Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES General - Effective April 1, 2024, Central Valley Community Bancorp, completed its merger transaction with Community West Bancshares. Shortly thereafter, Community West Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Community West Bancshares, merged with and into Central Valley Community Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Central Valley Community Bancorp, with Central Valley Community Bank being the surviving banking institution. Effective with these mergers, the names of Central Valley Community Bancorp and Central Valley Community Bank were changed to Community West Bancshares and Community West Bank, respectively. Community West Bancshares (the “Company”) was incorporated on February 7, 2000 and subsequently obtained approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to be a bank holding company in connection with its acquisition of Community West Bank (the “Bank”). The Company became the sole shareholder of the Bank on November 15, 2000 in a statutory merger, pursuant to which each outstanding share of the Bank’s common stock was exchanged for one share of common stock of the Company. Service 1st Capital Trust I (the Trust) is a business trust formed by Service 1st for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. The Company succeeded to all the rights and obligations of Service 1st in connection with the acquisition of Service 1st. The Trust is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Bank operates 26 full service offices throughout California’s San Joaquin Valley, Greater Sacramento Region and Central Coast. The Bank’s primary source of revenue is providing loans to customers who are predominately small and middle-market businesses and individuals. The deposits of the Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to applicable legal limits. Depositors’ accounts at an insured depository institution, including all non-interest bearing transactions accounts, will be insured by the FDIC up to the standard maximum deposit insurance amount of $250,000 for each deposit insurance ownership category. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company and the Bank conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and prevailing practices within the banking industry. Operating Segments - The Company determines its reporting units in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, Segment Reporting. The Company evaluates a reporting unit by first identifying its operating segments under ASC 280. The chief operating decision-maker is responsible for the allocation of resources and assessing the performance of the operating segment and has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The chief operating decision maker 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. The Company operates as one operating segment which is reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the consolidated accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. For financial reporting purposes, Service 1st Capital Trust I, is a wholly-owned subsidiary acquired in the merger of Service 1st and formed for the exclusive purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of this trust (variable interest entity), therefore the trust is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, but rather the subordinated debentures are shown as a liability on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company’s investment in the common stock of the Trust is included in accrued interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Use of Estimates - The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates the estimates used. Estimates are based upon historical experience, current economic conditions and other factors that management considers reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates result in judgments regarding the carrying values of assets and liabilities when these values are not readily available from other sources, as well as assessing and identifying the accounting treatments of contingencies and commitments. 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions. Cash and Cash Equivalents - For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash, due from banks with original maturities less than 90 days, interest-earning deposits in other banks, and Federal funds sold are considered to be cash equivalents. Generally, Federal funds are sold and purchased for one-day periods. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, and Federal funds purchased. Investment Securities - Investments are classified into the following categories: •Available-for-sale securities, reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported, net of taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity. •Held-to-maturity securities, which management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, reported at amortized cost, adjusted for the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and may only change the classification in certain limited circumstances. All transfers between categories are accounted for at fair value in the period which the transfer occurs. Gains or losses on the sale of investment securities are computed on the specific identification method. Interest earned on investment securities is reported in interest income, net of applicable adjustments for accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized or accreted on the level yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Allowance for Credit Losses on Available-for-Sale Debt Securities - For available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more than likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For AFS debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a provision (or credit) for credit losses. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes that the uncollectibility of an available-for-sale security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. Allowance for Credit Losses on Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities - Management measures expected credit losses on held-to-maturity (“HTM”) debt securities on a collective basis by major security type. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information based on industry data that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management classifies the held-to-maturity portfolio into the following major security types: Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions, U.S. Government sponsored Entities and Agencies collateralized by Residential Mortgage Obligations, Private Label Mortgage and Asset Backed Securities, and Corporate Debt Securities. The Company elected the practical expedient under ASC 326-20-30-5A to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis when measuring potential impairment. Additionally, management notes that due to this election, accrued interest is separately reported from the securities’ amortized cost basis. Loans - All loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at principal balances outstanding net of deferred loan fees and costs, and the allowance for credit losses. Interest is accrued daily based upon outstanding loan principal balances. However, when a loan becomes impaired and the future collectability of interest and principal is in serious doubt, the loan is placed on nonaccrual status and the accrual of interest income is suspended. Any loan delinquent 90 days or more is automatically placed on nonaccrual status. Any interest accrued but unpaid is charged against income. Subsequent payments on these loans, or payments received on nonaccrual loans for which the ultimate collectability of principal is not in doubt, are applied first to principal until fully collected and then to interest. Interest income on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection. Consumer and credit card loans are typically charged off no later than 90 days past due. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. A loan placed on non-accrual status may be restored to accrual status when principal and interest are no longer past due and unpaid, or the loan otherwise becomes both well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is brought current, the Company must also have reasonable assurance that the obligor has the ability to meet all contractual obligations in the future, that the loan will be repaid within a reasonable period of time, and that a minimum of six months of satisfactory repayment performance has occurred. Substantially all loan origination fees, commitment fees, direct loan origination costs and purchase premiums and discounts on loans are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of yield, and amortized to interest income over the contractual term of the loan. The unamortized balance of deferred fees and costs is reported as a component of net loans. Acquired Loans and Leases - Loans and leases acquired through purchase or through a business combination are recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date. At the time of an acquisition, we evaluate loans to determine if they are purchase credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans. PCD loans are those acquired loans with evidence of more than insignificant credit deterioration since loan origination. This determination is made by considering past due and nonaccrual status, prior designation of a troubled debt restructuring, or other factors that may suggest we will not be able to collect all contractual payments. PCD loans are initially recorded at fair value with a gross up for the allowance for credit losses, which becomes the initial amortized cost basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit premium or discount which is amortized or accreted over the life of the loan. Subsequent changes to the allowance for credit losses are recorded through provision or credit to the allowance for credit losses. While credit discounts are included in the determination of fair value for non-credit deteriorated loans, an allowance for loan loss is established at acquisition using the same methodology as originated loans since these discounts are accreted or amortized over the life of the loan. Subsequent deterioration or improvements in expected credit losses are recorded through a provision or credit to the allowance for credit losses on loans. Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans - The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. The allowance is established through a provision for credit losses which is charged to expense. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance. On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as amended, which replaces the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (CECL) methodology. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity securities. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments). In addition, credit losses recognized on available-for-sale debt securities will be presented as an allowance as opposed to a write-down, based on management’s intent to sell the security or the likelihood the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis. The Company adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for the reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. The Company recognized an increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans totaling $3,910,000, a reserve for credit losses for held-to-maturity securities of $775,000, and an increase to the reserve for unfunded commitments of $612,000 with a corresponding decrease, net of taxes, in retained earnings, of $3,731,000 as of January 1, 2023 for the cumulative effect of adopting ASC 326. The Company elected the practical expedient under ASC 326-20-30-5A to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis when measuring potential impairment. Additionally, management notes that due to this election, accrued interest is separately reported from the loans’ amortized cost basis. Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience from national and local peer data provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for the differences in the current loan-specific risk characteristics, such as differences in loan-to-values, portfolio mix, or term as well as for changes in environmental conditions, such as changes in unemployment rates, market interest rates, property values, or other relevant factors. Management may assign qualitative factors to each loan segment if there are material risks or improvements present but not yet captured in the model environment. The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company segregates the allowance by portfolio segment. These portfolio segments include commercial, commercial real estate, 1-4 family real estate and consumer loans. The relative significance of risk considerations vary by portfolio segment. Real estate construction loans, as summarized by class within the loan footnote, are disaggregated into either the commercial real estate or 1-4 family real estate allowance segments based on the type of construction loan due to the varying risks between commercial and consumer construction. Commercial: Commercial and industrial - Commercial and industrial loans are generally underwritten to existing cash flows of operating businesses. Additionally, economic trends influenced by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators are closely correlated to the credit quality of these loans. Past due payments may indicate the borrower’s capacity to repay their obligations may be deteriorating. Agricultural production - Loans secured by crop production and livestock are especially vulnerable to two risk factors that are largely outside the control of Company and borrowers: commodity prices and weather conditions. Commercial Real Estate: Commercial real estate construction and other land loans - Commercial land and construction loans generally possess a higher inherent risk of loss than other real estate portfolio segments. A major risk arises from the necessity to complete projects within specified costs and time lines. Trends in the construction industry significantly impact the credit quality of these loans, as demand drives construction activity. In addition, trends in real estate values significantly impact the credit quality of these loans, as property values determine the economic viability of construction projects. Commercial real estate - owner-occupied - Real estate collateral secured by commercial or professional properties with repayment arising from the owner’s business cash flows. To meet this classification, the owner’s operation must occupy no less than 50% of the real estate held. Financial profitability and capacity to meet the cyclical nature of the industry and related real estate market over a significant timeframe is essential. Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied - Investor commercial real estate loans generally possess a higher inherent risk of loss than other real estate portfolio segments, except land and construction loans. Adverse economic developments or an overbuilt market impact commercial real estate projects and may result in troubled loans. Trends in vacancy rates of commercial properties impact the credit quality of these loans. High vacancy rates reduce operating revenues and the ability for properties to produce sufficient cash flows to service debt obligations. Farmland - Agricultural loans secured by real estate generally possess a higher inherent risk of loss caused by changes in concentration of permanent plantings, government subsidies, and the value of the U.S. dollar affecting the export of commodities. Multi-family - These properties are generally comprised of more than four rentable units, such as apartment buildings, with each unit intended to be occupied as the primary residence for one or more persons. Multi-family properties are also subject to changes in general or regional economic conditions, such as unemployment, ultimately resulting in increased vacancy rates or reduced rents or both. In addition, new construction can create an oversupply condition and market competition resulting in increased vacancy, reduced market rents, or both. Due to the nature of their use and the greater likelihood of tenant turnover, the management of these properties is more intensive and therefore is more critical to the preclusion of loss. 1-4 Family Real Estate: Including 1-4 family close-ended, revolving real estate loans, and residential construction loans, the degree of risk in residential real estate lending depends primarily on the loan amount in relation to collateral value, the interest rate and the borrower’s ability to repay in an orderly fashion. These loans generally possess a lower inherent risk of loss than other real estate portfolio segments. Economic trends determined by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators are closely correlated to the credit quality of these loans. Weak economic trends may indicate that the borrowers’ capacity to repay their obligations may be deteriorating Consumer: Manufactured housing - The Company has a financing program for manufactured housing to provide affordable home ownership. These loans are offered in mobile home parks throughout California primarily on or near the coast. The manufactured housing loans are secured by the manufactured home and are retained in the Company’s loan portfolio. The primary risks of manufactured housing loans include the borrower’s inability to pay, material decreases in the value of the collateral, and significant increases in interest rates, which may reduce the borrower’s ability to make the required principal or interest payments. Other installment loans - A consumer installment loan portfolio is usually comprised of a large number of small loans scheduled to be amortized over a specific period. Most installment loans are made directly for consumer purchases, such as automobiles. Other consumer loans include other open ended unsecured consumer loans. Open ended unsecured loans generally have a higher rate of default than all other portfolio segments and are also impacted by weak economic conditions and trends. When loans do not share similar risk characteristics, the Company evaluates the loan for expected credit losses on an individual basis. Loans evaluated individually are not included in the collective evaluation. When management determines that foreclosure is probable or when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty at the reporting date and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate. Risk Rating - The Company assigns a risk rating to all loans, and periodically performs detailed reviews of all such loans over a certain threshold to identify credit risks and to assess the overall collectability of the portfolio. The most recent review of risk ratings was completed in December 2024. These risk ratings are also subject to examination by independent specialists engaged by the Company and the Company’s regulators. During these internal reviews, management monitors and analyzes the financial condition of borrowers and guarantors, trends in the industries in which borrowers operate and the fair values of collateral securing these loans. These credit quality indicators are used to assign a risk rating to each individual loan. The risk ratings can be grouped into five major categories, defined as follows: Pass - A pass loan is a strong credit with no existing or known potential weaknesses deserving of management’s close attention. Special Mention - A special mention loan has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or in the Company’s credit position at some future date. Special mention loans are not adversely classified and do not expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. Substandard - A substandard loan is not adequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower or the value of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified as substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. Well-defined weaknesses include a project’s lack of marketability, inadequate cash flow or collateral support, failure to complete construction on time, or the project’s failure to fulfill economic expectations. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Doubtful - Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently known 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, which may work to the advantage and strengthening of the asset, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined. Pending factors include proposed merger, acquisition, or liquidation procedures, capital injection, perfecting liens on additional collateral, and refinancing plans. Doubtful classification is considered temporary and short term. Loss - Loans classified as loss are considered uncollectible and charged off immediately. The general reserve component of the allowance for credit losses also consists of reserve factors that are based on management’s assessment of the following for each portfolio segment: (1) inherent credit risk, (2) historical losses and (3) other qualitative factors including economic trends in the Company’s service areas, industry experience and trends, industry and geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, the Company’s underwriting policies, the character of the loan portfolio, and probable losses inherent in the portfolio taken as a whole. Inherent credit risk and qualitative reserve factors are inherently subjective and are driven by the repayment risk associated with each class of loans. Allowance for Credit Losses on Unfunded Commitments - The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Company is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments is adjusted through provision for credit losses. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life. Bank Premises and Equipment - Land is carried at cost. Bank premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The useful lives of Bank premises are estimated to be between 20 and 40 years. The useful lives of improvements to Bank premises, furniture, fixtures and equipment are estimated to be three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the asset or the term of the related lease, whichever is shorter. When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in income for the period. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. The Bank evaluates premises and equipment for financial impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Stock - The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income. Investments in Low Income Housing Tax Credit Funds - The Bank has invested in limited partnerships that were formed to develop and operate affordable housing projects for low or moderate income tenants throughout California. The Company accounts for the investments in qualified affordable housing tax credit funds using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the initial cost of the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and the net investment performance is recognized as part of income tax expense (benefit). Each of the partnerships must meet the regulatory minimum requirements for affordable housing for a minimum 15-year compliance period to fully utilize the tax credits. If the partnerships cease to qualify during the compliance period, the credit may be denied for any period in which the project is not in compliance and a portion of the credit previously taken is subject to recapture with interest. The Company’s investment in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (“LIHTC”) partnerships is reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Other Real Estate Owned - Other real estate owned (OREO) is comprised of property acquired through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure. Losses recognized at the time of acquiring property in full or partial satisfaction of debt are charged against the allowance for credit losses. OREO, when acquired, is initially recorded at fair value less estimated disposition costs, establishing a new cost basis. Fair value of OREO is generally based on an independent appraisal of the property. Subsequent to initial measurement, OREO is carried at the lower of the recorded investment or fair value less disposition costs. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through noninterest expense. Revenues and expenses associated with OREO are reported as a component of noninterest expense when incurred. There was no other real estate owned at December 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2023. Foreclosed Assets - Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through operations. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed. Gains and losses on disposition are included in noninterest expense. There were no foreclosed assets at December 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2023. Bank Owned Life Insurance - The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. Company owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. Servicing Assets - The Company is an approved Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (“Farmer Mac”) seller/servicer. Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets as certain servicing requirements are retained. Servicing assets are amortized over the period of estimated net servicing income. The Company uses Farmer Mac prepayment statistics in estimating the expected life of the loans. Management evaluates its servicing assets for impairment quarterly. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based on the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Fair value is determined using discounted future cash flows calculated on a loan-by-loan basis. The initial servicing asset and resulting gain is calculated based on the contractual net servicing fees. Farmer Mac servicing assets are valued based on the net servicing fee and estimated life of seven years, and discounted using the Company’s borrowing rate. Farmer Mac servicing assets measured under the amortization method were $2.4 million at December 31, 2024 and was acquired as a result of the merger on April 1, 2024. Servicing assets are recorded in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Business Combinations - The Company accounts for acquisitions of businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method, assets and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Management utilizes various valuation techniques included discounted cash flow analyses to determine these fair values. Any excess of the purchase price over amounts allocated to the acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill - Business combinations involving the Bank’s acquisition of the equity interests or net assets of another enterprise give rise to goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the net fair value of assets, including identified intangible assets, acquired and liabilities assumed in the transactions accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The value of goodwill is ultimately derived from the Bank’s ability to generate net earnings after the acquisitions. A decline in net earnings could be indicative of a decline in the fair value of goodwill and result in impairment. For that reason, goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment. The Company has selected September 30 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Management assessed qualitative factors including performance trends and noted no factors indicating goodwill impairment. Goodwill is also tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the Company below its carrying amount. No such events or circumstances arose during the fourth quarter of 2024, so goodwill was not required to be retested. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on the balance sheet. Intangible Assets - The intangible assets at December 31, 2024 represent the estimated fair value of the core deposit relationships acquired in business combinations. Core deposit intangibles are being amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated life of five to ten years from the date of acquisition. Management evaluates the remaining useful lives quarterly to determine whether events or circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization. Based on the evaluation, no changes to the remaining useful lives was required. During 2024 the amortization of the core deposit intangible, from previously completed acquisitions, was completed. Therefore, Management did not need to perform an annual impairment test on core deposit intangibles as of September 30, 2024, as no impairment was possible. Core deposit intangibles could also be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below its carrying amount. Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments - Financial instruments include off‑balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount of these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. Income Taxes - The Company files its income taxes on a consolidated basis with the Bank. The allocation of income tax expense represents each entity’s proportionate share of the consolidated provision for income taxes. Income tax expense represents the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. On the balance sheet, net deferred tax assets are included in accrued interest receivable and other assets. The realization of deferred income tax assets is assessed and a valuation allowance is recorded if it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. “More likely than not” is defined as greater than a 50% chance. All available evidence, both positive and negative is considered to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed. Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - The Company uses a comprehensive model for recognizing, measuring, presenting and disclosing in the financial statements tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the more likely than not test, no tax benefit is recorded. Interest expense and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits, if any, are classified as income tax expense in the consolidated statement of income. Retirement Plans - Employee 401(k) plan expense is the amount of employer matching contributions. Profit sharing plan expense is the amount of employer contributions. Contributions to the profit sharing plan are determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plan expense is allocated over years of service. Earnings Per Common Share - Basic earnings per common share (EPS), which excludes dilution, is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders (net income after deducting dividends, if any, on preferred stock and accretion of discount) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock, such as stock options or warrants, result in the issuance of common stock which shares in the earnings of the Company. All data with respect to computing earnings per share is retroactively adjusted to reflect stock dividends and splits and the treasury stock method is applied to determine the dilutive effect of stock options in computing diluted EPS. The shares awarded to employees and directors under the restricted stock agreements vest on applicable vesting dates only to the extent the recipient of the shares is then an employee or a director of the Company or one of its subsidiaries, and each recipient will forfeit all of the shares that have not vested on the date his or her employment or service is terminated. Common stock awards for performance vest immediately. 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. Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale which are also recognized as separate components of equity. Loss Contingencies - Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements. Restrictions on Cash - Cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank was required to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements. Share-Based Compensation - Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards. Additionally, the compensation expense for the Company’s employee stock ownership plan is based on the market price of the shares as they are committed to be released to participant accounts. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Dividend Restriction - Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the Bank to the Company or by the Company to shareholders. Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 17. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates. Reclassifications - Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to the classifications used in 2023. None of the reclassifications had an impact on equity or net income. Impact of New Financial Accounting Standards Adopted in 2024 In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 - Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The update enhances disclosures by requiring entities to provide more detailed information about significant segment expenses, other segment items, and measures of segment profit or loss used by the chief operating decision makers (CODMs). The guidance also requires qualitative descriptions of the methods used to determine segment profit/loss and asset measurement. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements but resulted in expanded disclosures within Note 18 on Operating Segments. On March 28, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, "Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (ASC 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method." ASU 2014-01, "Investments - Equity method and Joint Ventures (ASC 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects", previously introduced the option to apply the proportional amortization method to account for investments made primarily for the purpose of receiving income tax credits and other income tax benefits when certain requirements are met; however, this guidance limited the proportional amortization method to investments in low-income-housing tax credit ("LIHTC") structures. The proportional amortization method results in the cost of the investment being amortized in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received, with the amortization of the investment and the income tax credits being presented net in the income statement as a component of net income tax expense (benefit). Equity investments in other tax credit structures are typically accounted for using the equity method, which results in investment income, gains and losses, and tax credits being presented gross on the income statement in their respective line items. The amendments in this update permit reporting entities to elect to account for certain tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the income tax benefits in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). To qualify for the proportional amortization method, all of the following conditions must be met: (1) It is probable that the income tax credits allocated to the tax equity investor will be available; (2) The tax equity investor does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the underlying project; (3) Substantially all of the projected benefits are from income tax credits and other income tax benefits. Projected benefits included income tax credits, other income tax benefits, and other non-income tax-related benefits. The projected benefits are determined on a discounted basis, using a discount rate that is consistent with the cash flow assumptions used by the tax equity investor in making its decision to invest in the project; (4) The tax equity investor's projected yield based solely on the cash flows from the income tax credits and other income tax benefits is positive; and (5) The tax equity investor is a limited liability investor in the limited liability entity for both legal and tax purposes, and the tax equity investor's liability is limited to its capital investment. An accounting policy election is allowed to apply the proportional amortization method on a tax-credit-program-by-tax-credit-program basis rather than electing to apply the proportional amortization method at the reporting entity level or to individual investments. The amendments in this update require specific disclosures that must be applied to all investments that generate income tax credits and other income tax benefits from a tax credit program for which the entity has elected to apply the proportional amortization method. The amendments require that a reporting entity disclose certain information in annual and interim reporting periods that enable investors to understanding the following information about its investments that generate income tax credits and other income tax benefits from a tax credit program including: (1) The nature of its tax equity investments; and (2) The effect of its tax equity investments and related income tax credits and other income tax benefits on its financial position and results of operations. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period. If early adoption is elected, the provisions shall be adopted as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period of adoption. The amendments in this update must be applied on either a modified retrospective or a retrospective basis. The Company was already recognizing the low-income housing tax credits using the proportional amortization method and therefore adoption of this ASU on January 1, 2024 had no impact on the consolidated financial statements. Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements - Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative (“ASU 2023-06”), amending disclosure or presentation requirements related to various subtopics in the FASB’s ASC. ASU 2023-06 was issued in response to the SEC’s initiative to update and simplify disclosure requirements. The SEC identified 27 disclosure requirements that were incremental to those in the ASC and referred them to the FASB for potential incorporation into U.S. GAAP. To avoid duplication, the SEC intended to eliminate those disclosure requirements from existing SEC regulations as the FASB incorporated them into the relevant ASC subtopics. ASU 2023-06 adds 14 of the 27 identified disclosure or presentation requirements to the ASC. ASU 2023-06 is to be applied prospectively, and early adoption is prohibited. For reporting entities subject to the SEC’s existing disclosure requirements, the effective dates of ASU 2023-06 will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure requirement from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective. If by June 30, 2027, the SEC has not removed the applicable requirement from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, the pending content of the related amendment will be removed from the ASC and will not become effective for any entities. ASU 2023-06 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), which enhances the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 will require disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. Entities will also be required to disclose income/(loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense/(benefit) disaggregated between domestic and foreign, as well as income tax expense/(benefit) from continuing operations disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied prospectively, with retrospective application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements. On November 4, 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (“Subtopic 220-40”): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“ASU 2024-03”). This standard responds to investor input by requiring public companies to disclose, in interim and annual reporting periods, additional information about certain expenses in the notes to the financial statements. This standard is effective for all entities that are subject to Subtopic 220-40, for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, but early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the amendments on our financial statement disclosures upon adoption.

