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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2014

Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K


(MARK ONE)    

ý
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

OR

o
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                                    TO                                   

Commission file number 000-23877

Heritage Commerce Corp
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

California
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)		   77-0469558
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

150 Almaden Boulevard
San Jose, California 95113
(Address of Principal Executive Offices including Zip Code)

(408) 947-6900
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange on which Registered
Common Stock, no par value   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(NASDAQ Global Select Market)

         Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K, or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

         Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "small reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer ý   Non-accelerated filer o
 (Do not check if a
smaller reporting
company)		   Smaller reporting company o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o    No ý

         The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 2014, based upon the closing price on that date of $8.17 per share as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, and 15,423,838 shares held, was approximately $126.0 million.

         As of February 5, 2015, there were 26,504,785 shares of the Registrant's common stock (no par value) outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         Portions of the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2015 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report. The proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the Registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.  

   

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

 
    
   Page

 

PART I.

    

Item 1.

  

Business

  
3

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   25

Item 1B.

  

Unresolved Staff Comments

   42

Item 2.

  

Properties

   42

Item 3.

  

Legal Proceedings

   44

Item 4.

  

Mine Safety Disclosures

   44

 

PART II.

  
 

Item 5.

  

Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

  
45

Item 6.

  

Selected Financial Data

   48

Item 7.

  

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   49

Item 7A.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   82

Item 8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   82

Item 9.

  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

   82

Item 9A.

  

Controls and Procedures

   82

Item 9B.

  

Other Information

   84

 

PART III.

  
 

Item 10.

  

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

  
84

Item 11.

  

Executive Compensation

   84

Item 12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

   84

Item 13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

   84

Item 14.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

   85

 

PART IV.

  
 

Item 15.

  

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

  
85

Signatures

   86

Financial Statements

   87

Exhibit Index

   145

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

        This Report on Form 10-K contains various statements that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward- looking. These forward-looking statements often can be, but are not always, identified by the use of words such as "assume," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "anticipate," "may," "might," "should," "could," "goal," "potential" and similar expressions. We base these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events, our assumptions regarding these events and our knowledge of facts at the time the statements are made. These statements include statements relating to our projected growth, anticipated future financial performance, and management's long-term performance goals, as well as statements relating to the anticipated effects on results of operations and financial condition.

        These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may be outside our control and our actual results could differ materially from our projected results. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our future results. The forward-looking statements could be affected by many factors, including but not limited to:

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        We are not able to predict all the factors that may affect future results. You should not place undue reliance on any forward looking statement, which speaks only as of the date of this Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by applicable laws or regulations, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


PART I

ITEM 1 — BUSINESS

General

        Heritage Commerce Corp, a California corporation organized in 1997, is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. We provide a wide range of banking services through Heritage Bank of Commerce, our wholly-owned subsidiary and our principal asset. Heritage Bank of Commerce is a California state-chartered bank headquartered in San Jose, California and has been conducting business since 1994.

        When we use "we", "us", "our" or the "Company", we mean the Company on a consolidated basis with Heritage Bank of Commerce. When we refer to "HCC" or the "holding company", we are referring to Heritage Commerce Corp on a standalone basis. When we use "HBC", we mean Heritage Bank of Commerce on a standalone basis.

        The Internet address of the Company's website is "http://www.heritagecommercecorp.com." The Company makes available free of charge through the Company's website, the Company's annual reports on

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Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports. The Company makes these reports available on its website on the same day they appear on the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") website.

        Heritage Bank of Commerce is a multi-community independent bank that offers a full range of commercial banking services to small and medium-sized businesses and their owners, managers and employees. We operate through 11 full service branch offices located entirely in the southern and eastern regions of the general San Francisco Bay Area of California in the counties of Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Benito. Our market includes the headquarters of a number of technology based companies in the region commonly known as "Silicon Valley."

        On November 1, 2014, the Company acquired BVF/CSNK Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation ("BVF"), by purchasing all of the outstanding common stock from the stockholders for an aggregate purchase price of $22.52 million. BVF became a wholly owned subsidiary of HBC. Based in Santa Clara, California, BVF is the parent company of CSNK Working Capital Finance Corp, a California corporation, dba Bay View Funding, which provides business essential working capital factoring financing to various industries throughout the United States. When we use "BVF" or "Bay View Funding," we mean BVF and its subsidiary.

        Our lending activities are diversified and include commercial, real estate, construction and land development, consumer and Small Business Administration ("SBA") guaranteed loans. We generally lend in markets where we have a physical presence through our branch offices. We attract deposits throughout our market area with a customer-oriented product mix, competitive pricing, and convenient locations. We offer a wide range of deposit products for business banking and retail markets. We offer a multitude of other products and services to complement our lending and deposit services. In addition, BVF provides factoring financing throughout the United States.

        As a bank holding company, Heritage Commerce Corp is subject to the supervision of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve"). We are required to file with the Federal Reserve reports and other information regarding our business operations and the business operations of our subsidiaries. As a California chartered bank, Heritage Bank of Commerce is subject to primary supervision, periodic examination, and regulation by the Department of Business Oversight — Division of Financial Institutions ("DBO"), and by the Federal Reserve, as its primary federal regulator.

        Our principal executive office is located at 150 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, California 95113, telephone number: (408) 947-6900.

        At December 31, 2014, we had consolidated assets of $1.62 billion, deposits of $1.39 billion and shareholders' equity of $184.4 million.

Heritage Bank of Commerce

        HBC is a California state-chartered bank headquartered in San Jose, California. It was incorporated in November 1993 and opened for business in January 1994. HBC operates through eleven full service branch offices. The locations of HBC's current offices are:

San Jose:   Administrative Office
Main Branch
150 Almaden Boulevard
San Jose, CA 95113		   Los Gatos:   Branch Office
15575 Los Gatos Boulevard
Suite B
Los Gatos, CA 95032

Danville:
 
Branch Office
387 Diablo Road
Danville, CA 94526
 
Morgan Hill:
 
Branch Office
18625 Sutter Boulevard
Suite 100
Morgan Hill, CA 95037

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Fremont:   Branch Office
3137 Stevenson Boulevard
Fremont, CA 94538		   Pleasanton:   Branch Office
300 Main Street
Pleasanton, CA 94566

Gilroy:
 
Branch Office
7598 Monterey Street
Suite 110
Gilroy, CA 95020
 
Sunnyvale:
 
Branch Office
333 W. El Camino Real
Suite 150
Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Hollister:
 
Branch Office
351 Tres Pinos Road
Suite 102A
Hollister, CA 95023
 
Walnut Creek:
 
Branch Office
101 Ygnacio Valley Road
Suite 100
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Los Altos:
 
Branch Office
419 South San Antonio Road
Los Altos, CA 94022
 
 
 
 

        Bay View Funding provides business-essential working capital factoring financing to various industries throughout the United States. Bay View Funding's administrative offices are located at 2933 Bunker Hill Lane, Santa Clara, CA 95054.

        Our commercial loan portfolio is comprised of operating secured and unsecured loans advanced for working capital, equipment purchases and other business purposes. Generally short-term loans have maturities ranging from thirty days to one year, and "term loans" have maturities ranging from one to five years. Short-term business loans are generally intended to finance current transactions and typically provide for periodic principal payments, with interest payable monthly. Term loans generally provide for floating or fixed interest rates, with monthly payments of both principal and interest. Repayment of secured and unsecured commercial loans depends substantially on the borrower's underlying business, financial condition and cash flows, as well as the sufficiency of the collateral. Compared to real estate, the collateral may be more difficult to monitor, evaluate and sell. It may also depreciate more rapidly than real estate. Such risks can be significantly affected by economic conditions. HBC's commercial loans, except for the factored receivables at BVF, are primarily originated for locally-oriented commercial activities in communities where HBC has a physical presence through its branch offices.

        HBC actively engages in SBA lending. HBC has been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender since 1999.

        Our factoring receivables portfolio is originated by Bay View Funding. Factored receivables are receivables that have been transferred by the originating organization and typically have not been subject to previous collection efforts. These receivables are acquired from a variety of companies, including but not limited to service providers, transportation companies, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, apparel companies, advertisers, and temporary staffing companies.

        The commercial real estate loan portfolio is comprised of loans secured by commercial real estate. These loans are generally advanced based on the borrower's cash flow, and the underlying collateral provides a secondary source of payment. HBC generally restricts real estate term loans to no more than 75% of the property's appraised value or the purchase price of the property, depending on the type of property and its utilization. HBC offers both fixed and floating rate loans. Maturities on such loans are generally restricted to between five and ten years (with amortization ranging from fifteen to twenty-five years and a balloon payment due at maturity, and amortization of thirty years on loans secured by

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apartments); however, SBA and certain real estate loans that can be sold in the secondary market may be advanced for longer maturities. Commercial real estate loans typically involve large balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Since payments on these loans are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, as well as the business and financial condition of the borrower, repayment of such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market, adverse economic conditions or changes in applicable government regulations. If the cash flow from the project decreases, or if leases are not obtained or renewed, the borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired.

        We make commercial construction loans for rental properties, commercial buildings and homes built by developers on speculative, undeveloped property. We also make construction loans for homes built by owner occupants. The terms of commercial construction loans are made in accordance with our loan policy. Advances on construction loans are made in accordance with a schedule reflecting the cost of construction, but are generally limited to a 75% loan-to- completed-appraised-value ratio. Repayment of construction loans on non-residential properties is normally expected from the property's eventual rental income, income from the borrower's operating entity or the sale of the subject property. In the case of income-producing property, repayment is usually expected from permanent financing upon completion of construction. At times we provide the permanent mortgage financing on our construction loans on income- producing property. Construction loans are interest-only loans during the construction period, which typically do not exceed 18 months. If HBC provides permanent financing the short-term loan converts to permanent, amortizing financing following the completion of construction. Generally, before making a commitment to fund a construction loan, we require an appraisal of the property by a state-certified or state-licensed appraiser. We review and inspect properties before disbursement of funds during the term of the construction loan. The repayment of construction loans is dependent upon the successful and timely completion of the construction of the subject property, as well as the sale of the property to third parties or the availability of permanent financing upon completion of all improvements. Construction loans expose us to the risk that improvements will not be completed on time, and in accordance with specifications and projected costs. Construction delays, the financial impairment of the builder, interest rate increases or economic downturn may further impair the borrower's ability to repay the loan. In addition, the borrower may not be able to obtain permanent financing or ultimate sale or rental of the property may not occur as anticipated. HBC utilizes underwriting guidelines to assess the likelihood of repayment from sources such as sale of the property or permanent mortgage financing prior to making the construction loan.

        Our home equity line portfolio is comprised of home equity lines of credit to customers in our markets. Home equity lines of credit are underwritten in a manner such that they result in credit risk that is substantially similar to that of residential mortgage loans. Nevertheless, home equity lines of credit have greater credit risk than residential mortgage loans because they are often secured by mortgages that are subordinated to the existing first mortgage on the property, which we may or may not hold, and they are not covered by private mortgage insurance coverage.

        The consumer loan portfolio is composed of miscellaneous consumer loans including loans for financing automobiles, various consumer goods and other personal purposes. Consumer loans are generally secured. Repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan, and the remaining deficiency may not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower's continued financial stability, which can be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.

        As of December 31, 2014, the percentage of our total loans for each of the principal areas in which we directed our lending activities were as follows: (i) commercial and industrial 43% (including SBA loans and factored receivables); (ii) real estate secured loans 44%; (iii) land and construction loans 6%; and (iv) consumer (including home equity) 7%. While no specific industry concentration is considered

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significant, our lending operations are located in market areas dependent on technology and real estate industries and their supporting companies.

        Our investment policy is established by the Board of Directors. The general investment strategies are developed and authorized by our Finance and Investment Committee of the Board of Directors. The investment policy is reviewed annually by the Finance and Investment Committee, and any changes to the policy are subject to approval by the full Board of Directors. The overall objectives of the investment policy are to maintain a portfolio of high quality and diversified investments to maximize interest income over the long term and to minimize risk, to provide collateral for borrowings, and to provide additional earnings when loan production is low. The policy dictates that investment decisions take into consideration the safety of principal, liquidity requirements and interest rate risk management. All securities transactions are reported to the Board of Directors' Finance and Investment Committee on a monthly basis.

        Deposits traditionally have been our primary source of funds for our investment and lending activities. We also are able to borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco to supplement cash flow needs. Our additional sources of funds are scheduled loan payments, maturing investments, loan repayments, income on other earning assets, and the proceeds of loan sales and securities sales.

        Interest rates, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties are established on a periodic basis. Deposit rates and terms are based primarily on current operating strategies and market interest rates, liquidity requirements and our deposit growth goals.

        We offer a wide range of deposit products for retail and business banking markets including checking accounts, interest-bearing transaction accounts, savings accounts, time deposits and retirement accounts. Our branch network enables us to attract deposits from throughout our market area with a customer-oriented product mix, competitive pricing, and convenient locations. HBC joined the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS®) program in August 2008, which enables our local customers to obtain expanded FDIC insurance coverage on their deposits.

        We offer a multitude of other products and services to complement our lending and deposit services. These include cashier's checks, traveler's checks, bank-by-mail, ATMs, night depositories, safe deposit boxes, direct deposit, automated payroll services, electronic funds transfers, online banking, online bill pay, and other customary banking services. HBC currently operates ATMs at five different locations. In addition, we have established a convenient customer service group accessible by toll-free telephone to answer questions and promote a high level of customer service. HBC does not have a trust department. In addition to the traditional financial services offered, HBC offers remote deposit capture, automated clearing house origination, electronic data interchange and check imaging. HBC continues to investigate products and services that it believes addresses the growing needs of its customers and to analyze other markets for potential expansion opportunities.

Correspondent Banks

        Correspondent bank deposit accounts are maintained to enable the Company to transact types of activity that it would otherwise be unable to perform or would not be cost effective due to the size of the Company or volume of activity. The Company has utilized several correspondent banks to process a variety of transactions.

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Competition

        The banking and financial services business in California generally, and in the Company's market areas specifically, is highly competitive. The industry continues to consolidate and unregulated competitors have entered banking markets with products targeted at highly profitable customer segments. Many larger unregulated competitors are able to compete across geographic boundaries, and provide customers with meaningful alternatives to most significant banking services and products. These consolidation trends are likely to continue. The increasingly competitive environment is a result primarily of changes in regulation, changes in technology and product delivery systems, and the consolidation among financial service providers.

        With respect to commercial bank competitors, the business is dominated by a relatively small number of major banks that operate a large number of offices within our geographic footprint. For the combined Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa county region, the three counties within which the Company operates, the top three institutions are all multi-billion dollar entities with an aggregate of 271 offices that control a combined 55.53% of deposit market share based on June 30, 2014 FDIC market share data. HBC ranks fifteenth with 0.76% share of total deposits based on June 30, 2014 market share data. These banks have, among other advantages, the ability to finance wide-ranging advertising campaigns and to allocate their resources to regions of highest yield and demand. Larger banks are seeking to expand lending to small businesses, which are traditionally community bank customers. They can also offer certain services that we do not offer directly, but may offer indirectly through correspondent institutions. By virtue of their greater total capitalization, these banks also have substantially higher lending limits than we do. For customers whose needs exceed our legal lending limit, we arrange for the sale, or "participation," of some of the balances to financial institutions that are not within our geographic footprint.

        In addition to other large regional banks and local community banks, our competitors include savings institutions, securities and brokerage companies, asset management groups, mortgage banking companies, credit unions, finance and insurance companies, internet-based companies, and money market funds. In recent years, we have also witnessed increased competition from specialized companies that offer wholesale finance, credit card, and other consumer finance services, as well as services that circumvent the banking system by facilitating payments via the internet, wireless devices, prepaid cards, or other means. Technological innovations have lowered traditional barriers of entry and enabled many of these companies to compete in financial services markets. Such innovation has, for example, made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer customers automated transfer payment services that previously were considered traditional banking products. In addition, many customers now expect a choice of delivery channels, including telephone and smart phones, mail, personal computer, ATMs, self-service branches, and/or in-store branches.

        Strong competition for deposits and loans among financial institutions and non-banks alike affects interest rates and other terms on which financial products are offered to customers. Mergers between financial institutions have placed additional pressure on other banks within the industry to remain competitive by streamlining operations, reducing expenses, and increasing revenues. Competition has also intensified due to Federal and state interstate banking laws enacted in the mid-1990's, which permit banking organizations to expand into other states. The relatively large and expanding California market has been particularly attractive to out of state institutions. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 has made it possible for full affiliations to occur between banks and securities firms, insurance companies, and other financial companies, and has also intensified competitive conditions. See Item 1 — "Business — Supervision and Regulation — Heritage Commerce Corp — Financial Modernization".

        In order to compete with the other financial service providers, the Company principally relies upon community-oriented, personalized service, local promotional activities, personal relationships established by officers, directors, and employees with its customers, and specialized services tailored to meet its customers' needs. Our "preferred lender" status with the Small Business Administration allows us to

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approve SBA loans faster than many of our competitors. In those instances where the Company is unable to accommodate a customer's needs, the Company seeks to arrange for such loans on a participation basis with other financial institutions or to have those services provided in whole or in part by its correspondent banks. See Item 1 — "Business — Correspondent Banks."

Economic Conditions, Government Policies, Legislation, and Regulation

        The Company's profitability, like most financial institutions, is primarily dependent on interest rate differentials. In general, the difference between the interest rates paid by HBC on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and other borrowings, and the interest rates received by HBC on interest earning assets, such as loans extended to customers and securities held in the investment portfolio, will comprise the major portion of the Company's earnings. These rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond the control of the Company and HBC, such as inflation, recession and unemployment, and the impact which future changes in domestic and foreign economic conditions might have on the Company cannot be predicted.

        The Company's business is also influenced by the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government and the policies of regulatory agencies, particularly the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve implements national monetary policies (with objectives such as curbing inflation and combating recession) through its open-market operations in U.S. Government securities by adjusting the required level of reserves for depository institutions subject to its reserve requirements, and by varying the target Federal funds and discount rates applicable to borrowings by depository institutions. The actions of the Federal Reserve in these areas influence the growth of bank loans, investments, and deposits and also affect interest earned on interest earning assets and paid on interest bearing liabilities. The nature and impact of any future changes in monetary and fiscal policies on the Company cannot be predicted.

        From time to time, federal and state legislation is enacted which may have the effect of materially increasing the cost of doing business, limiting or expanding permissible activities, or affecting the competitive balance between banks and other financial services providers. In addition, the various bank regulatory agencies often adopt new rules and regulations and policies to implement and enforce existing legislation. It cannot be predicted whether, or in what form, any such legislation or regulations or changes in policy may be enacted or the extent to which the business of the Company would be affected thereby. The Company cannot predict whether or when potential legislation will be enacted and, if enacted, the effect that it, or any implemented regulations and supervisory policies, would have on our financial condition or results of operations. In addition, the outcome of any examination, litigation or investigation initiated by state or federal authorities may result in necessary changes in our operations and increased compliance costs.

        The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as amended ("Dodd-Frank"), significantly revised and expanded the rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority of the federal bank regulatory agencies. Dodd-Frank impacts many aspects of the financial industry and, in many cases, will impact larger and smaller financial institutions and community banks differently over time. Many of the following key provisions of Dodd-Frank affecting the financial industry are now effective or are in the proposed rule or implementation stage:

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        Dodd-Frank also amended the Bank Holding Company Act to require federal financial regulatory agencies to adopt rules that prohibit banks and their affiliates from engaging in proprietary trading and investing in and sponsoring certain unregistered investment companies (defined as hedge funds and private equity funds). The statutory provision is commonly called the "Volcker Rule." The Federal Reserve Board together with four other government agencies issued final rules implementing the Volcker Rule in December 2013, effective April 1, 2014, but institutions will have until July 21, 2015 to conform their activities and investments to the requirements of the Volcker Rule. We do not anticipate that the Volcker Rule will have a material effect on our operations as we do not engage in any of the trading activities prohibited by the Volcker Rule, and we do not have any ownership interest in or relationship with any of the types of funds regulated by the Volcker Rule.

        Certain provisions of Dodd-Frank will significantly impact, or already are affecting, our operations and expenses, including, for example, changes in FDIC assessments, the permitted payment of interest on demand deposits, and enhanced compliance requirements. Some of the rules and regulations promulgated

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or yet to be promulgated under Dodd-Frank will apply directly only to institutions much larger than ours, but could indirectly impact smaller banks, either due to competitive influences or because certain required practices for larger institutions may subsequently become expected "best practices" for smaller institutions. We expect that we may need to devote even more management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes necessary to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements under Dodd-Frank.

Supervision and Regulation

        Banking is a complex, highly regulated industry. Regulation and supervision by federal and state banking agencies are intended to maintain a safe and sound banking system, protect depositors and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's ("FDIC") insurance fund, and to facilitate the conduct of sound monetary policy. In furtherance of these goals, Congress and the states have created several largely autonomous regulatory agencies and enacted numerous laws that govern banks, bank holding companies and the financial services industry. Consequently, the growth and earnings performance of the Company can be affected not only by management decisions and general economic conditions, but also by the requirements of applicable state and federal statues, regulations and the policies of various governmental regulatory authorities, including the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and the DBO.

        The system of supervision and regulation applicable to financial services businesses governs most aspects of the business of the Company, including: (i) the scope of permissible business; (ii) investments; (iii) reserves that must be maintained against deposits; (iv) capital levels that must be maintained; (v) the nature and amount of collateral that may be taken to secure loans; (vi) the establishment of new branches; (vii) mergers and consolidations with other financial institutions; and (viii) the payment of dividends.

        Set forth below is a description of the significant elements of the laws and regulations applicable to HCC and HBC. The description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the statutes, regulations and policies that are described. Also, such statutes, regulations and policies are continually under review by the U.S. Congress and state legislatures and federal and state regulatory agencies. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to HCC or HBC could have a material effect on our business.

        General.    As a bank holding company, HCC is registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended ("BHCA"), and is subject to regulation and periodic examination by the Federal Reserve. HCC is also required to file periodic reports of its operations and any additional information regarding its activities and those of its subsidiaries as may be required by the Federal Reserve.

        HCC is also a bank holding company within the meaning of Section 1280 of the California Financial Code. Consequently, HCC is subject to examination by, and may be required to file reports with, the DBO. The DBO approval may be required for certain mergers and acquisitions.

        HCC's stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (under the trading symbol "HTBK"), and HCC is subject to rules and regulations of The NASDAQ Stock Market, including those related to corporate governance. HCC is also subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") which requires HCC to file annual, quarterly and other current reports with the SEC. HCC is subject to additional regulations including, but not limited to, the proxy and tender offer rules promulgated by the SEC under Sections 13 and 14 of the Exchange Act, the reporting requirements of directors, executive officers and principal shareholders regarding transactions in the HCC's common stock and short swing profits rules promulgated by the SEC under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and certain additional reporting requirements by principal shareholders of HCC promulgated by the SEC under Section 13 of the Exchange Act.

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        The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.    The Company is subject to the accounting oversight and corporate governance requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, including: (i) required executive certification of financial presentations; (ii)increased requirements for board audit committees and their members; (iii) enhanced disclosure of controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; (iv) enhanced controls over, and reporting of, insider trading; and (v) increased penalties for financial crimes and forfeiture of executive bonuses in certain circumstances.

        Affiliate Transactions.    HCC and HBC are deemed affiliates of each other within the meaning of the Federal Reserve Act, and transactions between affiliates are subject to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. The Federal Reserve Board has also issued Regulation W, which codifies prior regulations under Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and related interpretive guidance with respect to affiliate transactions. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B: (i) limit the extent to which a financial institution or its subsidiaries may engage in covered transactions (A) with an affiliate (as defined in such sections) to an amount equal to 10% of such institution's capital and surplus; and (B) with all affiliates in the aggregate to an amount equal to 20% of such capital and surplus; and (ii) require all transactions with an affiliate, whether or not covered transactions, to be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the institution or subsidiary, as the terms provided or that would be provided to a non-affiliate. Dodd-Frank enhances the requirements for certain transactions with affiliates under Sections 23A and 23B, including an expansion of the definition of "covered transactions" and increasing the amount of time for which collateral requirements regarding covered transactions must be maintained. The term "covered transaction" includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee and other similar types of transactions.

        Source of Strength Doctrine.    Federal Reserve policy requires bank holding companies to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to their subsidiary banks. Under this policy, the holding company is expected to commit resources to support its bank subsidiary, including at times when the holding company may not be in a financial position to provide it. It is the Federal Reserve's position that bank holding companies should stand ready to use their available resources to provide adequate capital to their subsidiary banks during periods of financial stress or adversity. Bank holding companies must also maintain the financial flexibility and capital raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting their subsidiary bank. A bank holding company's failure to meet its source-of-strength obligations may constitute an unsafe and unsound practice or a violation of the Federal Reserve Board's regulations, or both. The source-of-strength doctrine most directly affects bank holding companies where a bank holding company's subsidiary bank fails to maintain adequate capital levels. In such a situation, the subsidiary bank will be required by the bank's federal regulator to take "prompt corrective action." Any capital loans by a bank holding company to its subsidiary bank are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. The BHCA provides that, in the event of a bank holding company's bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a bank subsidiary will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to priority of payment. Dodd-Frank has added additional guidance regarding the source of strength doctrine and had directed the regulatory agencies to promulgate new regulations to increase the capital requirements for bank holding companies to a level that matches those of banking institutions.

        Sound Banking Practices.    Bank holding companies and their non-banking subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in activities that represent unsafe and unsound banking practices or that constitute violation of law or regulations. Under certain conditions, the Federal Reserve Board may conclude that certain actions of a bank holding company, such as a payment of a cash dividend, would constitute an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The Federal Reserve Board also has the authority to regulate the debt of bank holding companies, including the authority to impose interest rate ceilings and reserve requirements on such debt. Under certain circumstances, the Federal Reserve Board may require a bank holding company to file written notice and obtain its approval prior to purchasing or redeeming its equity securities, unless certain conditions are met.

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        Investments and Acquisition of other Banks.    Subject to certain exceptions, the BHCA and the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, together with the applicable regulations, require Federal Reserve approval (or, depending on the circumstances, no notice of disapproval) prior to any person or company acquiring "control" of a bank or bank holding company. A conclusive presumption of control exists if an individual or company acquires the power, directly or indirectly, to direct the management or policies of an insured depository institution or to vote 25% or more of any class of voting securities of any insured depository institution. A rebuttable presumption of control exists if a person or company acquires 10% or more but less than 25% of any class of voting securities of an insured depository institution and either the institution has registered securities under the Exchange Act (such as the Company), or no other person will own a greater percentage of that class of voting securities immediately after the acquisition.

        As a bank holding company, we are required to obtain prior approval from the Federal Reserve before: (i) acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of a bank or bank holding company; (ii) acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the outstanding voting stock of any bank or bank holding company (unless we own a majority of such bank's voting shares); or (iii) merging or consolidating with any other bank or bank holding company. In determining whether to approve a proposed bank acquisition, federal bank regulators will consider, among other factors, the effect of the acquisition on competition, the public benefits expected to be received from the acquisition, the projected capital ratios and levels on a post-acquisition basis, and the acquiring institution's record of addressing the credit needs of the communities it serves, including the needs of low and moderate income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of the bank under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 ("CRA").

        Tie-in Arrangements.    Federal law prohibits a bank holding company and any subsidiary banks from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with the extension of credit. Thus, for example, HBC may not extend credit, lease or sell property, or furnish any services, or fix or vary the consideration for any of the foregoing on the condition that: (i) the customer must obtain or provide some additional credit, property or services from or to HBC other than a loan, discount, deposit or trust services; (ii) the customer must obtain or provide some additional credit, property or service from or to HCC or HBC; or (iii) the customer must not obtain some other credit, property or services from competitors, except reasonable requirements to assure soundness of credit extended.

        Permitted Activities.    The Federal Reserve Board has determined by regulation certain activities in which a bank holding company may or may not conduct business. A bank holding company must engage, with certain exceptions, in the business of banking or managing or controlling banks or furnishing services to or performing services for its subsidiary banks. The principal exceptions to those prohibitions involve non-bank activities identified by statute, by Federal Reserve regulation, or by Federal Reserve order as activities so closely related to the business of banking or of managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto, including securities brokerage services, investment advisory services, fiduciary services, and management advisory and data processing services, among others. A bank holding company that also qualifies as and elects to become a "financial holding company" may engage in a broader range of activities that are financial in nature (and complementary to such activities). See "Financial Modernization".

        In determining whether a particular activity is permissible, the Federal Reserve must consider whether the performance of such an activity reasonably can be expected to produce benefits to the public that outweigh possible adverse effects. Possible benefits include greater convenience, increased competition, and gains in efficiency. Possible adverse effects include undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest, and unsound banking practices. Despite prior approval, the Federal Reserve may order a bank holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any activity or to terminate ownership or control of any subsidiary when the Federal Reserve has reasonable cause to believe that a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of any bank subsidiary of that bank holding company may result from such an activity.

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        Financial Modernization.    The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the "GLBA"), permits greater affiliation among banks, securities firms, insurance companies, and other companies under a new type of financial services company known as a "financial holding company." A financial holding company essentially is a bank holding company with significantly expanded powers. Financial holding companies are authorized by statute to engage in a number of financial activities previously impermissible for bank holding companies, including securities underwriting, dealing and market making; sponsoring mutual funds and investment companies; insurance underwriting and agency; and merchant banking activities. A bank holding company may become a financial holding company if each of its subsidiary banks is "well capitalized," "well managed," and, except in limited circumstances, in satisfactory compliance with the CRA. HCC has no present plans to become a financial holding company. In addition, HBC is subject to other provisions of the GLBA, including those relating to CRA, privacy and the safe-guarding of confidential customer information, regardless of whether HCC elects to become a financial holding company or to conduct activities through a financial subsidiary of HBC.

        General.    As a California commercial bank whose deposits are insured by the FDIC, HBC is subject to regulation, supervision, and regular examination by the DBO and by the Federal Reserve, as HBC's primary Federal regulator, and must additionally comply with certain applicable regulations of the Federal Reserve. The regulations of those agencies govern most aspects of a bank's business. Specific federal and state laws and regulations which are applicable to banks regulate, among other things, the scope of their business, their investments, their reserves against deposits, the timing of the availability of deposited funds, their activities relating to dividends, investments, loans, the nature and amount of and collateral for certain loans, borrowings, capital requirements, certain check-clearing activities, branching, and mergers and acquisitions. California banks are also subject to statutes and regulations including Federal Reserve Regulation O and Federal Reserve Act Sections 23A and 23B and Regulation W, which restrict or limit loans or extensions of credit to "insiders", including officers, directors and principal shareholders, and loans or extension of credit by banks to affiliates or purchases of assets from affiliates, including parent bank holding companies, except pursuant to certain exceptions and terms and conditions at least as favorable to those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated parties

        Pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ("FDIA") and the California Financial Code, California state chartered commercial banks may generally engage in any activity permissible for national banks. Therefore, HBC may form subsidiaries to engage in the many so-called "closely related to banking" or "nonbanking" activities commonly conducted by national banks in operating subsidiaries or subsidiaries of bank holding companies. Further, pursuant to GLBA, California banks may conduct certain "financial" activities in a subsidiary to the same extent as may a national bank, provided the bank is and remains "well-capitalized," "well-managed" and in satisfactory compliance with the CRA.

        HBC is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") of San Francisco. Among other benefits, each FHLB serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region and makes available loans or advances to its members. Each FHLB is financed primarily from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB system. As an FHLB member, HBC is required to own a certain amount of capital stock in the FHLB. At December 31, 2014, HBC was in compliance with the FHLB's stock ownership requirement. Federal Reserve stock is carried at cost and may be sold back to the Federal Reserve at its carrying value. Cash dividends received are reported as income.

