reserve requirement ratios to zero percent, which eliminated the reserve requirements for all depository institutions. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had balances of $153,856,000 and $82,296,000, respectively, which would have exceeded the reserve requirement if it was still in effect. F-15 NOTE 3 — SECURITIES Equity Securities The Company held equity securities with fair values of $3,425,000 and $3,297,000 at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. There were no sales of equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2020 or 2019. Consistent with ASU 2016- 01, these securities are carried at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of income. Accordingly, the Company recognized unrealized gains of $48,000 and $101,000 during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Debt Securities Debt securities have been classified in the financial statements as available for sale. The amortized cost and estimated fair values of debt securities as of December 31, 2020 are as follows: (dollars in thousands) Available-for-sale securities: U.S. agencies Collateralized mortgage obligations Municipalities SBA pools Corporate debt Asset backed securities Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value $ 22,802 $ 1,250 115,706 5,027 14,229 47,226 $ 892 18 9,896 6 308 392 $ 206,240 $ 11,512 $ (2) (45) 0 (25) (185) (331) (588) $ 23,692 1,223 125,602 5,008 14,352 47,287 $ 217,164 The following tables detail the gross unrealized losses and fair values aggregated of debt securities by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2020. (dollars in thousands) Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss U.S. agencies $ 94 (1) $ 251 $ (1) $ 345 $ Collateralized mortgage obligations Municipalities SBA pools Corporate debt 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 565 0 3,847 6,315 Asset backed securities 11,268 (58) 25,104 (45) 0 (25) (185) (273) 565 0 3,847 6,315 36,372 Total temporarily impaired securities $ 11,362 $ (59) $ 36,082 $ (529) $ 47,444 $ (2) (45) 0 (25) (185) (331) (588) At December 31, 2020, fourteen asset-backed securities, seven Small Business Administration pools, three corporate debts, one U.S. agency, and one collateralized mortgage obligations make up the total debt securities in an unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months. At December 31, 2020, seven asset backed securities and three U.S. agencies make up the total debt securities in a loss position for less than 12 months. Management periodically evaluates each available-for-sale investment security in an unrealized loss position to determine if the impairment is temporary or other than temporary. This evaluation encompasses various factors including, the nature of the investment, the cause of the impairment, the severity and duration of the impairment, credit ratings and other credit F-16 related factors such as third party guarantees and the volatility of the security’s fair value. Management has determined that no investment security is other than temporarily impaired. The unrealized losses are due primarily to interest rate changes and the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is not likely that the Company will be required to sell the securities before the earlier of the forecasted recovery or the maturity of the underlying investment security. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at December 31, 2020, by contractual maturity or call date, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. (dollars in thousands) Available-for-sale securities: Due in one year or less Due after one year through five years Due after five years through ten years Due after ten years Amortized Cost Fair Value $ 12,249 80,526 55,652 57,813 12,441 85,696 59,612 59,415 $ 206,240 $ 217,164 Debt securities have been classified in the financial statements as available for sale. The amortized cost and estimated fair values of debt securities as of December 31, 2019 are as follows: (dollars in thousands) Available-for-sale securities: U.S. agencies Collateralized mortgage obligations Municipalities SBA pools Corporate debt Asset backed securities Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value $ 31,180 $ 566 $ (17) $ 1,618 86,826 6,419 19,253 41,389 5 3,746 9 173 76 (9) (1) (33) (458) (654) 31,729 1,614 90,571 6,395 18,968 40,811 $ 186,685 $ 4,575 $ (1,172) $ 190,088 The following tables detail the gross unrealized losses and fair values aggregated of debt securities by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2019. (dollars in thousands) Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss U.S. agencies $ 3,934 (11) $ 1,535 $ (6) $ 5,469 $ Collateralized mortgage obligations Municipalities SBA pools Corporate debt Asset backed securities 0 0 1,423 2,994 12,891 0 0 (7) (6) 650 411 3,545 8,859 (233) 21,313 (9) (1) (26) (452) (421) 650 411 4,968 11,853 34,204 (17) (9) (1) (33) (458) (654) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 21,242 $ (257) $ 36,313 $ (915) $ 57,555 $ (1,172) F-17 The Company recognized gross realized gains of $2,000 and $138,000 during 2020 and 2019, respectively, on certain available-for- sale securities that were called. There were no sales of securities during 2020 and 2019. Securities carried at $147,795,000 and $123,381,000 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, were pledged to secure deposits of public funds. NOTE 4 — LOANS The Company’s customers are primarily located in Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Tuolumne, Inyo, and Mono Counties. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 65% of the Company’s loans are commercial real estate loans which includes construction loans. Approximately 29% of the Company’s loans are for general commercial uses including professional, retail, and small business. Also included in the commercial and industrial loans in the table below are Paycheck Protection Program loans (as described below) totaling $210,822,000. Additionally, 3% of the Company’s loans are for residential real estate and other consumer loans. The remaining 3% are agriculture loans. Loan totals were as follows: (in thousands) Commercial real estate: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Commercial real estate- construction $ 32,459 $ Commercial real estate- mortgages Land Farmland Commercial and industrial Consumer Consumer residential Agriculture Total loans Less: Deferred loan fees and costs, net Allowance for loan losses 540,556 5,318 82,998 292,006 636 30,887 28,255 1,013,115 (4,572) (11,297) 53,169 475,146 8,367 70,320 77,704 1,274 36,647 28,358 750,985 (792) (9,146) Net loans $ 997,246 $ 741,047 Paycheck Protection Program. With the passage of the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), administered by the SBA, the Company assisted its customers with applications for resources through the program. As of April 16, 2020, all $350 billion of the available funds under the First Draw of this program had been allocated. The Treasury Department later announced that an additional $310 billion would be available for second round of the First Draw PPP, which commenced on April 27, 2020 and closed on August 8, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the PPP remained closed and was not accepting applications, but resumed on January 11, 2021. PPP loans have a two-year term if the loan was approved by the SBA prior to June 5, 2020, and loans approved after that date have a five- year term. All PPP loans earn a contractual interest rate of 1%. The Company believes that the majority of PPP loans will ultimately be forgiven by the SBA in accordance with the terms of the program which resulted in loan pay-offs of approximately $33 million during the fourth quarter of 2020 and will continue into 2021. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has received approvals with the SBA for 1,671 PPP loans representing approximately $244,197,000 in funding, of which $33,375,000 was paid off by the SBA through PPP loan forgiveness, resulting in an outstanding balance of $210,822,000 at December 31, 2020. As a result of funding the PPP loans, the Company received fee income that is recorded to total interest income net of deferred loan costs, through amortization F-18 over the life of the loans. It is the Company’s understanding that loans funded through the PPP program are fully guaranteed by the U.S. government, and therefore, no allowance for credit losses has been allocated for PPP loans. Should those circumstances change, the Company could be required to establish additional allowance for credit losses through additional provision for credit loss expense charged to earnings. COVID-19 Related Loan Payment Deferrals. The COVID-19 Pandemic has negatively impacted the revenue streams of certain borrowers of the Company, and therefore, during the second of 2020 the Company elected to allow these clients to defer payments for a term up to six months. These deferrals were specifically related to the pandemic and the resulting economic hardships. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had no loans for which payments were deferred due to the financial impact of the pandemic, as normal payment schedules had resumed on the deferrals granted during the second quarter of 2020. After an evaluation of financial stability, no specific loan loss reserve allocation was required on any of these loans at the time of deferral. In accordance with regulatory and accounting guidance, these short-term modifications granted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are not considered to be troubled debt restructurings. Loan Origination/Risk Management. The Company has certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to maximize loan income within an acceptable level of risk. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis. A reporting system supplements the review process by providing management with frequent reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and non-performing and potential problem loans. Diversification in the loan portfolio is a means of managing risk associated with fluctuations in economic conditions. Commercial and industrial loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower’s ability to operate profitably and prudently expand its business. Underwriting standards are designed to promote relationship banking rather than transactional banking. Once it is determined that the borrower’s management possesses sound ethics and solid business acumen, the Company’s management examines current and projected cash flows to determine the ability of the borrower to repay their obligations as agreed. Commercial and industrial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial and industrial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee; however, some short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers. Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans, in addition to those of real estate loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally largely dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. The properties securing the Company’s commercial real estate portfolio are diverse in terms of type and geographic location. This diversity helps reduce the Company’s exposure to adverse economic events that affect any single market or industry. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral, geography and risk grade criteria. As a general rule, the Company avoids financing single-purpose projects unless other underwriting factors are present to help mitigate risk. The Company also utilizes third-party experts to provide insight and guidance about economic conditions and trends affecting market areas it serves. In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans versus non-owner occupied loans. At December 31, 2020, approximately 36% of the outstanding principal balance of the Company’s commercial real estate loans were secured by owner-occupied properties. With respect to loans to developers and builders that are secured by non-owner occupied properties that the Company may originate from time to time, the Company generally requires the borrower to have had an existing relationship with the Company and have a proven record of success. Construction loans are underwritten utilizing feasibility studies, independent appraisal reviews, sensitivity analysis of absorption and lease rates and financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Construction loans are generally based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the complete project. These estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be pre-committed permanent loans from approved long-term lenders, sales of developed property or an interim loan commitment from the Company until permanent financing is obtained. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing. The Company originates consumer loans utilizing a computer-based credit scoring analysis to supplement the underwriting process. To monitor and manage consumer loan risk, policies and procedures are developed and modified, as needed, jointly by line and staff F-19 personnel. This activity, coupled with relatively small loan amounts that are spread across many individual borrowers, minimizes risk. Additionally, trend and outlook reports are reviewed by management on a regular basis. Underwriting standards for home equity loans follow bank policy, which include, but are not limited to, a maximum loan-to-value percentage of 80%, a maximum housing and total debt ratio of 36% and 42%, respectively and other specified credit and documentation requirements. The Company maintains an independent loan review function that validates the credit risk program on a periodic basis. Results of these reviews are presented to management. The loan review process complements and reinforces the risk identification and assessment decisions made by lenders and credit personnel, as well as the Company’s policies and procedures. Non-Accrual and Past Due Loans. Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of principal due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Year-end non-accrual loans, segregated by class of loans, were as follows: (in thousands) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Commercial real estate: Land Consumer residential Total non-accrual loans $ 0 0 0 $ 855 248 1,103 Had non-accrual loans performed in accordance with their original contract terms, the Company would have recognized additional interest income of approximately $62,000 in 2019. The following table analyzes past due loans including the non-accrual loans in the above table, segregated by class of loans, as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands): December 31, 2020 Commercial real estate: 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Total Past Due Current Total Commercial R.E. - construction $ 0 $ Commercial R.E. - mortgages Land Farmland Commercial and industrial Consumer Consumer residential Agriculture 362 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total $ 362 $ 0 $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 0 $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 0 $ 362 0 0 0 0 0 0 32,459 $ 540,194 5,318 82,998 292,006 636 30,887 28,255 32,459 $ 540,556 5,318 82,998 292,006 636 30,887 28,255 362 $ 1,012,753 $ 1,013,115 $ Greater Than 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 F-20 The following table analyzes past due loans including the non-accrual loans in the above table, segregated by class of loans, as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands): December 31, 2019 Commercial real estate: Commercial R.E. - construction Commercial R.E. - mortgages Land Farmland Commercial and industrial Consumer Consumer residential Agriculture Total $ $ 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Total Past Due Current Total 0 $ 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 $ 0 $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 0 $ 0 0 111 0 0 137 0 248 $ 0 $ 0 0 111 0 2 137 0 250 $ 53,169 $ 475,146 8,367 70,209 77,704 1,272 36,510 28,358 53,169 $ 475,146 8,367 70,320 77,704 1,274 36,647 28,358 750,735 $ 750,985 $ Greater Than 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Impaired Loans. Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled principal and interest payments. Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of a similar nature and on an individual loan basis for other loans. If a loan is impaired, a specific valuation allowance is allocated, if necessary, so that the loan is reported net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Interest payments on impaired loans are typically applied to principal unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible. Impaired loans by class as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are set forth in the following tables. No interest income was recognized on impaired loans subsequent to their classification as impaired during 2020 and 2019. (in thousands) December 31, 2020 Commercial real estate: Commercial R.E. - construction Commercial R.E. - mortgages Land Farmland Commercial and Industrial Consumer Consumer residential Agriculture Total $ $ Unpaid Contractual Principal Balance Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded Investment With Allowance Total Recorded Investment Related Allowance Average Recorded Investment 0 $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 0 $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 0 $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 0 $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 0 $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 0 0 724 0 0 0 87 0 811 F-21 (in thousands) December 31, 2019 Commercial real estate: Commercial R.E. - construction Commercial R.E. - mortgages Land Farmland Commercial and Industrial Consumer Consumer residential Agriculture Total $ $ Unpaid Contractual Principal Balance Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded Investment With Allowance Total Recorded Investment Related Allowance Average Recorded Investment 0 $ 0 873 0 0 0 312 0 1,185 $ 0 $ 0 0 0 0 0 248 0 248 $ 0 $ 0 855 0 0 0 0 0 855 $ 0 $ 0 855 0 0 0 248 0 1,103 $ 0 $ 0 680 0 0 0 0 0 680 $ 0 0 892 0 0 0 113 0 1,005 Troubled Debt Restructurings – 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 internal underwriting policy. At December 31, 2020, there were no loans classified as troubled debt restructurings, as compared to one loan classified as a troubled debt restructuring totaling $855,000, as of December 31, 2019. This loan was on non-accrual status, there were no were no unfunded commitments, and we had allocated $680,000 of specific reserves for potential loan charge-offs as of December 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the same loan described above was modified as a troubled debt restructuring totaling $906,000 at the time it was modified, as compared to no troubled debt restructurings during 2020. The modification of the terms of such loans typically includes one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan; an extension of the maturity date; or a temporary payment modification in which the payment amount allocated towards principal was reduced. In some cases, a permanent reduction of the accrued interest on the loan is conceded. The troubled debt restructuring during 2019 did not modify the principal balance, did not increase the allowance for loan losses and there were no charge offs as a result of the loan modification. There were no loans modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months and for which there was a payment default during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is ninety days contractually past due under the modified terms. Loan Risk Grades– Quality ratings (Risk Grades) are assigned to all commitments and stand-alone notes. Risk grades define the basic characteristics of commitments or stand-alone note in relation to their risk. All loans are graded using a system that maximizes the loan quality information contained in loan review grades, while ensuring that the system is compatible with the grades used by bank examiners. The Company grades loans using the following letter system: 1 Exceptional Loan 2 Quality Loan 3A Better Than Acceptable Loan 3B Acceptable Loan 3C Marginally Acceptable Loan 4 (W) Watch Acceptable Loan 5 Special Mention Loan 6 Substandard Loan 7 Doubtful Loan 8 Loss F-22 1. Exceptional Loan - Loans with A+ credits that contain very little, if any, risk. Grade 1 loans are considered Pass. To qualify for this rating, the following characteristics must be present: • A high level of liquidity and whose debt-servicing capacity exceeds expected obligations by a substantial margin. • Where leverage is below average for the industry and earnings are consistent or growing without severe vulnerability to economic cycles. • Also included in this rating (but not mandatory unless one or more of the preceding characteristics are missing) are loans that are fully secured and properly margined by our own time instruments or U.S. blue chip securities. To be properly margined, cash collateral must be equal to, or greater than, 110% of the loan amount. 2. Quality Loan - Loans with excellent sources of repayment that conform in all respects to bank policy and regulatory requirements. These are also loans for which little repayment risk has been identified. No credit or collateral exceptions. Grade 2 loans are considered Pass. Other factors include: • Unquestionable debt-servicing capacity to cover all obligations in the ordinary course of business from well-defined primary and secondary sources. • Consistent strong earnings. • A solid equity base. 3A. Better than Acceptable Loan - In the interest of better delineating the loan portfolio’s true credit risk for reserve allocation, further granularity has been sought by splitting the grade 3 category into three classifications. The distinction between the three are bank- defined guidelines and represent a further refinement of the regulatory definition of a pass, or grade 3 loan. Grade 3A is characterized by: • Strong earnings with no loss in last three years and ample cash flow to service all debt well above policy guidelines. • Long term experienced management with depth and defined management succession. • The loan has no exceptions to policy. • Loan-to-value on real estate secured transactions is 10% to 20% less than policy guidelines. • Very liquid balance sheet that may have cash available to pay off our loan completely. • Little to no debt on balance sheet. 3B. Acceptable Loan - 3B loans are simply defined as all loans that are less qualified than 3A loans and are stronger than 3C loans. These loans are characterized by acceptable sources of repayment that conform to bank policy and regulatory requirements. Repayment risks are acceptable for these loans. Credit or collateral exceptions are minimal, are in the process of correction, and do not represent repayment risk. These loans: • Are those where the borrower has average financial strengths, a history of profitable operations and experienced management. • Are those where the borrower can be expected to handle normal credit needs in a satisfactory manner. 3C. Marginally Acceptable Loan - 3C loans have similar characteristics as that of 3Bs with the following additional characteristics: • Requires collateral. • A credit facility where the borrower has average financial strengths, but usually lacks reliable secondary sources of repayment other than the subject collateral. • Other common characteristics can include some or all of the following: minimal background experience of management, lacking continuity of management, a start-up operation, erratic historical profitability (acceptable reasons-well identified), lack of or marginal sponsorship of guarantor, and government guaranteed loans. 4(W). Watch Acceptable Loan - Watch grade will be assigned to any credit that is adequately secured and performing but monitored for a number of indicators. These characteristics may include: • Any unexpected short-term adverse financial performance from budgeted projections or a prior period’s results (i.e., declining profits, sales, margins, cash flow, or increased reliance on leverage, including adverse balance sheet ratios, trade debt issues, etc.). • Any managerial or personal problems of company management, decline in the entire industry or local economic conditions, or failure to provide financial information or other documentation as requested. • Issues regarding delinquency, overdrafts, or renewals. • Any other issues that cause concern for the company. • Loans to individuals or loans supported by guarantors with marginal net worth and/or marginal collateral. • Weaknesses that are identified are short-term in nature. F-23 • Loans in this category are usually accounts the Bank would want to retain providing a positive turnaround can be expected within a reasonable time frame. Grade 4 loans are considered Pass. 5. Special Mention Loan - A special mention extension of credit is defined as having potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may, at some future date result in the deterioration of the repayment prospects for the credit or the institution’s credit position. Extensions of credit that might be detailed in this category include the following: • The lending officer may be unable to properly supervise the credit because of an inadequate loan or credit agreement. • Questions exist regarding the condition of and/or control over collateral. • Economic or market conditions may unfavorably affect the obligor in the future. • A declining trend in the obligor’s operations or an imbalanced position in the balance sheet exists, but not to the point that repayment is jeopardized. 6. Substandard Loan - A “substandard” extension of credit is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Extensions of credit so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loss potential, while existing in the aggregate amount of substandard credits, does not have to exist in individual extensions of credit classified as substandard. 7. Doubtful Loan - An extension of credit classified as “doubtful” has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. The possibility of loss is extremely high but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors that may work to the advantage of and strengthen the credit, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined. Pending factors may include a proposed merger or acquisition, liquidation proceedings, capital injection, perfecting liens on additional collateral or refinancing plans. The entire loan need not be classified as doubtful when collection of a specific portion appears highly probable. An example of proper use of the doubtful category is the case of a company being liquidated, with the trustee-in-bankruptcy indicating a minimum disbursement of 40 percent and a maximum of 65 percent to unsecured creditors, including the Bank. In this situation, estimates are based on liquidation value appraisals with actual values yet to be realized. By definition, the only portion of the credit that is doubtful is the 25 percent difference between 40 and 65 percent. A proper classification of such a credit would show 40 percent substandard, 25 percent doubtful, and 35 percent loss. A credit classified as doubtful should be resolved within a ‘reasonable’ period of time. Reasonable is generally defined as the period between examinations. In other words, a credit classified as doubtful at an examination should be cleared up before the next exam. However, there may be situations that warrant continuation of the doubtful classification a while longer. 8. Loss - Extensions of credit classified as “loss” are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the credit has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off, even though partial recovery may be affected in the future. It should not be the Company’s practice to attempt long-term recoveries while the credit remains on the books. Losses should be taken in the period in which they surface as uncollectible. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there are no loans that are classified with a risk grade of 7-Doubtful Loan or 8- Loss. F-24 The following table presents weighted average risk grades of our loan portfolio. Commercial real estate: Commercial real estate - construction Commercial real estate - mortgages Land Farmland Commercial and industrial Consumer Consumer residential Agriculture Total gross loans December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Weighted Average Risk Grade Weighted Average Risk Grade 3.16 3.11 3.94 3.06 3.02 1.74 3.00 3.05 3.08 3.00 3.02 3.72 3.04 3.05 2.29 3.02 3.17 3.03 The following table presents risk grade totals by class of loans as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. Risk grades 1 through 4(W) have been aggregated in the “Pass” line. Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 310, “Receivables” and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 450, “Contingencies.” Accordingly, the methodology is based on historical loss experience by type of credit and internal risk grade, specific homogeneous risk pools and specific loss allocations, with adjustments for current events and conditions. The Company’s process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is designed to account for credit deterioration as it occurs. The provision for loan losses reflects loan quality trends, including the levels of and trends related to non-accrual loans, past due loans, potential problem loans, criticized loans and net charge-offs or recoveries, among other factors. The provision for loan losses also reflects the totality of actions taken on all loans for a particular period. In other words, the amount of the provision reflects not only the necessary increases in the allowance for loan losses related to newly identified criticized loans, but it also reflects actions taken related to other loans including, among other things, any necessary increases or decreases in required allowances for specific loans or loan pools. The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluation of industry concentrations, specific credit risks, loan loss experience, current loan portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. Portions of the allowance may be allocated for specific credits; however, the entire allowance is available for F-25 (in thousands) December 31, 2020Pass$ 32,459 $ 531,507 $ 4,469 $ 81,972 $ 290,504 $ 613 $ 30,849 $ 28,007 $ 1,000,380 Special mention - 9,049 849 - - - - - 9,898 Substandard - - - 1,026 1,502 23 38 248 2,837 Total loans$ 32,459 $ 540,556 $ 5,318 $ 82,998 $ 292,006 $ 636 $ 30,887 $ 28,255 $ 1,013,115 December 31, 2019Pass$ 53,169 $ 471,594 $ 7,512 $ 69,002 $ 74,960 $ 1,249 $ 36,470 $ 26,512 $ 740,468 Special mention - 3,552 - 1,207 550 - - 1,846 7,155 Substandard - - 855 111 2,194 25 177 - 3,362 Total loans$ 53,169 $ 475,146 $ 8,367 $ 70,320 $ 77,704 $ 1,274 $ 36,647 $ 28,358 $ 750,985 Commercial R.E.ConstructionLandFarmlandCommercial and IndustrialConsumerCommercial R.E.MortgagesConsumer ResidentialAgricultureTotal any credit that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Company’s control, including, among other things, the performance of the Company’s loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications. The Company’s allowance for loan losses consists of three elements: (i) specific valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 310 based on probable losses on specific loans; (ii) historical valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 450 based on historical loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends, adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the impact of current conditions; and (iii) general valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 450 based on general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company. The allowances established for probable losses on specific loans are based on a regular analysis and evaluation of problem loans. Loans are classified based on an internal credit risk grading process that evaluates, among other things: (i) the obligor’s ability to repay; (ii) the underlying collateral, if any; and (iii) the economic environment and industry in which the borrower operates. This analysis is performed at the relationship manager level for all commercial loans. When a loan has a calculated grade of 5 or higher, a special assets officer analyzes the loan to determine whether the loan is impaired and, if impaired, the need to specifically allocate a portion of the allowance for loan losses to the loan. Specific valuation allowances are determined by analyzing the borrower’s ability to repay amounts owed, collateral deficiencies, the relative risk grade of the loan and economic conditions affecting the borrower’s industry, among other things. Historical valuation allowances are calculated based on the historical loss experience of specific types of loans and the internal risk grade of such loans at the time they were charged-off. The Company calculates historical loss ratios for pools of similar loans with similar characteristics based on the proportion of actual charge-offs experienced to the total population of loans in the pool. The historical loss ratios are periodically updated based on actual charge-off experience. A historical valuation allowance is established for each pool of similar loans based upon the product of the historical loss ratio and the total dollar amount of the loans in the pool. The Company’s pools of similar loans include similarly risk-graded groups of commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, consumer real estate loans and consumer and other loans. General valuation allowances are based on general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company. In general, such valuation allowances are determined by