General - Effective April 1, 2024, Central Valley Community Bancorp, completed its merger transaction with Community West Bancshares. Shortly thereafter, Community West Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Community West Bancshares, merged with and into Central Valley Community Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Central Valley Community Bancorp, with Central Valley Community Bank being the surviving banking institution. Effective with these mergers, the names of Central Valley Community Bancorp and Central Valley Community Bank were changed to Community West Bancshares and Community West Bank, respectively.

Community West Bancshares (the “Company”) was incorporated on February 7, 2000 and subsequently obtained approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to be a bank holding company in connection with its acquisition of Community West Bank (the “Bank”). The Company became the sole shareholder of the Bank on November 15, 2000 in a statutory merger, pursuant to which each outstanding share of the Bank’s common stock was exchanged for one share of common stock of the Company.

Operating Segments - The Company determines its reporting units in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, Segment Reporting. The Company evaluates a reporting unit by first identifying its operating segments under ASC 280. The chief operating decision-maker is responsible for the allocation of resources and assessing the performance of the operating segment and has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The chief operating decision maker 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. The Company operates as one operating segment which is reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker.

For financial reporting purposes, Service 1st Capital Trust I, is a wholly-owned subsidiary acquired in the merger of Service 1st and formed for the exclusive purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of this trust (variable interest entity), therefore the trust is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, but rather the subordinated debentures are shown as a liability on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company’s investment in the common stock of the Trust is included in accrued interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

These estimates result in judgments regarding the carrying values of assets and liabilities when these values are not readily available from other sources, as well as assessing and identifying the accounting treatments of contingencies and commitments. 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash, due from banks with original maturities less than 90 days, interest-earning deposits in other banks, and Federal funds sold are considered to be cash equivalents. Generally, Federal funds are sold and purchased for one-day periods. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, and Federal funds purchased.

Gains or losses on the sale of investment securities are computed on the specific identification method. Interest earned on investment securities is reported in interest income, net of applicable adjustments for accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized or accreted on the level yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage backed securities where prepayments are anticipated.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Available-for-Sale Debt Securities - For available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more than likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For AFS debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities - Management measures expected credit losses on held-to-maturity (“HTM”) debt securities on a collective basis by major security type. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information based on industry data that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management classifies the held-to-maturity portfolio into the following major security types: Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions, U.S. Government sponsored Entities and Agencies collateralized by Residential Mortgage Obligations, Private Label Mortgage and Asset Backed Securities, and Corporate Debt Securities.

Loans - All loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at principal balances outstanding net of deferred loan fees and costs, and the allowance for credit losses. Interest is accrued daily based upon outstanding loan principal balances. However, when a loan becomes impaired and the future collectability of interest and principal is in serious doubt, the loan is placed on nonaccrual status and the accrual of interest income is suspended. Any loan delinquent 90 days or more is automatically placed on nonaccrual status. Any interest accrued but unpaid is charged against income. Subsequent payments on these loans, or payments received on nonaccrual loans for which the ultimate collectability of principal is not in doubt, are applied first to principal until fully collected and then to interest.

Interest income on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection. Consumer and credit card loans are typically charged off no later than 90 days past due. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. A loan placed on non-accrual status may be restored to accrual status when principal and interest are no longer past due and unpaid, or the loan otherwise becomes both well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is brought current, the Company must also have reasonable assurance that the obligor has the ability to meet all contractual obligations in the future, that the loan will be repaid within a reasonable period of time, and that a minimum of six months of satisfactory repayment performance has occurred.

Acquired Loans and Leases - Loans and leases acquired through purchase or through a business combination are recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date. At the time of an acquisition, we evaluate loans to determine if they are purchase credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans. PCD loans are those acquired loans with evidence of more than insignificant credit deterioration since loan origination. This determination is made by considering past due and nonaccrual status, prior designation of a troubled debt restructuring, or other factors that may suggest we will not be able to collect all contractual payments. PCD loans are initially recorded at fair value with a gross up for the allowance for credit losses, which becomes the initial amortized cost basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit premium or discount which is amortized or accreted over the life of the loan. Subsequent changes to the allowance for credit losses are recorded through provision or credit to the allowance for credit losses.