        Depositor Preference.    In the event of the "liquidation or other resolution" of an insured depository institution, the claims of depositors of the institution, including the claims of the FDIC as subrogee of insured depositors, and certain claims for administrative expenses of the FDIC as a receiver, will have priority over other general unsecured claims against the institution. If an insured depository institution fails, insured and uninsured depositors, along with the FDIC, will have priority in payment ahead of

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unsecured, non-deposit creditors, including the parent bank holding company, with respect to any extensions of credit they have made to such insured depository institution.

        Loans to Directors, Executive Officers and Principal Shareholders.    The authority of HBC to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and principal shareholders, including their immediate family members and corporations and other entities that they control, is subject to substantial restrictions and requirements under Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O promulgated thereunder, as well as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. These statutes and regulations impose specific limits on the amount of loans HBC may make to directors and other insiders, and specified approval procedures must be followed in making loans that exceed certain amounts. In addition, all loans HBC makes to directors and other insiders must satisfy the following requirements:

        Furthermore, HBC must periodically report all loans made to directors and other insiders to the bank regulators, and these loans are closely scrutinized by the regulators for compliance with Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O. Each loan to directors or other insiders must be pre-approved by the HBC board of directors with the interested director abstaining from voting.

        Community Reinvestment Act.    The CRA is intended to encourage insured depository institutions, while operating safely and soundly, to help meet the credit needs of their communities. The CRA specifically directs the federal bank regulatory agencies, in examining insured depository institutions, to assess their record of helping to meet the credit needs of their entire community, including low-and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound banking practices. The CRA further requires the agencies to take a financial institution's record of meeting its community credit needs into account when evaluating applications for, among other things, domestic branches, consummating mergers or acquisitions or holding company formations.

        The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations which measure a bank's compliance with its CRA obligations on a performance based evaluation system. This system bases CRA ratings on an institution's actual lending service and investment performance rather than the extent to which the institution conducts needs assessments, documents community outreach or complies with other procedural requirements. The ratings range from "outstanding" to a low of "substantial noncompliance." HBC had a CRA rating of "satisfactory" as of its most recent regulatory examination.

        Environmental Regulation.    Federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding the discharge of harmful materials into the environment may have an impact on HBC. Since HBC is not involved in any business that manufactures, uses or transports chemicals, waste, pollutants or toxins that might have a material adverse effect on the environment, HBC's primary exposure to environmental laws is through its lending activities and through properties or businesses HBC may own, lease or acquire. Based on a general survey of HBC's loan portfolio, conversations with local appraisers and the type of lending currently and historically done by HBC, management is not aware of any potential liability for hazardous waste contamination that would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company as of December 31, 2014.

        Safeguarding of Customer Information and Privacy.    The Federal Reserve and other bank regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines for safeguarding confidential, personal customer information. These guidelines require financial institutions to create, implement and maintain a comprehensive written

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information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer. HBC has adopted a customer information security program to comply with such requirements.

        Financial institutions are also required to implement policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of nonpublic personal information about consumers to non-affiliated third parties. In general, financial institutions must provide explanations to consumers on policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of such nonpublic personal information, and, except as otherwise required by law, prohibits disclosing such information. HBC has implemented privacy policies addressing these restrictions which are distributed regularly to all existing and new customers of HBC.

        USA Patriot Act of 2001.    The USA Patriot Act of 2001 (the "Patriot Act") is intended to strengthen the ability of U.S. law enforcement agencies and intelligence communities to work cohesively to combat terrorism on a variety of fronts. The impact of the Patriot Act on financial institutions of all kinds has been significant and wide-ranging. The Patriot Act substantially enhanced existing anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws, and required appropriate regulatory authorities to adopt rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering. Under the Patriot Act, financial institutions are subject to prohibitions regarding specified financial transactions and account relationships, as well as enhanced due diligence and "know your customer" standards in their dealings with foreign financial institutions and foreign customers. For example, the enhanced due diligence policies, procedures, and controls generally require financial institutions to take reasonable steps:

        The Patriot Act also requires all financial institutions to establish anti-money laundering programs, which must include, at a minimum:

        Material deficiencies in anti-money laundering compliance can result in public enforcement actions by the banking agencies, including the imposition of civil money penalties and supervisory restrictions on growth and expansion. Such enforcement actions could also have serious reputation consequences for the Company.

        Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulation.    The United States has imposed economic sanctions that affect transactions with designated foreign countries, nationals and others. These are typically known as

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the "OFAC" rules based on their administration by the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (the "OFAC"). The OFAC-administered sanctions targeting countries take many different forms. Generally, however, they contain one or more of the following elements: (i) restrictions on trade with or investment in a sanctioned country, including prohibitions against direct or indirect imports from and exports to a sanctioned country and prohibitions on "U.S. persons" engaging in financial transactions relating to making investments in, or providing investment related advice or assistance to, a sanctioned country; and (ii) a blocking of assets in which the government or specially designated nationals of the sanctioned country have an interest, by prohibiting transfers of property subject to U.S. jurisdiction (including property in the possession or control of U.S. persons). Blocked assets (e.g., property and bank deposits) cannot be paid out, withdrawn, set off or transferred in any manner without a license from the OFAC. Failure to comply with these sanctions could have serious legal and reputational consequences.

        Dodd-Frank prescribes certain standards that mortgage lenders must consider before making a residential mortgage loan, including verifying a borrower's ability to repay such mortgage loan. Dodd-Frank also allows borrowers to assert violations of certain provisions of the Truth-in-Lending Act as a defense to foreclosure proceedings. Under Dodd-Frank, prepayment penalties are prohibited for certain mortgage transactions and creditors are prohibited from financing insurance policies in connection with a residential mortgage loan or home equity line of credit. Dodd-Frank requires mortgage lenders to make additional disclosures prior to the extension of credit, in each billing statement and for negative amortization loans and hybrid adjustable rate mortgages. Additionally, Dodd-Frank prohibits mortgage originators from receiving compensation based on the terms of residential mortgage loans and generally limits the ability of a mortgage originator to be compensated by others if compensation is received from a consumer.

        The term "predatory lending" is far-reaching and covers a potentially broad range of behavior. As such, it does not lend itself to a concise or comprehensive definition. Typically, predatory lending involves at least one, and perhaps all three, of the following elements: (i) making unaffordable loans based on a borrower's assets rather than on the borrower's ability to repay an obligation, or asset-based lending; (ii) inducing a borrower to refinance a loan repeatedly in order to charge high points and fees each time the loan is refinanced, or loan flipping; and (iii) engaging in fraud or deception to conceal the true nature of the loan obligation from an unsuspecting or unsophisticated borrower.

        Federal Reserve regulations aimed at curbing such lending significantly widened the pool of high-cost home-secured loans covered by the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994, a federal law that requires extra disclosures and consumer protections to borrowers. In addition, the regulation bars loan flipping by the same lender or loan servicer within a year. Lenders also will be presumed to have violated the law which says loans shouldn't be made to people unable to repay them, unless they document that the borrower has the ability to repay. Lenders that violate the rules face cancellation of loans and penalties equal to the finance charges paid. Neither the Company nor HBC engages in predatory lending, and thus does not expect these rules or potential future regulations in this area to have any impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

        HBC is subject to a number of federal and state laws designed to protect consumers and prohibit unfair or deceptive business practices. These laws include the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act the Home Mortgage Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the National Flood Insurance Act and various state law counterparts. These laws and regulation mandate creation disclosure

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requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must interact with customers when taking deposits, making loans, collecting loans and providing other services.

        Dodd-Frank established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"), which has the responsibility for making rules and regulations under the federal consumer protection laws relating to financial products and services. The CFPB also has a broad mandate to prohibit unfair or deceptive acts and practices and is specifically empowered to require certain disclosures to consumers and draft model disclosure forms. Failure to comply with consumer protection laws and regulations can subject financial institutions to enforcement actions, fines and other penalties. The Federal Reserve examines HBC for compliance with CFPB rules and enforces CFPB rules with respect to HBC.

        The CFPB officially commenced operations on July 21, 2011 and has engaged in numerous activities since then, including: (i) investigating consumer complaints about credit cards and mortgages; (ii) launching a supervision program; (iii) conducting research for and developing mandatory financial product disclosures; and (iv) engaging in consumer financial protection rulemaking. The CFPB recently issued a final rule that requires creditors to make a reasonable good faith determination of a consumer's ability to repay any consumer credit transaction secured by a dwelling. The rule provides creditors with minimum requirements for making such ability-to-repay determinations. The full extent of the CFPB's authority and potential impact on HBC is unclear at this time, and HBC continues to monitor the CFPB's activities on an ongoing basis.

        The federal and California regulatory structure gives the bank regulatory agencies extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. The regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines to assist in identifying and addressing potential safety and soundness concerns before an institution's capital becomes impaired. The guidelines establish operational and managerial standards generally relating to: (i) internal controls, information systems, and internal audit systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) interest-rate exposure; (v) asset growth and asset quality; and (vi) compensation, fees, and benefits. Further, the regulatory agencies have adopted safety and soundness guidelines for asset quality and for evaluating and monitoring earnings to ensure that earnings are sufficient for the maintenance of adequate capital and reserves. If, as a result of an examination, the DBO or the Federal Reserve should determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, or other aspects of HBC's operations are unsatisfactory or that HBC or its management is violating or has violated any law or regulation, the DBO and the Federal Reserve, and separately the FDIC as insurer of the HBC's deposits, have residual authority to:

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        The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures deposits, up to prescribed statutory limits, of federally insured banks and savings institutions and safeguards the safety and soundness of the banking and savings industries. The FDIC insures HBC's customer deposits through the Deposit Insurance Fund (the "DIF") up to prescribed limits for each depositor. Pursuant to Dodd-Frank, the maximum deposit insurance amount has been permanently increased to $250,000. The amount of FDIC assessments paid by each DIF member institution is based on its relative risk of default as measured by regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory factors.

        HBC is subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. In October 2010, the FDIC adopted a revised restoration plan to ensure that the DIF's designated reserve ratio ("DRR") reaches 1.35% of insured deposits by September 30, 2020, the deadline mandated by Dodd-Frank. However, financial institutions like HBC with assets of less than $10 billion are exempted from the cost of this increase. The restoration plan proposed an increase in the DRR to 2% of estimated insured deposits as a long-term goal for the fund. The FDIC also proposed future assessment rate reductions in lieu of dividends, when the DRR reaches 1.5% or greater.

        The FDIC redefined its deposit insurance premium assessment base from an institution's total domestic deposits to its total assets less tangible equity, effective in the second quarter of 2011. The changes to the assessment base necessitated changes to assessment rates, which also became effective April 1, 2011. The revised assessment rates are lower than prior rates, but the assessment base is larger and approximately the same amount of assessment revenue is being collected by the FDIC.

        We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures or if the FDIC otherwise determines, we may be required to pay even higher FDIC premiums than the recently increased levels. These announced increases and any future increases in FDIC insurance premiums may have a material and adverse effect on our earnings and could have a material adverse effect on the value of, or market for, our common stock.

        In addition to DIF assessments, banks must pay quarterly assessments that are applied to the retirement of Financing Corporation ("FICO") bonds issued in the 1980's to assist in the recovery of the savings and loan industry. The FICO assessment amount fluctuates quarterly, but was 0.00150% of average total assets less average tangible equity for the third quarter of 2014. As of the date of this report, the Company had not received the FICO assessment for the fourth quarter of 2014. Those assessments will continue until the Financing Corporation bonds mature in 2019.

        The FDIC may terminate a depository institution's deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution's financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices that pose a risk to the DIF or that may prejudice the interest of the bank's depositors. The termination of deposit insurance for a bank would also result in the revocation of the bank's charter by the DBO.

        HCC and HBC are subject to the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC, respectively, governing capital adequacy. Each of the federal regulators has established risk-based and leverage capital guidelines for the banks and/or bank holding companies it regulates, which set total capital requirements and define capital in terms of "core capital elements," or Tier 1 capital; and "supplemental capital elements," or Tier 2 capital. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as the sum of the core capital elements less goodwill and certain other deductions, including the unrealized net gains or losses (after tax adjustments) on available-for-sale investment securities, and disallowed deferred tax assets.

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        The following items are defined as core capital elements: (i) common shareholders' equity; (ii) qualifying non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus (and, in the case of holding companies, senior perpetual preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury Department pursuant to the Troubled Asset Relief Program); (iii) minority interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries; and (iv) "restricted" core capital elements (which include qualifying trust preferred securities) up to 25% of all core capital elements, net of goodwill less any associated deferred tax liability. Supplementary capital elements include: (i) allowance for loan and lease losses (but not more than 1.25% of an institution's risk-weighted assets); (ii) perpetual preferred stock and related surplus not qualifying as core capital; (iii) hybrid capital instruments, perpetual debt and mandatory convertible debt instruments, and (iv) term subordinated debt and intermediate-term preferred stock and related surplus. The maximum amount of Tier 2 capital is capped at 100% of Tier 1 capital.

        The minimum required ratio of qualifying total capital to total risk-weighted assets is 8% ("Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio"), and the minimum required ratio of Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets is 4% ("Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio"). Risk-based capital ratios are calculated to provide a measure of capital relative to the degree of risk associated with a financial institution's operations for transactions reported on the balance sheet as assets, and transactions, such as letters of credit and recourse arrangements, which are recorded as off-balance sheet items. Under risk-based capital guidelines, the nominal dollar amounts of assets and credit-equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet items are multiplied by one of several risk adjustment percentages, which range from 0% for assets with low credit risk, such as cash on hand and certain U.S. Treasury securities, to 100% for assets with relatively high credit risk, such as unsecured loans. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, HBC's Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios were 13.1% and 13.9% respectively, and HBC's Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratios were 11.9% and 12.6%, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the consolidated Company's Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios were 13.9% and 15.3%, respectively, and its Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratios were 12.6% and 14.0%, respectively.

        The FDIC and the Federal Reserve Board have also established guidelines for a financial institution's leverage ratio, defined as Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets. Banks and bank holding companies that have received the highest rating of the five categories used by regulators to rate banks and are not anticipating or experiencing any significant growth must maintain a leverage ratio of at least 3%. All other institutions are typically required to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 4% to 5%; however, federal regulations also provide that financial institutions must maintain capital levels commensurate with the level of risk to which they are exposed, including the volume and severity of problem loans, and federal regulators may set higher capital requirements when an institution's particular circumstances warrant. HBC's leverage ratios were 9.9% and 10.1% on December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the consolidated Company's leverage ratios were 10.6% and 11.2%, respectively.

        Risk-based capital requirements also take into account concentrations of credit involving collateral or loan type, and the risks of "non-traditional" activities (those that have not customarily been part of the banking business). The regulations require institutions with high or inordinate levels of risk to operate with higher minimum capital standards, and authorize the regulators to review an institution's management of such risks in assessing an institution's capital adequacy. Additionally, the regulatory Statements of Policy on risk-based capital include exposure to interest rate risk as a factor that the regulators will consider in evaluating a financial institution's capital adequacy, although interest rate risk does not impact the calculation of an institution's risk-based capital ratios. Interest rate risk is the exposure of a bank's current and future earnings and equity capital to adverse movement in interest rates. While interest rate risk is inherent in a financial institution's role as a financial intermediary, it introduces volatility to the institution's earnings and economic value.

        In July 2013, the Federal banking regulators approved final rules to implement the revised capital adequacy standards of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, commonly called Basel III, and to

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address relevant provisions of Dodd-Frank. The final rules strengthen the definition of regulatory capital, increases risk-based capital requirements, makes selected changes to the calculation of risk-weighted assets, and adjusts the prompt corrective action thresholds. Community banking organizations, such as HCC and HBC, became subject to the new rules on January 1, 2015 and certain provisions of the new rule will be phased in over the period of 2015 through 2019. The final rules:

        Potential changes that could materially affect us include the additional constraints on the inclusion of deferred tax assets in capital, increased risk weightings for nonperforming loans and acquisition/development loans, and the inclusion of accumulated other comprehensive income in regulatory capital. The inclusion of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") would benefit us as long as we have a net unrealized gain on securities, but would lower our regulatory capital ratios if interest rates

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increase and our unrealized gain becomes an unrealized loss. However, under the new regulations the Company can make a one-time opt out to exclude AOCI.

        The aggregate effect of these regulatory changes on HCC and HBC cannot yet be determined with any degree of certainty, but our preliminary estimates indicate that if the changes are implemented and when they become fully phased-in they will not have a material impact on our Tier 1 Leverage Ratio and our consolidated Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio. Given our current level of capital we should be well-positioned to absorb the impact of Basel III without constraining our organic growth plans, although no assurance can be provided in that regard. For more information on the Company's capital, see "Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation — Capital Resources."

        Federal law requires each banking agency to take "prompt corrective action" with respect to a depository institution if that institution does not meet certain capital adequacy standards, including requiring the prompt submission of an acceptable capital restoration plan. Supervisory actions by the appropriate federal banking regulator under the prompt corrective action rules generally depend upon an institution's classification within five capital categories as defined in the regulations. The relevant capital measures are the capital ratio, the Tier 1 capital ratio, and the leverage ratio.

        The federal banking agencies have also adopted non-capital safety and soundness standards to assist examiners in identifying and addressing potential safety and soundness concerns before capital becomes impaired. These include: operational and managerial standards relating to: (i) internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) asset quality and growth; (v) earnings; (vi) risk management; and (vii) compensation and benefits.

        A depository institution's category of compliance under the prompt corrective action regulations will depend upon how its capital levels compare with various relevant capital measures and the other factors established by the regulations. A bank will be:

        The appropriate federal banking agency may, under certain circumstances, reclassify a well-capitalized insured depository institution as adequately capitalized. An institution may be reclassified if the appropriate federal banking agency determines (after notice and opportunity for a hearing) that the institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition or deems the institution to be engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice. The appropriate agency is also permitted to require an adequately capitalized or undercapitalized institution to comply with the supervisory provisions as if the institution were in the next

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lower category (but not treat a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized) based on supervisory information other than the capital levels of the institution.

        At each successively lower capital category, an insured bank is subject to increased restrictions on its operations. For example, a bank is generally prohibited from paying management fees to any controlling persons or from making capital distributions if to do so would make the bank "undercapitalized." Asset growth and branching restrictions apply to undercapitalized banks, which are required to submit written capital restoration plans meeting specified requirements (including a guarantee by the parent holding company, if any). "Significantly undercapitalized" banks are subject to broad regulatory authority, including among other things, capital directives, forced mergers, restrictions on the rates of interest they may pay on deposits, restrictions on asset growth and activities, and prohibitions on paying bonuses or increasing compensation to senior executive officers without FDIC approval. Even more severe restrictions apply to "critically undercapitalized" banks. Most importantly, except under limited circumstances, not later than 90 days after an insured bank becomes critically undercapitalized the appropriate federal banking agency is required to appoint a conservator or receiver for the bank.

        The Basel III capital rules revise the current prompt corrective action requirements effective January 1, 2015 by (i) introducing a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio requirement at each level (other than critically undercapitalized), with the required common equity Tier 1 capital ratio being 6.5% for well-capitalized status; (ii) increasing the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement for each category (other than critically undercapitalized), with the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio for well-capitalized status being 8.0% (as compared to the current 6.0%); and (iii) eliminating the current provision that provides that a bank with a composite supervisory rating of 1 may have a 3.0% leverage ratio and still be adequately capitalized. The Basel III capital rules do not change the total risk-based capital requirement for any prompt corrective action category.

        It is the Federal Reserve's policy that bank holding companies should generally pay dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization's expected future needs and financial condition. It is also the Federal Reserve's policy that bank holding companies should not maintain dividend levels that undermine their ability to be a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. Additionally, in consideration of the current financial and economic environment, the Federal Reserve has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy and has discouraged payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels unless both asset quality and capital are very strong.

        HBC is a legal entity that is separate and distinct from its holding company. HCC receives cash through dividends paid by HBC. Subject to the regulatory restrictions which currently further restrict the ability of HBC to declare and pay dividends, future cash dividends by HBC will depend upon management's assessment of future capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors. As of December 31, 2014, HBC would be required to obtain regulatory approval from the DBO for a dividend or other distribution to HCC.

        The ability of the Board of Directors of HBC to declare a cash dividend to HCC is subject to California law, which restricts the amount available for cash dividends to the lesser of a bank's retained earnings or net income for its last three fiscal years (less any distributions to shareholders made during such period). Where this test is not met, cash dividends may still be paid, with the prior approval of the DBO in an amount not exceeding the greatest of (i) retained earnings of the bank; (ii) the net income of the bank for its last fiscal year; or (iii) the net income of the bank for its current fiscal year. A California bank may also with the prior approval of the DBO and approval of the bank's shareholders distribute a dividend in connection with a reduction of capital of the bank. If the DBO determines that the shareholders' equity of the bank paying the dividend is not adequate or that the payment of the dividend

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would be unsafe or unsound for the bank, the DBO may order the bank not to pay the dividend. Since HBC is a FDIC-insured institution, it is also possible, depending upon its financial condition and other factors, that the FDIC could assert that the payment of dividends or other payments might, under some circumstances, constitute an unsafe or unsound practice and thereby prohibit such payments.

        The California General Corporation Law prohibits HCC from making distributions, including dividends, to holders of its common stock or preferred stock unless either of the following tests are satisfied: (i) the amount of retained earnings immediately prior to the distribution equals or exceeds the sum of (A) the amount of the proposed distribution plus (B) any cumulative dividends in arrears on all shares having a preference with respect to the payment of dividends over the class or series to which the applicable distribution is being made; or (ii) immediately after the distribution, the value of HCC's consolidated assets would equal or exceed the sum of its total liabilities, plus the amounts that would be payable to satisfy the preferential rights of other shareholders upon a dissolution that are superior to the rights of the shareholders receiving the distribution.

        Guidelines adopted by the federal banking agencies prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director or principal stockholder. In June 2010, the federal bank regulatory agencies jointly issued additional comprehensive guidance on incentive compensation policies (the "Incentive Compensation Guidance") intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The Incentive Compensation Guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization's incentive compensation arrangements should: (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization's ability to effectively identify and manage risks; (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management; and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization's board of directors. Any deficiencies in compensation practices that are identified may be incorporated into the organization's supervisory ratings, which can affect its ability to make acquisitions or perform other actions. The Incentive Compensation Guidance provides that enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements or related risk-management control or governance processes pose a risk to the organization's safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.

        On February 7, 2011, the Federal Reserve and federal banking agencies, including the SEC proposed joint rules to implement Section 956 of Dodd-Frank for banks with $1 billion or more in assets. Section 956 prohibits incentive-based compensation arrangements that encourage inappropriate risk taking by covered financial institutions and are deemed to be excessive, or that may lead to material losses. The proposed rule would move the U.S. closer to aspects of international compensation standards by: (i) requiring deferral of a substantial portion of incentive compensation for executive officers of particularly large institutions described above; (ii) prohibiting incentive-based compensation arrangements for covered persons that would encourage inappropriate risks by providing excessive compensation; (iii) prohibiting incentive-based compensation arrangements for covered persons that would expose the institution to inappropriate risks by providing compensation that could lead to a material financial loss; (iv) requiring policies and procedures for incentive-based compensation arrangements that are commensurate the size and complexity of the institution; and (v) requiring annual reports on incentive compensation structures to the institution's appropriate Federal regulator. Final rules are still pending.

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        The scope, content and application of the U.S. banking regulators' policies on incentive compensation continue to evolve. It cannot be determined at this time whether compliance with such policies will adversely affect the ability of the Company to hire, retain and motivate key employees.

        Other legislative and regulatory initiatives which could affect HCC, HBC and the banking industry in general may be proposed or introduced before the United States Congress, the California legislature and other governmental bodies in the future. Such proposals, if enacted, may further alter the structure, regulation and competitive relationship among financial institutions, and may subject HCC or HBC to increased regulation, disclosure and reporting requirements. In addition, the various banking regulatory agencies often adopt new rules and regulations to implement and enforce existing legislation. It cannot be predicted whether, or in what form, any such legislation or regulations may be enacted or the extent to which the business of HCC or HBC would be affected thereby.

Employees

        At December 31, 2014, the Company had 242 full-time equivalent employees, including 36 full-time equivalent employees of BVF. The Company's employees are not represented by any union or collective bargaining agreement and the Company believes its employee relations are satisfactory.

ITEM 1A — RISK FACTORS

        Our business, financial condition and results of operations are subject to various risks, including those discussed below. The risks discussed below are those that we believe are the most significant risks, although additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem less significant may also adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, perhaps materially.


 Risks Relating to Our Industry

Our business may be adversely affected by business and economic conditions.

        Our business activities and earnings are affected by general business conditions in the United States and in our local market area. These conditions include short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, unemployment levels, monetary supply, consumer confidence and spending, political issues, legislative and regulatory changes, broad trends in industry and finance, fluctuations in both debt and equity capital markets, and the strength of the economy in the United States generally and in our market area in particular, all of which are beyond the Company's control. While there are signs of economic conditions improving, the U.S. budget deficit and uncertainty in European economies underline that the economy remains uncertain. Business activity across a wide range of industries and regions is greatly affected. Local and state governments are in difficulty due to the reduction in sales taxes resulting from the lack of consumer spending and property taxes resulting from declining property values. Financial institutions continue to be affected by long-term unemployment and underemployment rates and a stricter regulatory environment. While our market areas have not experienced the same degree of challenge in unemployment as other areas, the effects of these issues have trickled down to households and businesses in our markets. There can be no assurance that the recent economic improvement is sustainable and credit worthiness of our borrowers will not deteriorate. Deterioration in economic conditions could result in an increase in loan delinquencies and non-performing assets, decreases in loan collateral values and a decrease in demand for the Company's products and services, among other things, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

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Disruptions and volatility in the domestic interest rate environment and credit markets, including changes in interest spreads and the yield curve, could negatively impact business and the value of certain assets.

        Higher interest rates could negatively affect demand for new loans and reduce the ability of borrowers to repay their current loan obligations. The Company's loan portfolio consists of 62% of loans at variable rates and subject to higher interest costs as interest rates increase. The increase in interest rates could lead to increased delinquencies if highly-leveraged customers are unable to pay the higher interest costs and otherwise meet their obligations. These circumstances could not only result in increased loan defaults, and charge-offs, but require increases to the allowance for loan losses which may materially and adversely affect our results of operations, business, and financial condition.

Government responses to economic conditions may adversely affect our operations, financial condition and earnings.

        Dodd-Frank has changed the bank regulatory framework with the creation of an independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") that has assumed the consumer protection responsibilities of the various federal banking agencies, and has resulted in more stringent capital standards for banks and bank holding companies. The legislation requires additional regulations affecting the lending, funding, trading and investment activities of banks and bank holding companies. Bank regulatory agencies also have been responding aggressively to concerns and adverse trends identified in examinations. Ongoing uncertainty and adverse developments in the financial services industry and the domestic and international credit markets, and the effect of new legislation and regulatory actions in response to these conditions, may adversely affect our operations by restricting our business operations, including our ability to originate or sell loans, modify loan terms, or foreclose on property securing loans. These events may have a significant adverse effect on our financial performance and operating flexibility. In addition, these factors could affect the performance and value of our loan and investment securities portfolios, which also would negatively affect our financial performance.

        Furthermore, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in an attempt to help the overall economy, has, among other things, kept interest rates low through its targeted Federal funds rate and the purchase of mortgage-backed securities. If the Federal Reserve increases the Federal funds rate, overall interest rates will likely rise, which may negatively impact the housing markets and the U.S. economic recovery. In addition, deflationary pressures, while possibly lowering our operating costs, could have a significant negative effect on our borrowers, especially our business borrowers, and the values of underlying collateral securing loans, which could negatively affect our financial performance.

We are subject to more stringent capital requirements.

        Dodd-Frank requires the federal banking agencies to establish minimum leverage and risk-based capital requirements for insured banks and their holding companies. The federal banking agencies issued a joint final rule, or the "Final Capital Rule," that implements the Basel III capital standards and establishes the minimum capital levels required under Dodd-Frank. We became subject to the Final Capital Rule as of January 1, 2015. The Final Capital Rule establishes a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5% of risk-weighted assets for a "well-capitalized" institution and increases the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio for a "well-capitalized" institution from 6.0% to 8.0%. Additionally, the Final Capital Rule requires an institution to maintain a 2.5% common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer over the 6.5% minimum risk-based capital requirement to avoid restrictions on the ability to pay dividends, discretionary bonuses, and engage in share repurchases. The Final Capital Rule permanently grandfathers trust preferred securities issued before May 19, 2010, subject to a limit of 25% of Tier 1 capital. The Final Capital Rule increases the required capital for certain categories of assets, including high-volatility construction real estate loans and certain exposures related to securitizations; however, the Final Capital Rule retains the current capital treatment of residential mortgages. Under the Final Capital Rule, we may make a one-time, permanent election to continue to exclude accumulated other comprehensive income from capital. If we

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do not make this election, unrealized gains and losses will be included in the calculation of our regulatory capital. Implementation of these standards, or any other new regulations, may adversely affect our ability to pay dividends, or require us to reduce business levels or raise capital, including in ways that may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

Additional requirements imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act could adversely affect us.

        Current and future legal and regulatory requirements, restrictions, and regulations, including those imposed under Dodd-Frank, may adversely impact our profitability and may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, may require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes required by the legislation and related regulations and may make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified executive officers and employees. Dodd-Frank comprehensively reformed the regulation of financial institutions, products and services. Because many aspects of the Dodd-Frank are subject to rulemaking and will take effect over several years, it is difficult to forecast the impact that such rulemaking will have on us, our customers or the financial industry. Certain provisions of Dodd-Frank that affect deposit insurance assessments, the payment of interest on demand deposits and interchange fees could increase the costs associated with our deposit-generating activities, as well as place limitations on the revenues that those deposits may generate.

The CFPB may reshape the consumer financial laws through rulemaking and enforcement of the prohibitions against unfair, deceptive and abusive business practices.

        The CFPB has broad rulemaking authority to administer and carry out the provisions of Dodd-Frank with respect to financial institutions that offer covered financial products and services to consumers. The CFPB has also been directed to write rules identifying practices or acts that are unfair, deceptive or abusive in connection with any transaction with a consumer for a consumer financial product or service, or the offering of a consumer financial product or service. The concept of what may be considered to be an "abusive" practice is relatively new under the law. Moreover, HBC will be supervised and examined by the CFPB for compliance with the CFPB's regulations and policies. The costs and limitations related to this additional regulatory reporting regimen have yet to be fully determined, although they may be material and the limitations and restrictions that will be placed upon us with respect to its consumer product offering and services may produce significant, material effects on our profitability.


Risks Related to Our Market and Business

We are subject to credit risk.

        There are inherent risks associated with our lending activities. These risks include, among other things, the impact of changes in interest rates and changes in the economic conditions in the markets where we operate as well as those across the United States and abroad. Increases in interest rates and/or weakening economic conditions could adversely impact the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans or the value of the collateral securing these loans. We are also subject to various laws and regulations that affect our lending activities. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to regulatory enforcement action that could result in the assessment of significant civil money penalties against us.

        We seek to mitigate the risks inherent in our loan portfolio by adhering to specific underwriting practices. Although we believe that our underwriting criteria are appropriate for the various kinds of loans we make, we may incur losses on loans that meet our underwriting criteria, and these losses may exceed the amounts set aside as reserves in our allowance for loan losses. The value of real estate collateral supporting many construction and land development loans, land loans, commercial loans and multi-family loans may decline. Negative developments in the financial industry and credit markets may adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

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Our interest expense could increase following the repeal of the federal prohibition on payment of interest on demand deposits.

        The federal prohibition on the ability of financial institutions to pay interest on demand deposit accounts was repealed as part of Dodd-Frank. Financial institutions may commence offering interest on demand deposits to compete for customers. Our interest expense will increase and our net interest margin will decrease if HBC begins offering interest on demand deposits to attract additional customers or maintain current customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, net income and results of operations.

Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses, which could adversely affect our earnings.