evaluating, among other things: (i) the experience, ability and effectiveness of the Company’s lending management and staff; (ii) the effectiveness of the Company’s loan policies, procedures and internal controls; (iii) changes in asset quality; (iv) changes in loan portfolio volume; (v) the composition and concentrations of credit; (vi) the impact of competition on loan structuring and pricing; (vii) the effectiveness of the internal loan review function; (viii) the impact of environmental risks on portfolio risks; and (ix) the impact of rising interest rates on portfolio risk. Management evaluates the degree of risk that each one of these components has on the quality of the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis. Each component is determined to have either a high, moderate or low degree of risk. The results are then input into a “general allocation matrix” to determine an appropriate general valuation allowance. Included in the general valuation allowances are allocations for groups of similar loans with risk characteristics that exceed certain concentration limits established by management. Concentration risk limits have been established, among other things, for certain industry concentrations, large balance and highly leveraged credit relationships that exceed specified risk grades, and loans originated with policy exceptions that exceed specified risk grades. Loans identified as losses by management, internal loan review and/or bank examiners are charged-off. Furthermore, consumer loan accounts are charged-off automatically based on regulatory requirements. F-26 The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories. Allowance for Loan Losses For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2020 Beginning balance Charge-offs Recoveries Provision for (reversal of) loan losses Ending balance Year Ended December 31, 2019 Beginning balance Charge-offs Recoveries Provision for (reversal of) loan losses Ending balance $ $ $ $ Commercial Real Estate Commercial and Industrial Consumer Consumer Residential Agriculture Total 7,250 $ 0 6 2,054 9,310 $ 6,584 $ 0 0 666 7,250 $ 1,002 $ 0 0 77 1,079 $ 1,065 $ 0 0 (63) 1,002 $ 38 $ (29) 10 3 22 $ 39 $ (28) 6 21 38 $ 331 $ (2) 1 (5) 325 $ 304 $ (64) 2 89 331 $ 525 $ 0 0 36 561 $ 693 $ 0 0 (168) 525 $ 9,146 (31) 17 2,165 11,297 8,685 (92) 8 545 9,146 The following table details the allowance for loan losses and ending gross loan balances as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, summarized by collective and individual evaluation methods of impairment. (in thousands) December 31, 2020 Allowance for loan losses for loans: Individually evaluated for impairment Collectively evaluated for impairment Ending gross loan balances: Individually evaluated for impairment Collectively evaluated for impairment December 31, 2019 Allowance for loan losses for loans: Individually evaluated for impairment Collectively evaluated for impairment Ending gross loan balances: Individually evaluated for impairment Collectively evaluated for impairment $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Commercial Real Estate Commercial and Industrial Consumer Consumer Residential Agriculture Total 0 $ 9,310 0 $ 1,079 9,310 $ 1,079 $ 0 $ 22 22 $ 0 $ 325 325 $ 0 $ 561 561 $ 0 11,297 11,297 0 $ 0 $ 661,331 292,006 0 $ 636 0 $ 0 $ 30,887 28,255 0 1,013,115 661,331 $ 292,006 $ 636 $ 30,887 $ 28,255 $ 1,013,115 680 $ 6,570 0 $ 1,002 7,250 $ 1,002 $ 0 $ 38 38 $ 0 $ 331 331 $ 0 $ 525 525 $ 680 8,466 9,146 855 $ 0 $ 0 $ 248 $ 0 $ 606,147 77,704 1,274 36,399 28,358 607,002 $ 77,704 $ 1,274 $ 36,647 $ 28,358 $ 1,103 749,882 750,985 F-27 Changes in the allowance for undisbursed loan commitments were as follows: (in thousands) Balance, beginning of year Provision (reversed) charged to operations for off balance sheet Balance, end of year YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 2019 $ $ 427 (48) 379 $ $ 396 31 427 The method for calculating the reserve for undisbursed loan commitments is based on a reserve percentage which is less than other outstanding loan types because they are at a lower risk level. This reserve percentage, based on many factors including historical losses and existing economic conditions, is evaluated by management periodically and is applied to the total undisbursed loan commitment balance to calculate the reserve for undisbursed loan commitments. Reserves for undisbursed loan commitments are recorded in interest payable and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, loans carried at $1,013,115,000 and $750,985,000, respectively, were pledged as collateral on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank. NOTE 5 — PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT Major classifications of premises and equipment are summarized as follows: (in thousands) Land Building Leasehold improvements Furniture, fixtures, and equipment Branch construction work-in-process Less accumulated depreciation DECEMBER 31, 2020 2019 $ 5,195 $ 10,601 5,190 9,007 518 30,511 5,195 10,013 5,064 8,707 928 29,907 (14,741) (14,678) $ 15,770 $ 15,229 Depreciation expense was $1,199,000 and $1,091,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. NOTE 6 — INTEREST RECEIVABLE AND OTHER ASSETS Interest receivable and other assets are summarized as follows: (in thousands) Net deferred tax asset Restricted equity securities Interest income receivable on loans Interest income receivable on investments Investments in limited partnerships Lease right of use asset Prepaid expenses and other F-28 DECEMBER 31, 2020 2019 $ 1,363 $ 4,757 4,308 1,381 4,688 4,585 1,070 3,107 4,761 2,089 1,368 5,120 4,312 1,305 $ 22,152 $ 22,062 NOTE 7 — DEPOSITS Deposit totals were as follows: (in thousands) Demand Money market Savings Time deposits $250,000 and under Time deposits over $250,000 Total deposits DECEMBER 31, 2020 2019 $ $ $ 907,913 301,506 120,552 21,704 16,134 664,687 233,526 82,789 20,785 18,142 1,367,809 $ 1,019,929 Time deposits issued and their remaining maturities at December 31, 2020, are as follows (in thousands): Year ending December 31, 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 $ 27,255 5,665 3,997 122 798 $ 37,838 NOTE 8 — FHLB ADVANCES At December 31, 2020, the Company had no outstanding advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). Unused and available advances totaled $317,630,000 at December 31, 2020. Loans carried at $1,013,115,000 as of December 31, 2020, were pledged as collateral on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank. At December 31, 2019, the Company had no outstanding advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). Unused and available advances totaled $275,191,000 at December 31, 2019. Loans carried at $750,985,000 as of December 31, 2019, were pledged as collateral on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank. NOTE 9 — INTEREST ON DEPOSITS Interest on deposits was comprised of the following: (in thousands) Savings and other deposits Time deposits over $250,000 Time deposits $250,000 and under YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 2019 978 $ 1,427 85 56 81 60 1,119 $ 1,568 $ $ F-29 NOTE 10 — INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes consists of the following: (in thousands) Current Federal State Deferred Federal State 2020 2019 $ 2,526 $ 2,675 2,009 1,754 4,535 4,429 (255) (109) (224) (120) (479) (229) $ 4,056 $ 4,200 The components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities (included in accrued interest and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets), is shown below: (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Allowance for loan losses Restricted stock expense Accrued vacation Accrued salary continuation liability Deferred compensation Core deposit intangible Merger Costs Reserve for undisbursed commitments OREO expenses State income tax Holding company organization fees Deferred tax liabilities: Prepaid expenses FHLB dividends Accumulated depreciation Accrued bonus Deferred loan costs Goodwill Amortization Limited partner investment in small business equity fund Unrealized gain on securities available for sale DECEMBER 31, 2020 2019 $ 3,340 $ 2,705 111 155 1,328 77 77 79 112 173 422 7 5,881 (73) (144) (118) 0 (595) (326) (33) 105 100 1,176 75 69 87 149 173 386 10 5,035 (87) (144) (12) (2) (378) (261) (38) (3,229) (4,518) (1,006) (1,928) Net deferred income tax asset $ 1,363 $ 3,107 F-30 Management has assessed the realizability of deferred tax assets and believes it is more likely than not that all deferred tax assets will be realized in the normal course of operations. Accordingly, these assets have not been reduced by a valuation allowance. The Company periodically reviews its income tax positions based on tax laws and regulations and financial reporting considerations, and records adjustments as appropriate. This review takes into consideration the status of current taxing authorities’ examinations of the Company’s tax returns, recent positions taken by the taxing authorities on similar transactions. The Company had no liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. The effective tax rate for 2020 and 2019 differs from the current Federal statutory income tax rate as follows: Federal statutory income tax rate State taxes, net of federal tax benefit Tax exempt interest on municipal securities and loans Other Effective tax rate YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 2019 21.0% 8.6% -4.1% -2.6% 22.9% 21.0% 8.6% -3.2% -1.2% 25.2% Oak Valley Bancorp files a consolidated return in the U.S. Federal tax jurisdiction and a combined report in the State of California tax jurisdiction. None of the entities are subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2017 for U.S. Federal or for years before 2016 for California. NOTE 11 — STOCK OPTION PLAN The Company currently has two equity based incentive plans, the Oak Valley Bancorp 2008 Stock Plan and the Oak Valley Bancorp 2018 Stock Plan. The 2018 Stock Plan provides for awards in the form of incentive stocks, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights and restrictive stocks. Under the 2018 Plan, the Company is authorized to issue 607,500 shares of its common stock to key employees and directors as incentive and non-qualified stock options, respectively, at a price equal to the fair value on the date of grant. The Plan provides that the options are exercisable in equal increments over a five-year period from the date of grant or over any other schedule approved by the Board of Directors. All incentive stock options expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. Future grants are not permitted under the 2008 Stock Plan and will all be issued from the 2018 Stock Plan until it expires. As of December 31, 2020, 558,299 shares were available to be issued under the 2018 Stock Plan pursuant to new grants. A summary of the status of the Company’s equity based incentive plans and changes during the years end December 31, 2020 and 2019 are presented below. Outstanding at beginning of year Granted Exercised Forfeited Outstanding at end of year DECEMBER 31, 2020 DECEMBER 31, 2019 Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Exercise Price Shares 0 0 0 0 0 $ $ $ $ $ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,000 0 (1,000 ) 0 0 $ $ $ $ $ 5.74 0.00 5.74 0.00 0.00 F-31 (dollars in thousands) Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year December 31, 2020 N/A 2019 N/A Intrinsic value of options exercised N/A $ 12 Options outstanding and exercisable at year end: Weighted average exercise price Intrinsic value Weighted average remaining contractual life 0 N/A N/A N/A 0 N/A N/A N/A For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, there was no recorded income tax benefits related to disqualifying dispositions of stock option exercises. All outstanding stock options became fully vested during 2014 and therefore there is no remaining unrecognized stock option compensation expense. A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock and changes during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are presented below. Unvested at beginning of year Granted Vested Cancelled Unvested at end of year DECEMBER 31, 2020 DECEMBER 31, 2019 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value $ $ $ $ $ 19.75 16.08 19.53 19.19 19.32 Shares 101,555 17,756 (27,083 ) (2,400 ) 89,828 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares 107,600 26,095 (27,640 ) (4,500 ) 101,555 $ $ $ $ $ 20.09 17.59 18.97 20.11 19.75 The Company granted 17,756 shares of restricted stock in 2020 with a weighted average fair value of $16.08 per share. For the year ended December 31, 2020, total compensation expense recorded in the consolidated statements of income related to restricted stock awards was $549,000, with an offsetting tax benefit of $162,000, as this expense is deductible for income tax purposes. The Company recorded an additional tax expense of $31,000 to income tax expense to adjust for the full tax deduction of the vested restricted stock, which is equal to the fair value on the vesting date, as the tax benefit from the restricted stock expense is based on the grant date fair value. As of December 31, 2020, there was $1,324,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.78 years. During 2020, shares of restricted stock awards totaling 27,083 with a fair value of $423,000, based on the vested date of each award, were vested and became unrestricted. The Company granted 26,095 shares of restricted stock in 2019 with a weighted average fair value of $17.59 per share. For the year ended December 31, 2019, total compensation expense recorded in the consolidated statements of income related to restricted stock awards was $549,000, with an offsetting tax benefit of $162,000, as this expense is deductible for income tax purposes. The Company recorded an additional tax expense of $12,000 to income tax expense to adjust for the full tax deduction of the vested restricted stock, which is equal to the fair value on the vesting date, as the tax benefit from the restricted stock expense is based on the grant date fair value. As of December 31, 2019, there was $1,633,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.41 years. During 2019, shares of restricted stock awards totaling 27,640 with a fair value of $482,000, based on the vested date of each award, were vested and became unrestricted. F-32 NOTE 12 — EARNINGS PER SHARE EPS are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. The following table shows: (1) weighted average basic shares, (2) effect of dilutive securities related to stock options and non-vested restricted stock, and (3) weighted average diluted shares. Basic EPS are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, excluding dilutive stock options and unvested restricted stock awards. Diluted EPS are calculated using the weighted average diluted shares. The total dilutive shares included in annual diluted EPS is a year-to-date weighted average of the total dilutive shares included in each quarterly diluted EPS computation under the treasury stock method. We have two forms of outstanding common stock: common stock and unvested restricted stock awards. Holders of restricted stock awards receive non- forfeitable dividends at the same rate as common stockholders and they both share equally in undistributed earnings. Therefore, under the two-class method the difference in EPS is not significant for these participating securities. The Company’s calculation of EPS including basic EPS, which does not consider the effect of common stock equivalents and diluted EPS, which considers all dilutive common stock equivalents is as follows: (dollars in thousands) Basic EPS: Net income Effect of dilutive securities: Non-vested restricted stock Total dilutive shares Diluted EPS: Net income per diluted share (dollars in thousands) Basic EPS: Net income Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options Non-vested restricted stock Total dilutive shares Diluted EPS: Net income per diluted share YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 Income (Numerator) Weighted Avg Shares (Denominator) Per-Share Amount $ 13,687 8,123,386 $ 1.68 — 15,142 15,142 $ 13,687 8,138,528 $ 1.68 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 Income (Numerator) Weighted Avg Shares (Denominator) Per-Share Amount $ 12,489 8,102,442 $ 1.54 — — 54 14,131 14,185 $ 12,489 8,116,627 $ 1.54 F-33 NOTE 13 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company is obligated for rental payments under certain operating lease agreements, some of which contain renewal options and escalation clauses that provide for increased rentals. Total rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, was $1,135,000 and $1,096,000, respectively. We have historically entered into a number of lease arrangements under which we are the lessee. We have elected the practical expedient to rely on our original lease classification at the commencement of each lease contract, and not reassess the lease