While credit discounts are included in the determination of fair value for non-credit deteriorated loans, an allowance for loan loss is established at acquisition using the same methodology as originated loans since these discounts are accreted or amortized over the life of the loan. Subsequent deterioration or improvements in expected credit losses are recorded through a provision or credit to the allowance for credit losses on loans.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans - The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. The allowance is established through a provision for credit losses which is charged to expense. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance.

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as amended, which replaces the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (CECL) methodology. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity securities. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments). In addition, credit losses recognized on available-for-sale debt securities will be presented as an allowance as opposed to a write-down, based on management’s intent to sell the security or the likelihood the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis.

The Company adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for the reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. The Company recognized an increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans totaling $3,910,000, a reserve for credit losses for held-to-maturity securities of $775,000, and an increase to the reserve for unfunded commitments of $612,000 with a corresponding decrease, net of taxes, in retained earnings, of $3,731,000 as of January 1, 2023 for the cumulative effect of adopting ASC 326.

Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience from national and local peer data provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for the differences in the current loan-specific risk characteristics, such as differences in loan-to-values, portfolio mix, or term as well as for changes in environmental conditions, such as changes in unemployment rates, market interest rates, property values, or other relevant factors. Management may assign qualitative factors to each loan segment if there are material risks or improvements present but not yet captured in the model environment.

The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company segregates the allowance by portfolio segment. These portfolio segments include commercial, commercial real estate, 1-4 family real estate and consumer loans. The relative significance of risk considerations vary by portfolio segment. Real estate construction loans, as summarized by class within the loan footnote, are disaggregated into either the commercial real estate or 1-4 family real estate allowance segments based on the type of construction loan due to the varying risks between commercial and consumer construction.

Commercial and industrial - Commercial and industrial loans are generally underwritten to existing cash flows of operating businesses. Additionally, economic trends influenced by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators are closely correlated to the credit quality of these loans. Past due payments may indicate the borrower’s capacity to repay their obligations may be deteriorating.

Commercial real estate construction and other land loans - Commercial land and construction loans generally possess a higher inherent risk of loss than other real estate portfolio segments. A major risk arises from the necessity to complete projects within specified costs and time lines. Trends in the construction industry significantly impact the credit quality of these loans, as demand drives construction activity. In addition, trends in real estate values significantly impact the credit quality of these loans, as property values determine the economic viability of construction projects.

Commercial real estate - owner-occupied - Real estate collateral secured by commercial or professional properties with repayment arising from the owner’s business cash flows. To meet this classification, the owner’s operation must occupy no less than 50% of the real estate held. Financial profitability and capacity to meet the cyclical nature of the industry and related real estate market over a significant timeframe is essential.

Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied - Investor commercial real estate loans generally possess a higher inherent risk of loss than other real estate portfolio segments, except land and construction loans. Adverse economic developments or an overbuilt market impact commercial real estate projects and may result in troubled loans. Trends in vacancy rates of commercial properties impact the credit quality of these loans. High vacancy rates reduce operating revenues and the ability for properties to produce sufficient cash flows to service debt obligations.

Multi-family - These properties are generally comprised of more than four rentable units, such as apartment buildings, with each unit intended to be occupied as the primary residence for one or more persons. Multi-family properties are also subject to changes in general or regional economic conditions, such as unemployment, ultimately resulting in increased vacancy rates or reduced rents or both. In addition, new construction can create an oversupply condition and market competition resulting in increased vacancy, reduced market rents, or both. Due to the nature of their use and the greater likelihood of tenant turnover, the management of these properties is more intensive and therefore is more critical to the preclusion of loss.

Including 1-4 family close-ended, revolving real estate loans, and residential construction loans, the degree of risk in residential real estate lending depends primarily on the loan amount in relation to collateral value, the interest rate and the borrower’s ability to repay in an orderly fashion. These loans generally possess a lower inherent risk of loss than other real estate portfolio segments. Economic trends determined by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators are closely correlated to the credit quality of these loans. Weak economic trends may indicate that the borrowers’ capacity to repay their obligations may be deteriorating

Manufactured housing - The Company has a financing program for manufactured housing to provide affordable home ownership. These loans are offered in mobile home parks throughout California primarily on or near the coast. The manufactured housing loans are secured by the manufactured home and are retained in the Company’s loan portfolio. The primary risks of manufactured housing loans include the borrower’s inability to pay, material decreases in the value of the collateral, and significant increases in interest rates, which may reduce the borrower’s ability to make the required principal or interest payments.

Other installment loans - A consumer installment loan portfolio is usually comprised of a large number of small loans scheduled to be amortized over a specific period. Most installment loans are made directly for consumer purchases, such as automobiles. Other consumer loans include other open ended unsecured consumer loans. Open ended unsecured loans generally have a higher rate of default than all other portfolio segments and are also impacted by weak economic conditions and trends.

When loans do not share similar risk characteristics, the Company evaluates the loan for expected credit losses on an individual basis. Loans evaluated individually are not included in the collective evaluation. When management determines that foreclosure is probable or when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty at the reporting date and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate.