        We maintain an allowance for loan losses for probable incurred losses in the portfolio. The allowance is established through a provision for loan losses based on management's evaluation of the risks inherent in the loan portfolio and the general economy. The allowance is also appropriately increased for new loan growth. The allowance is based upon a number of factors, including the size of the loan portfolio, asset classifications, economic trends, industry experience and trends, industry and geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, management's assessment of the credit risk inherent in the portfolio, historical loan loss experience and loan underwriting policies. The allowance is only an estimate of the probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio and may not represent actual losses realized over time, either of losses in excess of the allowance or of losses less than the allowance.

        In addition, we evaluate all loans identified as impaired loans and allocate an allowance based upon our estimation of the potential loss associated with those problem loans. While we strive to carefully manage and monitor credit quality and to identify loans that may be deteriorating, at any time there are loans included in the portfolio that may result in losses, but that have not yet been identified as non-performing or potential problem loans. Through established credit practices, we attempt to identify deteriorating loans and adjust the allowance for loan losses accordingly. However, because future events are uncertain and because we may not successfully identify all deteriorating loans in a timely manner, there may be loans that deteriorate in an accelerated time frame. We cannot be sure that we will be able to identify deteriorating loans before they become nonperforming assets, or that we will be able to limit losses on those loans that have been so identified. Changes in economic, operating and other conditions which are beyond our control, including interest rate fluctuations, deteriorating values in underlying collateral (most of which consists of real estate), and changes in the financial condition of borrowers, may cause our estimate of probable losses or actual loan losses to exceed our current allowance. As a result, future additions to the allowance may be necessary. Further, because the loan portfolio contains a number of commercial real estate, construction, and land development loans with relatively large balances, deterioration in the credit quality of one or more of these loans may require a significant increase to the allowance for loan losses. Our regulators, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses by recognizing additional provisions for loan losses charged to expense, or to decrease our allowance for loan losses by recognizing loan charge-offs, net of recoveries. Any such additional provisions for loan losses or charge-offs, as required by these regulatory agencies, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

        In December 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a proposed Accounting Standards Update, Financial Instruments: Credit Losses, which establishes a new impairment framework also known as the "current expected credit loss model." In contrast to the incurred loss model currently used by financial entities like us, the current expected credit loss model requires an allowance be recognized based on the expected credit losses (i.e. all contractual cash flows that the entity does not expect to collect from financial assets or commitments to extend credit). It requires the consideration of more forward-looking information than is permitted under current U.S. generally accepted accounting

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principles. In addition to relevant information about past events and current conditions, such as borrowers' current creditworthiness, quantitative and qualitative factors specific to borrowers, and the economic environment in which the entity operates, the new model requires consideration of reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the expected collectability of the financial assets' remaining contractual cash flows, and evaluation of the forecasted direction of the economic cycle, as well as time value of money. This proposed impairment framework is expected to have wide reaching implications to financial institutions such as us. The allowance for loan losses could potentially increase due to a larger volume of financial assets that fall within the scope of the proposed model, resulting in an adverse impact on net income, volatility in earnings and higher capital requirements. The full effect of the implementation of this new model is unknown until the proposed guidance is finalized.

Nonperforming assets take significant time to resolve and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

        At December 31, 2014, nonperforming loans were 0.54% of the total loan portfolio and 0.41% of total assets. Nonperforming assets adversely affect our earnings in various ways. We do not record interest income on nonaccrual loans or foreclosed assets, thereby adversely affecting our income, and increasing our loan administration costs. Upon foreclosure or similar proceedings, we record the repossessed asset at the estimated fair value, less costs to sell, which may result in a write down or losses. A significant increase in the level of nonperforming assets from current levels would increase our risk profile and may impact the capital levels our regulators believe are appropriate in light of the increased risk profile. While we reduce problem assets through collection efforts, asset sales, workouts, restructurings and otherwise, decreases in the value of the underlying collateral, or in these borrowers' performance or financial condition, whether or not due to economic and market conditions beyond our control, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the resolution of nonperforming assets requires significant commitments of time from management and our directors, which can be detrimental to the performance of their other responsibilities.

We may be required to make additional provisions for loan losses and charge off additional loans in the future, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

        For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded a $338,000 credit to the provision for loan losses, charged-off $927,000 of loans, and recovered $480,000 of loans. Since 2008, there was a significant slowdown in the real estate markets in portions of counties in California where a majority of our loan customers, including our largest borrowing relationships, are based. This slowdown reflected declining prices in real estate, higher levels of inventories of homes and higher vacancies in commercial and industrial properties, all of which contributed to financial strain on real estate developers and suppliers. However, there was some improvement beginning in 2013, with real estate prices increasing in our market area. At December 31, 2014, we had $478.3 million in commercial and residential real estate loans and $68.0 million in land and construction real estate loans, of which $1.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively, were on nonaccrual. Construction loans and commercial real estate loans comprise a substantial portion of our nonperforming assets. Deterioration in the real estate market could affect the ability of our loan customers to service their debt, which could result in additional loan charge-offs and provisions for loan losses in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and capital.

Our business is subject to interest rate risk and variations in interest rates may negatively affect our financial performance.

        Our earnings and cash flows are highly dependent upon net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest earning assets such as loans and securities and interest expense paid on interest- bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowed funds.

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        Interest rates are sensitive to many factors outside our control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Federal Reserve, which regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest we receive on loans and securities and interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, but could also affect our ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, and the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities. Our portfolio of securities is subject to interest rate risk and will generally decline in value if market interest rates increase, and generally increase in value if market interest rates decline.

        In response to the recessionary state of the national economy, the housing market and the volatility of financial markets, the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve ("FOMC") started a series of decreases in Federal funds target rate with seven decreases in 2008, bringing the target rate to a historically low range of 0% to 0.25% through December 2014.

        Changes in interest rates and monetary policy can impact the demand for new loans, the credit profile of our borrowers, the yields earned on loans and securities and rates paid on deposits and borrowings. Given our current volume and mix of interest bearing liabilities and interest earning assets, we would expect our interest rate spread (the difference in the rates paid on interest bearing liabilities and the yields earned on interest earning assets) as well as net interest income to increase if interest rates rise and, conversely, to decline if interest rates fall. Additionally, increasing levels of competition in the banking and financial services business may decrease our net interest spread as well as net interest margin by forcing us to offer lower lending interest rates and pay higher deposit interest rates. Although we believe our current level of interest rate sensitivity is reasonable, significant fluctuations in interest rates (such as a sudden and substantial increase in Prime and Overnight Fed Funds rates) as well as increasing competition may require us to increase rates on deposits at a faster pace than the yield we receive on interest earning assets increases. The impact of any sudden and substantial move in interest rates and/or increased competition may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, as our net interest income (including the net interest spread and margin) may be negatively impacted.

        Additionally, a sustained decrease in market interest rates could adversely affect our earnings. When interest rates decline, borrowers tend to refinance higher-rate, fixed-rate loans to lower rates, prepaying their existing loans. Under those circumstances, we would not be able to reinvest those prepayments in assets earning interest rates as high as the rates on the prepaid loans. In addition, our commercial real estate and commercial loans, which carry interest rates that, in general, adjust in accordance with changes in the prime rate, will adjust to lower rates. We are also significantly affected by the level of loan demand available in our market. The inability to make sufficient loans directly affects the interest income we earn. Lower loan demand will generally result in lower interest income realized as we place funds in lower yielding investments.

Increased deposit insurance costs and changes in deposit regulation may adversely affect our results of operations.

        As a result of recent economic conditions and the enactment of Dodd-Frank, the FDIC has increased the deposit insurance assessment rates in recent years and thus raised deposit premiums for insured depository institutions. If these increases are insufficient for the Deposit Insurance Fund to meet its funding requirements, further special assessments or increases in deposit insurance premiums may be required which we may be required to pay. We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. If there are additional banks or financial institution failures, we may be required to pay even higher FDIC premiums than the recently increased levels. Any future additional assessments, increases or required prepayments in FDIC insurance premiums may materially adversely affect our results of operations.

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Liquidity risk could impair our ability to fund operations and jeopardize our financial condition.

        Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity due to a downturn in markets in which our loans are concentrated or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a severe disruption of the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole.

If we lost a significant portion of our low-cost deposits, it would negatively impact our liquidity and profitability.

        Our profitability depends in part on our success in attracting and retaining a stable base of low-cost deposits. At December 31, 2014, 37% of our deposit base was comprised of noninterest bearing deposits. While we generally do not believe these core deposits are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, the competition for these deposits in our markets is strong and customers are increasingly seeking investments that are safe, including the purchase of U.S. Treasury securities and other government guaranteed obligations, as well as the establishment of accounts at the largest, most-well capitalized banks. If we were to lose a significant portion of our low-cost deposits, it would negatively impact our liquidity and profitability.

We borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank and the Federal Reserve, and there can be no assurance these programs will continue in their current manner.

        We, at times, utilize the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco for overnight borrowings and term advances; we also borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and from correspondent banks under our Federal funds lines of credit. The amount loaned to us is generally dependent on the value of the collateral pledged. These lenders could reduce the percentages loaned against various collateral categories, could eliminate certain types of collateral and could otherwise modify or even terminate their loan programs, particularly to the extent they are required to do so because of capital adequacy or other balance sheet concerns. Any change or termination of the programs under which we borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco or correspondent banks could have an adverse effect on our liquidity and profitability.

Our results of operations may be adversely affected by other-than-temporary impairment charges relating to our securities portfolio.

        We may be required to record future impairment charges on our securities, including our stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, if they suffer declines in value that we consider other-than-temporary. Numerous factors, including the lack of liquidity for re-sales of certain securities, the absence of reliable pricing information for securities, adverse changes in the business climate, adverse regulatory actions or unanticipated changes in the competitive environment, could have a negative effect on our securities portfolio in future periods. Significant impairment charges could also negatively impact our regulatory capital ratios and result in HBC not being classified as "well-capitalized" for regulatory purposes.

We depend on cash dividends from our subsidiary bank to pay cash dividends to our shareholders and to meet our cash obligations.

        As a holding company, dividends from our subsidiary bank provide a substantial portion of our cash flow used to pay cash dividends on our common and preferred stock and other obligations. Various

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statutory provisions restrict the amount of dividends HBC can pay to HCC without regulatory approval. See "Item 1 — Business-Supervision and Regulation — Dividends."

We may need to raise additional capital in the future and such capital may not be available when needed or at all.

        We may need to raise additional capital in the future to provide us with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control, and our financial performance. We cannot be assured that such capital will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. Any occurrence that may limit our access to the capital markets, such as a decline in the confidence of debt purchasers, depositors of HBC or counterparties participating in the capital markets may adversely affect our capital costs and our ability to raise capital and, in turn, our liquidity. An inability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms when needed could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our profitability is dependent upon the economic conditions of the markets in which we operate.

        We operate primarily in Santa Clara County, Contra Costa County, Alameda County, and San Benito County and, as a result, our financial condition and results of operations are subject to changes in the economic conditions in those areas. Our success depends upon the business activity, population, income levels, deposits and real estate activity in these markets. Although our customers' business and financial interests may extend well beyond these market areas, adverse economic conditions that affect these market areas could reduce our growth rate, affect the ability of our customers to repay their loans to us and generally affect our financial condition and results of operations. Our lending operations are located in market areas dependent on technology and real estate industries and their supporting companies. Thus, our borrowers could be adversely impacted by a downturn in these sectors of the economy that could reduce the demand for loans and adversely impact the borrowers' ability to repay their loans, which would, in turn, increase our nonperforming assets. Because of our geographic concentration, we are less able than regional or national financial institutions to diversify our credit risks across multiple markets.

Our loan portfolio has a large concentration of real estate loans in California, which involve risks specific to real estate values.

        A downturn in our real estate markets in California could adversely affect our business because many of our loans are secured by real estate. Real estate lending (including commercial, land development and construction) is a large portion of our loan portfolio. At December 31, 2014, approximately $608.0 million, or 56% of our loan portfolio, was secured by various forms of real estate, including residential and commercial real estate. Included in the $608.0 million of loans secured by real estate were $289.0 million (or 48%) of owner-occupied loans. The real estate securing our loan portfolio is concentrated in California. The market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time as a result of market conditions in the geographic area in which the real estate is located. Real estate values and real estate markets are generally affected by changes in national, regional or local economic conditions, the rate of unemployment, fluctuations in interest rates and the availability of loans to potential purchasers, changes in tax laws and other governmental statutes, regulations and policies and acts of nature, such as earthquakes and natural disasters particular to California. Additionally, commercial real estate lending typically involves larger loan principal amounts and the repayment of the loans generally is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the properties securing the loans to cover operating expenses and debt service. If real estate values, including values of land held for development, decline, the value of real estate collateral securing our loans could be significantly reduced. Our ability to recover on defaulted loans by foreclosing and selling the real estate collateral would then be diminished and we would be more likely to suffer losses on defaulted loans.

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        In addition, banking regulators now give commercial real estate loans extremely close scrutiny due to risks relating to the cyclical nature of the real estate market, and related risks for lenders with high concentrations of such loans. The regulators have required banks with relatively high levels of commercial real estate loans to implement enhanced underwriting standards, internal controls, risk management policies and portfolio stress testing, which has resulted in higher allowances for possible loan losses. Any increase in our allowance for loan losses would adversely affect our net income, and any requirement that we maintain higher capital levels could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operation.

Our construction and land development loans are based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the complete project. These estimates may be inaccurate and we may be exposed to more losses on these projects than on other loans.

        At December 31, 2014, land and construction loans, including land acquisition and development totaled $68.0 million or 6% of our loan portfolio. This amount was comprised of 14% owner occupied and 86% non-owner occupied construction and land loans. Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon whether our initial estimate of the property's value at completion of construction equals or exceeds the cost of the property construction (including interest) and the availability of permanent take-out financing. During the construction phase, a number of factors can result in delays and cost overruns. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, as well as the market value of the completed project, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. As a result, construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent primarily on the completion of the project and the ability of the borrower to sell the property, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If estimates of value are inaccurate or if actual construction costs exceed estimates, the value of the property securing the loan may be insufficient to ensure full repayment. If our appraisal of the value of the completed project proves to be overstated, our collateral may be inadequate for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project. If we are forced to foreclose on a project prior to or at completion due to a default, there can be no assurance that we will be able to recover all of the unpaid balance of, and accrued interest on, the loan as well as related foreclosure and holding costs. In addition, we may be required to fund additional amounts to complete the project and may have to hold the property for an unspecified period of time.

Our use of appraisals in deciding whether to make a loan on or secured by real property does not ensure the value of the real property collateral.

        In considering whether to make a loan secured by real property, we generally require an appraisal of the property. However, an appraisal is only an estimate of the value of the property at the time the appraisal is conducted, and an error in fact or judgment could adversely affect the reliability of an appraisal. In addition, events occurring after the initial appraisal may cause the value of the real estate to decrease. As a result of any of these factors the value of collateral backing a loan may be less than estimated, and if a default occurs we may not recover the outstanding balance of the loan.

Repayment of our commercial loans is often dependent on the cash flows of the borrower, which may be unpredictable, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value.

        At December 31, 2014, commercial loans totaled $462.4 million or 43% of our loan portfolio, (including SBA guaranteed loans and factored receivables). Commercial lending involves risks that are different from those associated with residential and commercial real estate lending. Real estate lending is generally considered to be collateral based lending with loan amounts based on predetermined loan to collateral values and liquidation of the underlying real estate collateral being viewed as the primary source of repayment in the event of borrower default. Our commercial loans are primarily made based on the cash flows of the borrowers and secondarily on any underlying collateral provided by the borrowers. A

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borrower's cash flows may be unpredictable, and collateral securing those loans may fluctuate in value. Although commercial loans are often collateralized by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, or other business assets, the liquidation of collateral in the event of default is often an insufficient source of repayment because accounts receivable may be uncollectible and inventories may be obsolete or of limited use, among other things.

We must effectively manage our growth strategy.

        We seek to expand our franchise safely and consistently. A successful growth strategy requires us to manage multiple aspects of the business simultaneously, such as following adequate loan underwriting standards, balancing loan and deposit growth without increasing interest rate risk or compressing our net interest margin, maintaining sufficient capital, and recruiting, training and retaining qualified professionals. We may also experience a lag in profitability associated with the new branch openings.

        As part of our general growth strategy, we may expand into additional communities or attempt to strengthen our position in our current markets by opening new offices, subject to any regulatory constraints on our ability to open new offices. To the extent that we are able to open additional offices, we are likely to experience the effects of higher operating expenses relative to operating income from the new operations for a period of time, which may have an adverse effect on our levels of reported net income, return on average equity and return on average assets. Our current growth strategies involve internal growth from our current offices and, subject to any regulatory constraints on our ability to open new branch offices, the addition of new offices over time, so that the additional overhead expenses associated with these openings are absorbed prior to opening other new offices.

New lines of business or new products and services may subject us to additional risks.

        From time to time, we may implement or may acquire new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and new products and services, we may invest significant time and resources. We may not achieve target timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and new products or services and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as regulatory compliance obligations, competitive alternatives, and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new product or service. Furthermore, any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business or new products or services could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Potential acquisitions may disrupt our business and adversely affect our results of operations.

        We have in the past and, subject to any regulatory constraints on our ability to undertake any acquisitions, we may in the future seek to grow our business by acquiring other businesses. We cannot predict the frequency, size or timing of our acquisitions, and we typically do not comment publicly on a possible acquisition until we have signed a definitive agreement. There can be no assurance that our acquisitions will have the anticipated positive results, including results related to the total cost of integration, the time required to complete the integration, the amount of longer-term cost savings, continued growth, or the overall performance of the acquired company or combined entity. Integration of an acquired business can be complex and costly. If we are not able to successfully integrate future acquisitions, there is a risk that our results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, if goodwill recorded in connection with potential future acquisitions was determined to be impaired, then we would be required to recognize a charge against operations, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations during the period in which the impairment was recognized.

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We have a significant deferred tax asset and cannot assure that it will be fully realized.

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities computed using enacted tax rates. We regularly assess available positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that our net deferred tax asset will be realized. Realization of a deferred tax asset requires us to apply significant judgment and is inherently speculative because it requires estimates that cannot be made with certainty. At December 31, 2014, we had a net deferred tax asset of $18.5 million. If we were to determine at some point in the future that we will not achieve sufficient future taxable income to realize our net deferred tax asset, we would be required, under generally accepted accounting principles, to establish a full or partial valuation allowance which would require us to incur a charge to operations for the period in which the determination was made.

We may be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions.

        Our ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and liquidity of other financial institutions. Financial institutions are often interconnected as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other business relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks, brokers and dealers, investment banks, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of a default by a counterparty or client. Even if the transactions are collateralized, credit risk could exist if the collateral held by us cannot be liquidated at prices sufficient to recover the full amount of the credit or derivative exposure due to us. Any such losses could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We face strong competition from financial service companies and other companies that offer banking services.

        We face substantial competition in all phases of our operations from a variety of different competitors. Our competitors, including larger commercial banks, community banks, savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, credit unions, consumer finance companies, insurance companies, securities dealers, brokers, mortgage bankers, investment advisors, money market mutual funds and other financial institutions, compete with lending and deposit gathering services offered by us. Many of these competing institutions have much greater financial and marketing resources than we have. Due to their size, many competitors can achieve larger economies of scale and may offer a broader range of products and services than we can. If we are unable to offer competitive products and services, our business may be negatively affected. Some of the financial services organizations with which we compete are not subject to the same degree of regulation as is imposed on bank holding companies and federally insured financial institutions or are not subject to increased supervisory oversight arising from regulatory examinations. As a result, these non-bank competitors have certain advantages over us in accessing funding and in providing various services.

        We anticipate intense competition will be continued for the coming year due to the recent consolidation of many financial institutions and more changes in legislature, regulation and technology. Further, we expect loan demand to continue to be challenging due to the uncertain economic climate and the intensifying competition for creditworthy borrowers, both of which could lead to loan rate concession pressure and could impact our ability to generate profitable loans. We expect we may see tighter competition in the industry as banks seek to take market share in the most profitable customer segments, particularly the small business segment and the mass-affluent segment, which offers a rich source of deposits as well as more profitable and less risky customer relationships. Further, with the rebound of the equity markets, our deposit customers may perceive alternative investment opportunities as providing superior expected returns. Technology and other changes have made it more convenient for bank customers to transfer funds into alternative investments or other deposit accounts such as online virtual banks and non-bank service providers. The current low interest rate environment could increase such

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transfers of deposits to higher yielding deposits or other investments. Efforts and initiatives we undertake to retain and increase deposits, including deposit pricing, can increase our costs. When our customers move money into higher yielding deposits or in favor of alternative investments, we can lose a relatively inexpensive source of funds, thus increasing our funding costs.

        New technology and other changes are allowing parties to effectuate financial transactions that previously required the involvement of banks. For example, consumers can maintain funds in brokerage accounts or mutual funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills and transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as "disintermediation," could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. The loss of these revenue streams and access to lower cost deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to extensive government regulation that could limit or restrict our activities, which in turn may adversely impact our ability to increase our assets and earnings.

        We operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to supervision and regulation by a number of governmental regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, the DBO and the FDIC. Regulations adopted by these agencies, which are generally intended to provide protection for depositors and customers rather than for the benefit of shareholders, govern a comprehensive range of matters relating to ownership and control of our common stock, our acquisition of other companies and businesses, permissible activities for us to engage in, maintenance of adequate capital levels, and other aspects of our operations. These bank regulators possess broad authority to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of law. The laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry could change at any time and we cannot predict the effects of these changes on our business and profitability. Increased regulation could increase our cost of compliance and adversely affect profitability. Moreover, certain of these regulations contain significant punitive sanctions for violations, including monetary penalties and limitations on a bank's ability to implement components of its business plan, such as expansion through mergers and acquisitions or the opening of new branch offices. In addition, changes in regulatory requirements may add costs associated with compliance efforts. Furthermore, government policy and regulation, particularly as implemented through the Federal Reserve System, significantly affect credit conditions. As a result of the negative financial market and general economic trends, there is a potential for new federal or state laws and regulation regarding lending and funding practices and liquidity standards, and bank regulatory agencies have been and are expected to be aggressive in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the expected issuance of formal enforcement orders. Negative developments in the financial industry and the impact of new legislation and regulation in response to those developments could negatively impact our business operations and adversely impact our financial performance.

Technology is continually changing and we must effectively implement new technologies.

        The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology driven products and services. In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables us to reduce costs. Our future success will depend in part upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations as we continue to grow and expand our market areas. In order to anticipate and develop new technology, we employ a qualified staff of internal information system specialists and consider this area a core part of our business. We do not develop our own software products, but have been able to respond to technological changes in a timely manner through association with leading technology vendors. We must continue to make substantial investments in technology which may affect our results of operations. If we

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are unable to make such investments, or we are unable to respond to technological changes in a timely manner, our operating costs may increase which could adversely affect our results of operations.

System failure or breaches of our network security could subject us to increased operating costs as well as litigation and other liabilities.

        The computer systems and network infrastructure we use could be vulnerable to unforeseen problems. Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect our computer equipment against damage from physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or a similar catastrophic event, as well as from security breaches, denial of service attacks, viruses, worms and other disruptive problems caused by hackers. Any damage or failure that causes an interruption in our operations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Computer break-ins and other disruptions could also jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in significant liability to us and may cause existing and potential customers to refrain from doing business with us. We employ external auditors to conduct auditing and testing for weaknesses in our systems, controls, firewalls and encryption to reduce the likelihood of any security failures or breaches. Although we, with the help of third party service providers and auditors, intend to continue to implement security technology and establish operational procedures to prevent such damage, there can be no assurance that these security measures will be successful. In addition, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the algorithms we and our third party service providers use to encrypt and protect customer transaction data. A failure of such security measures could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on third party service providers for key systems, placing us and our customers at risk if the vendor has service outages, work stoppages or is subjected to attacks on their IT systems that expose information relating to us and our customers or a vendor fails to perform its contractual obligations.

        We use a third party software service provider to perform all of our transaction data processing. We also outsource other customer service applications, such as on-line banking and wire transfers to third party vendors. If these service providers were to experience technical difficulties or incur any extended outages in services, it could have a material and adverse impact on us and our customers. Because such service providers service us and other banks, their systems could be affected by DDoS attacks directed at their other bank customers. In addition, third parties may seek to penetrate our vendors' IT systems, obtain information about us or our customers or access to our customers' accounts, and exploit that information to wrongfully withdraw or transfer our customers' funds, which could have material and adverse impacts on our customers and the Company. Further, the failure of external vendors to perform in accordance with the contractual terms of a service agreement because of changes in a vendor's organization structure, financial condition, support for existing products and services or strategic focus or for any other reason could be disruptive to our operations, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations. If we were required to switch service providers due to deterioration in service quality or other factors, there is no guarantee that it could obtain comparable services for a comparable price.

We could be liable for breaches of security in our online banking services. Fear of security breaches could limit the growth of our online services.

        We offer various internet-based services to our clients, including online banking services. The secure transmission of confidential information over the Internet is essential to maintain our clients' confidence in our online services. Advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the technology we use to protect client transaction data. In addition, individuals may seek to intentionally disrupt our online banking services or compromise the confidentiality

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of customer information with criminal intent. Although we have developed systems and processes that are designed to prevent security breaches and periodically test our security, failure to mitigate breaches of security could adversely affect our ability to offer and grow our online services, result in costly litigation and loss of customer relationships and could have an adverse effect on our business.

Our controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented.

        Management regularly reviews and updates our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of the Company's controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our accounting estimates and risk management processes rely on analytical and forecasting models.

        Processes that management uses to estimate our probable credit losses and to measure the fair value of financial instruments, as well as the processes used to estimate the effects of changing interest rates and other market measures on our financial condition and results of operations, depend upon the use of analytical and forecasting models. These models reflect assumptions that may not be accurate, particularly in times of market stress or other unforeseen circumstances. Even if these assumptions are accurate, the models may prove to be inadequate or inaccurate because of other flaws in their design or their implementation.

        If the models that management uses for interest rate risk and asset-liability management are inadequate, we may incur increased or unexpected losses upon changes in market interest rates or other market measures. If the models that management uses for determining our probable credit losses are inadequate, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to support future charge-offs. If the models that management uses to measure the fair value of financial instruments are inadequate, the fair value of such financial instruments may fluctuate unexpectedly or may not accurately reflect what we could realize upon sale or settlement of such financial instruments. Any such failure in management's analytical or forecasting models could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are exposed to the risk of environmental liabilities with respect to properties to which we take title.

        In the course of our business, when a borrower defaults on a loan secured by real property, we generally purchase the property in foreclosure or accept a deed to the property surrendered by the borrower. We may also take over the management of properties when owners have defaulted on loans. While we have guidelines intended to exclude properties with an unreasonable risk of contamination, hazardous substances may exist on some of the properties that we own, manage or occupy and unknown hazardous risks could impact the value of real estate collateral. We may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination, or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances, or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial and exceed the value of the property. In addition, if we are the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. If we become subject to significant environmental liabilities, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be adversely affected.

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Managing operational risk is important to attracting and maintaining customers, investors and employees.

        Operational risk represents the risk of loss resulting from our operations, including but not limited to, the risk of fraud by employees or persons outside the Company, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, transaction processing errors and breaches of the internal control system and compliance requirements. This risk of loss also includes the potential legal actions that could arise as a result of an operational deficiency or as a result of noncompliance with applicable regulatory standards, adverse business decisions or their implementation and customer attrition due to potential negative publicity. Operational risk is inherent in all business activities and the management of this risk is important to the achievement of our business objectives. In the event of a breakdown in our internal control system, improper operation of systems or improper employee actions, we could suffer financial loss, face regulatory action and suffer damage to our reputation.

Reputational risk can adversely affect our business.

        Threats to our reputation can come from many sources, including adverse sentiment about financial institutions generally, unethical practices, employee misconduct, failure to deliver minimum standards of service or quality, compliance deficiencies, and questionable or fraudulent activities of our customers. We have policies and procedures in place to protect our reputation and promote ethical conduct, but these policies and procedures may not be fully effective. Negative publicity regarding our business, employees, or customers, with or without merit, may result in the loss of customers, investors and employees, costly litigation, a decline in revenues and increased governmental regulation.

We are dependent on key personnel and the loss of one or more of those key personnel may materially and adversely affect our prospects.

        Competition for qualified employees and personnel in the banking industry is intense and there are a limited number of qualified persons with knowledge of, and experience in, the California community banking industry. The process of recruiting personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to carry out our strategies is often lengthy. Our success depends to a significant degree upon our ability to attract and retain qualified management, loan origination, finance, administrative, marketing and technical personnel and upon the continued contributions of our management and personnel. In particular, our success has been and continues to be highly dependent upon the abilities of key executives, including our Chief Executive Officer and certain other key employees.

Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other external events could significantly impact our business

        Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other adverse external events could have a significant impact on our ability to conduct business. Such events could affect the stability of our deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. For example, our primary market areas in California are subject to earthquakes and fires. Operations in our market could be disrupted by both the evacuation of large portions of the population as well as damage and or lack of access to our banking and operation facilities. While we have not experienced such event to date, other severe weather or natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism or other adverse external events may occur in the future. Although management has established disaster recovery policies and procedures, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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Risks Related to Our Securities

Our securities are not an insured deposit.

        Our securities are not bank deposits and, therefore, are not insured against loss by the FDIC, any other deposit insurance fund or by any other public or private entity. Investment in our securities is inherently risky for the reasons described in this section and elsewhere in this report and is subject to the same market forces that affect the price of securities in any company.

Our outstanding Series C Preferred Stock impacts net income available to our common shareholders and earnings per common share, and conversion of our Series C Preferred Stock will be dilutive to holders of our common stock.

        The dividends declared and the accretion on our outstanding Series C Preferred Stock reduce the net income available to common shareholders and our earnings per common share. Our Series C Preferred Stock will also receive preferential treatment in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The ownership interest of our existing holders of common stock will be diluted to the extent our Series C Preferred Stock is automatically converted into common stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is convertible into an aggregate of 5,601,000 shares of our common stock upon a transfer of the Series C Preferred Stock to a transferee not affiliated with the holder in a widely dispersed offering. The shares of common stock underlying the Series C Preferred Stock represent approximately 21% of the shares of our common stock outstanding on December 31, 2014.

The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and this may make it difficult for you to resell shares of common stock owned by you at times or at prices you find attractive.

        The stock market and, in particular, the market for financial institution stocks, has experienced significant volatility. In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices for certain issuers without regard to those issuers' underlying financial strength. As a result, the trading volume in our common stock may fluctuate more than usual and cause significant price variations to occur.

        The trading price of the shares of our common stock will depend on many factors, which may change from time to time and which may be beyond our control, including, without limitation, our financial condition, performance, creditworthiness and prospects, future sales or offerings of our equity or equity related securities, and other factors identified above under "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements," "Risk Factors" and below. These broad market fluctuations have adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Among the factors that could affect our stock price are:

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        Our common stock is listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "HTBK." The trading volume has historically been significantly less than that of larger financial services companies. Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for you to sell your common stock when you want and at prices you find attractive.

        A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of our common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. Given the relatively low trading volume of our common stock, significant sales of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that those sales may occur, could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline or to be lower than it otherwise might be in the absence of those sales or perceptions.

Federal and state law may limit the ability of another party to acquire us, which could cause the price of our securities to decline.

        Federal law prohibits a person or group of persons "acting in concert" from acquiring "control" of a bank holding company unless the Federal Reserve has been given 60 days prior written notice of such proposed acquisition and within that time period the Federal Reserve has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition or extending for up to another 30 days the period during which such a disapproval may be issued. An acquisition may be made prior to the expiration of the disapproval period if the Federal Reserve issues written notice of its intent not to disapprove the action. Under a rebuttable presumption established by the Federal Reserve, the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting stock of a bank or bank holding company with a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act would, under the circumstances set forth in the presumption, constitute the acquisition of control. In addition, any "company" would be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve under the BHCA, before acquiring 25% (5% in the case of an acquirer that is, or is deemed to be, a bank holding company) or more of any class of voting stock, or such lesser number of shares as may constitute control.