classifications upon the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) on the effective date of January 1, 2019. Therefore, all of the Company’s leases are determined to be operating leases. The other practical expedients the Company adopted are: (1) combining lease and non-lease components into a single liability amount and (2) leases with fair values of less than $5,000 were not included as they are not considered to be material. The Company does not have any short-term leases in which the original term at commencement is twelve months or less and therefore there is no impact of short-term leases on the initial ROU or lease liability recorded on January 1, 2019. Most of our office leases include one or more optional renewal periods. The Company has not elected the hindsight practical expedient and therefore potential payments related to future lease renewal options are not reflected in the ROU asset and lease liability. Generally, all of the lease contracts have annual rent payment increases, some of which are based on the Consumer Price Index and others are fixed increases that are set forth within the contracts. The majority of our lease contracts are gross leases, in which a single monthly payment includes the lessor’s property and casualty insurance costs, property taxes, and common area maintenance associated with the property. The Company determined the operating lease liability as of January 1, 2019, by calculating the present value of remaining base rent cash payments on each of its leases, excluding any renewal options regardless of the likelihood that the option would be exercised. As of January 1, 2019, the weighted average remaining term of the lease contracts was 7.9 years and the weighted average discount rate used to calculate the present value of the operating lease liability was 3.12%. The discount rate was based on our incremental borrowing rate through our line of credit with the FHLB as of January 1, 2019, for the borrowing term that was equal to the remaining term of each lease. The resulting operating lease liability recorded as of January 1, 2019 was $5,246,000, which is included in interest payable and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The ROU asset was then determined by adjusting the operating lease liability by deferred rent and unamortized tenant improvement allowance. The ROU asset recorded on January 1, 2019 was $4,817,000, which is included in interest receivable and other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2020, the future minimum commitments under these operating leases are as follows (in thousands): Year ending December 31, 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter $ $ 1,199 1,217 930 793 481 1,736 6,356 The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit in the form of loans or through standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest-rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by 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. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. F-34 Financial instruments at December 31, 2020 whose contract amounts represent credit risk: (in thousands) Contract Amount Undisbursed loan commitments $ 126,632 Checking reserve Equity lines Standby letters of credit 1,455 14,736 2,895 $ 145,718 Commitments to extend credit, including undisbursed loan commitments and equity lines, are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant, equipment and income-producing commercial properties. Checking reserves are lines of credit associated consumer deposit accounts that meet qualification standards for extension of credit if the deposit account were to become overdraft. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer 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 customers. NOTE 14 — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair values of financial instruments — The consolidated financial statements include various estimated fair value information as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. Such information, which pertains to the Company’s financial instruments, does not purport to represent the aggregate net fair value of the Company. Further, the fair value estimates are based on various assumptions, methodologies, and subjective considerations, which vary widely among different financial institutions and which are subject to change. We determine the fair values of our financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established under applicable accounting guidance which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value: Level 1: Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2: Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized on the actual date of the event or circumstance that caused the transfer, which generally corresponds with the Company’s quarterly valuation process. There were no transfers between levels during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities in the tables below: Cash and cash equivalents – The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair value and are considered a level 1 valuation. F-35 Restricted Equity Securities- The carrying amounts of the stock the Company owns in Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) approximate their fair value and are considered a level 2 valuation. Loans receivable — The fair value of the loan portfolio is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. The Company’s fair value model takes into account many inputs including loan discounts due to credit risk, current market rates on new loans, the U.S. treasury yield curve, LIBOR yield curve, rate floors, rate ceilings, remaining maturity, and average life based on specific loan type. ASU 2016-01 requires the use of an exit price rather than an entrance price to determine the fair value of loans not measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Loans are considered to be a level 3 valuation. Deposit liabilities — The fair values estimated for demand deposits (interest and non-interest checking, savings, and certain types of money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e. their carrying amounts). The carrying amounts for variable-rate, fixed-term money market accounts and certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of the aggregate expected monthly maturities on time deposits. The fair value of deposits is determined by the Company’s internal assets and liabilities modeling system that accounts for various inputs such as decay rates, rate floors, FHLB yield curve, maturities and current rates offered on new accounts. Fair value on deposits is considered a level 3 valuation. Interest receivable and payable - The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate their fair value and are considered to be a level 2 valuation. Off-balance-sheet instruments — Fair values for the Bank’s off-balance-sheet lending commitments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the credit standing of the counterparties. The Company considers the Bank’s off balance sheet instruments to be a level 3 valuation. The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not measured at fair value as of December 31, 2020 were as follows: (in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents Restricted equity securities Loans, net Interest receivable Financial liabilities: Deposits Interest payable Off-balance-sheet assets (liabilities): Commitments and standby letters of credit Carrying Amount Fair Value Hierarchy Valuation Level $ 226,656 $ 4,757 997,246 5,689 226,656 4,757 1,006,335 5,689 (1,367,809 ) (1,367,874 ) (20 ) (20 ) (1,457 ) 1 2 3 2 3 2 3 F-36 The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not measured at fair value as of December 31, 2019 were as follows: (in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents Restricted equity securities Loans, net Interest receivable Financial liabilities: Deposits Interest payable Off-balance-sheet assets (liabilities): Commitments and standby letters of credit Carrying Amount Fair Value Hierarchy Valuation Level $ 147,594 $ 4,761 741,047 3,457 147,594 4,761 742,484 3,457 (1,019,929 ) (1,019,654 ) (50 ) (50 ) (1,647 ) 1 2 3 2 3 2 3 The following table presents the carrying value of recurring and nonrecurring financial instruments that were measured at fair value and that were still held in the consolidated balance sheets at each respective period end, by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. (in thousands) Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis: Available-for-sale securities: U.S. agencies Collateralized mortgage obligations Municipalities SBA pools Corporate debt Asset backed securities Equity Securities: Mutual fund Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2020 Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) December 31, 2020 $ 23,692 $ 1,223 125,602 5,008 14,352 47,287 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 23,692 $ 1,223 125,602 5,008 14,352 47,287 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 3,425 $ 3,425 $ 0 $ 0 Assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis: N/A F-37 (in thousands) Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis: Available-for-sale securities: U.S. agencies Collateralized mortgage obligations Municipalities SBA pools Corporate debt Asset backed securities Equity Securities: Mutual fund Assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis: Impaired loans: Land Consumer residential Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) December 31, 2019 $ 31,729 $ 1,614 90,571 6,395 18,968 40,811 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 31,729 $ 1,614 90,571 6,395 18,968 40,811 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 3,297 $ 3,297 $ 0 $ 0 $ 175 $ 248 $ 0 0 $ 0 0 175 248 Available-for-sale and equity securities - Investment securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions, and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over- the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets where significant inputs are unobservable. Impaired loans - ASC Topic 820 applies to loans measured for impairment using the practical expedients permitted by ASC Topic 310, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan. The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral less the cost related to liquidation of the collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company records the impaired loan as non-recurring Level 3. Likewise, when an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company records the impaired loan as non-recurring Level 3. There have been no significant changes in the valuation techniques during the year ended December 31, 2020. F-38 NOTE 15 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Company, in the normal course of business, makes loans and receives deposits from its directors, officers, principal shareholders, and their associates. In management’s opinion, these transactions are on substantially the same terms as comparable transactions with other customers of the Company. Loans to directors, officers, shareholders, and affiliates are summarized below: (in thousands) Aggregate amount outstanding, beginning of year New loans or advances during year Repayments during year Loans outstanding to retired director removed from related party status Aggregate amount outstanding, end of year YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 2019 $ $ 5,734 $ 12,152 (11,943 ) (400) 5,543 $ 5,895 1,096 (1,257 ) 0 5,734 Related party deposits totaled $15,914,000 and $10,900,000 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. From time to time, some of the Company’s Directors, directly or through affiliates, may perform services for the Bank. These activities are performed in the ordinary course of the Bank’s business and are subject to strict compliance with the policies outlined below. In 2020, the Company made payments totaling $924,000 to Crown Painting and Design Studio 120, companies affiliated with a Director’s daughter, for renovation and design work performed in connection with various projects and maintenance on the Bank’s branches. In 2019, the Company made payments totaling $275,000 to these same related party companies for similar services. Except for such payments, no other material services or activities were performed for purposes of Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act. NOTE 16 — PROFIT SHARING PLAN The profit sharing plan to which both the Company and eligible employees contribute was established in 1995. To be eligible, employees must complete 1,000 hours of service within a one-year period and be 21 years of age or older. Bank contributions are voluntary and at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Contributions were approximately $737,000 and $665,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. NOTE 17 — RESTRICTIONS ON DIVIDENDS Under current California State banking laws, the Bank may not pay cash dividends in an amount that exceeds the lesser of retained earnings of the Bank or the Bank’s net earnings for its last three fiscal years (less the amount of any distributions to shareholders made during that period). If the above requirements are not met, cash dividends may only be paid with the prior approval of the Commissioner of the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, in an amount not exceeding the Bank’s net earnings for its last fiscal year or the amount of its net earnings for its current fiscal year. Accordingly, the future payment of cash dividends will depend on the Bank’s earnings and its ability to meet its capital requirements. NOTE 18 — OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS Certain officers have entered into salary continuation agreements with the Company (the “Salary Continuation Agreements”). Under the Salary Continuation Agreements, the participants will be provided with a fixed annual retirement benefit for ten to twenty years after retirement. The Company is also responsible for certain pre-retirement death benefits under the Salary Continuation Agreements. In connection with the implementation of the Salary Continuation Agreements, the Company purchased single premium life insurance policies on the life of each of the officers covered under the Salary Continuation Agreements. The Company is the owner and partial beneficiary of these life insurance policies. The assets of the Salary Continuation Agreements, under Internal Revenue Service regulations, are owned by the Company and are available to satisfy the Company’s general creditors. F-39 During December 2001, the Company adopted a director retirement plan (“DRP”). Under the DRP, the participants will be provided with a fixed annual retirement benefit for ten years after retirement. The Company is also responsible for certain pre-retirement death benefits under the DRP. In connection with the implementation of the DRP, the Company purchased single premium life insurance policies on the life of each director covered under the DRP. The Company is the owner and partial beneficiary of these life insurance policies. The assets of the DRP, under Internal Revenue Service regulations, are the property of the Company and are available to satisfy the Company’s general creditors. Future compensation under both types of arrangements is earned for services rendered through retirement. The Company accrues for the salary continuation liability based on anticipated years of service and vesting schedules provided under the arrangements. The Company’s current benefit liability is determined based on vesting and the present value of the benefits at a corresponding discount rate. The discount rate used is an equivalent rate for investment-grade bonds with lives matching those of the service periods remaining for the salary continuation contracts, which average approximately ten years. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, $4,491,000 and $3,978,000, respectively, has been accrued to date, and is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company entered into split-dollar life insurance agreements with certain officers. In connection with the implementation of the split-dollar agreements, the Company purchased single premium life insurance policies on the life of each of the officers covered by the split-dollar life insurance agreements. The Company is the owner of the policies and the partial beneficiary in an amount equal to the cash surrender value of the policies. The combined cash surrender value of all Bank-owned life insurance policies was $25,325,000 and $24,631,000 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. NOTE 19 — REGULATORY MATTERS The Company is regulated by the FRB and is subject to the securities registration and public reporting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a California state-chartered bank, the Company’s banking subsidiary is subject to primary supervision, examination and regulation by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board is the primary federal regulator of state member banks. The Bank is also subject to regulation by the FDIC, which insures the Bank’s deposits as permitted by law. Management is not aware of any recommendations of regulatory authorities or otherwise which, if they were to be implemented, would have a material effect on the Company’s or Bank’s liquidity, capital resources, or operations. The U.S. Basel III rules contain capital standards regarding the composition of capital, minimum capital ratios and counter-party credit risk capital requirements. The Basel III rules also include a definition of common equity Tier 1 capital and require that certain levels of such common equity Tier 1 capital be maintained. The rules also include a capital conservation buffer, which imposes a common equity requirement above the new minimum that can be depleted under stress and could result in restrictions on capital distributions and discretionary bonuses under certain circumstances, as well as a new standardized approach for calculating risk- weighted assets. Under the Basel III rules, we must maintain a ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, a ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6%, a ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8% and a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%. In addition to the preceding requirements, all financial institutions subject to the Rules, including both the Company and the Bank, are required to establish a "conservation buffer," consisting of common equity Tier 1 capital, which is at least 2.5% above each of the preceding common equity Tier 1 capital ratio, the Tier 1 risk-based ratio and the total risk-based ratio. An institution that does not meet the conservation buffer will be subject to restrictions on certain activities including payment of dividends, stock repurchases and discretionary bonuses to executive officers. The conservation buffer became fully effective on January 1, 2019. On September 17, 2019, the FDIC finalized a rule that introduces an optional simplified measure of capital adequacy for qualifying community banking organizations (i.e., the community bank leverage ratio (CBLR) framework), as required by the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act. The CBLR framework is designed to reduce burden by removing the requirements for calculating and reporting risk-based capital ratios for qualifying community banking organizations that opt into the framework. In order to qualify for the CBLR framework, a community banking organization must have a tier 1 leverage ratio of greater than 9.0%, less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, and limited amounts of off-balance-sheet exposures and trading assets and liabilities. A qualifying community banking organization that opts into the CBLR framework and meets all requirements under the framework will be considered to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements under the Prompt Corrective Action regulations and will not be required to report or calculate risk-based capital. The CBLR framework was first available for banks to use in their March 31, 2020 Call Report. The Company has performed a analysis of the changes to capital adequacy and reporting requirements within the quarterly Call Report, and has determined that it will not opt into the CBLR framework. F-40 Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can trigger regulatory actions that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements and operations. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that rely on quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and Bank’s amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. The Company and Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2020 and 2019, are presented in the following table. (in thousands) Capital ratios for Bank: As of December 31, 2020 Actual Regulatory Minimum (1) Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Total capital (to Risk- Weighted Assets) Tier I capital (to Risk- Weighted Assets) Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Tier I capital (to Average Assets) $ $ 129,654 117,978 $ 117,978 $ 117,978 13.1% 12.0% 12.0% 8.0% As of December 31, 2019 Total capital (to Risk- Weighted Assets) Tier I capital (to Risk- Weighted Assets) Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Tier I capital (to Average Assets) $ $ 115,713 106,140 $ 106,140 $ 106,140 12.3% 11.3% 11.3% 9.5% Capital ratios for the Company: As of December 31, 2020 Total capital (to Risk- Weighted Assets) Tier I capital (to Risk- Weighted Assets) Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Tier I capital (to Average Assets) As of December 31, 2019 Total capital (to Risk- Weighted Assets) Tier I capital (to Risk- Weighted Assets) Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Tier I capital (to Average Assets) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 129,936 118,260 118,260 118,260 13.2% 12.0% 12.0% 8.0% 115,910 106,337 106,337 106,337 12.4% 11.3% 11.3% 9.5% $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 103,632 >10.5% 83,893 69,088 59,306 >8.5% >7.0% >4.0% 98,423 79,676 65,615 44,948 >10.5% >8.5% >7.0% >4.0% 103,637 >10.5% 83,896 69,091 59,309 >8.5% >7.0% >4.0% 98,428 79,680 65,619 44,951 >10.5% >8.5% >7.0% >4.0% (1) The adequately capitalized thresholds in the table above are reflected on a fully phased-in basis, which occurred in January 2019. F-41 OAK VALLEY BANCORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 20 – RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES The coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic and the Federal Reserve's response to the economic challenges during 2020 has resulted in an uncertain and rapidly evolving economy. In response to the pandemic, approximately 27% of our administrative staff and none of our branch staff were working remotely as of December 31, 2020, as a majority of employees working from home have returned to the office. To date, we have been able to fully support our remote workforce and these remote work arrangements have not adversely impacted our ability to serve our clients. The most significant impact of COVID-19 on our business has been to the quality of our loan portfolio and to net interest income as short-term interest rates have sharply declined. The Company has increased the qualitative factors used in the determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease loss in anticipation of the impact that COVID-19 will have on clients and their ability to fulfill their obligations. There is no certainty that the provisions made during 2020 will be sufficient to absorb the losses that stem from the impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s clients. As the longer-term effects on clients from the COVID-19 pandemic become more apparent, it may be necessary to charge-off some or all of the balance on certain loans and make further provisions to increase the allowance for loan and lease losses. These potential additional provisions for loan and lease losses will have a direct impact upon capital, including the potential need to reevaluate a valuation allowance on our deferred tax asset. At this time, the Company does not expect that there would be any material impairment to the valuation of other long-lived assets, right of use assets, or our investment securities. Increased demand for liquidity by clients is another impact that could occur should the COVID-19 effects be prolonged. As of December 31, 2020, the Company and the Bank's on-balance sheet liquidity was very strong and combined with contingent liquidity resources, management believes that the Bank has sufficient resources to meet the liquidity needs of its clients. In response to COVID- 19, the Federal Reserve has made other provisions that could assist the Bank in satisfying its liquidity needs, such as reducing the reserve requirement to zero, expanding access to the discount window through collateral pledging and extension of term borrowings. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic affects the Company’s future financial results and operations will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the duration and broad impacts of the pandemic, and current or future actions in response thereto. Management is working closely with our Board of Directors as we plan and execute our response to the significant disruption caused by the crisis. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations” and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, for additional discussion of risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic. F-42 NOTE 21. PARENT ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (dollars in thousands) ASSETS Cash Investment in bank subsidiary Other assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Other liabilities Total liabilities Shareholders’ equity Common stock, no par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 8,218,873 and 8,210,147 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ $ 250 $ 129,412 43 149 112,373 48 129,705 $ 112,570 $ 11 $ - $ 11 $ - 25,435 4,216 92,349 7,694 25,435 3,777 80,961 2,397 Total shareholders’ equity 129,694 112,570 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 129,705 $ 112,570 F-43 OAK VALLEY BANCORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 21. PARENT ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (dollars in thousands) INCOME Dividends declared by subsidiary Total income EXPENSES Salary expense Employee benefit expense Legal expense Other operating expenses Total expenses Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiary Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary Income before income tax benefit Income tax benefit Net income Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 $ 2,549 $ 2,549 2,214 2,214 116 549 40 108 813 1,736 11,742 13,478 209 113 549 53 102 817 1,397 10,863 12,260 229 $ 13,687 $ 12,489 F-44 OAK VALLEY BANCORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 21. PARENT ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASHFLOWS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 2019 $ 13,687 $ 12,489 (11,742) 549 11 5 2,510 (2,299) 0 (110) (2,409) 101 149 250 $ (10,863) 549 (28) 59 2,206 (2,214) 6 (130) (2,338) (132) 281 149 4,338 $ 3,870 (dollars in thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities: Undistributed net income of subsidiary Stock based compensation Increase (decrease) in other liabilities Decrease in other assets Net cash from operating activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Shareholder cash dividends paid Proceeds from sale of common stock and exercise of stock options Tax withholding payments on vested restricted shares surrendered Net cash used in financing activities NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid during the year for income taxes $ $ F-45 EXHIBIT 10.4 SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT This Salary Continuation Agreement (the “Agreement”), by and between Oak Valley Community Bank, located in Oakdale, California (the “Employer”), and _____________________ (the “Executive”), made this ___ day of ______________________, formalizes the agreements and understanding between the Employer and the Executive. WHEREAS, the Executive is employed by the Employer; WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, the Employer recognizes the valuable services the Executive has performed for the Employer and wishes to encourage the Executive’s continued employment and to provide the Executive with additional incentive to achieve corporate objectives; WHEREAS, the Employer wishes to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Employer shall pay additional retirement benefits to the Executive; WHEREAS, the Employer and the Executive intend this Agreement shall at all times be administered and interpreted in compliance with Code Section 409A; and WHEREAS, the Employer intends this Agreement shall at all times be administered and interpreted in such a manner as to constitute an unfunded nonqualified deferred compensation arrangement, maintained primarily to provide supplemental retirement benefits for the Executive, a member of select group of management or highly compensated employee of the Employer. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual promises herein contained, the Employer and the Executive agree as follows: ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS For the purpose of this Agreement, the following phrases or terms shall have the indicated meanings: 1.1 “Accrued Benefit” means the dollar value of the liability that should be accrued by the Employer, under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, for the Employer’s obligation to the Executive under this Agreement, calculated by applying Accounting Standards Codification 710-10 and the Discount Rate. 1.2 “Administrator” means the Board or its designee. 1.3 “Affiliate” means any business entity with whom the Employer would be considered a single employer under Section 414(b) and 414(c) of the Code. Such term shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the definition of “service recipient” contained in Code Section 409A. 1.4 “Beneficiary” means the person or persons designated in writing by the Executive to receive benefits hereunder in the event of the Executive’s death. 1.5 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Employer. 1.6 “Cause” means any of the following acts or circumstances: gross negligence or gross neglect of duties to the Employer; conviction of a felony or of a gross misdemeanor involving moral turpitude in connection with the Executive’s employment with the Employer; or fraud, disloyalty, dishonesty or willful violation of any law or significant Employer policy committed in connection with the Executive's employment and resulting in a material adverse effect on the Employer. 1.7 “Change in Control” means a change in the ownership or effective control of the Employer, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Employer, as such change is defined in Code Section 409A and regulations thereunder. 1.8 “Claimant” means a person who believes that he or she is being denied a benefit to which he or she is entitled hereunder. 1.9 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 1.10 “Disability” means a condition of the Executive whereby the Executive either: (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Employer. The Administrator will determine whether the Executive has incurred a Disability based on its own good faith determination and may require the Executive to submit to reasonable physical and mental examinations for this purpose. The Executive will also be deemed to have incurred a Disability if determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration or in accordance with a disability insurance program, provided that the definition of disability applied under such disability insurance program complies with the initial sentence of this Section. 1.11 “Discount Rate” means the rate used by the Administrator for determining the Accrued Benefit. The initial Discount Rate is four and one-half per cent (4.5%). The Administrator may adjust the Discount Rate to maintain the rate within reasonable standards according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and applicable bank regulatory guidance. 2 1.12 “Early Termination” means Separation from Service before Normal Retirement Age except when such Separation from Service occurs within twenty-four (24) months following a Change in Control or due to termination for Cause or Disability. 1.13 “Effective Date” means January 1, 2021. 1.14 “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. 1.15 “Normal Retirement Age” means the date the Executive attains age sixty-five (65). 1.16 “Plan Year” means each twelve (12) month period commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31 of each year. The initial Plan Year shall commence on the Effective Date and end on the following December 31. 1.17 “Schedule A” means the schedule attached hereto and made a part hereof. Schedule A shall be updated upon a change to any of the benefits described in Article 2 hereof. 