Risk Rating - The Company assigns a risk rating to all loans, and periodically performs detailed reviews of all such loans over a certain threshold to identify credit risks and to assess the overall collectability of the portfolio. The most recent review of risk ratings was completed in December 2024. These risk ratings are also subject to examination by independent specialists engaged by the Company and the Company’s regulators. During these internal reviews, management monitors and analyzes the financial condition of borrowers and guarantors, trends in the industries in which borrowers operate and the fair values of collateral securing these loans. These credit quality indicators are used to assign a risk rating to each individual loan. The risk ratings can be grouped into five major categories, defined as follows:

Special Mention - A special mention loan has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or in the Company’s credit position at some future date. Special mention loans are not adversely classified and do not expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.

Substandard - A substandard loan is not adequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower or the value of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified as substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. Well-defined weaknesses include a project’s lack of marketability, inadequate cash flow or collateral support, failure to complete construction on time, or the project’s failure to fulfill economic expectations. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful - Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently known 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, which may work to the advantage and strengthening of the asset, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined. Pending factors include proposed merger, acquisition, or liquidation procedures, capital injection, perfecting liens on additional collateral, and refinancing plans. Doubtful classification is considered temporary and short term.

The general reserve component of the allowance for credit losses also consists of reserve factors that are based on management’s assessment of the following for each portfolio segment: (1) inherent credit risk, (2) historical losses and (3) other qualitative factors including economic trends in the Company’s service areas, industry experience and trends, industry and geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, the Company’s underwriting policies, the character of the loan portfolio, and probable losses inherent in the portfolio taken as a whole. Inherent credit risk and qualitative reserve factors are inherently subjective and are driven by the repayment risk associated with each class of loans.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Unfunded Commitments - The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Company is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments is adjusted through provision for credit losses. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life.

Bank Premises and Equipment - Land is carried at cost. Bank premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The useful lives of Bank premises are estimated to be between 20 and 40 years. The useful lives of improvements to Bank premises, furniture, fixtures and equipment are estimated to be three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the asset or the term of the related lease, whichever is shorter. When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in income for the period. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred.

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Stock - The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Investments in Low Income Housing Tax Credit Funds - The Bank has invested in limited partnerships that were formed to develop and operate affordable housing projects for low or moderate income tenants throughout California. The Company accounts for the investments in qualified affordable housing tax credit funds using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the initial cost of the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and the net investment performance is recognized as part of income tax expense (benefit). Each of the partnerships must meet the regulatory minimum requirements for affordable housing for a minimum 15-year compliance period to fully utilize the tax credits. If the partnerships cease to qualify during the compliance period, the credit may be denied for any period in which the project is not in compliance and a portion of the credit previously taken is subject to recapture with interest. The Company’s investment in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (“LIHTC”) partnerships is reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Other Real Estate Owned - Other real estate owned (OREO) is comprised of property acquired through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure. Losses recognized at the time of acquiring property in full or partial satisfaction of debt are charged against the allowance for credit losses. OREO, when acquired, is initially recorded at fair value less estimated disposition costs, establishing a new cost basis. Fair value of OREO is generally based on an independent appraisal of the property. Subsequent to initial measurement, OREO is carried at the lower of the recorded investment or fair value less disposition costs. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through noninterest expense. Revenues and expenses associated with OREO are reported as a component of noninterest expense when incurred. There was no other real estate owned at December 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2023.

Foreclosed Assets - Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through operations. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed. Gains and losses on disposition are included in noninterest expense. There were no foreclosed assets at December 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2023.

Servicing Assets - The Company is an approved Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (“Farmer Mac”) seller/servicer. Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets as certain servicing requirements are retained. Servicing assets are amortized over the period of estimated net servicing income. The Company uses Farmer Mac prepayment statistics in estimating the expected life of the loans. Management evaluates its servicing assets for impairment quarterly. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based on the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Fair value is determined using discounted future cash flows calculated on a loan-by-loan basis. The initial servicing asset and resulting gain is calculated based on the contractual net servicing fees. Farmer Mac servicing assets are valued based on the net servicing fee and estimated life of seven years, and discounted using the Company’s borrowing rate. Farmer Mac servicing assets measured under the amortization method were $2.4 million at December 31, 2024 and was acquired as a result of the merger on April 1, 2024. Servicing assets are recorded in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Business Combinations - The Company accounts for acquisitions of businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method, assets and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Management utilizes various valuation techniques included discounted cash flow analyses to determine these fair values. Any excess of the purchase price over amounts allocated to the acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill.

Goodwill - Business combinations involving the Bank’s acquisition of the equity interests or net assets of another enterprise give rise to goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the net fair value of assets, including identified intangible assets, acquired and liabilities assumed in the transactions accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The value of goodwill is ultimately derived from the Bank’s ability to generate net earnings after the acquisitions. A decline in net earnings could be indicative of a decline in the fair value of goodwill and result in impairment. For that reason, goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

The Company has selected September 30 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Management assessed qualitative factors including performance trends and noted no factors indicating goodwill impairment. Goodwill is also tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the Company below its carrying amount. No such events or circumstances arose during the fourth quarter of 2024, so goodwill was not required to be retested. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on the balance sheet.

Intangible Assets - The intangible assets at December 31, 2024 represent the estimated fair value of the core deposit relationships acquired in business combinations. Core deposit intangibles are being amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated life of five to ten years from the date of acquisition. Management evaluates the remaining useful lives quarterly to determine whether events or circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization. Based on the evaluation, no changes to the remaining useful lives was required. During 2024 the amortization of the core deposit intangible, from previously completed acquisitions, was completed. Therefore, Management did not need to perform an annual impairment test on core deposit intangibles as of September 30, 2024, as no impairment was possible. Core deposit intangibles could also be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below its carrying amount.

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments - Financial instruments include off‑balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount of these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Income tax expense represents the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. On the balance sheet, net deferred tax assets are included in accrued interest receivable and other assets.