        Under the California Financial Code, no person may, directly or indirectly, acquire control of a California state bank or its holding company unless the DBO has approved such acquisition of control. A person would be deemed to have acquired control of HBC if such person, directly or indirectly, has the power (i) to vote 25% or more of the voting power of Heritage Bank of Commerce; or (ii) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of HBC. For purposes of this law, a person who directly or indirectly owns or controls 10% or more of our outstanding common stock would be presumed to control HBC.

        These provisions of federal and state law may prevent a merger or acquisition that would be attractive to shareholders and could limit the price investors would be willing to pay in the future for our securities.

We may raise additional capital, which could have a dilutive effect on the existing holders of our securities and adversely affect the market price of our securities.

        We are not restricted from issuing additional shares of common stock or securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or represent the right to receive shares of common stock. We frequently evaluate

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opportunities to access the capital markets taking into account our regulatory capital ratios, financial condition and other relevant considerations and, subject to market conditions, we may take further capital actions. Such actions could include, among other things, the issuance of additional shares of common stock or other securities in public or private transactions in order to further increase our capital levels above the requirements for a "well capitalized" institution established by the federal bank regulatory agencies as well as other regulatory targets. These issuances could dilute ownership interests of investors and could dilute the per share book value of our common stock.

The issuance of additional shares of preferred stock could adversely affect holders of common stock, which may negatively impact an investment in our securities.

        Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue additional classes or series of preferred stock without any action on the part of the shareholders, except in certain circumstances. Our Board of Directors also has the power, without shareholder approval except in certain circumstances, to set the terms of any such classes or series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting rights, dividend rights and preferences over the common stock with respect to dividends or upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our business and other terms. If we issue preferred stock in the future that has a preference over the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of the common stock, then the rights of holders of the common stock or the market price of the common stock could be adversely affected.

ITEM 1B — UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

        None.

ITEM 2 — PROPERTIES

        The main and executive offices of HCC and HBC are located at 150 Almaden Boulevard in San Jose, California 95113, with branch offices located at 15575 Los Gatos Boulevard in Los Gatos, California 95032, at 387 Diablo Road in Danville, California 94526, at 3137 Stevenson Boulevard in Fremont, California 94538, at 300 Main Street in Pleasanton, California 94566, at 101 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek, California 94596, at 18625 Sutter Boulevard in Morgan Hill, California 95037, at 7598 Monterey Street in Gilroy, California 95020, at 419 S. San Antonio Road in Los Altos, California 94022, at 333 W. El Camino Real in Sunnyvale, California 94087, and at 351 Tres Pinos Road in Hollister, California 95023. BVF's administrative offices are located at 2933 Bunker Hill Lane, Santa Clara, CA 95054.

Main Offices

        The main offices of HBC are located at 150 Almaden Boulevard in San Jose, California on the first three floors in a fifteen-story Class-A type office building. All three floors, consisting of approximately 35,547 square feet, are subject to a direct lease dated April 13, 2000, as amended, which expires on May 31, 2015. The current monthly rent payment is $119,701 until the lease expires. On November 17, 2014 the Company exercised its right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years, beginning on June 1, 2015 and ending on May 31, 2020. The monthly rent at the beginning of the extension period is $104,864 with annual increases of 3% until the extension period expires. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years beyond the extension period.

        In January of 1997, the Company leased approximately 1,255 square feet (referred to as the "Kiosk") located next to the primary operating area at 150 Almaden Boulevard in San Jose, California to be used for meetings, staff training and marketing events. The current monthly rent payment is $5,271 until the lease expires on May 31, 2015. On November 17, 2014 the Company exercised its right to extend the term

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of the lease for one additional period of five years, beginning on June 1, 2015 and ending on May 31, 2020. The monthly rent at the beginning of the extension period is $3,702 with annual increases of 3% until the extension period expires. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years beyond the extension period.

Branch Offices

        In May of 2006, the Company leased approximately 2,505 square feet on the first floor in a three-story multi-tenant multi-use building located at 7598 Monterey Street in Gilroy, California. The current monthly rent payment is $5,283 and is subject to annual increases of 2% until the lease expires on September 30, 2016. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for two additional periods of five years each.

        In June of 2007, as part of the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank, the Company took ownership of an 8,285 square foot one-story commercial office building, including the land, located at 387 Diablo Road in Danville, California.

        In June of 2008, the Company leased approximately 5,213 square feet on the first floor in a two-story multi-tenant office building located at 419 S. San Antonio Road in Los Altos, California. The current monthly rent payment is $25,993 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on April 30, 2018. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for two additional periods of five years each.

        In September of 2010, the Company extended its lease for approximately 4,096 square feet in an one-story stand-alone office building located at 300 Main Street in Pleasanton, California. The current monthly rent payment is $16,135 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on October 31, 2017.

        In September of 2012, the Company leased, effective March 1, 2013, approximately 3,172 square feet in an one-story multi-tenant multi-use building located at 3137 Stevenson Boulevard in Fremont, California. The monthly rent payment is $7,235 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on February 29, 2020. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of four years and another additional period of three years.

        In June of 2013, the Company leased approximately 3,022 square feet on the first floor of a three-story multi-tenant office building located at 333 West El Camino Real in Sunnyvale, California. The current monthly rent payment is $11,675 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on May 31, 2018. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years.

        In October of 2013, the Company extended its lease for approximately 1,920 square feet in a one story stand-alone building located in an office complex at 15575 Los Gatos Boulevard in Los Gatos, California. The current monthly rent payment is $5,834 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on November 30, 2018. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years.

        In April of 2014, the Company leased approximately 3,391 square feet in a multi-tenant commercial center located at 351 Tres Pinos in Hollister, CA. The current monthly rent payment is $4,239 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on June 30, 2019. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years.

        In May of 2014, the Company extended its lease for approximately 3,850 square feet on the first floor in a four story multi-tenant office building located at 101 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek, California. The current monthly rent payment is $13,475 and is subject to 3% annual increases until the lease expires on August 15, 2021. In addition, the Company modified its lease to include 1,461 square feet

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of expansion space, which Company may take possession of a portion or portions at any time throughout the extended lease period. The current monthly rent for the expansion space is $1,582 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years.

        In August of 2014, the Company amended and extended its lease to include approximately 4,716 square feet in a one story multi-tenant office building located at 18625 Sutter Boulevard in Morgan Hill, California. The current monthly rent payment is $5,895 with annual increases of 2% until the lease expires on October 31, 2021. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years.

Bay View Funding Office

        In April 2013, Bay View Funding leased approximately 7,440 square feet of a two-story multi-tenant office building located at 2933 Bunker Hill Lane, Santa Clara, CA 95054. The current monthly rent payment is $16,476 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires in April 2017. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of two years.

        For additional information on operating leases and rent expense, refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements following "Item 15 — Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules."

ITEM 3 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        The Company is involved in certain legal actions arising from normal business activities. Management, based upon the advice of legal counsel, believes the ultimate resolution of all pending legal actions will not have a material effect on the financial statements of the Company.

ITEM 4 — MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

        Not Applicable.

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PART II

ITEM 5 — MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

        The Company's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "HTBK." Management is aware of the following securities dealers which make a market in the Company's common stock: Credit Suisse Securities USA, UBS Securities LLC, LATOUR TRADING LLC, Deutsche Banc Alex Brown, SG Americas Securities LLC, MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC, Fig Partners, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner, VIRTU FINANCIAL BD LLC, INSTINET, LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co., WEDBUSH SECURITIES INC, Susquehanna Capital Group, Morgan Stanley & Co., Incorporated, Interactive Brokers LLC, Barclays Capital Inc./Le, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Citadel Securities LLC, Knight Capital Americas LLC, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Sandler O'Neill & Partners, D.A. Davidson & Co., LIME BROKERAGE LLC, and Tradebot Systems, Inc. These market makers have committed to make a market for the Company's common stock, although they may discontinue making a market at any time. No assurance can be given that an active trading market will be sustained for the common stock at any time in the future.

        The information in the following table for 2014 and 2013 indicates the high and low closing prices for the common stock, based upon information provided by the NASDAQ Global Select Market and cash dividend payment for each quarter presented.

 
   Stock Price    
  
 
   Dividend
Per Share 		 
Quarter
  High   Low  

Year ended December 31, 2014:

                    

Fourth quarter

   $ 8.98   $ 8.24   $ 0.05  

Third quarter

   $ 8.46   $ 7.94   $ 0.05  

Second quarter

   $ 8.31   $ 7.77   $ 0.04  

First quarter

   $ 8.38   $ 7.81   $ 0.04  

Year ended December 31, 2013:

    
 		    
 		    
 		  

Fourth quarter

   $ 8.33   $ 7.20   $ 0.03  

Third quarter

   $ 7.65   $ 6.85   $ 0.03  

Second quarter

   $ 7.08   $ 6.36   $ —  

First quarter

   $ 7.03   $ 6.42   $ —  

        The closing price of our common stock on February 5, 2015 was $8.73 per share as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

        As of February 5, 2015, there were approximately 588 holders of record of common stock. There are no other classes of common equity outstanding.

Dividend Policy

        The amount of future dividends will depend upon our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors, and will be determined by our board of directors on a quarterly basis. It is Federal Reserve policy that bank holding companies generally pay dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization's expected future needs and financial condition. It is also Federal Reserve policy that bank holding companies not maintain dividend levels that undermine the holding company's ability to be a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. Additionally, in consideration of the current financial and economic environment, the Federal Reserve has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy and has discouraged payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels

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unless both asset quality and capital are very strong. Under the federal Prompt Corrective Action regulations, the Federal Reserve or the FDIC may prohibit a bank holding company from paying any dividends if the holding company's bank subsidiary is classified as undercapitalized.

        As a holding company, our ability to pay cash dividends is affected by the ability of our bank subsidiary, HBC, to pay cash dividends. The ability of HBC (and our ability) to pay cash dividends in the future and the amount of any such cash dividends is and could be in the future further influenced by bank regulatory requirements and approvals and capital guidelines.

        The decision whether to pay dividends will be made by our Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including factors such as our results of operations, financial condition, business conditions, regulatory capital requirements and covenants under any applicable contractual arrangements, including agreements with regulatory authorities.

        For information on the statutory and regulatory limitations on the ability of the Company to pay dividends and on HBC to pay dividends to HCC see "Item 1 — Business — Supervision and Regulation — Dividends."

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

        The following table provides information as of December 31, 2014 regarding equity compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company were authorized for issuance:

 
   Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a) 		  Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b) 		  Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   1,726,106(1)   $11.23   1,273,816(2)

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

  

N/A

  

N/A

  

N/A
(1)
Consists of 1,341,676 options to acquire shares under the Company's Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan and 384,430 options to acquire shares under the Company's 2013 Equity Incentive Plan

(2)
Available under the Company's 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.

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Performance Graph

        The following graph compares the stock performance of the Company from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2014, to the performance of several specific industry indices. The performance of the S&P 500 Index, NASDAQ Stock Index and NASDAQ Bank Stocks were used as comparisons to the Company's stock performance. Management believes that a performance comparison to these indices provides meaningful information and has therefore included those comparisons in the following graph.

GRAPHIC

        The following chart compares the stock performance of the Company from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2014, to the performance of several specific industry indices. The performance of the S&P 500 Index, NASDAQ Stock Index and NASDAQ Bank Stocks were used as comparisons to the Company's stock performance.

 
   Period Ending  
Index
  12/31/09   12/31/10   12/31/11   12/31/12   12/31/13   12/31/14  

Heritage Commerce Corp*

     100     112     118     174     205     220  

S&P 500*

     100     113     113     128     166     185  

NASDAQ — Total US*

     100     117     115     133     184     209  

NASDAQ Bank Index*

     100     112     98     113     158     162  
*
Source: SNL Financial Bank Information Group — (434) 977-1600

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ITEM 6 — SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table presents a summary of selected financial information that should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto following "Item 15 — "Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules."


 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 
   AT OR FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
 
   2014   2013   2012   2011   2010  
 
   (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
  

INCOME STATEMENT DATA:

                                

Interest income

   $ 59,256   $ 52,786   $ 52,565   $ 52,031   $ 55,087  

Interest expense

     2,153     2,600     4,187     5,875     10,512  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net interest income before provision for loan losses

     57,103     50,186     48,378     46,156     44,575  

Provision (credit) for loan losses

     (338 )   (816 )   2,784     4,469     26,804  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     57,441     51,002     45,594     41,687     17,771  

Noninterest income

     7,746     7,214     8,865     8,422     8,733  

Noninterest expense

     44,222     40,470     39,061     38,537     87,332  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income (loss) before income taxes

     20,965     17,746     15,398     11,572     (60,828 )

Income tax expense (benefit)

     7,538     6,206     5,489     201     (4,971 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income (loss)

     13,427     11,540     9,909     11,371     (55,857 )

Dividends and discount accretion on preferred stock

     (1,008 )   (336 )   (1,206 )   (2,333 )   (2,398 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

     12,419     11,204     8,703     9,038     (58,255 )

Less: undistributed earnings allocated to Series C Preferred Stock

     1,342     1,687     1,527     1,589     N/A  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Distributed and undistributed earnings (loss) allocated to common shareholders

   $ 11,077   $ 9,517   $ 7,176   $ 7,449   $ (58,255 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

PER COMMON SHARE DATA:

                                

Basic net income (loss)(1)

   $ 0.42   $ 0.36   $ 0.27   $ 0.28   $ (3.64 )

Diluted net income (loss)(2)

   $ 0.42   $ 0.36   $ 0.27   $ 0.28   $ (3.64 )

Book value per common share(3)

   $ 6.22   $ 5.84   $ 5.71   $ 5.30   $ 4.73  

Tangible book value per common share(4)             

   $ 5.60   $ 5.78   $ 5.63   $ 5.20   $ 4.61  

Pro forma tangible book value per share, assuming Series C

                                

Preferred Stock was converted into common stock(5)

   $ 5.23   $ 5.38   $ 5.25   $ 4.90   $ 4.41  

Weighted average number of shares outstanding — basic

     26,390,615     26,338,161     26,303,245     26,266,584     16,026,058  

Weighted average number of shares outstanding — diluted

     26,526,282     26,386,452     26,329,336     26,270,394     16,026,058  

Shares outstanding at period end

     26,503,505     26,350,938     26,322,147     26,295,001     26,233,001  

Pro forma common shares outstanding at period end, assuming Series C

                                

Preferred Stock was converted into common stock(6)

     32,104,505     31,951,938     31,923,147     31,896,001     31,834,001  

BALANCE SHEET DATA:

                                

Securities (available-for sale and held-to-maturity)

   $ 301,697   $ 376,021   $ 419,384   $ 380,455   $ 232,165  

Net loans

   $ 1,070,264   $ 895,749   $ 793,286   $ 743,891   $ 820,845  

Allowance for loan losses

   $ 18,379   $ 19,164   $ 19,027   $ 20,700   $ 25,204  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

   $ 16,320   $ 1,527   $ 2,000   $ 2,491   $ 3,014  

Total assets

   $ 1,617,103   $ 1,491,632   $ 1,693,312   $ 1,306,194   $ 1,246,369  

Total deposits

   $ 1,388,386   $ 1,286,221   $ 1,479,368   $ 1,049,428   $ 993,918  

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ 5,000  

Subordinated debt

   $ —   $ —   $ 9,279   $ 23,702   $ 23,702  

Short-term borrowings

   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ 2,445  

Total shareholders' equity

   $ 184,358   $ 173,396   $ 169,741   $ 197,831   $ 182,152  

SELECTED PERFORMANCE RATIOS:(7)

                                

Return (loss) on average assets

     0.88 %   0.81 %   0.73 %   0.89 %   –4.17 %

Return (loss) on average tangible assets

     0.88 %   0.81 %   0.73 %   0.89 %   –4.25 %

Return (loss) on average equity

     7.44 %   6.77 %   5.75 %   6.02 %   –30.82 %

Return (loss) on average tangible equity

     7.60 %   6.84 %   5.83 %   6.11 %   –35.66 %

Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent)

     4.10 %   3.84 %   3.88 %   3.94 %   3.69 %

Efficiency ratio, excluding impairment of goodwill

     68.19 %   70.51 %   68.24 %   70.61 %   82.82 %

Average net loans (excludes loans held-for-sale) as a percentage of average deposits

     74.54 %   67.26 %   67.98 %   75.91 %   87.53 %

Average total shareholders' equity as a percentage of average total assets

     11.85 %   11.90 %   12.72 %   14.82 %   13.55 %

SELECTED ASSET QUALITY DATA:(8)

                                

Net (recoveries) charge-offs to average loans

     0.05 %   –0.11 %   0.57 %   1.12 %   3.18 %

Allowance for loan losses to total loans

     1.69 %   2.09 %   2.34 %   2.71 %   2.98 %

Nonperforming loans to total loans plus nonaccrual loans — loans held-for-sale

     0.54 %   1.29 %   2.24 %   2.20 %   3.90 %

Nonperforming assets

   $ 6,551   $ 12,393   $ 19,464   $ 19,142   $ 34,399  

HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP CAPITAL RATIOS:

                                

Total risk-based

     13.9 %   15.3 %   16.2 %   21.9 %   20.9 %

Tier 1 risk-based

     12.6 %   14.0 %   15.0 %   20.6 %   19.7 %

Leverage

     10.6 %   11.2 %   11.5 %   15.3 %   14.1 %

Notes:

(1)
Represents distributed and undistributed earnings (loss) allocated to common shareholders, divided by the average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the respective period. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

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(2)
Represents distributed and undistributed earnings (loss) allocated to common shareholders, divided by the average number of shares of common stock and common stock-equivalents outstanding for the respective period. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

(3)
Represents shareholders' equity minus preferred stock divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the end of the period indicated.

(4)
Represents shareholders' equity minus preferred stock, minus goodwill and other intangible assets divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the end of period indicated.

(5)
Represents shareholders' equity minus preferred stock, minus goodwill and other intangible assets divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the end of period indicated, assuming 21,004 shares of Series C Preferred Stock were converted into 5,601,000 shares of common stock.

(6)
Assumes 21,004 shares of Series C Preferred Stock were converted into 5,601,000 shares of common stock at December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

(7)
Average balances used in this table and throughout this Annual Report are based on daily averages.

(8)
Average loans and total loans exclude loans held-for-sale.

ITEM 7 — MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion provides information about the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and capital resources of Heritage Commerce Corp (the "Company" or "HCC"), its wholly-owned subsidiary, Heritage Bank of Commerce (the "Bank" or "HBC"), and HBC's wholly-owned subsidiary, BVF/CSNK Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation ("BVF") and its subsidiary CSNK Working Capital Finance Corp, a California Corporation, dba Bay View Funding ("CSNK"). BVF and CSNK are collectively referred to as "BVF" or "Bay View Funding." This information is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to our financial condition and the results of operations. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this report. Unless we state otherwise or the context indicates otherwise, references to the "Company," "Heritage," "we," "us," and "our," in this Report on Form 10 K refer to Heritage Commerce Corp and its subsidiaries.

Critical Accounting Policies

General

        The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States of America and general practices in the banking industry. The financial statements include the accounts of the Company. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Allowance for Loan Losses

        The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of the losses in our loan portfolio. The allowance is only an estimate of the inherent loss in the loan portfolio and may not represent actual losses realized over time, either of losses in excess of the allowance or of losses less than the allowance. Our accounting for estimated loan losses is discussed under the heading "Allowance for Loan Losses" and disclosed primarily in Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

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Loan Sales and Servicing

        The amounts of gains recorded on sales of loans and the initial recording of servicing assets and I/O strips are based on the estimated fair values of the respective components. In recording the initial value of the servicing assets and the fair value of the I/O strips receivable, the Company uses estimates which are made on management's expectations of future prepayment and discount rates as discussed in Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

Stock Based Compensation

        We grant stock options to purchase our common stock also to our employees and directors under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. Additionally, we have outstanding options that were granted under option plans from which we no longer make grants. The benefits provided under all of these plans are subject to the provisions of accounting guidance related to share-based payments. Our results of operations for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 were impacted by the recognition of non-cash expense related to the fair value of our share-based compensation awards.

        The determination of fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model is affected by our stock price, as well as the input of other subjective assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the expected term of stock options and our stock price volatility. Our stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and changes in the assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimates.

        Accounting guidance requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. If actual forfeitures vary from our estimates, we will recognize the difference in compensation expense in the period the actual forfeitures occur.

Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        The Company accounts for acquisitions of businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Management utilizes various valuation techniques including 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. The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to adjustment during the first twelve months after the acquisition date if additional information becomes available to indicate a more accurate or appropriate value for an asset or liability.

        Goodwill and intangible assets are evaluated at least annually for impairment or more frequently if events or circumstances, such as changes in economic or market conditions, indicate that impairment may exist. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by management. If the fair value of the reporting unit including goodwill is determined to be less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, a further test is required to measure the amount of impairment. If an impairment loss exists, the carrying amount of the goodwill is adjusted to a new cost basis. For purposes of the goodwill impairment test, the valuation of the Company is based on a weighted blend of the income approach and market approach. The income approach estimates the fair value of the Company based on the present value of discounted cash flows from operations. The market approach considers key pricing multiples of similar companies. Management believes the assumptions used in these calculations are consistent with current industry practice for valuing similar types of companies. Goodwill from the acquisition of Bay View Funding on November 1, 2014 totaled $13.0 million.

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        Intangible assets consist of core deposit and customer relationship intangible assets arising from the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank in June 2007, and a below market lease, customer relationship and brokered relationship, and a non-compete agreement intangible assets arising from the acquisition of Bay View Funding in November 2014. These assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Impairment testing of these assets is performed at the individual asset level. Impairment exists if the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value at the date of the impairment test. For intangible assets, estimates of expected future cash flows (cash inflows less cash outflows) that are directly associated with an intangible asset are used to determine the fair value of that asset. Management makes certain estimates and assumptions in determining the expected future cash flows from core deposit and customer relationship intangibles including account attrition, expected lives, discount rates, interest rates, servicing costs and other factors. Significant changes in these estimates and assumptions could adversely impact the valuation of these intangible assets. If an impairment loss exists, the carrying amount of the intangible asset is adjusted to a new cost basis. The new cost basis is then amortized over the remaining useful life of the asset.

        Our accounting policy for goodwill and other intangible assets is disclosed primarily in Notes 1 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

Deferred Tax Assets

        Our net deferred income tax asset arises from temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities reported in the financial statements and the amounts used for income tax return purposes. Our accounting for deferred tax assets is discussed under the heading "Income Tax Expense" and disclosed primarily in Notes 1 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

Executive Summary

        This summary is intended to identify the most important matters on which management focuses when it evaluates the financial condition and performance of the Company. When evaluating financial condition and performance, management looks at certain key metrics and measures. The Company's evaluation includes comparisons with peer group financial institutions and its own performance objectives established in the internal planning process.

        The primary activity of the Company is commercial banking. The Company's operations are located in the southern and eastern regions of the general San Francisco Bay Area of California in the counties of Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa. The largest city in this area is San Jose and the Company's market includes the headquarters of a number of technology based companies in the region known commonly as Silicon Valley. The Company's customers are primarily closely held businesses and professionals. Bay View Funding, a subsidiary of Heritage Bank of Commerce, is based in Santa Clara and provides business essential working capital factoring financing to various industries throughout the United States.

Performance Overview

        For the year ended December 31, 2014, net income was $13.4 million, or $0.42 per average diluted common share, compared to $11.5 million, or $0.36 per average diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2013, and $9.9 million, or $0.27 per average diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company's annualized return on average assets was 0.88% and annualized return on average equity was 7.44% for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 0.81% and 6.77%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2013, and 0.73% and 5.75% for the year ended December 31, 2012.

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        The following are major factors that impacted the Company's results of operations:

        The following are important factors in understanding our current financial condition and liquidity position:

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Capital Ratios
  Heritage
Commerce
Corp 		  Heritage Bank
of Commerce 		  Well-Capitalized
Financial Institution
Regulatory Guidelines 		 

Total Risk-Based

     13.9 %   13.1 %   10.0 %

Tier 1 Risk-Based

     12.6 %   11.9 %   6.0 %

Leverage

     10.6 %   9.9 %   5.0 %

Bay View Funding Acquisition

        On November 1, 2014, the Company acquired Bay View Funding, by purchasing all of the outstanding common stock from the stockholders of BVF for an aggregate purchase price of $22.52 million. BVF became a wholly owned subsidiary of HBC. Based in Santa Clara, California, BVF is the parent company of CSNK Working Capital Finance Corp. dba Bay View Funding, which provides business essential working capital factoring financing to various industries throughout the United States. The one-time pre-tax acquisition costs incurred by HBC for the BVF acquisition totaled $895,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014, respectively.

        On November 1, 2014, the lease of the BVF office space located in Santa Clara, California was estimated to be $109,000 below fair market value, which is being amortized over three years.

        Customer relationship and brokered relationship intangible assets of $1.9 million resulted from the Bay View Funding acquisition. They are initially measured at fair value and then are amortized on the straight-line method over the 10 year estimated useful lives.

        The Chief Executive Officer of BVF entered into a three-year non-compete agreement with HBC. On November 1, 2014, the estimated fair value of the non-compete agreement was $250,000, which is being amortized over three years.

        On November 1, 2014, estimated goodwill of $13.0 million resulted from the acquisition Bay View Funding, which represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to adjustment during the first twelve months after the acquisition date if additional information becomes available to indicate a more accurate or appropriate value for an asset or liability.

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Deposits

        The composition and cost of the Company's deposit base are important in analyzing the Company's net interest margin and balance sheet liquidity characteristics. Except for brokered time deposits, the Company's depositors are generally located in its primary market area. Depending on loan demand and other funding requirements, the Company also obtains deposits from wholesale sources including deposit brokers. HBC is a member of the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service ("CDARS") program. The CDARS program allows customers with deposits in excess of FDIC insured limits to obtain coverage on time deposits through a network of banks within the CDARS program. Deposits gathered through this program are considered brokered deposits under regulatory guidelines. The Company has a policy to monitor all deposits that may be sensitive to interest rate changes to help assure that liquidity risk does not become excessive due to concentrations.

        Total deposits were $1.39 billion at December 31, 2014, compared to $1.29 billion at December 31, 2013. Deposits (excluding all time deposits and CDARS deposits) increased $154.5 million, or 16%, to $1.13 billion at December 31, 2014, from $973.6 million at December 31, 2013.

        The Company had $28.1 million in brokered deposits at December 31, 2014, compared to $55.5 million at December 31, 2013. Deposits from title insurance companies, escrow accounts and real estate exchange facilitators increased to $41.5 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $37.6 million at December 31, 2013. Certificates of deposit from the State of California totaled $98.0 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $98.0 million at December 31, 2013. CDARS money market and time deposits decreased to $11.2 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $40.5 million at December 31, 2013, primarily due to $27.5 million in deposits received from a law firm for legal settlements in the fourth quarter of 2013, all of which were withdrawn in January, 2014.

Liquidity

        Our liquidity position refers to our ability to maintain cash flows sufficient to fund operations and to meet obligations and other commitments in a timely fashion. At December 31, 2014, we had $122.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $455.4 million in available borrowing capacity from various sources including the FHLB, the FRB, and Federal funds facilities with several financial institutions. The Company also had $148.8 million in unpledged securities available at December 31, 2014. Our loan to deposit ratio increased to 78.41% at December 31, 2014, compared to 71.13% at December 31, 2013.

Lending

        Our lending business originates primarily through our branch offices located in our primary markets. In addition, BVF provides factoring financing throughout the United States. Total loans, excluding loans held-for-sale, increased $173.7 million, or 19%, to $1.09 billion at December 31, 2014, compared to $914.9 million at December 31, 2013. Excluding the $40.0 million of factored receivables at BVF, loans increased 15% at December 31, 2014 from December 31, 2013. The total loan portfolio remains well diversified with commercial and industrial ("C&I") loans accounting for 43% of the portfolio at December 31, 2014, which included $40.0 million of factored receivables at BVF. Commercial and residential real estate loans accounted for 44% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2014, of which 46% were owner-occupied by businesses. Consumer and home equity loans accounted for 7% of the total loan portfolio, and land and construction loans accounted for the remaining 6% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2014. C&I line usage was 42% at December 31, 2014, compared to 41% at December 31, 2013.

Net Interest Income

        The management of interest income and expense is fundamental to the performance of the Company. Net interest income, the difference between interest income and interest expense, is the largest component

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of the Company's total revenue. Management closely monitors both total net interest income and the net interest margin (net interest income divided by average earning assets).

        The Company, through its asset and liability policies and practices, seeks to maximize net interest income without exposing the Company to an excessive level of interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is managed by monitoring the pricing, maturity and repricing options of all classes of interest bearing assets and liabilities. This is discussed in more detail under "Liquidity and Asset/Liability Management." In addition, we believe there are measures and initiatives we can take to improve the net interest margin, including increasing loan rates, adding floors on floating rate loans, reducing nonperforming assets, managing deposit interest rates, and reducing higher cost deposits.

        The net interest margin is also adversely impacted by the reversal of interest on nonaccrual loans and the reinvestment of loan payoffs into lower yielding investment securities and other short-term investments.

Management of Credit Risk

        We continue to proactively identify, quantify, and manage our problem loans. Early identification of problem loans and potential future losses helps enable us to resolve credit issues with potentially less risk and ultimate losses. We maintain an allowance for loan losses in an amount that we believe is adequate to absorb probable incurred losses in the portfolio. While we strive to carefully manage and monitor credit quality and to identify loans that may be deteriorating, circumstances can change at any time for loans included in the portfolio that may result in future losses, that as of the date of the financial statements have not yet been identified as potential problem loans. Through established credit practices, we adjust the allowance for loan losses accordingly. However, because future events are uncertain, there may be loans that deteriorate some of which could occur in an accelerated time frame. As a result, future additions to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary. Because the loan portfolio contains a number of commercial loans, commercial real estate, construction and land development loans with relatively large balances, deterioration in the credit quality of one or more of these loans may require a significant increase to the allowance for loan losses. Future additions to the allowance may also be required based on changes in the financial condition of borrowers, such as have resulted due to the current, and potentially worsening, economic conditions. Additionally, Federal and state banking regulators, as an integral part of their supervisory function, periodically review our allowance for loan losses. These regulatory agencies may require us to recognize further loan loss provisions or charge-offs based upon their judgments, which may be different from ours. Any increase in the allowance for loan losses would have an adverse effect, which may be material, on our financial condition and results of operation.

        Further discussion of the management of credit risk appears under "Provision for Loan Losses" and "Allowance for Loan Losses."

Noninterest Income

        While net interest income remains the largest single component of total revenues, noninterest income is an important component. A portion of the Company's noninterest income is associated with its SBA lending activity, consisting of gains on the sale of loans sold in the secondary market and servicing income from loans sold with servicing retained. Other sources of noninterest income include loan servicing fees, service charges and fees, cash surrender value from company owned life insurance policies, and gains on the sale of securities.

Noninterest Expense

        Management considers the control of operating expenses to be a critical element of the Company's performance. The Company has undertaken several initiatives to reduce its noninterest expense and improve its efficiency. Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $44.2 million,

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compared to $40.5 million a year ago. The increase in noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily due to two months of operating expenses incurred by BVF and one-time costs related to the BVF acquisition.

Capital Management

        As part of its asset and liability management process, the Company continually assesses its capital position to take into consideration growth, expected earnings, risk profile and potential corporate activities that it may choose to pursue.

        On November 21, 2008, the Company issued to the U.S. Treasury under its Capital Purchase Program 40,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for $40.0 million and issued a warrant to purchase 462,963 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $12.96.

        On June 21, 2010, the Company issued to various institutional investors 21,004 shares of Series C Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock ("Series C Preferred Stock"). The Series C Preferred Stock is mandatorily convertible into 5,601,000 shares of common stock at a conversion price of $3.75 per share upon a subsequent transfer of the Series C Preferred Stock to third parties not affiliated with the holder in a widely dispersed offering. The Series C Preferred Stock is non-voting except in the case of certain transactions that would affect the rights of the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock or applicable law. The holders of Series C Preferred Stock receive dividends on an as converted basis when dividends are also declared for holders of common stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is not redeemable by the Company or by the holders and has a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Company's common stock.