1.18 “Separation from Service” means a termination of the Executive’s employment with the Employer and its Affiliates for reasons other than death. A Separation from Service may occur as of a specified date for purposes of the Agreement even if the Executive continues to provide some services for the Employer or its Affiliates after that date, provided that the facts and circumstances indicate that the Employer and the Executive reasonably anticipated at that date that either no further services would be performed after that date, or that the level of bona fide services the Executive would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty percent (20%) of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding thirty-six (36) month period (or the full period during which the Executive performed services for the Employer, if that is less than thirty-six (36) months). A Separation from Service will not be deemed to have occurred while the Executive is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months or, if longer, the period for which a statute or contract provides the Executive with the right to reemployment with the Employer. If the Executive’s leave exceeds six (6) months but the Executive is not entitled to reemployment under a statute or contract, the Executive incurs a Separation of Service on the next day following the expiration of such six (6) month period. In determining whether a Separation of Service occurs the Administrator shall take into account, among other things, the definition of “service recipient” and “employer” set forth in Treasury regulation §1.409A-1(h)(3). The Administrator shall have full and final authority, to determine conclusively whether a Separation from Service occurs, and the date of such Separation from Service. 1.19 “Specified Employee” means an individual that satisfies the definition of a “key employee” of the Employer as such term is defined in Code §416(i) (without regard to Code §416(i)(5)), provided that the stock of the Employer is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise, as defined in Code §1.897-1(m). If the Executive is a key 3 employee at any time during the twelve (12) months ending on December 31, the Executive is a Specified Employee for the twelve (12) month period commencing on the first day of the following April. ARTICLE 2 PAYMENT OF BENEFITS 2.1 Normal Retirement Benefit. Upon Separation from Service after Normal Retirement Age, the Employer shall pay the Executive an annual benefit in the amount of Sixty-One Thousand One Hundred Twenty-Five Dollars ($61,125) in lieu of any other benefit hereunder. The annual benefit will be paid for fifteen (15) years in equal monthly installments commencing the month following Separation from Service. 2.2 Early Termination Benefit. If Early Termination occurs, the Employer shall pay the Executive the Early Termination benefit amount shown on Schedule A for the Plan Year ending immediately prior to Separation from Service in lieu of any other benefit hereunder. The benefit will be paid in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following Separation from Service, with the precise payment date determined by the Employer in its sole discretion. 2.3 Disability Benefit. In the event Separation from Service occurs prior to Normal Retirement Age and following a Disability, the Employer shall pay the Executive the Disability benefit amount shown on Schedule A for the Plan Year ending immediately prior to Separation from Service in lieu of any other benefit hereunder. The benefit will be paid in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following Separation from Service, with the precise payment date determined by the Employer in its sole discretion. 2.4 Change in Control Benefit. If a Change in Control occurs, followed within twenty-four (24) months by Separation of Service prior to Normal Retirement Age, the Employer shall pay the Executive an annual benefit shown on Schedule A for the Plan Year ending immediately prior to Separation from Service in lieu of any other benefit hereunder. The annual benefit will be paid for fifteen (15) years in equal monthly installments commencing the month following Separation from Service. 2.5 Death Prior to Commencement of Benefit Payments. In the event the Executive dies prior to Separation from Service and the Employer owns a life insurance policy on the life of the Executive at the time of the Executive’s death, the Employer shall pay the Beneficiary the Death benefit amount shown on Schedule A for the Plan Year ending immediately prior to the Executive’s death in lieu of any other benefit hereunder. In the event the Executive dies prior to Separation from Service and the Employer does not own a life insurance policy on the life of the Executive at the time of the Executive’s death, the Employer shall pay the Beneficiary the Accrued Benefit determined as of the end of the Plan Year ending immediately prior to the Executive’s death in lieu of any other benefit hereunder. In either event, the benefit will be paid in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s death, with the precise payment date determined by the Employer in its sole discretion. 4 2.6 Death Subsequent to Commencement of Benefit Payments. In the event the Executive dies while receiving payments, but prior to receiving all payments due and owing hereunder, the Employer shall pay the Beneficiary the same amounts at the same times as the Employer would have paid the Executive had the Executive survived. 2.7 Termination for Cause. If the Employer terminates the Executive’s employment for Cause, then the Executive shall not be entitled to any benefits under the terms of this Agreement. 2.8 Restriction on Commencement of Distributions. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is considered a Specified Employee at the time of Separation from Service, the provisions of this Section shall govern all distributions hereunder. Distributions which would otherwise be made to the Executive due to Separation from Service shall not be made during the first six (6) months following Separation from Service. Rather, any distribution which would otherwise be paid to the Executive during such period shall be accumulated and paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following Separation from Service, or if earlier, upon the Executive’s death. All subsequent distributions shall be paid as they would have had this Section not applied. 2.9 Acceleration of Payments. Except as specifically permitted herein, no acceleration of the time or schedule of any payment may be made hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, payments may be accelerated, in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(j)(4) in the following circumstances: (i) as a result of certain domestic relations orders; (ii) in compliance with ethics agreements with the federal government; (iii) in compliance with the ethics laws or conflicts of interest laws; (iv) in limited cashouts (but not in excess of the limit under Code §402(g)(1)(B)); (v) to pay employment-related taxes; or (vi) to pay any taxes that may become due at any time that the Agreement fails to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A. 2.10 Delays in Payment by Employer. A payment may be delayed to a date after the designated payment date under any of the circumstances described below, and the provision will not fail to meet the requirements of establishing a permissible payment event. The delay in the payment will not constitute a subsequent deferral election, so long as the Employer treats all payments to similarly situated participants on a reasonably consistent basis. (a) Payments that would violate Federal securities laws or other applicable law. A payment may be delayed where the Employer reasonably anticipates that the making of the payment will violate Federal securities laws or other applicable law provided that the payment is made at the earliest date at which the Employer reasonably anticipates that the making of the payment will not cause such violation. The making of a payment that would cause inclusion in gross income or the application of any penalty provision of the Internal Revenue Code is not treated as a violation of law. 5 (b) Solvency. Notwithstanding the above, a payment may be delayed where the payment would jeopardize the ability of the Employer to continue as a going concern. 2.11 Treatment of Payment as Made on Designated Payment Date. Solely for purposes of determining compliance with Code Section 409A, any payment under this Agreement made after the required payment date shall be deemed made on the required payment date provided that such payment is made by the latest of: (i) the end of the calendar year in which the payment is due; (ii) the 15th day of the third calendar month following the payment due date; (iii) if Employer cannot calculate the payment amount on account of administrative impracticality which is beyond the Executive’s control, the end of the first calendar year which payment calculation is practicable; and (iv) if Employer does not have sufficient funds to make the payment without jeopardizing the Employer’s solvency, in the first calendar year in which the Employer’s funds are sufficient to make the payment. 2.12 Facility of Payment. If a distribution is to be made to a minor, or to a person who is otherwise incompetent, then the Administrator may make such distribution: (i) to the legal guardian, or if none, to a parent of a minor payee with whom the payee maintains his or her residence; or (ii) to the conservator or administrator or, if none, to the person having custody of an incompetent payee. Any such distribution shall fully discharge the Employer and the Administrator from further liability on account thereof. 2.13 Excise Tax Limitation. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any benefit payment hereunder would be treated as an “excess parachute payment” under Code Section 280G, the Employer shall reduce such benefit payment to the extent necessary to avoid treating such benefit payment as an excess parachute payment. The Executive shall be entitled to only the reduced benefit and shall forfeit any amount over and above the reduced amount. 2.14 Changes in Form or Timing of Benefit Payments. The Employer and the Executive may, subject to the terms hereof, amend this Agreement to delay the timing or change the form of payments. Any such amendment: (a) must take effect not less than twelve (12) months after the amendment is made; (b) must, for benefits distributable due solely to the arrival of a specified date, or on account of Separation from Service or Change in Control, delay the commencement of distributions for a minimum of five (5) years from the date the first distribution was originally scheduled to be made; (c) must, for benefits distributable due solely to the arrival of a specified date, be made not less than twelve (12) months before distribution is scheduled to begin; and (d) may not accelerate the time or schedule of any distribution. 6 ARTICLE 3 BENEFICIARIES 3.1 Designation of Beneficiaries. The Executive may designate any person to receive any benefits payable under the Agreement upon the Executive’s death, and the designation may be changed from time to time by the Executive by filing a new designation. Each designation will revoke all prior designations by the Executive, shall be in the form prescribed by the Administrator, and shall be effective only when filed in writing with the Administrator during the Executive’s lifetime. If the Executive names someone other than the Executive’s spouse as a Beneficiary, the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, determine that spousal consent is required to be provided in a form designated by the Administrator, executed by the Executive’s spouse and returned to the Administrator. The Executive’s beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the Beneficiary predeceases the Executive or if the Executive names a spouse as Beneficiary and the marriage is subsequently dissolved. 3.2 Absence of Beneficiary Designation. In the absence of a valid Beneficiary designation, or if, at the time any benefit payment is due to a Beneficiary, there is no living Beneficiary validly named by the Executive, the Employer shall pay the benefit payment to the Executive’s spouse. If the spouse is not living then the Employer shall pay the benefit payment to the Executive’s living descendants per stirpes, and if there are no living descendants, to the Executive’s estate. In determining the existence or identity of anyone entitled to a benefit payment, the Employer may rely conclusively upon information supplied by the Executive’s personal representative, executor, or administrator. ARTICLE 4 ADMINISTRATION 4.1 Administrator Duties. The Administrator shall be responsible for the When making a management, operation, and administration of the Agreement. determination or calculation, the Administrator shall be entitled to rely on information furnished by the Employer, Executive or Beneficiary. No provision of this Agreement shall be construed as imposing on the Administrator any fiduciary duty under ERISA or other law, or any duty similar to any fiduciary duty under ERISA or other law. 4.2 Administrator Authority. The Administrator shall enforce this Agreement in accordance with its terms, shall be charged with the general administration of this Agreement, and shall have all powers necessary to accomplish its purposes. 4.3 Binding Effect of Decision. The decision or action of the Administrator with respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation or application of this Agreement and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons having any interest in this Agreement. 4.4 Compensation, Expenses and Indemnity. The Administrator shall serve without compensation for services rendered hereunder. The Administrator is authorized at the 7 expense of the Employer to employ such legal counsel and/or recordkeeper as it may deem advisable to assist in the performance of its duties hereunder. Expense and fees in connection with the administration of this Agreement shall be paid by the Employer. 4.5 Employer Information. The Employer shall supply full and timely information to the Administrator on all matters relating to the Executive’s compensation, death, Disability or Separation from Service, and such other information as the Administrator reasonably requires. 4.6 Termination of Participation. If the Administrator determines in good faith that the Executive no longer qualifies as a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees, as determined in accordance with ERISA, the Administrator shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to cease further benefit accruals hereunder. 4.7 Compliance with Code Section 409A. The Employer and the Executive intend that the Agreement comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A to prevent the inclusion in gross income of any amounts deferred hereunder in a taxable year prior to the year in which amounts are actually paid to the Executive or Beneficiary. This Agreement shall be construed, administered and governed in a manner that affects such intent, and the Administrator shall not take any action that would be inconsistent therewith. ARTICLE 5 CLAIMS AND REVIEW PROCEDURES 5.1 Claims Procedure. A Claimant who has not received benefits under this Agreement that he or she believes should be distributed shall make a claim for such benefits as follows. (a) Initiation – Written Claim. The Claimant initiates a claim by submitting to the Administrator a written claim for the benefits. If such a claim relates to the contents of a notice received by the Claimant, the claim must be made within sixty (60) days after such notice was received by the Claimant. All other claims must be made within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date on which the event that caused the claim to arise occurred. The claim must state with particularity the determination desired by the Claimant. (b) Timing of Administrator Response. The Administrator shall respond to such Claimant within forty-five (45) days after receiving the claim. If the Administrator determines that special circumstances require additional time for processing the claim, the Administrator can extend the response period by an additional thirty (30) days by notifying the Claimant in writing, prior to the end of the initial forty-five (45) day period, that an additional period is required. The extension notice shall specifically explain the standards on which entitlement to a disability benefit is based, the unresolved issues that prevent a decision on the claim and the additional information needed from the Claimant to resolve those issues, and the Claimant shall be afforded at least forty-five (45) days within which to provide the specified information. 