The realization of deferred income tax assets is assessed and a valuation allowance is recorded if it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. “More likely than not” is defined as greater than a 50% chance. All available evidence, both positive and negative is considered to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - The Company uses a comprehensive model for recognizing, measuring, presenting and disclosing in the financial statements tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the more likely than not test, no tax benefit is recorded.

Earnings Per Common Share - Basic earnings per common share (EPS), which excludes dilution, is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders (net income after deducting dividends, if any, on preferred stock and accretion of discount) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock, such as stock options or warrants, result in the issuance of common stock which shares in the earnings of the Company. All data with respect to computing earnings per share is retroactively adjusted to reflect stock dividends and splits and the treasury stock method is applied to determine the dilutive effect of stock options in computing diluted EPS.

The shares awarded to employees and directors under the restricted stock agreements vest on applicable vesting dates only to the extent the recipient of the shares is then an employee or a director of the Company or one of its subsidiaries, and each recipient will forfeit all of the shares that have not vested on the date his or her employment or service is terminated. Common stock awards for performance vest immediately. 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.

Share-Based Compensation - Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards. Additionally, the compensation expense for the Company’s employee stock ownership plan is based on the market price of the shares as they are committed to be released to participant accounts. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 17. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 - Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The update enhances disclosures by requiring entities to provide more detailed information about significant segment expenses, other segment items, and measures of segment profit or loss used by the chief operating decision makers (CODMs). The guidance also requires qualitative descriptions of the methods used to determine segment profit/loss and asset measurement. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements but resulted in expanded disclosures within Note 18 on Operating Segments.

On March 28, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, "Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (ASC 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method." ASU 2014-01, "Investments - Equity method and Joint Ventures (ASC 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects", previously introduced the option to apply the proportional amortization method to account for investments made primarily for the purpose of receiving income tax credits and other income tax benefits when certain requirements are met; however, this guidance limited the proportional amortization method to investments in low-income-housing tax credit ("LIHTC") structures. The proportional amortization method results in the cost of the investment being amortized in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received, with the amortization of the investment and the income tax credits being presented net in the income statement as a component of net income tax expense (benefit). Equity investments in other tax credit structures are typically accounted for using the equity method, which results in investment income, gains and losses, and tax credits being presented gross on the income statement in their respective line items.

The amendments in this update permit reporting entities to elect to account for certain tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the income tax benefits in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). To qualify for the proportional amortization method, all of the following conditions must be met: (1) It is probable that the income tax credits allocated to the tax equity investor will be available; (2) The tax equity investor does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the underlying project; (3) Substantially all of the projected benefits are from income tax credits and other income tax benefits. Projected benefits included income tax credits, other income tax benefits, and other non-income tax-related benefits. The projected benefits are determined on a discounted basis, using a discount rate that is consistent with the cash flow assumptions used by the tax equity investor in making its decision to invest in the project; (4) The tax equity investor's projected yield based solely on the cash flows from the income tax credits and other income tax benefits is positive; and (5) The tax equity investor is a limited liability investor in the limited liability entity for both legal and tax purposes, and the tax equity investor's liability is limited to its capital investment. An accounting policy election is allowed to apply the proportional amortization method on a tax-credit-program-by-tax-credit-program basis rather than electing to apply the proportional amortization method at the reporting entity level or to individual investments.

The amendments in this update require specific disclosures that must be applied to all investments that generate income tax credits and other income tax benefits from a tax credit program for which the entity has elected to apply the proportional amortization method. The amendments require that a reporting entity disclose certain information in annual and interim reporting periods that enable investors to understanding the following information about its investments that generate income tax credits and other income tax benefits from a tax credit program including: (1) The nature of its tax equity investments; and (2) The effect of its tax equity investments and related income tax credits and other income tax benefits on its financial position and results of operations.

For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period. If early adoption is elected, the provisions shall be adopted as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period of adoption. The amendments in this update must be applied on either a modified retrospective or a retrospective basis. The Company was already recognizing the low-income housing tax credits using the proportional amortization method and therefore adoption of this ASU on January 1, 2024 had no impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements - Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative (“ASU 2023-06”), amending disclosure or presentation requirements related to various subtopics in the FASB’s ASC. ASU 2023-06 was issued in response to the SEC’s initiative to update and simplify disclosure requirements. The SEC identified 27 disclosure requirements that were incremental to those in the ASC and referred them to the FASB for potential incorporation into U.S. GAAP. To avoid duplication, the SEC intended to eliminate those disclosure requirements from existing SEC regulations as the FASB incorporated them into the relevant ASC subtopics.

ASU 2023-06 adds 14 of the 27 identified disclosure or presentation requirements to the ASC. ASU 2023-06 is to be applied prospectively, and early adoption is prohibited. For reporting entities subject to the SEC’s existing disclosure requirements, the effective dates of ASU 2023-06 will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure requirement from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective. If by June 30, 2027, the SEC has not removed the applicable requirement from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, the pending content of the related amendment will be removed from the ASC and will not become effective for any entities. ASU 2023-06 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), which enhances the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 will require disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. Entities will also be required to disclose income/(loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense/(benefit) disaggregated between domestic and foreign, as well as income tax expense/(benefit) from continuing operations disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied prospectively, with retrospective application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

On November 4, 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (“Subtopic 220-40”): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“ASU 2024-03”). This standard responds to investor input by requiring public companies to disclose, in interim and annual reporting periods, additional information about certain expenses in the notes to the financial statements. This standard is effective for all entities that are subject to Subtopic 220-40, for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, but early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the amendments on our financial statement disclosures upon adoption.