        On March 7, 2012, in accordance with approvals received from the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve, the Company repurchased all shares of the Series A Preferred Stock and paid the related accrued and unpaid dividends. On June 12, 2013, the Company completed the repurchase of the common stock warrant for $140,000.

        During the third quarter of 2012, the Company completed the redemption of $14 million fixed-rate subordinated debt, and during the third quarter of 2013, the Company completed the redemption of its remaining $9 million of floating rate subordinated debt.

Results of Operations

        The Company earns income from two primary sources. The first is net interest income, which is interest income generated by earning assets less interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities. The second is noninterest income, which primarily consists of gains on the sale of loans, loan servicing fees, customer service charges and fees, the increase in cash surrender value of life insurance, and gains on the sale of securities. The majority of the Company's noninterest expenses are operating costs that relate to providing a full range of banking services to our customers.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

        The level of net interest income depends on several factors in combination, including growth in earning assets, yields on earning assets, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, the relative volumes of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the mix of products that comprise the Company's earning assets, deposits, and other interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income can also be impacted by the reversal of interest on loans placed on nonaccrual status, and recovery of interest on loans that have been on nonaccrual and are either sold or returned to accrual status. To maintain its net interest margin, the Company must manage the relationship between interest earned and paid.

        The following Distribution, Rate and Yield table presents for each of the past three years, the average amounts outstanding for the major categories of the Company's balance sheet, the average interest rates

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earned or paid thereon, and the resulting net interest margin on average interest earning assets for the periods indicated. Average balances are based on daily averages.

 
   Year Ended December 31,  
 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   Average
Balance 		  Interest
Income /
Expense 		  Average
Yield /
Rate 		  Average
Balance 		  Interest
Income /
Expense 		  Average
Yield /
Rate 		  Average
Balance 		  Interest
Income /
Expense 		  Average
Yield /
Rate 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Assets:

                                                        

Loans, gross(1)

   $ 992,376   $ 49,207     4.96 % $ 845,303   $ 41,570     4.92 % $ 787,032   $ 40,800     5.18 %

Securities — taxable

     261,527     7,810     2.99 %   339,778     9,472     2.79 %   404,913     11,519     2.84 %

Securities — tax exempt(2)

     79,939     3,115     3.90 %   61,636     2,355     3.83 %   4,575     172     3.77 %

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions

     86,084     214     0.25 %   83,219     214     0.26 %   52,500     134     0.26 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total interest earning assets(2)

     1,419,926     60,346     4.25 %   1,329,936     53,611     4.03 %   1,249,020     52,625     4.21 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Cash and due from banks

     25,829                 23,510                 21,583              

Premises and equipment, net

     7,343                 7,500                 7,774              

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     3,746                 1,774                 2,258              

Other assets

     66,428                 68,678                 72,799              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total assets

   $ 1,523,272               $ 1,431,398               $ 1,353,434              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Liabilities and shareholders' equity:

                                                        

Deposits:

                                                        

Demand, noninterest-bearing

   $ 463,134               $ 427,299               $ 392,131              

Demand, interest-bearing

     207,359     341     0.16 %   172,615     246     0.14 %   150,476     223     0.15 %

Savings and money market

     363,903     671     0.18 %   308,510     544     0.18 %   288,980     611     0.21 %

Time deposits — under $100

     20,448     63     0.31 %   23,069     80     0.35 %   27,337     132     0.48 %

Time deposits — $100 and Over

     196,118     629     0.32 %   194,587     747     0.38 %   167,804     958     0.57 %

Time deposits — brokered

     36,440     319     0.88 %   75,968     745     0.98 %   91,278     867     0.95 %

CDARS — money market and time deposits

     15,380     9     0.06 %   17,996     7     0.04 %   5,756     9     0.16 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total interest-bearing deposits

     839,648     2,032     0.24 %   792,745     2,369     0.30 %   731,631     2,800     0.38 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total deposits

     1,302,782     2,032     0.16 %   1,220,044     2,369     0.19 %   1,123,762     2,800     0.25 %

Subordinated debt

     —     —     —     5,816     229     3.94 %   19,052     1,383     7.26 %

Short-term borrowings

     4,003     121     3.02 %   129     2     1.55 %   1,518     4     0.26 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     843,651     2,153     0.26 %   798,690     2,600     0.33 %   752,201     4,187     0.56 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total interest-bearing liabilities and demand, noninterest-bearing / cost of funds

     1,306,785     2,153     0.16 %   1,225,989     2,600     0.21 %   1,144,332     4,187     0.37 %

Other liabilities

     35,973                 35,018                 36,909              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total liabilities

     1,342,758                 1,261,007                 1,181,241              

Shareholders' equity

     180,514                 170,391                 172,193              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

   1,523,272               1,431,398               1,353,434              

Net interest income(2) / margin

           58,193     4.10 %         51,011     3.84 %         48,438     3.88 %

Less tax equivalent adjustment(2)

           (1,090 )               (825 )               (60 )      
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net interest income

         $ 57,103               $ 50,186               $ 48,378        
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
(1)
Includes loans held-for-sale. Yields and amounts earned on loans include loan fees and costs. Nonaccrual loans are included in average balance.

(2)
Reflects tax equivalent adjustment for tax exempt income based on a 35% federal tax rate.

        The Volume and Rate Variances table below sets forth the dollar difference in interest earned and paid for each major category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the noted periods, and the amount of such change attributable to changes in average balances (volume) or changes in average interest rates. Volume variances are equal to the increase or decrease in the average balance multiplied by prior period rates and rate variances are equal to the increase or decrease in the average rate multiplied by the prior period average balance. Variances attributable to both rate and volume changes are equal to the

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change in rate multiplied by the change in average balance and are included below in the average volume column.

 
   2014 vs. 2013   2013 vs. 2012  
 
   Increase (Decrease)
Due to Change in: 		  Increase (Decrease)
Due to Change in: 		 
 
   Average
Volume 		  Average
Rate 		  Net
Change 		  Average
Volume 		  Average
Rate 		  Net
Change 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Income from the interest earning assets:

                                      

Loans, gross

   $ 7,280   $ 357   $ 7,637   $ 2,848   $ (2,078 ) $ 770  

Securities — taxable

     (2,349 )   687     (1,662 )   (1,825 )   (222 )   (2,047 )

Securities — tax exempt(1)

     711     49     760     2,180     3     2,183  

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions

     6     (6 )   —     77     3     80  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total interest income on interest earning assets(1)

     5,648     1,087     6,735     3,280     (2,294 )   986  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Expense from the interest-bearing liabilities:

                                      

Demand, interest-bearing

     65     30     95     35     (12 )   23  

Savings and money market

     116     11     127     24     (91 )   (67 )

Time deposits — under $100

     (9 )   (8 )   (17 )   (16 )   (36 )   (52 )

Time deposits — $100 and over

     6     (124 )   (118 )   109     (320 )   (211 )

Time deposits — brokered

     (350 )   (76 )   (426 )   (150 )   28     (122 )

CDARS — money market and time deposits

     (2 )   4     2     5     (7 )   (2 )

Subordinated debt

     (229 )   —     (229 )   (522 )   (632 )   (1,154 )

Short-term borrowings

     117     2     119     (22 )   20     (2 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities

     (286 )   (161 )   (447 )   (537 )   (1,050 )   (1,587 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net interest income(1)

   $ 5,934   $ 1,248     7,182   $ 3,817   $ (1,244 )   2,573  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Less tax equivalent adjustment(1)          

                 (265 )               (765 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net interest income

               $ 6,917               $ 1,808  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
(1)
Reflects tax equivalent adjustment for tax exempt income based on a 35% federal tax rate.

        The Company's net interest margin (FTE), expressed as a percentage of average earning assets was 4.10% for 2014, an increase of 26 basis points compared to 3.84% for 2013. The increase year to year is primarily the result of loan growth, two months of revenue from BVF, higher yields on securities, and a lower cost of funds. The Company's net interest margin for 2013 decreased 4 basis points from 3.88% for 2012, principally due to a lower yield on loans, and a higher average balance of short term deposits at the Federal Reserve Bank.

        Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased 14% to $57.1 million, compared to $50.2 million a year ago, primarily as a result of growth in the loan portfolio, two months of revenue from BVF, and increases in core deposits. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased 4% to $50.2 million, compared to $48.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to an increase in the average balance of loans and a lower cost of funds.

        A substantial portion of the Company's earning assets are variable-rate loans that re-price when the Company's prime lending rate is changed, in contrast to a large base of core deposits that are generally slower to re-price. This causes the Company's balance sheet to be asset-sensitive which means that, all else being equal, the Company's net interest margin will be lower during periods when short-term interest rates are falling and higher when rates are rising.

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Provision for Loan Losses

        Credit risk is inherent in the business of making loans. The Company establishes an allowance for loan losses through charges to earnings, which are shown in the statements of operations as the provision for loan losses. Specifically identifiable and quantifiable known losses are promptly charged off against the allowance. The provision for loan losses is determined by conducting a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the Company's allowance for loan losses and charging the shortfall, if any, to the current quarter's operations. This has the effect of creating variability in the amount and frequency of charges to the Company's earnings. The provision for loan losses and level of allowance for each period are dependent upon many factors, including loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies, management's assessment of the quality of the loan portfolio, the valuation of problem loans and the general economic conditions in the Company's market area.

        The credit to the provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $338,000, primarily due to improving credit quality and a reduction in nonperforming assets and classified assets. The credit to the provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $816,000, which was primarily due to net recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2013. The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $2.8 million.

        The allowance for loan losses totaled $18.4 million, or 1.69% of total loans at December 31, 2014, compared to $19.2 million, or 2.09% of total loans at December 31, 2013, and $19.0 million, or 2.34% of total loans at December 31, 2012. The allowance for loan losses to total loans decreased at December 31, 2014, compared to December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, was primarily due to increasing loan balances with no default histories, coupled with the decrease in nonperforming assets, improving the quality of the loan portfolio overall. Net charge offs totaled $447,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to net recoveries of $953,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013, and net charge offs of $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming loans increased to 313.90% at December 31, 2014, compared to 162.16% at December 31, 2013, and 104.58% at December 31, 2012. Provisions for loan losses are charged to operations to bring the allowance for loan losses to a level deemed appropriate by the Company based on the factors discussed under "Allowance for Loan Losses."

Noninterest Income

        The following table sets forth the various components of the Company's noninterest income:

 
   Year Ended December 31,   Increase
(decrease)
2014 versus 2013 		  Increase
(decrease)
2013 versus 2012 		 
 
   2014   2013   2012   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Service charges and fees on deposit accounts

   $ 2,519   $ 2,457   $ 2,333   $ 62     3 % $ 124     5 %

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance

     1,600     1,654     1,720     (54 )   –3 %   (66 )   –4 %

Servicing income

     1,296     1,446     1,743     (150 )   –10 %   (297 )   –17 %

Gain on sales of SBA loans

     971     449     702     522     116 %   (253 )   –36 %

Gain on sales of securities

     97     38     1,560     59     155 %   (1,522 )   –98 %

Other

     1,263     1,170     807     93     8 %   363     45 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 7,746   $ 7,214   $ 8,865   $ 532     7 % $ (1,651 )   –19 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The increase in noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, was primarily due to a higher gain on sales of SBA loans. The decrease in

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noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, was primarily due to a lower gain on sales of securities and SBA loans, and lower servicing income.

        The Company sold $108.6 million of investment securities available-for-sale for a net gain of $97,000 during the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to a $38,000 gain during the year ended December 31, 2013, and a $1.6 million net gain during the year ended December 31, 2012.

        A portion of the Company's noninterest income is associated with its SBA lending activity, as gain on sales of loans sold in the secondary market and servicing income from loans sold with servicing rights retained. During 2014, SBA loan sales resulted in a $971,000 gain, compared to a $449,000 gain on sales of SBA loans in 2013, and a $702,000 gain on sales of SBA loans in 2012. The servicing assets that result from the sales of SBA loans with servicing retained are amortized over the expected term of the loans using a method approximating the interest method. Servicing income generally declines as the respective loans are repaid.

        The increase in cash surrender value of life insurance approximates a 3.23% after tax yield on the policies. To realize this tax advantaged yield the policies must be held until death of the insured individuals, who are current and former officers and directors of the Company.

Noninterest Expense

        The following table sets forth the various components of the Company's noninterest expense:

 
   Year Ended December 31,   Increase
(decrease)
2014 versus 2013 		  Increase
(decrease)
2013 versus 2012 		 
 
   2014   2013   2012   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Salaries and employee benefits

   $ 26,250   $ 23,450   $ 21,722   $ 2,800     12 % $ 1,728     8 %

Occupancy and equipment

     4,059     4,043     3,997     16     0 %   46     1 %

Professional fees

     1,891     2,588     2,876     (697 )   –27 %   (288 )   –10 %

Insurance expense

     1,126     1,032     911     94     9 %   121     13 %

Software subscriptions

     999     1,289     1,149     (290 )   –22 %   140     12 %

Data processing

     969     1,078     983     (109 )   –10 %   95     10 %

Acquisition and integration related costs

     895     —     —     895     N/A     —     N/A  

FDIC deposit insurance premiums

     892     894     918     (2 )   0 %   (24 )   –3 %

Correspondent bank charges

     760     684     611     76     11 %   73     12 %

Foreclosed assets

     53     (251 )   (45 )   304     –121 %   (206 )   –458 %

Premium on redemption of subordinated debt

     —     —     601     —     N/A     (601 )   –100 %

Other

     6,328     5,663     5,338     665     12 %   325     6 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 44,222   $ 40,470   $ 39,061   $ 3,752     9 % $ 1,409     4 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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        The following table indicates the percentage of noninterest expense in each category:

 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   Amount   Percent of
Total 		  Amount   Percent of
Total 		  Amount   Percent of
Total 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Salaries and employee benefits

   $ 26,250     59 % $ 23,450     58 % $ 21,722     56 %

Occupancy and equipment

     4,059     9 %   4,043     10 %   3,997     10 %

Professional fees

     1,891     4 %   2,588     6 %   2,876     7 %

Insurance expense

     1,126     3 %   1,032     3 %   911     2 %

Software subscriptions

     999     2 %   1,289     3 %   1,149     3 %

Data processing

     969     2 %   1,078     3 %   983     2 %

Acquisition and integration related costs

     895     2 %   —     0 %   —     0 %

FDIC deposit insurance premiums

     892     2 %   894     2 %   918     2 %

Correspondent bank charges

     760     2 %   684     2 %   611     2 %

Foreclosed assets

     53     0 %   (251 )   –1 %   (45 )   0 %

Premium on redemption of subordinated debt

     —     0 %   —     0 %   601     2 %

Other

     6,328     15 %   5,663     14 %   5,338     14 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 44,222     100 % $ 40,470     100 % $ 39,061     100 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased 9% to $44.2 million, compared to $40.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase from year to year was primarily due to increased salaries and employee benefits expense. The increase in noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily due to two months of operating expenses incurred by BVF, one-time costs related to the BVF acquisition, and higher salaries and employee benefits costs, which were partially offset by lower professional fees, software subscriptions, and data processing expense. Full-time equivalent employees were 242 (including 36 FTE at BVF), 193, and 190 at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

        Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased 4% to $40.5 million, compared to $39.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase from year to year was primarily due to increased salaries and employee benefits expense. Salaries and employee benefits increased $1.7 million, or 8%, for the year ended December 31, 2013 from the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to annual merit increases and hiring of additional lending relationship officers. Software subscriptions and data processing expense increased $235,000, or 11%, for 2013 from 2012, primarily due to one-time system conversion costs. Other noninterest expense increased in 2013, compared to 2012 primarily due to higher credit related costs and recruiting expenses. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the premium on redemption of subordinated debt, lower professional, fees and lower foreclosed assets expense. There was a gain on the sale of foreclosed assets of $243,000 for 2013, compared to a gain of $395,000 for 2012.

Income Tax Expense

        The Company computes its provision for income taxes on a monthly basis. The effective tax rate is determined by applying the Company's statutory income tax rates to pre-tax book income as adjusted for permanent differences between pre-tax book income and actual taxable income. These permanent differences include, but are not limited to increases in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies, California Enterprise Zone deductions, certain expenses that are not allowed as tax deductions, and tax credits.

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        The Company's Federal and state income tax expense in 2014 was $7.5 million, compared to $6.2 million in 2013, and $5.5 million in 2012. The following table shows the effective income tax rates for the dates indicated:

 
   For the Year Ended
December 31, 		 
 
   2014   2013   2012  

Effective income tax rate

     36.0 %   35.0 %   35.6 %

        The difference in the effective tax rate compared to the combined Federal and state statutory tax rate of 42% is primarily the result of tax exempt securities, the Company's investment in life insurance policies whose earnings are not subject to taxes, tax credits related to investments in low income housing limited partnerships, Enterprise Zone tax credits, hiring credits, and the deferred tax asset valuation allowance. These reductions were partially offset by an increase in the effective tax rate from reduced income tax credits. The Company had California Enterprise Zone tax savings of approximately $189,000 and $138,000 for 2013 and 2012, respectively. The California state legislature eliminated the Enterprise Zone tax deductions beginning January 1, 2014.

        The Company adopted the proportional amortization method of accounting for its low income housing investments in the third quarter of 2014. The Company quantified the impact of adopting the proportional amortization method compared to the equity method to its current year and prior period financial statements. The Company determined that the adoption of the proportional amortization method did not have a material impact to its financial statements. The low income housing investment losses, net of the tax benefits received, are included in income tax expense for all periods reflected on the consolidated income statements.

        Some items of income and expense are recognized in different years for tax purposes than when applying generally accepted accounting principles leading to timing differences between the Company's actual tax liability, and the amount accrued for this liability based on book income. These temporary differences comprise the "deferred" portion of the Company's tax expense or benefit, which is accumulated on the Company's books as a deferred tax asset or deferred tax liability until such time as they reverse.

        Realization of the Company's deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon the Company generating sufficient future taxable income to obtain benefit from the reversal of net deductible temporary differences and utilization of tax credit carryforwards and the net operating loss carryforwards for Federal and California state income tax purposes. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable is subject to adjustment in future periods based on estimates of future taxable income. Under generally accepted accounting principles a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is "more likely than not" that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The determination of the realizability of the deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management's evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, including forecasts of future income, cumulative losses, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions.

        The Company had the net deferred tax assets of $18.5 million and $23.3 million at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively. After consideration of the matters in the preceding paragraph, the Company determined that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 will be fully realized in future years.

Financial Condition

        As of December 31, 2014, total assets were $1.62 billion, an increase of 8% compared to $1.49 billion at December 31, 2013. The investment securities available-for-sale portfolio totaled $206.3 million at December 31, 2014, a decrease of 26% from $280.1 million at December 31, 2013. In addition, securities

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held-to-maturity totaled $95.4 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $95.9 million at December 31, 2013. The total loan portfolio, excluding loans held-for-sale, was $1.09 billion, an increase of 19% from $914.9 million at year-end 2013. Total loans at December 31, 2014 included $40.0 million of factored receivables at BVF.

        Total deposits were $1.39 billion at December 31, 2014, an increase of 8% from $1.29 billion at year-end 2013. Deposits (excluding all time deposits and CDARS deposits) increased $154.5 million, or 16%, to $1.13 billion at December 31, 2014, from $973.6 million at December 31, 2013.

Securities Portfolio

        The following table reflects the balances for each category of securities at year-end:

 
   December 31,  
 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Securities available-for-sale (at fair value):

                    

Agency mortgage-backed securities

   $ 154,172   $ 207,644   $ 291,244  

Corporate bonds

     36,863     52,046     55,588  

Trust preferred securities

     15,300     20,410     21,080  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 206,335   $ 280,100   $ 367,912  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Securities held-to-maturity (at amortized cost):

                    

Agency mortgage-backed securities

   $ 15,480   $ 15,932   $ 16,659  

Municipals — Tax Exempt

     79,882     79,989     34,813  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

  $ 95,362   $ 95,921   $ 51,472  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The table below summarizes the weighted average life and weighted average yields of securities as of December 31, 2014:

 
   Weighted Average Life  
 
   Within One
Year or Less 		  After One and
Within Five
Years 		  After Five and
Within Ten
Years 		  After Ten
Years 		  Total  
 
   Amount   Yield   Amount   Yield   Amount   Yield   Amount   Yield   Amount   Yield  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Securities available-for-sale (at fair value):

                                                              

Agency mortgage-backed securities

   $ —     —   $ 74,969     3.03 % $ 79,203     2.61 % $ —     —   $ 154,172     2.81 %

Corporate bonds

     —     —     6,713     2.76 %   30,150     3.11 %   —     —     36,863     3.05 %

Trust preferred securities

     —     —     —     —     —     —     15,300     5.95 %   15,300     5.95 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ —     —   $ 81,682     3.01 % $ 109,353     2.75 % $ 15,300     5.95 % $ 206,335     3.09 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Securities held-to-maturity (at amortized cost):

                                                              

Agency mortgage-backed securities

   $ 2,702     0.29 % $ 7,327     2.68 % $ —     —   $ 5,451     3.25 % $ 15,480     2.46 %

Municipals — Tax Exempt(1)

     —     —     4,363     4.33 %   41,771     3.98 %   33,748     3.80 %   79,882     3.92 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 2,702     0.29 % $ 11,690     3.30 % $ 41,771     3.98 % $ 39,199     3.72 % $ 95,362     3.68 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
(1)
Reflects tax equivalent yield based on a 35% tax rate.

        The securities portfolio is the second largest component of the Company's interest-earning assets, and the structure and composition of this portfolio is important to an analysis of the financial condition of the Company. The portfolio serves the following purposes: (i) it provides a source of pledged assets for securing certain deposits and borrowed funds, as may be required by law or by specific agreement with a depositor or lender; (ii) it provides liquidity to even out cash flows from the loan and deposit activities of customers; (iii) it can be used as an interest rate risk management tool, since it provides a large base of

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assets, the maturity and interest rate characteristics of which can be changed more readily than the loan portfolio to better match changes in the deposit base and other funding sources of the Company; and (iv) it is an alternative interest-earning use of funds when loan demand is weak or when deposits grow more rapidly than loans.

        The Company's portfolio may include: (i) U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government sponsored entities' debt securities for liquidity and pledging; (ii) mortgage-backed securities, which in many instances can also be used for pledging, and which generally enhance the yield of the portfolio; (iii) municipal obligations, which provide tax free income and limited pledging potential; (iv) and single entity issue trust preferred securities, which generally enhance the yield on the portfolio.

        The Company classifies its securities as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity at the time of purchase. Accounting guidance requires available-for-sale securities to be marked to fair value with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders' equity. Monthly adjustments are made to reflect changes in the fair value of the Company's available for sale securities.

        The investment securities available-for-sale portfolio totaled $206.4 million at December 31, 2014, a decrease of 26% from $280.1 million at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, the securities available-for-sale portfolio was comprised of $154.1 million agency mortgage-backed securities (all issued by U.S. Government sponsored entities), $36.9 million of corporate bonds, and $15.3 million of single entity issue trust preferred securities. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company received proceeds of $108.6 million from the sales of securities available for sale, for a net gain on sales of securities of $97,000. The sale of securities was primarily to provide for loan growth and consisted of $27.2 million of asset backed securities, $16.9 million of corporate bonds, $58.4 million of agency mortgage-backed securities, and $6.1 million of trust preferred securities. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company purchased $25.9 million of agency mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale ($7.4 million of floating rate) with an aggregate book yield of 1.94% and duration of 4.18 years.

        The investment securities held-to-maturity portfolio, at amortized cost, totaled $95.4 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $95.9 million at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, the investment securities held-to-maturity portfolio was comprised of $79.9 million of tax-exempt municipal bonds, and $15.5 million of agency mortgage-backed securities. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company purchased $3.6 million of agency mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity with an aggregate book yield of 2.64% and duration of 6.27 years.

        The Company has not used interest rate swaps or other derivative instruments to hedge fixed rate loans or securities to otherwise mitigate interest rate risk.

Loans

        The Company's loans represent the largest portion of earning assets, substantially greater than the securities portfolio or any other asset category, and the quality and diversification of the loan portfolio is an important consideration when reviewing the Company's financial condition.

        Gross loans, excluding loans held-for-sale, represented 67% of total assets at December 31, 2014, as compared to 61% of total assets at December 31, 2013. The ratio of loans to deposits increased to 78.41% at December 31, 2014 from 71.13% December 31, 2013.

        The Loan Distribution table that follows sets forth the Company's gross loans outstanding, excluding loans held-for-sale, and the percentage distribution in each category at the dates indicated.

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Loan Distribution

 
   December 31,  
 
   2014   % to Total   2013   % to Total   2012   % to Total   2011   % to Total   2010   % to Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Commercial

   $ 462,403     43 % $ 393,074     43 % $ 375,469     46 % $ 366,590     48 % $ 378,412     45 %

Real estate:

                                                              

Commercial and residential

     478,335     44 %   423,288     46 %   354,934     44 %   311,479     41 %   337,457     40 %

Land and construction

     67,980     6 %   31,443     3 %   22,352     3 %   23,016     3 %   62,356     7 %

Home equity

     61,644     6 %   51,815     6 %   43,865     5 %   52,017     7 %   53,697     6 %

Consumer

     18,867     1 %   15,677     2 %   15,714     2 %   11,166     1 %   13,244     2 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Loans

     1,089,229     100 %   915,297     100 %   812,334     100 %   764,268     100 %   845,166     100 %

Deferred loan (fees) costs, net

     (586 )   —     (384 )   —     (21 )   —     323     —     883     —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Loans, including deferred fees and costs

     1,088,643     100 %   914,913     100 %   812,313     100 %   764,591     100 %   846,049     100 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Allowance for loan losses

     (18,379 )         (19,164 )         (19,027 )         (20,700 )         (25,204 )      
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Loans, net

   $ 1,070,264         $ 895,749         $ 793,286         $ 743,891         $ 820,845        
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The Company's loan portfolio is concentrated in commercial (primarily manufacturing, wholesale, and services oriented entities) and commercial real estate, with the balance in land development and construction and home equity and consumer loans. The Company does not have any concentrations by industry or group of industries in its loan portfolio, however, 56% of its gross loans were secured by real property as of December 31, 2014, compared to 55% as of December 31, 2013. While no specific industry concentration is considered significant, the Company's lending operations are located in areas that are dependent on the technology and real estate industries and their supporting companies.

        The Company has established concentration limits in its loan portfolio for commercial real estate loans, commercial loans, construction loans and unsecured lending, among others. All loan types are within established limits. The Company uses underwriting guidelines to assess the borrowers' historical cash flow to determine debt service, and we further stress test the debt service under higher interest rate scenarios. Financial and performance covenants are used in commercial lending to allow the Company to react to a borrower's deteriorating financial condition, should that occur.

        The Company's commercial loans are made for working capital, financing the purchase of equipment or for other business purposes. Commercial loans include loans with maturities ranging from thirty days to one year and "term loans" with maturities normally ranging from one to five years. Short-term business loans are generally intended to finance current transactions and typically provide for periodic principal payments, with interest payable monthly. Term loans normally provide for floating interest rates, with monthly payments of both principal and interest.

        The Company is an active participant in the SBA and U.S. Department of Agriculture guaranteed lending programs, and has been approved by the SBA as a lender under the Preferred Lender Program. The Company regularly makes such loans conditionally guaranteed by the SBA (collectively referred to as "SBA loans"). The guaranteed portion of these loans is typically sold in the secondary market depending on market conditions. When the guaranteed portion of an SBA loan is sold the Company retains the servicing rights for the sold portion. During 2014, loans were sold resulting in a gain on sales of SBA loans of $971,000, compared to a gain on sales of SBA loans of $449,000 for 2013, and $702,000 for 2012.

        The Company's factoring receivables is from the operations of BVF whose primary business is purchasing and collecting factored receivables. Factored receivables are receivables that have been transferred by the originating organization and typically have not been subject to previous collection efforts. These receivables are acquired from a variety of companies, including but not limited to service providers, transportation companies, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, apparel companies,

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advertisers, and temporary staffing companies. The portfolio of factored receivables is included in the Company's commercial loan portfolio.

        As of December 31, 2014, commercial and residential real estate loans of $478.3 million consist primarily of adjustable and fixed-rate loans secured by deeds of trust on commercial and residential property. The commercial and residential real estate loans at December 31, 2014 consist of $221.3 million, or 46% of commercial owner occupied properties, $256.9 million, or 54%, of commercial investment properties, and $103,000, or less than 1%, of residential properties. Properties securing the commercial and residential real estate loans are primarily located in the Company's primary market, which is the Greater San Francisco Bay Area.

        The Company's commercial real estate loans consist primarily of loans based on the borrower's cash flow and are secured by deeds of trust on commercial and residential property to provide a secondary source of repayment. The Company generally restricts real estate term loans to no more than 75% of the property's appraised value or the purchase price of the property during the initial underwriting of the credit, depending on the type of property and its utilization. The Company offers both fixed and floating rate loans. Maturities on real estate mortgage loans are generally between five and ten years (with amortization ranging from fifteen to twenty-five years and a balloon payment due at maturity), however, SBA and certain other real estate loans that can be sold in the secondary market may be granted for longer maturities.

        The Company's land and construction loans are primarily to finance the development/construction of commercial and single family residential properties. The Company utilizes underwriting guidelines to assess the likelihood of repayment from sources such as sale of the property or availability of permanent mortgage financing prior to making the construction loan. Construction loans are provided only in our market area, and we have extensive controls for the disbursement process. Land and construction loans increased $36.6 million to $68.0 million at December 31, 2014, from $31.4 million at December 31, 2013, primarily as a result of strong housing demand within the Company's lending area.

        The Company makes home equity lines of credit available to its existing customers. Home equity lines of credit are underwritten initially with a maximum 75% loan to value ratio. Home equity lines are reviewed semi-annually, with specific emphasis on loans with a loan to value ratio greater than 70% and loans that were underwritten from mid-2005 through 2008, when real estate values were at the peak in the cycle. The Company takes measures to work with customers to reduce line commitments and minimize potential losses.

        Additionally, the Company makes consumer loans for the purpose of financing automobiles, various types of consumer goods, and other personal purposes. Consumer loans generally provide for the monthly payment of principal and interest. Most of the Company's consumer loans are secured by the personal property being purchased or, in the instances of home equity loans or lines, real property.

        With certain exceptions, state chartered banks are permitted to make extensions of credit to any one borrowing entity up to 15% of the bank's capital and reserves for unsecured loans and up to 25% of the bank's capital and reserves for secured loans. For HBC, these lending limits were $28.8 million and $48.0 million at December 31, 2014, respectively.

Loan Maturities

        The following table presents the maturity distribution of the Company's loans (excluding loans held-for-sale), as of December 31, 2014. The table shows the distribution of such loans between those loans with predetermined (fixed) interest rates and those with variable (floating) interest rates. Floating rates generally fluctuate with changes in the prime rate as reflected in the Western Edition of The Wall Street

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Journal. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 62% of the Company's loan portfolio consisted of floating interest rate loans.

 
   Due in
One Year
or Less 		  Over One
Year But
Less than
Five Years 		  Over
Five Years 		  Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Commercial

   $ 399,165   $ 55,008   $ 8,230   $ 462,403  

Real estate:

                          

Commercial and residential

     78,200     219,337     180,798     478,335  

Land and construction

     67,780     200     —     67,980  

Home equity

     58,958     1,038     1,648     61,644  

Consumer

     18,059     707     101     18,867  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Loans

   $ 622,162   $ 276,290   $ 190,777   $ 1,089,229  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Loans with variable interest rates

  
$
583,553		  
$
80,509		  
$
9,818		  
$
673,880		  

Loans with fixed interest rates

     38,609     195,781     180,959     415,349  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Loans

   $ 622,162   $ 276,290   $ 190,777   $ 1,089,229  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Loan Servicing

        As of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 there were $130.6 million, $135.5 million, and $150.2 million, respectively, in SBA loans that were serviced by the Company for others. Activity for loan servicing rights was as follows:

 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Beginning of year balance

   $ 525   $ 709   $ 792  

Additions

     319     106     184  

Amortization

     (279 )   (290 )   (267 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

End of year balance

   $ 565   $ 525   $ 709  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        Loan servicing rights are included in Accrued Interest Receivable and Other Assets on the consolidated balance sheets and reported net of amortization. There was no valuation allowance as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, as the fair market value of the assets was greater than the carrying value.