8 (c) Notice of Decision. If the Administrator denies all or a part of the claim, the Administrator shall notify the Claimant in writing of such denial in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. The Administrator shall write the notification in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant. The notification shall set forth: (i) the specific reasons for the denial; (ii) a reference to the specific provisions of this Agreement on which the denial is based; (iii) a notice that the Claimant has a right to request a review of the claim denial and an explanation of the Agreement’s review procedures and the time limits applicable to such procedures; (iv) a statement of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on review, and a description of any time limit for bringing such an action; (v) for any Disability claim, a discussion of the decision, including an explanation of the basis for disagreeing with or not following: (A) the views presented by the Claimant of health care professionals treating the Claimant and vocational professionals who evaluated the Claimant; (B) the views of medical or vocational experts whose advice was obtained on behalf of the Employer in connection with a Claimant’s adverse benefit determination, without regard to whether the advice was relied upon in making the benefit determination; or (C) a disability determination regarding the Claimant presented by the Claimant made by the Social Security Administration (vi) for any Disability claim, the specific internal rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria relied upon in making the adverse determination or, alternatively, a statement that such rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria do not exist; and (viii) for any Disability claim, a statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the Claimant’s claim for benefits. Whether a document, record, or other information is relevant to a claim for benefits shall be determined by Department of Labor Regulation Section 2560.503-1(m)(8). 5.2 Review Procedure. If the Administrator denies all or a part of the claim, the Claimant shall have the opportunity for a full and fair review by the Administrator of the denial as follows. (a) Additional Evidence. Prior to the review of the denied claim, the Claimant shall be given, free of charge, any new or additional evidence considered, relied upon, or generated by the Administrator, or any new or additional rationale, as soon as possible and sufficiently in advance of the date on which the notice of adverse benefit determination on review is required to be provided, to give the Claimant a reasonable opportunity to respond prior to that date. (b) Initiation – Written Request. To initiate the review, the Claimant, within sixty (60) days after receiving the Administrator’s notice of denial, must file with the Administrator a written request for review. (c) Additional Submissions – Information Access. After such request the Claimant may submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to the claim. The Administrator shall also provide the Claimant, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and 9 other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the Claimant’s claim for benefits. (d) the review, In considering Considerations on Review. the Administrator shall consider all materials and information the Claimant submits relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. Additional considerations shall be required in the case of a claim for Disability benefits. The claim shall be reviewed by an individual or committee who did not make the initial determination that is subject of the appeal and who is not a subordinate of the individual who made the determination. Additionally, the review shall be made without deference to the initial adverse benefit determination. If the initial adverse benefit determination was based in whole or in part on a medical judgment, the Administrator will consult with a health care professional with appropriate training and experience in the field of medicine involving the medical judgment. The health care professional who is consulted on appeal will not be the same individual who was consulted during the initial determination and will not be the subordinate of such individual. If the Administrator obtained the advice of medical or vocational experts in making the initial adverse benefits determination (regardless of whether the advice was relied upon), the Administrator will identify such experts. (e) Timing of Administrator Response. The Administrator shall respond in writing to such Claimant within forty-five (45) days after receiving the request for review. If the Administrator determines that special circumstances require additional time for processing the claim, the Administrator can extend the response period by an additional forty-five (45) days by notifying the Claimant in writing, prior to the end of the initial forty-five (45) day period, that an additional period is required. The notice of extension must set forth the special circumstances and the date by which the Administrator expects to render its decision. (f) Notice of Decision. The Administrator shall notify the Claimant in writing of its decision on review. The Administrator shall write the notification in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant. The notification shall set forth: (i) the specific reasons for the denial; (ii) a reference to the specific provisions of this Agreement on which the denial is based; (iii) a statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the Claimant’s claim for benefits; (iv) a statement of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a); (v) for any Disability claim, a discussion of the decision, including an explanation of the basis for disagreeing with or not following: (A) the views presented by the Claimant of health care professionals treating the Claimant and vocational professionals who evaluated the Claimant; (B) the views of medical or vocational experts whose advice was obtained on behalf of the Employer in connection with a Claimant’s adverse benefit determination, without regard to whether the advice was relied upon in making the benefit determination; or (C) a disability determination regarding the Claimant presented by the Claimant made by the Social Security Administration; and (vi) for any Disability claim, the specific internal rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria relied upon in 10 making the adverse determination or, alternatively, a statement that such rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria do not exist. 5.3 Exhaustion of Remedies. The Claimant must follow these claims review procedures and exhaust all administrative remedies before taking any further action with respect to a claim for benefits. 5.4 Failure to Follow Procedures. In the case of a claim for Disability benefits, if the Administrator fails to strictly adhere to all the requirements of this claims procedure with respect to a Disability claim, the Claimant is deemed to have exhausted the administrative remedies available under the Agreement, and shall be entitled to pursue any available remedies under ERISA Section 502(a) on the basis that the Administrator has failed to provide a reasonable claims procedure that would yield a decision on the merits of the claim, except where the violation was: (a) de minimis; (b) non-prejudicial; (c) attributable to good cause or matters beyond the Administrator’s control; (d) in the context of an ongoing good- faith exchange of information; and (e) not reflective of a pattern or practice of noncompliance. The Claimant may request a written explanation of the violation from the Administrator, and the Administrator must provide such explanation within ten (10) days, including a specific description of its basis, if any, for asserting that the violation should not cause the administrative remedies to be deemed exhausted. If a court rejects the Claimant’s request for immediate review on the basis that the Administrator met the standards for the exception, the claim shall be considered as re-filed on appeal upon the Administrator’s receipt of the decision of the court. Within a reasonable time after the receipt of the decision, the Administrator shall provide the claimant with notice of the resubmission. ARTICLE 6 AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION 6.1 Agreement Amendment Generally. Except as provided in Section 6.2, this Agreement may be amended only by a written agreement signed by both the Employer and the Executive. 6.2 Amendment to Insure Proper Characterization of Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Agreement may be amended by the Employer at any time, if found necessary in the opinion of the Employer, (i) to ensure that the Agreement is characterized as plan of deferred compensation maintained for a select group of management or highly compensated employees as described under ERISA, (ii) to conform the Agreement to the requirements of any applicable law or (iii) to comply with the written instructions of the Employer’s auditors or banking regulators. 6.3 Agreement Termination Generally. This Agreement may be terminated only by a written agreement signed by the Employer and the Executive. No such termination shall cause a distribution of benefits under this Agreement. Rather, after termination benefit payments will be made at the earliest distribution event permitted under Article 2. 11 ARTICLE 7 MISCELLANEOUS 7.1 No Effect on Other Rights. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Employer and the Executive as to the subject matter hereof. No rights are granted to the Executive by virtue of this Agreement other than those specifically set forth herein. Nothing contained herein will confer upon the Executive the right to be retained in the service of the Employer nor limit the right of the Employer to discharge or otherwise deal with the Executive without regard to the existence hereof. 7.2 State Law. To the extent not governed by ERISA, the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted according to the internal law of the State of California without regard to its conflicts of laws principles. 7.3 Validity. In case any provision of this Agreement shall be illegal or invalid for any reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts hereof, but this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provision had never been inserted herein. 7.4 Nonassignability. Benefits under this Agreement cannot be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, attached or encumbered in any manner. 7.5 Unsecured General Creditor Status. Payment to the Executive or any Beneficiary hereunder shall be made from assets which shall continue, for all purposes, to be part of the general, unrestricted assets of the Employer and no person shall have any interest in any such asset by virtue of any provision of this Agreement. The Employer’s obligation hereunder shall be an unfunded and unsecured promise to pay money in the future. In the event that the Employer purchases an insurance policy insuring the life of the Executive to recover the cost of providing benefits hereunder, neither the Executive nor the Beneficiary shall have any rights whatsoever in said policy or the proceeds therefrom. 7.6 Life Insurance. If the Employer chooses to obtain insurance on the life of the Executive in connection with its obligations under this Agreement, the Executive hereby agrees to take such physical examinations and to truthfully and completely supply such information as may be required by the Employer or the insurance company designated by the Employer. 7.7 Unclaimed Benefits. The Executive shall keep the Employer informed of the Executive’s current address and the current address of the Beneficiary. If the location of the Executive is not made known to the Employer within three years after the date upon which any payment of any benefits may first be made, the Employer shall delay payment of the Executive’s benefit payment(s) until the location of the Executive is made known to the Employer; however, the Employer shall only be obligated to hold such benefit payment(s) for the Executive until the expiration of three (3) years. Upon expiration of the three (3) year period, the Employer may discharge its obligation by payment to the Beneficiary. If the location of the Beneficiary is not made known to the Employer by the end of an additional two (2) month period following expiration of the three (3) year period, the Employer may 12 discharge its obligation by payment to the Executive’s estate. If there is no estate in existence at such time or if such fact cannot be determined by the Employer, the Executive and Beneficiary shall thereupon forfeit all rights to any benefits provided under this Agreement. 7.8 Suicide or Misstatement. No benefit shall be distributed hereunder if the Executive commits suicide within two (2) years after the Effective Date, or if an insurance company which issued a life insurance policy covering the Executive and owned by the Employer denies coverage (i) for material misstatements of fact made by the Executive on an application for life insurance, or (ii) for any other reason. 7.9 Removal. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Employer shall not distribute any benefit under this Agreement if the Executive is subject to a final removal or prohibition order issued pursuant to Section 8(e) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Furthermore, any payments made to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement shall, if required, comply with 12 U.S.C. 1828, FDIC Regulation 12 CFR Part 359 and any other regulations or guidance promulgated thereunder. 7.10 Notice. Any notice, consent or demand required or permitted to be given to the Employer or Administrator under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and hand-delivered or sent by registered or certified mail to the Employer’s principal business office. Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Executive or Beneficiary under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and hand-delivered or sent by mail to the last known address of the Executive or Beneficiary, as appropriate. Any notice shall be deemed given as of the date of delivery or, if delivery is made by mail, as of the date shown on the postmark or on the receipt for registration or certification. 7.11 Headings and Interpretation. Headings and sub-headings in this Agreement are inserted for reference and convenience only and shall not be deemed part of this Agreement. Wherever the fulfillment of the intent and purpose of this Agreement requires and the context will permit, the use of the masculine gender includes the feminine and use of the singular includes the plural. 7.12 Alternative Action. In the event it becomes impossible for the Employer or the Administrator to perform any act required by this Agreement due to regulatory or other constraints, the Employer or Administrator may perform such alternative act as most nearly carries out the intent and purpose of this Agreement and is in the best interests of the Employer, provided that such alternative act does not violate Code Section 409A. 7.13 Coordination with Other Benefits. The benefits provided for the Executive or the Beneficiary under this Agreement are in addition to any other benefits available to the Executive under any other plan or program for employees of the Employer. This Agreement shall supplement and shall not supersede, modify, or amend any other such plan or program except as may otherwise be expressly provided herein. 7.14 Inurement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Employer, its successor and assigns, and the Executive, the Executive’s successors, heirs, executors, administrators, and the Beneficiary. 13 7.15 Tax Withholding. The Employer may make such provisions and take such action as it deems necessary or appropriate for the withholding of any taxes which the Employer is required by any law or regulation to withhold in connection with any benefits under the Agreement. The Executive shall be responsible for the payment of all individual tax liabilities relating to any benefits paid hereunder. 7.16 Aggregation of Agreement. If the Employer offers other non-qualified deferred compensation plans, this Agreement and those plans shall be treated as a single plan to the extent required under Code Section 409A. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and a representative of the Employer have executed this Agreement document as indicated below: Executive: Employer: By: Its: 14 SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT Beneficiary Designation I, ___________________, designate the following as Beneficiary under this Agreement: Primary ____________________________________________________________________________________ _______% ____________________________________________________________________________________ _______% Contingent ____________________________________________________________________________________ _______% ____________________________________________________________________________________ _______% I understand that I may change this beneficiary designation by delivering a new written designation to the Administrator, which shall be effective only upon receipt by the Administrator prior to my death. I further understand that the designation will be automatically revoked if the Beneficiary predeceases me or if I have named my spouse as Beneficiary and our marriage is subsequently dissolved. Signature: _______________________________ Date: _______ SPOUSAL CONSENT (Required only if Administrator requests and someone other than spouse is named Beneficiary) I consent to the beneficiary designation above. I also acknowledge that if I am named Beneficiary and my marriage is subsequently dissolved, the beneficiary designation will be automatically revoked. Spouse Name: _______________________________ Signature: _______________________________ Date: Received by the Administrator this ________ day of ___________________, 20__ By: _________________________________ Title: _________________________________ EXHIBIT 10.5 EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT Oak Valley Community Bank, a California Banking Corporation, having its principal place of business at 125 North Third Avenue, Oakdale, California, hereinafter referred to as “Employer” and Richard A. McCarty, hereinafter referred to as “Executive”, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, hereby enter into this agreement (“Agreement”) as of the date first written below (“Effective Date”): Term of Employment 1.01. Employer hereby employs Executive and Executive hereby accepts employment with Employer for a period of three (3) years beginning March 19, 2021 and ending on March 18, 2024. Duties and Obligations of Executive 2.01. Executive shall serve as the Senior Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer of Employer. In this capacity, he shall perform the customary duties of a COO of a commercial bank including but not limited to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Act as a member of the following Board Committees: Loan Committee, Investment Committee and CRA Committee; Participate in community affairs that are beneficial to the Employer; Maintain a good relationship with Employer, customers and shareholders; Maintain a good relationship with regulatory authorities; Provide leadership in planning and implementing the affairs of the Employer; Supervise operations and operate the Bank in a safe and sound manner consistent with all applicable provisions of the Articles and Bylaws of the Bank and all laws, rules and regulations; Such other duties as may, from time to time, be reasonably requested of him by the President and CEO and the Board of Directors of Employer, including but not limited to the hiring and firing of employees, subject at all times to the policies set by Employer’s Board of Directors. Devotion to Employer’s Business 2.02. Executive shall devote his full time, ability, and attention to the business of Employer during the term of this contract. Executive shall not engage in any other business duties or pursuits whatsoever, or directly or indirectly render any services of a business, commercial, or professional nature to any other person or organization, whether for compensation or otherwise, without the prior written 1 consent of Employer’s Board of Directors. Competitive Activities 2.03. During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, either as an employee, Employer, consultant, agent, principal, partner, stockholder, corporate officer, director, or in any other individual or representative capacity, engage or participate in any business that is in competition in any manner whatsoever with the business of Employer. Indemnification 2.04. Employer shall indemnify Executive to the full extent permitted by law from all liability, cost or expense incurred by or paid by Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or related to the performance by Executive of his duties or responsibilities for Employer. Disclosure of Information 2.05. Executive shall not, unless required by law, either before or after termination of this Agreement, disclose to anyone any information relating to Employer or any financial information, trade and business secrets or know-how germane to the business and operation of Employer that is not otherwise public. Executive recognizes and acknowledges that any financial information concerning any of Employer’s customers, as it may exist from time to time, is strictly confidential and is a valuable, special and unique asset of Employer’s business. Executive shall not, either before or after termination of this Agreement, disclose to anyone said financial information or any part thereof, for any reason or purpose whatsoever. Surety Bond 2.06. Executive agrees that he will furnish all information and take any other steps necessary to enable the Employer to obtain or maintain a fidelity bond conditional on the rendering of a true account by the Executive of all moneys, goods, or other property which may come into the custody, charge, or possession of the Executive during the term of his employment. The surety company issuing the bond and the amount of the bond must be acceptable to the Employer. All premiums on the bond are to be paid by the Employer. If Executive cannot qualify for a surety bond at any time during the term of this Agreement, Employer shall have the option to terminate this Agreement immediately. Compensation 3.01. As compensation for the services to be performed hereunder, Executive shall receive a salary of $297,000 for the year subject to usual withholding for taxes, payable in equal installments not less than twice a month, during the employment term, subject to annual adjustment as determined by the Board of Directors. Executive’s performance shall be reviewed and discussed with Executive at least once each year during the term of this Agreement. 2 Bonus 3.02. Executive shall be entitled to a cash bonus, as outlined in the Employer’s Bonus Plan, as in effect from time to time. Benefits 4.01. Executive shall be entitled to standard benefits available to other executive employees, including but not limited to: 4.01.1. Participation in incentive equity plans as adopted from time to time. 4.01.2. Participation in salary continuation and retirement benefits programs. 4.01.3. Automobile allowance and expense account. Vacation and PTO 5.01. Executives shall be entitled to vacation and paid time off benefits as generally available from time to time to the executive employees of the Employer. Business Expenses 6.01 It is understood and agreed by the parties that the services required of Employer will require Executive to incur entertainment and other expenses on behalf of Employer. Employer hereby agrees to reimburse Executive for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred or to be incurred by Executive in carrying out his duties. Executive shall, however, furnish to Employer adequate records and other documentary evidence required by Federal and State Statutes and regulations for the substantiation of each such expenditure as an income tax deduction or other records as may be required by the Board of Directors. Termination at the Will of Employer 7.01. One of the primary needs of the Employer is to maintain flexibility in its upper management. Employer shall therefore have the right, at Employer’s sole discretion, to terminate the employment of Executive at the will of Employer. In the event of such termination, provided that such termination is not for Cause, and except as provided in Section 7.04 below, Executive shall be entitled to severance pay in the total amount equal to three (3) months of Employee’s current annual salary, payable in three (3) equal monthly payments from date of such termination. The severance pay shall cease upon the end of the three (3) months. Such severance pay is the sole and exclusive remedy for Employee terminated at the will of Employer. Termination for Cause 7.02. This Agreement shall terminate immediately upon the occurrence of any one of the following events: (1) The occurrence of circumstances that make it impossible or impractical for the business of the Employer to be continued. The death of the Executive. The loss by Executive of legal capacity. (2) (3) 3 (4) (5) (6) (7) The willful breach of duty by the Executive in the course of his employment, unless waived by the Employer. The habitual neglect by the Executive of his employment duties, unless waived by the Employer. Executive is disabled for a period in excess of six (6) months unless waived by the Employer. The continued unsatisfactory performance of duties by Executive as determined solely by the Board of Directors of Employer. In the event of the termination of this Agreement prior to the completion of the term of employment specified herein for one of the causes enumerated in this paragraph, no severance pay is due or payable to employee, except for salary and car allowance to date of termination. Termination at Will by Executive 7.03 Executive shall have the right at Executive’s sole discretion to terminate his employment at the will of Executive. In such event, Executive shall give three (3) months (90 days) notice to Employer of said determination to sever employment. Effect of Merger, Transfer of Assets, or Dissolution 7.04 A Change in Control means the occurrence of any of the following: (a) (b) any acquisition of the Employer’s stock or any reorganization as defined in section 368 (a) (1) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to which Employer is a party and in which the Employer is not the surviving corporation or is not immediately after the reorganization engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business or in which the stockholders of the Company will own; less than fifty (50%) of the voting securities of the surviving corporation; or any sale or conveyance of substantially all of the net assets of the Employer, unless immediately after such sale Employer is engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business. In the event of a Change in Control, this Agreement shall automatically be terminated, in which case Executive shall be entitled as severance pay under this Agreement to an amount such that the net amount received by Executive, after taking into account federal, state and local income taxes payable as a result of such severance payments equals two (2) years salary based on the compensation in effect under this Agreement plus the amount equal to the sum of the prior two (2) years bonus (the “Severance Payment”). Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if the surviving, continuing, successor, or purchasing corporation, as the case may be (the “Acquiring Corporation”), enters into a new employment agreement with Executive (the “Replacement Agreement”) on terms acceptable to Executive, which acceptance shall not be unreasonable withheld, this Agreement shall be terminated but no Severance Payment shall be due to Executive. Unless a Replacement Agreement is entered into on or before the Change in Control, 4 Employer shall pay the Severance Payment to Executive in a single lump sum payment on or before any such Change in Control. General Provisions Notices 8.01. Any notices to be given hereunder by either party to the other shall be in writing and may be transmitted by personal delivery or by mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid with return receipt requested. Mailed notices shall be addressed to the parties at the addresses listed as follows: Employer: 125 N Third Ave., Oakdale, CA 95361 Executive: P.O. Box 279, Clements, CA 95227 but each party may change that address by written notice in accordance with this section. Notices delivered personally shall be deemed communicated as of the date of actual receipt; mailed notices shall be deemed communicated as of the date of mailing. Arbitration 8.02. (a) (b) (c) Entire Agreement involving the Any controversy between Employer and Executive construction or application of any of the terms, provisions, or conditions of this Agreement shall on the written request of either party served on the other be submitted to arbitration. Arbitration shall comply with and be governed by the provisions of the California Arbitration Act and shall be governed by California law. Employer and Executive shall each appoint one person to hear and determine the dispute. If the two persons so appointed are unable to agree, then those persons shall select a third impartial arbitrator whose decision shall be final and conclusive upon both parties. The cost of arbitration shall be borne by the losing party or in such proportions as the arbitrators decide. 8.03. This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties hereto with respect to the employment of Executive by Employer and contains all of the covenants and agreements between the parties with respect to that employment in any manner whatsoever. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no other representation, inducements, promises, or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein, and that no other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this Agreement shall be valid or binding on either party. 5 Modifications 8.04. Any modification of this Agreement will be effective only if it is in writing and signed by both parties. Effect of Waiver 8.05. The failure of either party to insist on strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement by the other party will not be deemed a waiver of that term, covenant, or condition, nor shall any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power at any one time or times be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of that right or power for all or any other times. Partial Invalidity 8.06. If any provision in this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force without being impaired or invalidated in any way. Law Governing Agreement 8.07. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Sums Due Deceased Executive 8.08. If Executive dies prior to the expiration of the term of his employment, any sums that may be due him from Employer under this Agreement as of the date of death shall be paid to Executive’s executors, administrators, heirs, personal representatives, successors, and assigns. This Amended Employment Agreement is effective as of March 19, 2021. OAK VALLEY COMMUNITY BANK By: /s/ Chris Courtney _ Chris Courtney Title: President & CEO EXECUTIVE /s/ Richard A. McCarty _ Richard A. McCarty Date: March 19, 2021 _ 6 EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (No. 333-158201 and 333-225950) on Form S-8 of Oak Valley Bancorp of our reports dated March 31, 2021, relating to the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Oak Valley Bancorp, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Oak Valley Bancorp for the year ended December 31, 2020. /s/ RSM US LLP San Francisco, CA March 31, 2021 EXHIBIT 31.01 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Christopher M. Courtney, President and Chief Executive Officer, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Oak Valley Bancorp (the Registrant); 2. 3. 4. 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; 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; The Registrant’s other certifying officer 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) (b) (c) (d) 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; 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; 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 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 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 Registrant’s Board of Directors: (a) (b) 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 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. Dated: March 31, 2021 /s/ Christopher M. Courtney Christopher M. Courtney President and Chief Executive Officer EXHIBIT 31.02 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Jeffrey A. Gall, Chief Financial Officer, certify that: 1. 2. 3. 4. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Oak Valley Bancorp (the Registrant); 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; 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; The Registrant’s other certifying officer 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) (b) (c) (d) 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; 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; 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 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 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 Registrant’s Board of Directors: (a) (b) 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 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. Dated: March 31, 2021 /s/ Jeffrey A. Gall Jeffrey A. Gall Chief Financial Officer EXHIBIT 32.01 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the annual report on Form 10-K of Oak Valley Bancorp (the Registrant) for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the undersigned hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: 1) 2) such Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and the information contained in such Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant. Dated: March 31, 2021 Dated: March 31, 2021 /s/ Christopher M. Courtney Christopher M. Courtney President and Chief Executive Officer /s/ Jeffrey A. Gall Jeffrey A. Gall Chief Financial Officer This certification accompanies each report pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Registrant for purposes of section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 

Continue reading text version or see original annual report in PDF format above