        I/O strip receivables relate to the excess servicing assets on loans sold prior to 2009. Activity for the I/O strip receivable was as follows:

 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Beginning of year balance

   $ 1,647   $ 1,786   $ 2,094  

Unrealized holding gain (loss)

     (166 )   (139 )   (308 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

End of year balance

   $ 1,481   $ 1,647   $ 1,786  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        Management reviews the key economic assumptions used to estimate the fair value of I/O strip receivables on a quarterly basis. The fair value of the I/O strip can be adversely impacted by a significant increase in either the prepayment speed of the portfolio or the discount rate At December 31, 2014, key economic assumptions and the sensitivity of the fair value of the I/O strip receivables to immediate 10%

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and 20% changes to the CPR assumption, and 1% and 2% changes to the discount rate assumption, are as follows:

 
   (Dollars in thousands)  

Carrying amount/fair value of Interest-Only (I/O) strip

   $ 1,481  

Prepayment speed assumption (annual rate)

     7.3 %

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change in prepayment speed (CPR 8.1%)

   $ (33 )

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change in prepayment speed (CPR 8.8%)

   $ (65 )

Residual cash flow discount rate assumption (annual)

     12.1 %

Impact on fair value of 1% adverse change in discount rate (13.3% discount rate)

   $ (49 )

Impact on fair value of 2% adverse change in discount rate (14.5% discount rate)

   $ (95 )

Credit Quality

        Financial institutions generally have a certain level of exposure to credit quality risk, and could potentially receive less than a full return of principal and interest if a debtor becomes unable or unwilling to repay. Since loans are the most significant assets of the Company and generate the largest portion of its revenues, the Company's management of credit quality risk is focused primarily on loan quality. Banks have generally suffered their most severe earnings declines as a result of customers' inability to generate sufficient cash flow to service their debts and/or downturns in national and regional economies and declines in overall asset values including real estate. In addition, certain debt securities that the Company may purchase have the potential of declining in value if the obligor's financial capacity to repay deteriorates.

        The Company's policies and procedures identify market segments, set goals for portfolio growth or contraction, and establish limits on industry and geographic credit concentrations. In addition, these policies establish the Company's underwriting standards and the methods of monitoring ongoing credit quality. The Company's internal credit risk controls are centered in underwriting practices, credit granting procedures, training, risk management techniques, and familiarity with loan customers as well as the relative diversity and geographic concentration of our loan portfolio.

        The Company's credit risk may also be affected by external factors such as the level of interest rates, employment, general economic conditions, real estate values, and trends in particular industries or geographic markets. As an independent community bank serving a specific geographic area, the Company must contend with the unpredictable changes in the general California market and, particularly, primary local markets. The Company's asset quality has suffered in the past from the impact of national and regional economic recessions, consumer bankruptcies, and depressed real estate values.

        Nonperforming assets are comprised of the following: loans and loans held-for-sale for which the Company is no longer accruing interest; restructured loans which have been current under six months; loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest (although they are generally placed on nonaccrual when they become 90 days past due, unless they are both well-secured and in the process of collection); and foreclosed assets. Management's classification of a loan as "nonaccrual" is an indication that there is reasonable doubt as to the full recovery of principal or interest on the loan. At that point, the Company stops accruing interest income, and reverses any uncollected interest that had been accrued as income. The Company begins recognizing interest income only as cash interest payments are received and it has been determined the collection of all outstanding principal is not in doubt. The loans may or may not be collateralized, and collection efforts are pursued. Loans may be restructured by management when a borrower has experienced some change in financial status causing an inability to meet the original

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repayment terms and where the Company believes the borrower will eventually overcome those circumstances and make full restitution. Foreclosed assets consist of properties and other assets acquired by foreclosure or similar means that management is offering or will offer for sale.

        The following table summarizes the Company's nonperforming assets at the dates indicated:

 
   December 31,  
 
   2014   2013   2012   2011   2010  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Nonaccrual loans — held-for-sale

   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ 186   $ 2,026  

Nonaccrual loans — held-for-investment

     5,855     11,326     17,335     14,353     28,821  

Restructured and loans 90 days past due and still accruing

     —     492     859     2,291     2,256  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total nonperforming loans

     5,855     11,818     18,194     16,830     33,103  

Foreclosed assets

     696     575     1,270     2,312     1,296  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total nonperforming assets

   $ 6,551   $ 12,393   $ 19,464   $ 19,142   $ 34,399  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Nonperforming assets as a percentage of loans plus nonaccrual loans held-for-sale plus foreclosed assets

     0.60 %   1.35 %   2.39 %   2.50 %   4.05 %

Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets

     0.41 %   0.83 %   1.15 %   1.47 %   2.76 %

        The following table presents nonperforming loans by class at year end:

 
   2014   2013  
 
   Nonaccrual   Restructured and
Loans Over 90 Days
Past Due and
Still Accruing 		  Total   Nonaccrual   Restructured and
Loans Over 90 Days
Past Due and
Still Accruing 		  Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Commercial

   $ 2,534   $ —   $ 2,534   $ 4,414   $ 492   $ 4,906  

Real estate:

                                      

Commercial and residential

     1,651     —     1,651     4,363     —     4,363  

Land and construction

     1,320     —     1,320     1,761     —     1,761  

Home equity

     344     —     344     666     —     666  

Consumer

     6     —     6     122     —     122  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 5,855   $ —   $ 5,855   $ 11,326   $ 492   $ 11,818  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        Nonperforming assets were $6.6 million, or 0.41% of total assets, at December 31, 2014, compared to $12.4 million, or 0.83% of total assets, at December 31, 2013. Included in total nonperforming assets were foreclosed assets of $696,000 at December 31, 2014, compared to $575,000 at December 31, 2013. The decline in nonperforming assets at December 31, 2014 was primarily due to loan payoffs, charge offs, and upgrades in nonperforming loans' risk categories.

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        The following table provides a summary of the loan portfolio by loan type and credit quality classification at the dates indicated:

 
   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013  
 
   Nonclassified   Classified*   Total   Nonclassified   Classified*   Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Commercial

   $ 455,767   $ 6,636   $ 462,403   $ 380,806   $ 12,268   $ 393,074  

Real estate:

                                      

Commercial and residential

     472,061     6,274     478,335     416,992     6,296     423,288  

Land and construction

     66,660     1,320     67,980     29,682     1,761     31,443  

Home equity

     60,736     908     61,644     48,818     2,997     51,815  

Consumer

     18,518     349     18,867     15,336     341     15,677  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 1,073,742   $ 15,487   $ 1,089,229   $ 891,634   $ 23,663   $ 915,297  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
*
Classified loans in the table above include SBA guarantees.

        The following provides a rollforward of troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs"):

 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 2014  
 
   Performing
TDRs 		  Nonperforming
TDRs 		  Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Balance at January 1, 2014

   $ 492   $ 3,230   $ 3,722  

Principal repayments

     (462 )   (2,147 )   (2,609 )

Net charge-offs

     (30 )   —     (30 )

Change in TDR classification

     167     (167 )   —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance at December 31, 2014

   $ 167   $ 916   $ 1,083  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

 

 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 2013  
 
   Performing
TDRs 		  Nonperforming
TDRs 		  Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Balance at January 1, 2013

   $ 2,309   $ 1,798   $ 4,107  

Principal repayments

     (1,630 )   (125 )   (1,755 )

Net charge-offs

     —     (372 )   (372 )

Change in TDR classification

     (187 )   187     —  

New modifications

     —     1,742     1,742  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance at December 31, 2013

   $ 492   $ 3,230   $ 3,722  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Allowance for Loan Losses

        The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio by loan segment. Loans are charged-off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for loan losses. Management's methodology for estimating the allowance balance consists of several key elements, which include specific allowances on individual impaired loans and the formula driven allowances on pools of loans with similar risk characteristics.

        Specific allowances are established for impaired loans. Management considers a loan to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments. Loans for which the terms

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have been modified with a concession granted, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired. When a loan is considered to be impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent or on the present value of expected future cash flows or values that are observable in the secondary market. If the measure of the impaired loans is less than the investment in the loan, the deficiency will be charged off against the allowance for loan losses if the amount is a confirmed loss, or, alternatively, a specific allocation within the allowance will be established. Loans that are considered impaired are specifically excluded from the formula portion of the allowance for loan loss analysis.

        The estimated loss factors for pools of loans that are not impaired are based on determining the probability of default and loss given default for loans within each segment of the portfolio, adjusted for significant factors that, in management's judgment, affect collectibility as of the evaluation date. The Company's historical delinquency experience and loss experience are utilized to determine the probability of default and loss given default for segments of the portfolio where the Company has experienced losses in the past. For segments of the portfolio where the Company has no significant prior loss experience, the Company uses quantifiable observable industry data to determine the probability of default and loss given default.

        Loans with a well-defined weakness, which are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain a loss if the deficiencies are not corrected, are categorized as "classified." Classified assets include all loans considered as substandard, substandard-nonaccrual, and doubtful and may result from problems specific to a borrower's business or from economic downturns that affect the borrower's ability to repay or that cause a decline in the value of the underlying collateral (particularly real estate), and foreclosed assets. The principal balance of classified assets, net of SBA guarantees, was $16.0 million at December 31, 2014 and $23.6 million at December 31, 2013. There were no loans held-for-sale included in classified assets at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, and are not allocated an allowance for loan losses.

        It is the policy of management to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level adequate for risks inherent in the loan portfolio. On an ongoing basis, we have engaged an outside firm to perform independent credit reviews of our loan portfolio. The FRB of San Francisco and the DBO also review the allowance for loan losses as an integral part of the examination process. Based on information currently available, management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate. However, the loan portfolio can be adversely affected if California economic conditions and the real estate market in the Company's market area were to weaken. Also, any weakness of a prolonged nature in the technology industry would have a negative impact on the local market. The effect of such events, although uncertain at this time, could result in an increase in the level of nonperforming loans and increased loan losses, which could adversely affect the Company's future growth and profitability. No assurance of the ultimate level of credit losses can be given with any certainty.

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        The following table summarizes the Company's loan loss experience, as well as provisions and charges to the allowance for loan losses and certain pertinent ratios for the periods indicated:

 
   2014   2013   2012   2011   2010  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 19,164   $ 19,027   $ 20,700   $ 25,204   $ 28,768  

Charge-offs:

                                

Commercial

     (815 )   (1,676 )   (3,935 )   (7,559 )   (7,098 )

Real estate:

                                

Commercial and residential

     —     (173 )   (1,362 )   (1,599 )   (6,763 )

Land and construction

     —     (1 )   (133 )   (1,757 )   (17,927 )

Home equity

     (87 )   (102 )   (33 )   —     (25 )

Consumer

     (25 )   —     —     (8 )   (354 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total charge-offs

     (927 )   (1,952 )   (5,463 )   (10,923 )   (32,167 )

Recoveries:

                                

Commercial

     418     2,621     776     678     837  

Real estate:

                                

Commercial and residential

     35     274     230     381     5  

Land and construction

     26     —     —     879     921  

Home equity

     1     9     —     9     36  

Consumer

     —     1     —     3     —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total recoveries

     480     2,905     1,006     1,950     1,799  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net recoveries (charge-offs)

     (447 )   953     (4,457 )   (8,973 )   (30,368 )

Provision (credit) for loan losses

     (338 )   (816 )   2,784     4,469     26,804  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, end of year

   $ 18,379   $ 19,164   $ 19,027   $ 20,700   $ 25,204  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

RATIOS:

    
 		    
 		    
 		    
 		    
 		  

Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans*

     0.05 %   –0.11 %   0.57 %   1.12 %   3.18 %

Allowance for loan losses to total loans*

     1.69 %   2.09 %   2.34 %   2.71 %   2.98 %

Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans, excluding nonaccrual loans held-for-sale

     313.90 %   162.16 %   104.58 %   124.37 %   81.10 %
*
Excludes loans held-for-sale

        The following table provides a summary of the allocation of the allowance for loan losses for specific categories at the dates indicated. The allocation presented should not be interpreted as an indication that charges to the allowance for loan losses will be incurred in these amounts or proportions, or that the

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portion of the allowance allocated to each category represents the total amount available for charge-offs that may occur within these categories.

 
   December 31,  
 
   2014   2013   2012   2011   2010  
 
   Allowance   Percent
of Loans
in each
category
to total
loans 		  Allowance   Percent
of Loans
in each
category
to total
loans 		  Allowance   Percent
of Loans
in each
category
to total
loans 		  Allowance   Percent
of Loans
in each
category
to total
loans 		  Allowance   Percent
of Loans
in each
category
to total
loans 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Commercial

   $ 11,187     43 % $ 12,533     43 % $ 12,866     46 % $ 13,215     48 % $ 13,952     45 %

Real estate:

                                                              

Commercial and residential

     4,707     44 %   4,922     46 %   4,609     44 %   6,203     41 %   5,500     40 %

Land and construction

     1,048     6 %   356     3 %   399     3 %   594     3 %   4,271     7 %

Home equity

     1,315     6 %   1,270     6 %   1,026     5 %   541     7 %   592     6 %

Consumer

     122     1 %   83     2 %   127     2 %   147     1 %   889     2 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 18,379     100 % $ 19,164     100 % $ 19,027     100 % $ 20,700     100 % $ 25,204     100 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The allowance for loan losses totaled $18.4 million, or 1.69% of total loans at December 31, 2014, compared to $19.2 million, or 2.09% of total loans at December 31, 2013. The allowance for loan losses to total loans decreased at December 31, 2014, compared to December 31, 2013, primarily due to increasing loan balances with no default histories, coupled with the decrease in nonperforming assets, improving the quality of the loan portfolio overall. The allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming loans increased to 313.90% at December 31, 2014, compared to 162.16% at December 31, 2013. Loan charge-offs reflect the realization of losses in the portfolio that were partially recognized previously through the provision for loan losses. The Company had net charge-offs of $447,000, or 0.05% of average loans, for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to net recoveries of $953,000, or 0.11% of average loans, for the year ended December 31, 2013.

        The allowance for loan losses related to the commercial portfolio decreased $1.3 million at December 31, 2014 from December 31, 2013, as a result of a credit to the provision for loan losses of $1.4 million related to the commercial loan portfolio, a provision for loan losses of $403,000 for the addition of the BVF factored receivables, and net charge-offs of $397,000. The decrease in the allowance for loan losses was primarily due to a decline in problem loans. The allowance for loan losses related to the real estate portfolio increased $522,000 at December 31, 2014 from December 31, 2013, as a result of a provision for loan losses of $547,000 and net charge-offs of $25,000. The increase in the allowance for loan losses was primarily due to an increase in the balance of real estate loans outstanding, partially offset by a decline in problem loans.

Deposits

        The composition and cost of the Company's deposit base are important components in analyzing the Company's net interest margin and balance sheet liquidity characteristics, both of which are discussed in greater detail in other sections in this report. The Company's liquidity is impacted by the volatility of deposits from the propensity of that money to leave the institution for rate-related or other reasons. Deposits can be adversely affected if economic conditions in California, and the Company's market area in particular, weaken. Potentially, the most volatile deposits in a financial institution are jumbo certificates of deposit, meaning time deposits with balances that equal or exceed $100,000, as customers with balances of that magnitude are typically more rate-sensitive than customers with smaller balances.

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        The following table summarizes the distribution of deposits and the percentage of distribution in each category of deposits for the periods indicated:

 
   Year Ended December 31,  
 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Demand, noninterest-bearing

   $ 517,662     37 % $ 431,085     34 % $ 727,684     49 %

Demand, interest-bearing

     225,821     16 %   195,451     15 %   155,951     10 %

Savings and money market

     384,644     28 %   347,052     27 %   272,047     18 %

Time deposits — under $100

     20,005     1 %   21,646     2 %   25,157     2 %

Time deposits — $100 and over

     200,890     15 %   195,005     15 %   190,502     13 %

Time deposits — brokered

     28,116     2 %   55,524     4 %   97,807     7 %

CDARS — money market and time deposits

     11,248     1 %   40,458     3 %   10,220     1 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total deposits

   $ 1,388,386     100 % $ 1,286,221     100 % $ 1,479,368     100 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The Company obtains deposits from a cross-section of the communities it serves. The Company is not dependent upon funds from sources outside the United States of America. Public funds were 7% of deposits at December 31, 2014 and 8% at December 31, 2013.

        Deposits totaled $1.39 billion at December 31, 2014, compared to $1.29 billion at December 31, 2013. Noninterest-bearing deposits increased 20% to $517.7 million at December 31, 2014, from $431.1 million, at December 31, 2013. Interest-bearing demand deposits increased 16% to $225.8 million at December 31, 2014, from $195.5 million at December 31, 2013. Savings and money market deposits increased 11% to $384.6 million at December 31, 2014, from $347.1 million at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, brokered deposits decreased 49% to $28.1 million, from $55.5 million at December 31, 2013. CDARS money market and time deposits decreased to $11.2 million at December 31, 2014, from $40.5 million at December 31, 2013, primarily due to $27.5 million in deposits received from a law firm for legal settlements in the fourth quarter of 2013, all of which were withdrawn in January, 2014. Deposits (excluding all time deposits and CDARS deposits), increased $154.5 million, or 16%, to $1.13 billion at December 31, 2014, from $973.6 million at December 31, 2013.

        At December 31, 2014, the Company had $109.8 million (at fair value) of securities pledged for $98.0 million in certificates of deposits from the State of California. At December 31, 2013, the Company had $108.0 million (at fair value) of securities pledged for $98.0 million in certificates of deposits from the State of California.

        CDARS deposits were comprised of $4.0 million of money market accounts and $7.2 million of time deposits at December 31, 2014. CDARS deposits were comprised of $34.8 million of money market accounts and $5.7 million of time deposits at December 31, 2013.

        The following table indicates the contractual maturity schedule of the Company's time deposits of $100,000 and over, and all CDARS time deposits and brokered deposits as of December 31, 2014:

 
   Balance   % of Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Three months or less

   $ 98,627     42 %

Over three months through six months

     64,950     27 %

Over six months through twelve months

     48,675     21 %

Over twelve months

     23,966     10 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 236,218     100 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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        The Company focuses primarily on providing and servicing business deposit accounts that are frequently over $100,000 in average balance per account. As a result, certain types of business clients that the Company serves typically carry average deposits in excess of $100,000. The account activity for some account types and client types necessitates appropriate liquidity management practices by the Company to ensure its ability to fund deposit withdrawals.

Return on Equity and Assets

        The following table indicates the ratios for return on average assets and average equity, and average equity to average assets for the periods indicated:

 
   2014   2013   2012  

Return on average assets

     0.88 %   0.81 %   0.73 %

Return on average tangible assets

     0.88 %   0.81 %   0.73 %

Return on average equity

     7.44 %   6.77 %   5.75 %

Return on average tangible equity

     7.60 %   6.84 %   5.83 %

Dividend payout ratio(1)

     42.88 %   16.60 %   N/A  

Average equity to average assets ratio

     11.85 %   11.90 %   12.72 %
(1)
Percentage is calculated based on dividends paid on common stock and Series C Preferred Stock (on an as converted basis) divided by net income.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        In the normal course of business, the Company makes commitments to extend credit to its customers as long as there are no violations of any conditions established in contractual arrangements. These commitments are obligations that represent a potential credit risk to the Company, yet are not reflected in any form within the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Total unused commitments to extend credit were $439.3 million at December 31, 2014, as compared to $377.2 million at December 31, 2013. Unused commitments represented 40% and 41% of outstanding gross loans at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

        The effect on the Company's revenues, expenses, cash flows and liquidity from the unused portion of the commitments to provide credit cannot be reasonably predicted, because there is no certainty that the lines of credit will ever be fully utilized. For more information regarding the Company's off-balance sheet arrangements, see Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements located elsewhere herein.

        The following table presents the Company's commitments to extend credit for the periods indicated:

 
   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013  
 
   Fixed Rate   Variable Rate   Fixed Rate   Variable Rate  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Unused lines of credit and commitments to make loans

   $ 8,164   $ 415,146   $ 6,136   $ 359,955  

Standby letters of credit

     3,235     12,783     —     11,099  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

  $ 11,399   $ 427,929   $ 6,136   $ 371,054  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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Contractual Obligations

        The contractual obligations of the Company, summarized by type of obligation and contractual maturity, at December 31, 2014, are as follows:

 
   Less Than
One Year 		  One to
Three Years 		  Three to
Five Years 		  After
Five Years 		  Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Deposits(1)

   $ 1,362,837   $ 24,520   $ 1,029   $ —   $ 1,388,386  

Operating leases

     2,759     5,282     3,890     1,127     13,058  

Other long-term liabilities(2)

     866     2,670     3,074     35,798     42,408  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total contractual obligations

   $ 1,366,462   $ 32,472   $ 7,993   $ 36,925   $ 1,443,852  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
(1)
Deposits with indeterminate maturities, such as demand, savings and money market accounts, are reflected as obligations due in less than one year.

(2)
Includes maximum payments related to employee benefit plans, assuming all future vesting conditions are met. Additional information is provided in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

        In addition to those obligations listed above, in the normal course of business, the Company will make cash distributions for the payment of interest on interest-bearing deposit accounts and debt obligations, payments for quarterly income tax estimates and contributions to certain employee benefit plans.

Liquidity and Asset/Liability Management

        Liquidity refers to the Company's ability to maintain cash flows sufficient to fund operations and to meet obligations and other commitments in a timely and cost effective fashion. At various times the Company requires funds to meet short-term cash requirements brought about by loan growth or deposit outflows, the purchase of assets, or liability repayments. An integral part of the Company's ability to manage its liquidity position appropriately is the Company's large base of core deposits, which are generated by offering traditional banking services in its service area and which have, historically, been a stable source of funds. To manage liquidity needs properly, cash inflows must be timed to coincide with anticipated outflows or sufficient liquidity resources must be available to meet varying demands. The Company manages liquidity to be able to meet unexpected sudden changes in levels of its assets or deposit liabilities without maintaining excessive amounts of balance sheet liquidity. Excess balance sheet liquidity can negatively impact the Company's interest margin. In order to meet short-term liquidity needs the Company may utilize overnight Federal funds purchase arrangements and other borrowing arrangements with correspondent banks, solicit brokered deposits if cost effective deposits are not available from local sources and maintain collateralized lines of credit with the FHLB and FRB. In addition, the Company can raise cash for temporary needs by selling securities under agreements to repurchase and selling securities available-for-sale.

        One of the measures of liquidity is our loan to deposit ratio. Our loan to deposit ratio was 78.41% at December 31, 2014, compared to 71.13% at December 31, 2013.

FHLB and FRB Borrowings and Available Lines of Credit

        The Company has off-balance sheet liquidity in the form of Federal funds purchase arrangements with correspondent banks, including the FHLB and FRB. The Company can borrow from the FHLB on a short-term (typically overnight) or long-term (over one year) basis. The Company had no overnight borrowings from the FHLB at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013. The Company had $246.6 million of loans pledged to the FHLB as collateral on an available line of credit of $140.0 million at December 31, 2014. The Company had $253.5 million of loans pledged to the FHLB as collateral on an available line of credit of $125.3 million at December 31, 2013.

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        The Company can also borrow from FRB's discount window. The Company had $388.0 million of loans pledged to the FRB as collateral on an available line of credit of $260.4 million at December 31, 2014, none of which was outstanding. The Company had $323.2 million of loans pledged to the FRB as collateral on an available line of credit of $241.5 million at December 31, 2013, none of which was outstanding.

        At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had Federal funds purchase arrangements available of $55.0 million. There were no Federal funds purchased outstanding at December 31, 2014 or 2013.

        At November 1, 2014, Bay View Funding had $1.0 million outstanding on a subordinated revolving line credit from a related party with a maturity date of June 30, 2015. On November 5, 2014, Bay View Funding paid off the related party line of credit of $1.0 million.

        At November 1, 2014, Bay View Funding had a $32.5 million revolving bank line of credit. The line of credit was secured by all the assets of Bay View Funding and was set to mature on April 3, 2015. On December 17, 2014, the remaining unpaid principal balance of $14.0 million was paid, along with a $325,000 prepayment penalty, to close out the $32.5 million revolving bank line of credit.

        The Company may also utilize securities sold under repurchase agreements to manage our liquidity position. There were no securities sold under agreements to repurchase at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

        The following table summarizes the Company's borrowings under its Federal funds purchased, security repurchase arrangements and lines of credit for the periods indicated:

 
   December 31,  
 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Average balance during the year

   $ 3,953   $ 58   $ 1,470  

Average interest rate during the year

     3.06 %   0.20 %   0.24 %

Maximum month-end balance during the year

   $ 29,796   $ —   $ 27,000  

Average rate at December 31,

     N/A     N/A     N/A  

Capital Resources

        The Company uses a variety of measures to evaluate capital adequacy. Management reviews various capital measurements on a regular basis and takes appropriate action to ensure that such measurements are within established internal and external guidelines. The external guidelines, which are issued by the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC, establish a risk adjusted ratio relating capital to different categories of assets and off balance sheet exposures. There are two categories of capital under the Federal Reserve Board and FDIC guidelines: Tier 1 and Tier 2 Capital. Our Tier 1 Capital consists of total shareholders' equity (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income or loss) less goodwill and other intangible assets and disallowed deferred tax assets. Our Tier 1 Capital at December 31, 2012 also included the proceeds from the issuance of trust preferred securities (trust preferred securities are counted only up to a maximum of 25% of Tier 1 capital). Our Tier 2 Capital includes the allowances for loan losses and off balance sheet credit losses.

        In July 2013, the Federal banking regulators approved final rules to implement the revised capital adequacy standards of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, commonly called Basel III, and to address relevant provisions of Dodd Frank. The final rules strengthens the definition of regulatory capital, increases risk based capital requirements, makes selected changes to the calculation of risk weighted assets, and adjusts the prompt corrective action thresholds. Community banking organizations, such as HCC and HBC, became subject to the new rules on January 1, 2015 and certain provisions of the new rule will be phased in over the period of 2015 through 2019. For more information on the final rules, see Part 1, Item 1, Business — Supervision and Regulation — Capital Adequacy Requirements.

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        The following table summarizes risk-based capital, risk-weighted assets, and risk-based capital ratios of the Company:

 
   December 31,    
    
  
 
   2014   2013   2012    
    
  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
    
    
  

Capital components:

                                

Tier 1 Capital

   $ 169,278   $ 165,162   $ 157,947              

Tier 2 Capital

     16,790     14,754     13,254              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total risk-based capital

   $ 186,068   $ 179,916   $ 171,201              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Risk-weighted assets

  
$
1,341,094		  
$
1,175,813		  
$
1,054,394		    
 		    
 		  

Average assets (regulatory purposes)

   $ 1,598,724   $ 1,477,082   $ 1,378,011              
 
    
    
    
   Well-Capitalized
Regulatory
Requirements 		  Minimum
Regulatory
Requirements 		 

Capital ratios:

                                

Total risk-based capital

     13.9 %   15.3 %   16.2 %   10.00 %   8.00 %

Tier 1 risk-based capital

     12.6 %   14.0 %   15.0 %   6.00 %   4.00 %

Leverage(1)

     10.6 %   11.2 %   11.5 %   N/A     4.00 %
(1)
Tier 1 capital divided by quarterly average assets (excluding intangible assets and disallowed deferred tax assets).

        The table above presents the capital ratios of the Company computed in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines and compared to the standards for minimum capital adequacy requirements. The risk-based and leverage capital ratios are also discussed in Item 1 — "Business — Capital Adequacy Requirements."

        The following table summarizes risk-based capital, risk-weighted assets, and risk-based capital ratios of HBC:

 
   December 31,    
    
  
 
   2014   2013   2012    
    
  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
    
    
  

Capital components:

                                

Tier 1 Capital

   $ 158,976   $ 149,037   $ 147,742              

Tier 2 Capital

     16,789     14,790     13,262              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total risk-based capital

   $ 175,765   $ 163,827   $ 161,004              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Risk-weighted assets

  
$
1,340,949		  
$
1,178,719		  
$
1,055,061		    
 		    
 		  

Average assets for capital purposes

   $ 1,599,173   $ 1,477,168   $ 1,378,238              
 
    
    
    
   Well-Capitalized
Regulatory
Requirements 		  Minimum
Regulatory
Requirements 		 

Capital ratios:

                                

Total risk-based capital

     13.1 %   13.9 %   15.3 %   10.00 %   8.00 %

Tier 1 risk-based capital

     11.9 %   12.6 %   14.0 %   6.00 %   4.00 %

Leverage(1)

     9.9 %   10.1 %   10.7 %   5.00 %   4.00 %
(1)
Tier 1 capital divided by quarterly average assets (excluding intangible assets and disallowed deferred tax assets).

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        The table above presents the capital ratios of HBC computed in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines and compared to the standards for minimum capital adequacy requirements under the FDIC's prompt corrective action authority.

        The Company's total risk-based capital ratio, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, and leverage ratio at December 31, 2014 decreased to 13.9%, 12.6%, and 10.6%, compared to 15.3%, 14.0%, and 11.2% at December 31, 2013, respectively. HBC's total risk-based capital ratio, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, and leverage ratio at December 31, 2014 decreased to 13.1%, 11.9%, and 9.9%, compared to 13.9%, 12.6%, and 10.1% at December 31, 2013, respectively. The decrease in the capital ratios at December 31, 2014 was primarily due to the addition of goodwill and other intangible assets from the BVF acquisition.

        At December 31, 2014, the Company's and HBC's capital ratios exceed the highest regulatory capital requirement of "well capitalized" under prompt corrective action provisions. Quantitative measures established by regulation to help ensure capital adequacy require the Company and HBC to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total risk based capital and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined). Management believes that, as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the Company and HBC met all capital adequacy guidelines to which they were subject. There are no conditions or events since December 31, 2014 that management believes have changed the categorization of the Company or HBC as well capitalized.

        At December 31, 2014, the Company had total shareholders' equity of $184.3 million, including $19.5 million in preferred stock, $133.7 million in common stock, $33.0 million in retained earnings, and ($1.9) million of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

        The accumulated other comprehensive loss was ($1.9) million at December 31, 2014, compared to accumulated other comprehensive loss of ($4.0) million at December 31, 2013. The unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale was $2.8 million, net of taxes, at December 31, 2014, compared to an unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale of ($1.4) million, net of taxes, at December 31, 2013. The components of other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, at December 31, 2014 include the following: an unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities of $2.8 million; the remaining unamortized unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale transferred to held-to-maturity of $434,000; a split dollar insurance contracts liability of ($2.0) million; a supplemental executive retirement plan liability of ($3.9) million; and an unrealized gain on interest-only strip from SBA loans of $860,000.

Mandatory Redeemable Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities

        To enhance regulatory capital and to provide liquidity, the Company, through unconsolidated subsidiary grantor trusts, issued mandatory redeemable cumulative trust preferred securities of subsidiary grantor trusts. The subordinated debt was recorded as a component of long-term debt and included the value of the common stock issued by the trusts to the Company. The common stock was recorded as other assets for the amount issued. Under applicable regulatory guidelines, the trust preferred securities qualified as Tier 1 capital. The subsidiary trusts were not consolidated in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        During the third quarter of 2012, the Company redeemed its 10.875% fixed-rate subordinated debentures in the amount of $7 million issued to Heritage Capital Trust I and the Company's 10.600% fixed-rate subordinated debentures in the amount of $7 million issued to Heritage Statutory Trust I. The related trust securities issued by Capital Trust I and Statutory Trust I were also redeemed in connection with the subordinated debt redemption and the trusts were dissolved.

        During the third quarter of 2013, the Company redeemed its Company's variable-rate subordinated debentures in the amount of $5 million issued to Heritage Statutory Trust II and the Company's variable-rate subordinated debentures in the amount of $4 million issued to Heritage Statutory Trust III. The related trust securities issued by Statutory Trust II and Statutory Trust III were also redeemed in connection with the subordinated debt redemption and the trusts were dissolved.

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U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program

        The Company received $40 million in November 2008 through the issuance of its Series A Preferred Stock and a warrant to purchase 462,963 shares of its common stock to the Treasury through the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program. The Series A Preferred Stock qualified as a component of Tier 1 capital.

        On March 7, 2012, in accordance with approvals received from the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve, the Company repurchased all of the Series A Preferred Stock and paid the related accrued and unpaid dividends. On June 12, 2013, the Company completed the repurchase of the common stock warrant for $140,000.

Series C Preferred Stock

        On June 21, 2010, the Company issued to various institutional investors 21,004 shares of newly issued Series C Preferred Stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is mandatorily convertible into 5,601,000 shares of common stock at a conversion price of $3.75 per share upon a subsequent transfer of the Series C Preferred stock to third parties not affiliates with the holder in a widely dispersed offering. The Series C Preferred Stock is non-voting except in the case of certain transactions that would affect the rights of the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock or applicable law. The holders of Series C Preferred Stock receive dividends on an as converted basis when dividends are also declared for holders of common stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is not redeemable by the Company or by the holders and has a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Company's common stock.

Market Risk

        Market risk is the risk of loss of future earnings, fair values, or future cash flows that may result from changes in the price of a financial instrument. The value of a financial instrument may change as a result of changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices and other market changes that affect market risk sensitive instruments. Market risk is attributed to all market risk sensitive financial instruments, including securities, loans, deposits and borrowings, as well as the Company's role as a financial intermediary in customer-related transactions. The objective of market risk management is to avoid excessive exposure of the Company's earnings and equity to loss and to reduce the volatility inherent in certain financial instruments.

Interest Rate Management

        Market risk arises from changes in interest rates, exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. The Company's market risk exposure is primarily that of interest rate risk, and it has established policies and procedures to monitor and limit earnings and balance sheet exposure to changes in interest rates. The Company does not engage in the trading of financial instruments, nor does the Company have exposure to currency exchange rates.

        The principal objective of interest rate risk management (often referred to as "asset/liability management") is to manage the financial components of the Company in a manner that will optimize the risk/reward equation for earnings and capital in relation to changing interest rates. The Company's exposure to market risk is reviewed on a regular basis by the Asset/Liability Committee. Interest rate risk is the potential of economic losses due to future interest rate changes. These economic losses can be reflected as a loss of future net interest income and/or a loss of current fair market values. The objective is to measure the effect on net interest income and to adjust the balance sheet to minimize the inherent risk while at the same time maximizing income. Management realizes certain risks are inherent, and that the goal is to identify and manage the risks. Management uses two methodologies to manage interest rate risk: (i) a standard GAP analysis; and (ii) an interest rate shock simulation model.

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        The planning of asset and liability maturities is an integral part of the management of an institution's net interest margin. To the extent maturities of assets and liabilities do not match in a changing interest rate environment, the net interest margin may change over time. Even with perfectly matched repricing of assets and liabilities, risks remain in the form of prepayment of loans or securities or in the form of delays in the adjustment of rates of interest applying to either earning assets with floating rates or to interest bearing liabilities. The Company has generally been able to control its exposure to changing interest rates by maintaining primarily floating interest rate loans and a majority of its time certificates with relatively short maturities.

        Interest rate changes do not affect all categories of assets and liabilities equally or at the same time. Varying interest rate environments can create unexpected changes in prepayment levels of assets and liabilities, which may have a significant effect on the net interest margin and are not reflected in the interest sensitivity analysis table. Because of these factors, an interest sensitivity gap report may not provide a complete assessment of the exposure to changes in interest rates.

        The Company uses modeling software for asset/liability management in order to simulate the effects of potential interest rate changes on the Company's net interest margin, and to calculate the estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments under different interest rate scenarios. The program imports current balances, interest rates, maturity dates and repricing information for individual financial instruments, and incorporates assumptions on the characteristics of embedded options along with pricing and duration for new volumes to project the effects of a given interest rate change on the Company's interest income and interest expense. Rate scenarios consisting of key rate and yield curve projections are run against the Company's investment, loan, deposit and borrowed funds portfolios. These rate projections can be shocked (an immediate and parallel change in all base rates, up or down) and ramped (an incremental increase or decrease in rates over a specified time period), based on current trends and econometric models or stable economic conditions (unchanged from current actual levels).

        The following table sets forth the estimated changes in the Company's annual net interest income that would result from the designated instantaneous parallel shift in interest rates noted, as of December 31, 2014. Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions including relative levels of market interest rates, loan prepayments and deposit decay, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results.

 
   Increase/(Decrease) in
Estimated Net
Interest Income 		 
 
   Amount   Percent  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Change in Interest Rates (basis points)

              

+400

   $ 17,171     30.3 %

+300

   $ 12,833     22.7 %

+200

   $ 8,567     15.1 %

+100

   $ 4,171     7.4 %

0

   $ —     0.0 %

–100

   $ (5,249 )   –9.3 %

–200

   $ (11,023 )   –19.5 %

        This data does not reflect any actions that we may undertake in response to changes in interest rates such as changes in rates paid on certain deposit accounts based on local competitive factors, which could reduce the actual impact on net interest income, if any.

        As with any method of gauging interest rate risk, there are certain shortcomings inherent to the methodology noted above. The model assumes interest rate changes are instantaneous parallel shifts in the yield curve. In reality, rate changes are rarely instantaneous. The use of the simplifying assumption that

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short-term and long-term rates change by the same degree may also misstate historic rate patterns, which rarely show parallel yield curve shifts. Further, the model assumes that certain assets and liabilities of similar maturity or period to repricing will react in the same way to changes in rates. In reality, certain types of financial instruments may react in advance of changes in market rates, while the reaction of other types of financial instruments may lag behind the change in general market rates. Additionally, the methodology noted above does not reflect the full impact of annual and lifetime restrictions on changes in rates for certain assets, such as adjustable rate loans. When interest rates change, actual loan prepayments and actual early withdrawals from certificates may deviate significantly from the assumptions used in the model. Finally, this methodology does not measure or reflect the impact that higher rates may have on adjustable-rate loan clients' ability to service their debt. All of these factors are considered in monitoring the Company's exposure to interest rate risk.

ITEM 7A — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        As a financial institution, the Company's primary component of market risk is interest rate volatility. Fluctuations in interest rates will ultimately impact both the level of income and expense recorded on most of the Company's assets and liabilities and the market value of all interest-earning assets, other than those which have a short term to maturity. Based upon the nature of the Company's operations, the Company is not subject to foreign exchange or commodity price risk. The Company has no market risk sensitive instruments held for trading purposes. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not use interest rate derivatives to hedge its interest rate risk.

        The information concerning quantitative and qualitative disclosure or market risk called for by Item 305 of Regulation S-K is included as part of Item 7 of this report.

ITEM 8 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

        The financial statements and report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are set forth on pages 87 through 144.

ITEM 9 — CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

        None.

ITEM 9A — CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Control and Procedures

        The Company has carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014. As defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to reasonably assure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. Disclosure controls are also designed to reasonably assure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls were effective as of December 31, 2014, the period covered by this report.

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Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. As defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, a company's principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by a company's board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. It includes those policies and procedures that:

        Because of the inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        The Company's management has used the criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Management has selected the COSO framework for its evaluation as it is a control framework recognized by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, that is free from bias, permits reasonably consistent qualitative and quantitative measurement of the Company's internal controls, is sufficiently complete so that relevant controls are not omitted and is relevant to an evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting.

        As permitted, the Company has excluded the operations of Bay View Funding acquired during 2014, which is described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. The assets acquired in this acquisition and excluded from management's assessment on internal control over financial reporting comprised approximately 3.7% of total consolidated assets at December 31, 2014.

        Based on our assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by COSO was effective as of December 31, 2014.

        The independent registered public accounting firm of Crowe Horwath LLP, as auditors of our consolidated financial statements, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of management's internal control over financial reporting based on criteria established in the 2013 "Internal Control — Integrated Framework," issued by COSO.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

        The Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be

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considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014 that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B — OTHER INFORMATION

        None.


PART III

ITEM 10 — DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

        Information required by this item will be contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2014. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

        We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and to our other principal financial officers. The code of ethics is available at the Governance Documents section of our website at www.heritagecommercecorp.com. We intend to disclose future amendments to, or waivers from, certain provisions of our code of ethics on the above website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.

ITEM 11 — EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        Information required by this item will be contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2014. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12 — SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

        Information required by this item will be contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2014. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13 — CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

        Information required by this item will be contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2014. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14 — PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

        Information required by this item will be contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2014. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.


PART IV

ITEM 15 — EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        The Financial Statements of the Company and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are set forth on pages 87 through 144.

(a)(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

        All schedules to the Financial Statements are omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the Financial Statements or accompanying notes.

(a)(3) EXHIBITS

        The exhibit list required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Exhibit Index included in this report.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

    HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

DATE: March 6, 2015
 
BY:
 
/s/ WALTER T. KACZMAREK
 Walter T. Kaczmarek
 Chief Executive Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
/s/ FRANK G. BISCEGLIA
 Frank G. Bisceglia		   Director   March 6, 2015

/s/ JACK W. CONNER
 Jack W. Conner
 
Director and Chairman of the Board
 
March 6, 2015

/s/ JOHN M. EGGEMEYER
 John M. Eggemeyer
 
Director
 
March 6, 2015

/s/ STEVEN L. HALLGRIMSON
 Steven L. Hallgrimson
 
Director
 
March 6, 2015

/s/ WALTER T. KACZMAREK
 Walter T. Kaczmarek
 
Director and Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer)
 
March 6, 2015

/s/ LAWRENCE D. MCGOVERN
 Lawrence D. McGovern
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
March 6, 2015

/s/ ROBERT T. MOLES
 Robert T. Moles
 
Director
 
March 6, 2015

/s/ HUMPHREY P. POLANEN
 Humphrey P. Polanen
 
Director
 
March 6, 2015

/s/ LAURA RODEN
 Laura Roden
 
Director
 
March 6, 2015

/s/ CHARLES T. TOENISKOETTER
 Charles T. Toeniskoetter
 
Director
 
March 6, 2015

/s/ RANSON W. WEBSTER
 Ranson W. Webster
 
Director
 
March 6, 2015

/s/ W. KIRK WYCOFF
 W. Kirk Wycoff
 
Director
 
March 6, 2015

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2014

 
   Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     88  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013

     90  

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     91  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     92  

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     93  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     94  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     95  

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors
Heritage Commerce Corp
San Jose, California

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Heritage Commerce Corp (the "Company") as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. We also have audited Heritage Commerce Corp's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Heritage Commerce Corp's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

        A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        As permitted, the Company has excluded the operations of BVF/CSNK Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation acquired during 2014, which is described in Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements, from the scope of management's report on internal control over financial reporting. As such, it has also been excluded from the scope of our audit of internal control over financial reporting.

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        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Heritage Commerce Corp as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, Heritage Commerce Corp maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

  /s/ Crowe Horwath LLP

Sacramento, California
March 6, 2015

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
   December 31,
2014 		  December 31,
2013 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Assets

              

Cash and due from banks

   $ 23,256   $ 20,158  

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions

     99,147     92,447  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total cash and cash equivalents

     122,403     112,605  

Securities available-for-sale, at fair value

     206,335     280,100  

Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $94,953 at December 31, 2014 and $86,032 at December 31, 2013)

     95,362     95,921  

Loans held-for-sale — SBA, at lower of cost or market, including deferred costs

     1,172     3,148  

Loans, net of deferred fees

     1,088,643     914,913  

Allowance for loan losses

     (18,379 )   (19,164 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Loans, net

     1,070,264     895,749  

Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost

     10,598     10,435  

Company owned life insurance

     51,257     50,012  

Premises and equipment

     7,451     7,240  

Goodwill

     13,044     —  

Other intangible assets

     3,276     1,527  

Accrued interest receivable and other assets

     35,941     34,895  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total assets

   $ 1,617,103   $ 1,491,632  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

              

Liabilities:

              

Deposits:

              

Demand, noninterest-bearing

   $ 517,662   $ 431,085  

Demand, interest-bearing

     225,821     195,451  

Savings and money market

     384,644     347,052  

Time deposits-under $100

     20,005     21,646  

Time deposits-$100 and over

     200,890     195,005  

Time deposits-brokered

     28,116     55,524  

CDARS — money market and time deposits

     11,248     40,458  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total deposits

     1,388,386     1,286,221  

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

     44,359     32,015  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total liabilities

     1,432,745     1,318,236  

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6 and 15)

    
 		    
 		  

Shareholders' equity:

    
 		    
 		  

Preferred stock, no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized

              

Series C convertible perpetual preferred stock, 21,004 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (liquidation preference of $21,004 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     19,519     19,519  

Common stock, no par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized; 26,503,505 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 26,350,938 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013

     133,676     132,561  

Retained earnings

     33,014     25,345  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (1,851 )   (4,029 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total shareholders' equity

     184,358     173,396  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

   $ 1,617,103   $ 1,491,632  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

   

See notes to consolidated financial statements

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 
   Year Ended December 31,  
 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
  

Interest income:

                    

Loans, including fees

   $ 49,207   $ 41,570   $ 40,800  

Securities, taxable

     7,810     9,472     11,519  

Securities, non-taxable

     2,025     1,530     112  

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions

     214     214     134  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total interest income

     59,256     52,786     52,565  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Interest expense:

                    

Deposits

     2,032     2,369     2,800  

Subordinated debt

     —     229     1,383  

Short-term borrowings

     121     2     4  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total interest expense

     2,153     2,600     4,187  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net interest income before provision for loan losses

     57,103     50,186     48,378  

Provision (credit) for loan losses

     (338 )   (816 )   2,784  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     57,441     51,002     45,594  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Noninterest income:

                    

Service charges and fees on deposit accounts

     2,519     2,457     2,333  

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance

     1,600     1,654     1,720  

Servicing income

     1,296     1,446     1,743  

Gain on sales of SBA loans

     971     449     702  

Gain on sales of securities

     97     38     1,560  

Other

     1,263     1,170     807  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total noninterest income

     7,746     7,214     8,865  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Noninterest expense:

                    

Salaries and employee benefits

     26,250     23,450     21,722  

Occupancy and equipment

     4,059     4,043     3,997  

Professional fees

     1,891     2,588     2,876  

Insurance expense

     1,126     1,032     911  

Software subscriptions

     999     1,289     1,149  

Data processing

     969     1,078     983  

Acquisition and integration related costs

     895     —     —  

FDIC deposit insurance premiums

     892     894     918  

Correspondent bank charges

     760     684     611  

Foreclosed assets

     53     (251 )   (45 )

Premium on redemption of subordinated debt

     —     —     601  

Other

     6,328     5,663     5,338  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total noninterest expense

     44,222     40,470     39,061  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income before income taxes

     20,965     17,746     15,398  

Income tax expense

     7,538     6,206     5,489  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income

     13,427     11,540     9,909  

Dividends and discount accretion on preferred stock

     (1,008 )   (336 )   (1,206 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income available to common shareholders

   $ 12,419   $ 11,204   $ 8,703  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Earnings per common share:

                    

Basic

   $ 0.42   $ 0.36   $ 0.27  

Diluted

   $ 0.42   $ 0.36   $ 0.27  

   

See notes to consolidated financial statements

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
   Year Ended December 31,  
 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Net income

   $ 13,427   $ 11,540   $ 9,909  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                    

Change in net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and I/O strips

    
7,164		    
(14,302
)		  
4,451		  

Deferred income taxes

     (3,012 )   6,007     (1,869 )

Change in net unamortized unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale that were reclassified to securities held-to-maturity

     (54 )   (54 )   857  

Deferred income taxes

     23     23     (360 )

Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in income

     (97 )   (38 )   (1,560 )

Deferred income taxes

     41     16     655  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities and I/O strips, net of deferred income taxes

     4,065     (8,348 )   2,174  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Change in net pension and other benefit plan liability adjustment

    
(3,253
)		  
2,825		    
(772
)

Deferred income taxes

     1,366     (1,187 )   324  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Change in pension and other benefit plan liability, net of deferred income taxes

     (1,887 )   1,638     (448 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     2,178     (6,710 )   1,726  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total comprehensive income

   $ 15,605   $ 4,830   $ 11,635  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

   

See notes to consolidated financial statements

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 
   Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012  
 
   Preferred Stock   Common Stock    
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income / (Loss) 		   
  
 
   Retained
Earnings 		  Total
Shareholders'
Equity 		 
 
   Shares   Amount   Discount   Shares   Amount  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Balance, January 1, 2012

     61,004   $ 59,365   $ (833 )   26,295,001   $ 131,172   $ 7,172   $ 955   $ 197,831  

Net income

     —     —           —     —     9,909     —     9,909  

Other comprehensive income

     —     —     —     —     —     —     1,726     1,726  

Repurchase of Series A preferred stock

     (40,000 )   (40,000 )   —     —     —     —     —     (40,000 )

Series A preferred stock capitalized offering costs

     —     154     —     —     —     (154 )   —     —  

Issuance (forfeitures) of restricted stock awards, net

     —     —     —     21,500     —     —     —     —  

Amortization of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures and taxes

     —     —     —     —     148     —     —     148  

Cash dividends accrued on Series A preferred stock

     —     —     —     —     —     (373 )   —     (373 )

Accretion of discount on Series A preferred stock

     —     —     833     —     —     (833 )   —     —  

Stock option expense, net of fortfeitures and taxes

     —     —     —     —     461     —     —     461  

Stock options exercised

     —     —     —     5,646     39     —     —     39  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, December 31, 2012

     21,004     19,519     —     26,322,147     131,820     15,721     2,681     169,741  

Net income

     —     —     —     —     —     11,540     —     11,540  

Other comprehensive loss

     —     —     —     —     —     —     (6,710 )   (6,710 )

Issuance of restricted stock awards, net

     —     —     —     10,000     —     —     —     —  

Repurchase of warrant

     —     —     —     —     (140 )   —     —     (140 )

Amortization of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures and taxes

     —     —     —     —     200     —     —     200  

Cash dividend declared $0.06 per share

     —     —     —     —     —     (1,916 )   —     (1,916 )

Stock option expense, net of fortfeitures and taxes

     —     —     —     —     593     —     —     593  

Stock options exercised

     —     —     —     18,791     88     —     —     88  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, December 31, 2013

     21,004     19,519     —     26,350,938     132,561     25,345     (4,029 )   173,396  

Net income

     —     —     —     —     —     13,427     —     13,427  

Other comprehensive income

     —     —     —     —     —     —     2,178     2,178  

Issuance of restricted stock awards, net

     —     —     —     90,000     —     —     —     —  

Amortization of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures and taxes

     —     —     —     —     (9 )   —     —     (9 )

Cash dividend declared $0.18 per share

     —     —     —     —     —     (5,758 )   —     (5,758 )

Stock option expense, net of fortfeitures and taxes

     —     —     —     —     862     —     —     862  

Stock options exercised

     —     —     —     62,567     262     —     —     262  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, December 31, 2014

     21,004   $ 19,519   $ —     26,503,505   $ 133,676   $ 33,014   $ (1,851 ) $ 184,358  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

   

See notes to consolidated financial statements

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
   Year ended December 31,  
 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                    

Net income

   $ 13,427   $ 11,540   $ 9,909  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                    

Amortization of discounts and premiums on securities

     1,163     2,231     2,588  

Gain on sale of securities available-for-sale

     (97 )   (38 )   (1,560 )

Gain on sale of SBA loans

     (971 )   (449 )   (702 )

Proceeds from sale of SBA loans originated for sale

     15,858     6,174     10,040  

Net change in SBA loans originated for sale

     (12,911 )   (9,234 )   (11,994 )

Provision (credit) for loan losses

     (338 )   (816 )   2,784  

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance

     (1,600 )   (1,654 )   (1,720 )

Gain on proceeds from company owned life insurance

     (51 )   —     —  

Depreciation and amortization

     725     729     750  

Amortization of other intangible assets

     510     473     491  

Gains on sale of foreclosed assets, net

     —     (243 )   (530 )

Stock option expense, net

     862     593     461  

Amortization of restricted stock awards, net

     (9 )   200     148  

Effect of changes in:

                    

Accrued interest receivable and other assets

     (2,428 )   4,694     4,717  

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

     5,244     2,063     659  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net cash provided by operating activities

     19,384     16,263     16,041  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                    

Purchase of securities available-for-sale

     (53,292 )   (17,844 )   (154,414 )

Purchase of securities held-to-maturity

     (4,595 )   (51,044 )   (33,317 )

Maturities/paydowns/calls of securities available-for-sale

     24,917     62,531     108,026  

Maturities/paydowns/calls of securities held-to-maturity

     3,899     3,851     1,553  

Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale

     108,603     26,944     40,587  

Proceeds from sale of other loans transferred held-for-sale

     —     —     220  

Net change in loans

     (131,648 )   (97,910 )   (54,042 )

Changes in Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other investments

     (163 )   293     (803 )

Purchase of company owned life insurance

     —     —     (250 )

Purchase of premises and equipment

     (817 )   (500 )   (239 )

Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets

     —     850     2,148  

Proceeds from company owned life insurance

     406     —     —  

Cash paid in bank acquisition, net of cash received

     (21,918 )   —     —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net cash used in investing activities

     (74,608 )   (72,829 )   (90,531 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                    

Net change in deposits

     102,165     (193,147 )   429,940  

Repurchase of warrant

     —     (140 )   —  

Exercise of stock options

     262     88     39  

Repayment of preferred stock

     —     —     (40,000 )

Repayment of short-term borrowings

     (31,647 )   —     —  

Redemption of subordinated debt

     —     (9,279 )   (14,423 )

Payment of cash dividends — Series A preferred stock

     —     —     (373 )

Payment of cash dividends

     (5,758 )   (1,916 )   —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     65,022     (204,394 )   375,183  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     9,798     (260,960 )   300,693  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     112,605     373,565     72,872  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 122,403   $ 112,605   $ 373,565  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                    

Interest paid

   $ 2,166   $ 2,685   $ 4,694  

Income taxes paid

     4,280     2,021     2,730  

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activity:

                    

Due to broker for securities purchased, settling after year-end

   $ —   $ 961   $ 3,493  

Transfer of loans held-for-sale to loan portfolio

     —     3,770     87  

Transfer securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity

     —     —     15,498  

Loans transferred to foreclosed assets

     229     33     2,056  

Summary of assets acquired and liabilities assumed through acquisition:

                    

Net loans

     42,300     —     —  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     15,303     —     —  

Premises and equipment

     119     —     —  

Other assets, net

     738     —     —  

Other liabilities

     (4,895 )   —     —  

Borrowings

     (31,647 )   —     —  

   

See notes to consolidated financial statements

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        Heritage Commerce Corp ("HCC") operates as a registered bank holding company for its wholly-owned subsidiary Heritage Bank of Commerce ("HBC" or the "Bank"), collectively referred to as the "Company". HBC was incorporated on November 23, 1993 and commenced operations on June 8, 1994. HBC is a California state chartered bank which offers a full range of commercial and personal banking services to residents and the business/professional community in Santa Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties, California. As discussed in Note 7, the Company acquired BVF/CSNK Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Bay View Funding" or "BVF") on November 1, 2014, and BVF became a wholly owned subsidiary of HBC. Based in Santa Clara, California, BVF is the parent company of CSNK Working Capital Finance Corp. dba Bay View Funding, which provides business-essential working capital factoring financing to various industries throughout the United States.

        The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States of America and general practices in the banking industry. The financial statements include the accounts of the Company. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

        The Company also established the following wholly-owned Delaware business trusts that were formed to issue trust preferred and related common securities: Heritage Capital Trust I and Heritage Statutory Trust I, formed in 2000, Heritage Statutory Trust II, formed in 2001, and Heritage Statutory Trust III, formed in 2002 ("Trusts"). During the third quarter of 2012 the Company dissolved the Heritage Statutory Trust I and the Heritage Capital Trust I. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company dissolved the Heritage Statutory Trust II and the Heritage Statutory Trust III.

        The Trusts issued their preferred securities to investors, and used the proceeds to purchase subordinated debt issued by the Company. The subordinated debt payable to the Trusts was recorded as debt of the Company. The Company had fully and unconditionally guaranteed the trust preferred securities along with all obligations of the Trusts under the trust agreements. Interest income from the subordinated debt was the source of revenues for these Trusts. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Trusts were not consolidated in the Company's financial statements.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, amounts held at the Federal Reserve Bank, and Federal funds sold. The Company is required to maintain reserves against certain of the deposit accounts with the Federal Reserve Bank. Federal funds are generally sold and purchased for one-day periods.

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, notes payable, repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings.

        The Company classifies its securities as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity at the time of purchase. Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of taxes.

        A decline in the fair value of any available-for-sale or held-to-maturity security below amortized cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to earnings and the corresponding establishment of a new cost basis for the security. In estimating other-than-temporary losses, management considers (1) the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the fair value decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the Company has the intention to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before any anticipated recovery in fair value.

        Interest income includes amortization of purchase premiums or discounts. Premiums and discounts are amortized, or accreted, over the life of the related security as an adjustment to income using a method that approximates the interest method. Realized gains and losses are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method for the cost of securities sold.

        The Company holds for sale the conditionally guaranteed portion of certain loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (collectively referred to as "SBA loans"). These loans are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings.

        Gains or losses on SBA loans held-for-sale are recognized upon completion of the sale, based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold.

        SBA loans are sold with servicing retained. Servicing assets recognized separately upon the sale of SBA loans consist of servicing rights and, for loans sold prior to 2009, interest-only strip receivables ("I/O strips"). The Company accounts for the sale and servicing of SBA loans based on the financial and servicing assets it controls and liabilities it has incurred, reversing recognition of financial assets when control has been surrendered, and reversing recognition of liabilities when extinguished. Servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sale of loans. Servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over the period of net servicing income and are assessed for impairment on an ongoing basis. Impairment is determined by stratifying the servicing rights based on interest rates and terms. Any servicing assets in excess of the contractually specified servicing fees are reclassified at fair value as an I/O strip receivable and treated like an available for sale security. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance. The servicing rights, net of any required valuation allowance, and I/O strip receivable are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        Servicing income, net of amortization of servicing rights, is recognized as noninterest income. The initial fair value of I/O strip receivables is amortized against interest income on loans.

        Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of deferred loan origination fees and costs and an allowance for loan losses. The majority of the Company's loans have variable interest rates. Interest on loans is accrued on the unpaid principal balance and is credited to income using the effective yield interest method.

        A loan portfolio segment is defined as the level at which the Company uses a systematic methodology to determine the allowance for loan losses. A loan portfolio class is defined as a group of loans having similar risk characteristics and methods for monitoring and assessing risk.

        For all loan classes, when a loan is classified as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest is discontinued, any accrued and unpaid interest is reversed, and the amortization of deferred loan fees and costs is discontinued. For all loan classes, loans are classified as nonaccrual when the payment of principal or interest is 90 days past due, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans. In certain circumstances, loans that are under 90 days past due may also be classified as nonaccrual. Any interest or principal payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied toward reduction of principal. Nonaccrual loans generally are not returned to performing status until the obligation is brought current, the loan has performed in accordance with the contract terms for a reasonable period of time, and the ultimate collectability of the contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.

        Non-refundable loan fees and direct origination costs are deferred and recognized over the expected lives of the related loans using the effective yield interest method.

        The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. Loans are charged-off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for loan losses. Management's methodology for estimating the allowance balance consists of several key elements, which include specific allowances on individual impaired loans and the formula driven allowances on pools of loans with similar risk characteristics. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management's judgment, should be charged off.

        Specific allowances are established for impaired loans. Management considers a loan to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments. Loans for which the terms have been modified with a concession granted, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired. When a loan is considered to be impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent, or on the present value of expected future cash flows or values that are observable in the secondary market if the loan is not collateral dependent. The amount of any impairment will be charged off against the allowance for loan losses if the amount is a confirmed loss or, alternatively, a specific allocation within the allowance will be established. Loans that are considered impaired are specifically excluded from the formula portion of the allowance for loan losses analysis.

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        The formula driven allowance on pools of loans covers all loans that are not impaired and is based on historical losses of each loan segment adjusted for current factors. In calculating the historical component of our allowance, we aggregate our loans into one of three loan segments: Commercial, Real Estate and Consumer. Each segment of loans in the portfolio possess varying degrees of risk, based on, among other things, the type of loan being made, the purpose of the loan, the type of collateral securing the loan, and the sensitivity the borrower has to changes in certain external factors such as economic conditions. The following provides a summary of the risks associated with various segments of the Company's loan portfolio, which are factors management regularly considers when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance:

        As a result of the matters mentioned above, changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers, economic conditions, historical loss experience and the condition of the various markets in which collateral may be sold may all affect the required level of the allowance for loan losses and the associated provision for loan losses.

        The estimated loss factors for pools of loans that are not impaired are based on determining the probability of default and loss given default for loans within each segment of the portfolio, adjusted for significant factors that, in management's judgment, affect collectibility as of the evaluation date. The Company's historical delinquency experience and loss experience are utilized to determine the probability of default and loss given default for segments of the portfolio where the Company has experienced losses in the past. For segments of the portfolio where the Company has no significant prior loss experience, the Company uses quantifiable observable industry data to determine the probability of default and loss given default. Risk factors impacting loans in each of the portfolio segments include broad deterioration of property values, reduced consumer and business spending as a result of continued high unemployment and

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

reduced credit availability and lack of confidence in a sustainable recovery. The historical loss experience is adjusted for management's estimate of the impact of other factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These other factors include consideration of the following: the overall level of concentrations and trends of classified loans; loan concentrations within a portfolio segment or division of a portfolio segment; identification of certain loan types with higher risk than other loans; existing internal risk factors; and management's evaluation of the impact of local and national economic conditions on each of our loan types.

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

        As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") system, the Bank is required to own common stock in the FHLB based on the Bank's level of borrowings and outstanding FHLB advances. FHLB stock is carried at cost and classified as a restricted security. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

        As a member of the Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") of San Francisco, the Bank is required to own stock in the FRB of San Francisco based on a specified ratio relative to our capital. FRB stock is carried at cost and may be sold back to the FRB at its carrying value. Cash dividends received are reported as income.

        The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain directors and officers. Company owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. The purchased insurance is subject to split-dollar insurance agreements with the insured participants, which continues after the participant's employment and retirement.

        Accounting guidance requires that a liability be recorded primarily over the participant's service period when a split-dollar life insurance agreement continues after a participant's employment or retirement. The required accrued liability is based on either the post-employment benefit cost for the continuing life insurance or the future death benefit depending on the contractual terms of the underlying agreement.

        Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line basis over the lesser of the respective lease terms or estimated useful lives. The Company owns one building which is being depreciated over 40 years. Furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements are depreciated over estimated useful lives generally ranging from five to fifteen years. The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets on an ongoing basis.

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        The Company accounts for acquisitions of businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Management utilizes various valuation techniques including 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 resulted from the acquisition of Bay View Funding on November 1, 2014, and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment is recognized in the period identified.

        Other intangible assets consist of core deposit and customer relationship intangible assets arising from the Diablo Valley Bank acquisition in June 2007, and a below market value lease intangible asset, customer relationship and brokered relationship intangible assets, and a non-compete agreement intangible asset arising from the Bay View Funding acquisition in November 2014. They are initially measured at fair value and then are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The core deposits intangible asset from the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank is being amortized on an accelerated method over ten years. The customer relationship intangible from the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank was being amortized on an accelerated method over seven years, and was fully amortized at December 31, 2014. The below market value lease intangible asset, customer relationship and brokered relationship intangible assets, and non-compete agreement intangible asset from the acquisition of Bay View Funding are being amortized on the straight-line method over three, ten, and three years, respectively.

        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.

        The carrying value of foreclosed assets was $696,000 and $575,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

        Expenses for the Company's non-qualified, unfunded defined benefits plan consists of service and interest cost and amortization of gains and losses not immediately recognized. Employee 401(k) and profit sharing plan expense is the amount of matching contributions. Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plan expense allocates the benefits over years of service.

        Loss contingencies, 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. The Company's accounting policy for legal costs related to loss contingencies is to

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

accrue for the probable fees that can be reasonably estimated. The Company's accounting policy for uncertain recoveries is to recognize the anticipated recovery when realization is deemed probable.

        The Company files consolidated Federal and combined state income tax returns. Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax payable or refunded, the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities, and low income housing investment losses, net of tax benefits received. Some items of income and expense are recognized in different years for tax purposes when applying generally accepted accounting principles, leading to timing differences between the Company's actual tax liability and the amount accrued for this liability based on book income. These temporary differences comprise the "deferred" portion of the Company's tax expense or benefit, which is accumulated on the Company's books as a deferred tax asset or deferred tax liability until such time as they reverse.

        Realization of the Company's deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon the Company generating sufficient taxable income to obtain benefit from the reversal of net deductible temporary differences and utilization of tax credit carryforwards for Federal and California state income tax purposes. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable is subject to adjustment in future periods based on estimates of future taxable income. Under generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is "more likely than not" that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination of the realizability of the deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management's evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, including forecasts of future income, cumulative losses, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions.

        The Company had net deferred tax assets of $18,527,000 and $23,326,000 at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively. After consideration of the matters in the preceding paragraph, the Company determined that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2014 and 2013 will be fully realized in future years.

        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. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense.

        Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company's common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Compensation cost recognized reflects estimated forfeitures, adjusted as necessary for actual forfeitures.

        Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to gains and losses that are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net income (loss) because they have been recorded directly in equity under

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

the provisions of certain accounting guidance. The Company's sources of other comprehensive income (loss) are unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, and I/O strips, which are treated like available-for-sale securities, and the liabilities related to the Company's defined benefit pension plan and the split-dollar life insurance benefit plan. Reclassification adjustments result from gains or losses on securities that were realized and included in net income (loss) of the current period that also had been included in other comprehensive income as unrealized holding gains and losses.

        HBC is an independent community business bank with eleven branch offices that offer similar products to customers. Bay View Funding, a subsidiary of Heritage Bank of Commerce, provides factoring financing, which are included in HBC's commercial loan portfolio. No customer accounts for more than 10 percent of revenues for HBC or the Company. While the chief decision-makers monitor the revenue streams of the various products and services, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company wide basis. Management evaluates the Company's performance as a whole and does not allocate resources based on the performance of different lending or transaction activities. Accordingly, the Company and its subsidiary bank all operate as one business segment.

        Certain items in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation. These reclassifications did not affect previously reported net income.

        In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended existing guidance clarifying that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, the amendments require interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. The amendments in this update are effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. For entities other than public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company has evaluated the adoption of the new guidance and has determined it will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

        In January 2014, the FASB issued guidance for accounting for investments in qualified affordable housing projects, which represents a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force and sets forth new accounting for qualifying investments in flow through limited liability entities that invest in affordable housing projects. The new guidance allows a limited liability investor that meets certain conditions to amortize the cost of its investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits it receives. The new accounting method, referred to as the proportional amortization method, allows amortization of the tax credit investment to be reflected along with the primary benefits, the tax credits and other tax benefits,

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

on a net basis in the income statement within the income tax expense (benefit) line. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. For all other entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. If elected, the proportional amortization method is required to be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted in the annual period for which financial statements have not been issued.

        The Company adopted the proportional amortization method of accounting for its low income housing investments in the third quarter of 2014. The Company quantified the impact of adopting the proportional amortization method compared to the equity method to its current year and prior period financial statements. The Company determined that the adoption of the proportional amortization method did not have a material impact to its financial statements. The low income housing investment losses, net of the tax benefits received, are included in income tax expense for all periods reflected on the consolidated income statements. See Note 11 — Income Taxes for more information on the adoption of the proportional method of accounting for low income housing investments.

        In May 2014, the FASB issued an update to the guidance for accounting for revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance in this update affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (for example, insurance contracts or lease contracts). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance provides steps to follow to achieve the core principle. An entity should disclose sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Qualitative and quantitative information is required about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. The amendments in this update become effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(2) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI")

        The following table reflects the changes in AOCI by component for the periods indicated:

 
   For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012  
 
   Unrealized
Gains (Losses) on
Available-
for-Sale
Securities
and I/O
Strips(1) 		  Unamortized
Unrealized
Gain on
Available-
for-Sale
Securities
Reclassified
to Held-to-
Maturity(1) 		  Defined
Benefit
Pension
Plan
Items(1) 		  Total(1)  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Beginning balance January 1, 2014, net of taxes

   $ (430 ) $ 466   $ (4,065 ) $ (4,029 )

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of taxes

     4,152     —     (1,910 )   2,242  

Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

     (56 )   (31 )   23     (64 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes                    

     4,096     (31 )   (1,887 )   2,178  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Ending balance December 31, 2014, net of taxes

   $ 3,666   $ 435   $ (5,952 ) $ (1,851 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Beginning balance January 1, 2013, net of taxes

  
$
7,887		  
$
497		  
$
(5,703
)
$
2,681		  

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of taxes

     (8,295 )   —     1,518     (6,777 )

Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

     (22 )   (31 )   120     67  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes                    

     (8,317 )   (31 )   1,638     (6,710 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Ending balance December 31, 2013, net of taxes

   $ (430 ) $ 466   $ (4,065 ) $ (4,029 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Beginning balance January 1, 2012, net of taxes

  
$
6,210		  
$
—		  
$
(5,255
)
$
955		  

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of taxes

     2,582     —     (568 )   2,014  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

     (905 )   497     120     (288 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net current period other comprehensive income, net of taxes                    

     1,677     497     (448 )   1,726  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Ending balance December 31, 2012, net of taxes

   $ 7,887   $ 497   $ (5,703 ) $ 2,681  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
(1)
Amounts in parenthesis indicate debits.

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 
   Amounts Reclassified from
AOCI(1)
For the Year Ended
December 31, 		   
 
   Affected Line Item Where
Net Income is Presented
Details About AOCI Components
  2014   2013   2012
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
    

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities and I/O strips

   $ 97   $ 38   $ 1,560   Realized gains on sale of securities

    (41 )   (16 )   (655 ) Income tax expense
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    56     22     905   Net of tax
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Amortization of unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale that were reclassified to securities held-to-maturity

     54     54     (857 ) Interest income on taxable securities

    (23 )   (23 )   360   Income tax (expense) benefit
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    31     31     (497 ) Net of tax
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Amortization of defined benefit pension plan items(2)

                      

Prior service cost

     —     —     (27 )  

Prior transition obligation

     102     84     73    

Actuarial losses

     (142 )   (291 )   (253 )  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    (40 )   (207 )   (207 ) Income before income tax

    17     87     87   Income tax benefit
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    (23 )   (120 )   (120 ) Net of tax
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total reclassification for the year

   $ 64   $ (67 ) $ 288    
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
(1)
Amounts in parenthesis indicate debits.

(2)
This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 13 — Benefit Plans).

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(3) Securities

        The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities at year-end were as follows:

2014
  Amortized
Cost 		  Gross
Unrealized
Gains 		  Gross
Unrealized
(Losses) 		  Estimated
Fair
Value 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Securities available-for-sale:

                          

Agency mortgage-backed securities

   $ 150,570   $ 3,867   $ (265 ) $ 154,172  

Corporate bonds

     35,927     959     (23 )   36,863  

Trust preferred securities

     15,000     300     —     15,300  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 201,497   $ 5,126   $ (288 ) $ 206,335  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Securities held-to-maturity:

                          

Agency mortgage-backed securities

   $ 15,480   $ 44   $ (118 ) $ 15,406  

Municipals — tax exempt

     79,882     1,011     (1,346 )   79,547  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 95,362   $ 1,055   $ (1,464 ) $ 94,953  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

 

2013
  Amortized
Cost 		  Gross
Unrealized
Gains 		  Gross
Unrealized
(Losses) 		  Estimated
Fair
Value 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Securities available-for-sale:

                          

Agency mortgage-backed securities

   $ 208,644   $ 2,465   $ (3,465 ) $ 207,644  

Corporate bonds

     53,002     527     (1,483 )   52,046  

Trust preferred securities

     20,849     —     (439 )   20,410  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 282,495   $ 2,992   $ (5,387 ) $ 280,100  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Securities held-to-maturity:

                          

Agency mortgage-backed securities

   $ 15,932   $ —   $ (470 ) $ 15,462  

Municipals — tax exempt

     79,989     54     (9,473 )   70,570  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 95,921   $ 54   $ (9,943 ) $ 86,032  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        Securities with unrealized losses at year end, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in an unrealized loss position, are as follows:

 
   Less Than 12 Months   12 Months or More   Total  
2014
  Fair
Value 		  Unrealized
(Losses) 		  Fair
Value 		  Unrealized
(Losses) 		  Fair
Value 		  Unrealized
(Losses) 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Securities available-for-sale:

                                      

Agency mortgage-backed securities

   $ 12,491   $ (27 ) $ 35,614   $ (238 ) $ 48,105   $ (265 )

Corporate bonds

     —     —     5,148     (23 )   5,148     (23 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 12,491   $ (27 ) $ 40,762   $ (261 ) $ 53,253   $ (288 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Securities held-to-maturity:

                                      

Agency mortgage-backed securities

   $ 4,869   $ (29 ) $ 4,974   $ (89 ) $ 9,843   $ (118 )

Municipals — Tax Exempt

     1,884     (16 )   42,867     (1,330 )   44,751     (1,346 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 6,753   $ (45 ) $ 47,841   $ (1,419 ) $ 54,594   $ (1,464 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

 

 
   Less Than 12 Months   12 Months or More   Total  
2013
  Fair
Value 		  Unrealized
(Losses) 		  Fair
Value 		  Unrealized
(Losses) 		  Fair
Value 		  Unrealized
(Losses) 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Securities available-for-sale:

                                      

Agency mortgage-backed securities

   $ 87,798   $ (2,869 ) $ 8,920   $ (596 ) $ 96,718   $ (3,465 )

Corporate bonds

     38,092     (1,322 )   1,860     (161 )   39,952     (1,483 )

Trust preferred securities

     20,410     (439 )   —     —     20,410     (439 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 146,300   $ (4,630 ) $ 10,780   $ (757 ) $ 157,080   $ (5,387 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Securities held-to-maturity:

                                      

Agency mortgage-backed securities

   $ 5,978   $ (101 ) $ 9,134   $ (369 ) $ 15,112   $ (470 )

Municipals — Tax Exempt

     38,177     (4,421 )   25,520     (5,052 )   63,697     (9,473 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 44,155   $ (4,522 ) $ 34,654   $ (5,421 ) $ 78,809   $ (9,943 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        There were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its sponsored entities, in an amount greater than 10% of shareholders' equity. At December 31, 2014, the Company held 361 securities (130 available-for-sale and 231 held-to-maturity), of which 151 had fair values below amortized cost. At December 31, 2014, there were $35,614,000 of agency mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale, $5,148,000 of corporate bonds available-for-sale, $4,974,000 of agency mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity and $42,867,000 of municipals bonds held-to-maturity carried with an unrealized loss for over 12 months. The total unrealized loss for securities over 12 months was $1,680,000 at December 31, 2014. The unrealized losses were due to higher interest rates. The issuers are of high credit quality and all principal amounts are expected to be paid when securities mature. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity date and/or market rates decline. The Company does not believe that it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a security in an unrealized loss position prior to recovery in value. The Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014.

        At December 31, 2013, the Company held 392 securities (163 available-for-sale and 229 held-to-maturity), of which 275 had fair values below amortized cost. At December 31, 2013, there were

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

$8,920,000 of agency mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale, $1,860,000 of corporate bonds available-for-sale, $9,134,000 of agency mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity, and $25,520,000 of municipal bonds held-to-maturity carried with an unrealized loss for over 12 months. The total unrealized loss for securities over 12 months was $6,178,000 at December 31, 2013. The unrealized losses were due to higher interest rates. The issuers are of high credit quality and all principal amounts are expected to be paid when securities mature. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity date and/or market rates decline. The Company does not believe that it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a security in an unrealized loss position prior to recovery in value. The Company does not consider these securities to be other than temporarily impaired at December 31, 2013.

        The proceeds from sales of securities and the resulting gains and losses are listed below:

 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Proceeds

   $ 108,603   $ 26,944   $ 40,587  

Gross gains

     1,008     310     1,560  

Gross losses

     (911 )   (272 )   —  

        The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities as of December 31, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown below. The expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities if borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.

 
   Available-for-sale  
 
   Amortized
Cost 		  Estimated
Fair Value 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Due after one through five years

   $ 6,335   $ 6,713  

Due after five through ten years

     29,592     30,150  

Due after ten years

     15,000     15,300  

Agency mortgage-backed securities

     150,570     154,172  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 201,497   $ 206,335  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

 

 
   Held-to-maturity  
 
   Amortized
Cost 		  Estimated
Fair Value 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Due after five through ten years

     5,883     6,050  

Due after ten years

     73,999     73,497  

Agency mortgage-backed securities

     15,480     15,406  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 95,362   $ 94,953  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        Securities with amortized cost of $147,497,000 and $147,455,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law or contract.

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(4) Loans and Loan Servicing

        Loans at year-end were as follows:

 
   2014   2013  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Loans held-for-investment:

              

Commercial

   $ 462,403   $ 393,074  

Real estate:

              

Commercial and residential

     478,335     423,288  

Land and construction

     67,980     31,443  

Home equity

     61,644     51,815  

Consumer

     18,867     15,677  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Loans

     1,089,229     915,297  

Deferred loan fees, net

     (586 )   (384 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Loans, net of deferred fees

     1,088,643     914,913  

Allowance for loan losses

     (18,379 )   (19,164 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Loans, net

   $ 1,070,264   $ 895,749  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        Changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows:

 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 2014  
 
   Commercial   Real Estate   Consumer   Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 12,533   $ 6,548   $ 83   $ 19,164  

Charge-offs

     (815 )   (87 )   (25 )   (927 )

Recoveries

     418     62     —     480  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net charge-offs

     (397 )   (25 )   (25 )   (447 )

Provision (credit) for loan losses

     (949 )   547     64     (338 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, end of year

   $ 11,187   $ 7,070   $ 122   $ 18,379  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

 

 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 2013  
 
   Commercial   Real Estate   Consumer   Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 12,866   $ 6,034   $ 127   $ 19,027  

Charge-offs

     (1,676 )   (276 )   —     (1,952 )

Recoveries

     2,621     283     1     2,905  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net recoveries

     945     7     1     953  

Provision (credit) for loan losses

     (1,278 )   507     (45 )   (816 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, end of year

   $ 12,533   $ 6,548   $ 83   $ 19,164  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 2012  
 
   Commercial   Real Estate   Consumer   Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 13,215   $ 7,338   $ 147   $ 20,700  

Charge-offs

     (3,935 )   (1,528 )   —     (5,463 )

Recoveries

     776     230     —     1,006  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net charge-offs

     (3,159 )   (1,298 )   —     (4,457 )

Provision (credit) for loan losses

     2,810     (6 )   (20 )   2,784  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, end of year

   $ 12,866   $ 6,034   $ 127   $ 19,027  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment, based on the impairment method as follows at year-end:

 
   December 31, 2014  
 
   Commercial   Real Estate   Consumer   Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Allowance for loan losses:

                          

Ending allowance balance attributable to loans:

                          

Individually evaluated for impairment

   $ 404   $ —   $ —   $ 404  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

     10,783     7,070     122     17,975  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total allowance balance

   $ 11,187   $ 7,070   $ 122   $ 18,379  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Loans:

                          

Individually evaluated for impairment

   $ 2,701   $ 3,315   $ 6   $ 6,022  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

     459,702     604,644     18,861     1,083,207  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total loan balance

   $ 462,403   $ 607,959   $ 18,867   $ 1,089,229  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

 

 
   December 31, 2013  
 
   Commercial   Real Estate   Consumer   Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Allowance for loan losses:

                          

Ending allowance balance attributable to loans:

                          

Individually evaluated for impairment

   $ 1,694   $ 741   $ 21   $ 2,456  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

     10,839     5,807     62     16,708  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total allowance balance

   $ 12,533   $ 6,548   $ 83   $ 19,164  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Loans:

                          

Individually evaluated for impairment

   $ 4,906   $ 6,790   $ 122   $ 11,818  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

     388,168     499,756     15,555     903,479  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total loan balance

   $ 393,074   $ 506,546   $ 15,677   $ 915,297  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The following table presents loans held-for-investment individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The recorded investment included in the

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

following table represents loan principal net of any partial charge-offs recognized on the loans. The unpaid principal balance represents the recorded balance prior to any partial charge-offs.

 
   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013  
 
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance 		  Recorded
Investment 		  Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Allocated 		  Unpaid
Principal
Balance 		  Recorded
Investment 		  Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Allocated 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

With no related allowance recorded:

                                      

Commercial

   $ 2,282   $ 1,872   $ —   $ 1,999   $ 1,915   $ —  

Real estate:

                                      

Commercial and residential

     2,510     1,651     —     2,831     2,831     —  

Land and construction

     1,808     1,319     —     1,761     1,761     —  

Home Equity

     345     345     —     377     377     —  

Consumer

     6     6     —     —     —     —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total with no related allowance recorded

     6,951     5,193     —     6,968     6,884     —  

With an allowance recorded:

                                      

Commercial

     829     829     404     3,225     2,991     1,694  

Real estate:

                                      

Commercial and residential

     —     —     —     1,531     1,531     451  

Land and construction

     —     —     —     —     —     —  

Home Equity

     —     —     —     290     290     290  

Consumer

     —     —     —     122     122     21  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total with an allowance recorded

     829     829     404     5,168     4,934     2,456  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 7,780   $ 6,022   $ 404   $ 12,136   $ 11,818   $ 2,456  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The following table presents interest recognized and cash-basis interest earned on impaired loans for the periods indicated:

 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 2014  
 
    
   Real Estate    
    
  
 
   Commercial   Commercial and
Residential 		  Land and
Construction 		  Home
Equity 		  Consumer   Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Average of impaired loans during the period

   $ 4,069   $ 2,758   $ 1,628   $ 529   $ 56   $ 9,040  

Interest income during impairment

   $ 56   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ 56  

Cash-basis interest earned

   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —  

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 2013  
 
    
   Real Estate    
    
  
 
   Commercial   Commercial and
Residential 		  Land and
Construction 		  Home
Equity 		  Consumer   Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Average of impaired loans during the period

   $ 6,855   $ 4,921   $ 2,028   $ 2,064   $ 135   $ 16,003  

Interest income during impairment

   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —  

Cash-basis interest earned

   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —  

        Nonperforming loans include both smaller dollar balance homogenous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified loans. Nonperforming loans were as follows at year-end:

 
   2014   2013  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Nonaccrual loans — held-for-investment

   $ 5,855   $ 11,326  

Restructured and loans over 90 days past due and still accruing

     —     492  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total nonperforming loans

   $ 5,855   $ 11,818  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Other restructured loans

   $ 167   $ —  

Impaired loans, excluding loans held-for-sale

   $ 6,022   $ 11,818  

        The following table presents the nonperforming loans by class at year-end:

 
   2014   2013  
 
   Nonaccrual   Restructured and
Loans over 90
Days Past Due and
Still Accruing 		  Total   Nonaccrual   Restructured and
Loans over 90 Days
Past Due and
Still Accruing 		  Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Commercial

   $ 2,534   $ —   $ 2,534   $ 4,414   $ 492   $ 4,906  

Real estate:

           —                          

Commercial and residential

     1,651     —     1,651     4,363     —     4,363  

Land and construction

     1,320     —     1,320     1,761     —     1,761  

Home equity

     344     —     344     666     —     666  

Consumer

     6     —     6     122     —     122  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 5,855   $ —   $ 5,855   $ 11,326   $ 492   $ 11,818  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        The following table presents the aging of past due loans as of December 31, 2014 by class of loans:

 
   30 - 59
Days
Past Due 		  60 - 89
Days
Past Due 		  90 Days or
Greater
Past Due 		  Total
Past Due 		  Loans Not
Past Due 		  Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Commercial

   $ 3,002   $ 195   $ 1,978   $ 5,175   $ 457,228   $ 462,403  

Real estate:

                                      

Commercial and residential

     —     —     1,065     1,065     477,270     478,335  

Land and construction

     —     —     —     —     67,980     67,980  

Home equity

     —     —     —     —     61,644     61,644  

Consumer

     —     —     —     —     18,867     18,867  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 3,002   $ 195   $ 3,043   $ 6,240   $ 1,082,989   $ 1,089,229  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The following table presents the aging of past due loans as of December 31, 2013 by class of loans:

 
   30 - 59
Days
Past Due 		  60 - 89
Days
Past Due 		  90 Days or
Greater
Past Due 		  Total
Past Due 		  Loans Not
Past Due 		  Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Commercial

   $ 3,314   $ 428   $ 2,865   $ 6,607   $ 386,467   $ 393,074  

Real estate:

                                      

Commercial and residential

     1,559     —     1,065     2,624     420,664     423,288  

Land and construction

     —     —     —     —     31,443     31,443  

Home equity

     28     —     290     318     51,497     51,815  

Consumer

     —     —     89     89     15,588     15,677  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 4,901   $ 428   $ 4,309   $ 9,638   $ 905,659   $ 915,297  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        Past due loans 30 days or greater totaled $6,240,000 and $9,638,000 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, of which $3,130,000 and $5,900,000 were on nonaccrual. At December 31, 2014, there were also $2,725,000 loans less than 30 days past due included in nonaccrual loans held-for-investment. At December 31, 2013, there were also $5,426,000 loans less than 30 days past due included in nonaccrual loans held-for-investment. Management's classification of a loan as "nonaccrual" is an indication that there is reasonable doubt as to the full recovery of principal or interest on the loan. At that point, the Company stops accruing interest income, and reverses any uncollected interest that had been accrued as income. The Company begins recognizing interest income only as cash interest payments are received and it has been determined the collection of all outstanding principal is not in doubt. The loans may or may not be collateralized, and collection efforts are pursued.

        Concentrations of credit risk arise when a number of clients are engaged in similar business activities, or activities in the same geographic region, or have similar features that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic conditions. The Company's loan portfolio is concentrated in commercial (primarily manufacturing, wholesale, and service) and real estate lending, with the balance in consumer loans. While no specific industry concentration is considered significant, the Company's lending operations are located in the Company's market areas that are dependent on the technology and real estate industries and their supporting companies. Thus, the Company's borrowers could be adversely impacted by a continued downturn in these sectors of the

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economy which could reduce the demand for loans and adversely impact the borrowers' ability to repay their loans.

        The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information; historical payment experience; credit documentation; public information; and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on a quarterly basis. Nonclassified loans generally include those loans that are expected to be repaid in accordance with contractual loans terms. Classified loans are those loans that are assigned a substandard, substandard-nonaccrual, or doubtful risk rating using the following definitions:

        Substandard.    Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

        Substandard-Nonaccrual.    Loans classified as substandard-nonaccrual are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any, and it is probable that the Company will not receive payment of the full contractual principal and interest. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. In addition, the Company no longer accrues interest on the loan because of the underlying weaknesses.

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

        Loss.    Loans classified as loss are considered uncollectable or of so little value that their continuance as assets is not warranted. This classification does not necessarily mean that a loan has no recovery or salvage value; but rather, there is much doubt about whether, how much, or when the recovery would occur. Loans classified as loss are immediately charged off against the allowance for loan losses. Therefore, there is no balance to report at December 31, 2014 or 2013.

        The following table provides a summary of the loan portfolio by loan type and credit quality classification for the periods indicated:

 
   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013  
 
   Nonclassified   Classified   Total   Nonclassified   Classified   Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Commercial

   $ 455,767   $ 6,636   $ 462,403   $ 380,806   $ 12,268   $ 393,074  

Real estate:

                                      

Commercial and residential

     472,061     6,274     478,335     416,992     6,296     423,288  

Land and construction

     66,660     1,320     67,980     29,682     1,761     31,443  

Home equity

     60,736     908     61,644     48,818     2,997     51,815  

Consumer

     18,518     349     18,867     15,336     341     15,677  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 1,073,742   $ 15,487   $ 1,089,229   $ 891,634   $ 23,663   $ 915,297  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

foreseeable future without the modification. This evaluation is performed under the Company's underwriting policy.

        For the year ended December 31, 2014, the terms of certain loans were modified as troubled debt restructurings. The modification of the terms of such loans included a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan, or an extension of maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk.

        The book balance of troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2014 was $1,083,000, which included $916,000 of nonaccrual loans and $167,000 of accruing loans. The book balance of troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2013 was $3,722,000, which included $3,230,000 of nonaccrual loans and $492,000 of accruing loans. Approximately $113,000 and $1,186,000 in specific reserves were established with respect to these loans as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no additional amounts committed on any loan classified as a troubled debt restructuring.

        There were no loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2014.

        The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2013:

 
   During the Year Ended
December 31, 2013 		 
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
  Number
of
Contracts 		  Pre-modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment 		  Post-modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Commercial

     1   $ 211   $ 211  

Real Estate-Commercial and residential

     1     1,531     1,531  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

     2   $ 1,742   $ 1,742  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The troubled debt restructurings described above increased the allowance for loan losses by $491,000 through the allocation of specific reserves, and resulted in no charge-offs for the years ended December 31, 2013.

        A loan is considered to be in payment default when it is 30 days contractually past due under the modified terms. There were no defaults on troubled debt restructurings within twelve months following the modification during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

        At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company serviced SBA loans sold to the secondary market of approximately $130,611,000 and $135,513,000.

        Servicing assets represent the servicing spread generated from the sold guaranteed portions of SBA loans. The weighted average servicing rate for all loans serviced was 1.20% and 1.34% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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        Servicing rights are included in "accrued interest receivable and other assets" on the consolidated balance sheets. Activity for loan servicing rights follows:

 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 525   $ 709   $ 792  

Additions

     319     106     184  

Amortization

     (279 )   (290 )   (267 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, end of year

   $ 565   $ 525   $ 709  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        There was no valuation allowance for servicing rights at December 31, 2014 and 2013, because the estimated fair value of the servicing rights was greater than the carrying value. The estimated fair value of loan servicing rights was $2,426,000 and $2,556,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of servicing rights at December 31, 2014, was estimated using a weighted average constant prepayment rate ("CPR") assumption of 7.32%, and a weighted average discount rate assumption of 12.11%. The fair value of servicing rights at December 31, 2013 was estimated using a weighted average constant prepayment rate ("CPR") assumption of 6.83%, and a weighted average discount rate assumption of 13.55%.

        The weighted average discount rate and CPR assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the I/O strip receivables are the same as for the servicing rights. Management reviews the key economic assumptions used to estimate the fair value of I/O strip receivables on a quarterly basis. The fair value of the I/O strip can be adversely impacted by a significant increase in either the prepayment speed of the portfolio or the discount rate.

        I/O strip receivables are included in "accrued interest receivable and other assets" on the consolidated balance sheets. Activity for I/O strip receivables follows:

 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 1,647   $ 1,786   $ 2,094  

Unrealized loss

     (166 )   (139 )   (308 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, end of year

   $ 1,481   $ 1,647   $ 1,786  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

(5) Premises and Equipment

        Premises and equipment at year-end were as follows:

 
   2014   2013  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Building

   $ 3,256   $ 3,256  

Land

     2,900     2,900  

Furniture and equipment

     8,082     7,203  

Leasehold improvements

     4,658     4,225  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    18,896     17,584  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (11,445 )   (10,344 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Premises and equipment, net

   $ 7,451   $ 7,240  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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        Depreciation and amortization expense was $725,000, $729,000, and $750,000 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

(6) Leases

        The Company owns one of its offices and leases the others under non-cancelable operating leases with terms, including renewal options, ranging from five to fifteen years. Future minimum payments under the agreements are as follows:

Year ending December 31,
  (Dollars in thousands)  

2015

   $ 2,759  

2016

     2,733  

2017

     2,549  

2018

     2,034  

2019

     1,856  

Thereafter

     1,127  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 13,058  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        Rent expense under operating leases was $2,692,000, $2,719,000, and $2,735,000 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

(7) Acquisition of Bay View Funding

        On October 8, 2014, HBC entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement ("Purchase Agreement") with BVF/CSNK Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Bay View Funding" or "BVF") pursuant to which HBC agreed to acquire all of the outstanding common stock from the stockholders of BVF for an aggregate purchase price of $22,520,000 ("Acquisition"). The Acquisition closed on November 1, 2014, and BVF became a wholly owned subsidiary of HBC. At the Closing the Bank paid in cash $20,268,000 of the total purchase price to the BVF stockholders, and $2,252,000, or 10% of the purchase price, was deposited into an 18 month escrow account. Based in Santa Clara, California, BVF through its wholly-owned subsidiary CSNK Working Capital Finance Corp., a California corporation ("CSNK"), dba Bay View Funding provides business essential working capital factoring financing to various industries throughout the United States. Combining BVF's staff and national reach with Heritage Bank of Commerce's banking products and services further diversifies the Bank's commercial products and services. The BVF platform is scalable and is aligned with recent key product initiatives designed to deliver a full spectrum of commercial lending products to our markets. BVF's results of operations have been included in the Company's results beginning November 1, 2014, providing net interest income of $1,958,000, noninterest income of $84,000, and $558,000 of the Company's net income for the year ended December 31, 2014. The one-time pre-tax acquisition costs incurred by the Company for the BVF acquisition totaled $895,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014.

        The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 include purchase accounting adjustments to record the assets and liabilities of BVF at their estimated fair values. The

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following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 
   (Dollars in thousands)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 602  

Net loans

     42,300  

Goodwill

     13,044  

Other intangible assets

     2,259  

Premises and equipment

     119  

Other assets, net

     738  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total assets acquired

     59,062  

Borrowings

    
(31,647
)

Other liabilities

     (4,895 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total liabilities assumed

     (36,542 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total consideration paid

   $ 22,520  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The fair value of net assets acquired includes fair value adjustments to certain factored receivables that were not considered impaired as of the acquisition date. The fair value of factored receivables is based on estimated rates of return expected by market participants discounted over the expected duration of the portfolio which is less than 60 days. In addition to underwriting of its clients, BVF also performs significant underwriting of the account debtors and limits the overall level of receivables it purchases related to any given account debtor. Faster turnover of receivables implies less risk and, therefore, warrants a lower associated fair value mark. The average life of the factored receivables is 31 days. The gross contractual amounts receivable totaled $42,413,000 as of November 1, 2014. As of that date, contractual cash flows not expected to be collected on these receivables totaled $113,000, which has been recorded as the credit risk component of the purchase discount, and which represents 0.3% of the gross factored receivables outstanding.

        Goodwill of $13,044,000 arising from the acquisition of BVF is primarily attributable to synergies and cost savings of combining the operations of the companies. The goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to adjustment during the first twelve months after the acquisition date if additional information becomes available to indicate a more accurate or appropriate value for an asset or liability.

        The Acquisition purchase agreement contains customary representations and warranties by BVF and the BVF stockholders, covenants by BVF regarding the operation of its business between the date of signing of the purchase agreement and the closing date of the Acquisition, and indemnification provisions whereby the BVF stockholders agreed to indemnify BVF, CSNK, HBC and their affiliated parties for breaches of representations and warranties, breaches of covenants and certain other matters. Of the total purchase price, $2,252,000, or 10%, was deposited into an escrow account with an independent escrow agent to support the indemnification obligations, if any, of indemnification claims against the BVF stockholders. Any amounts remaining in the escrow account will be released to the BVF stockholders after 18 months following the closing date of the Acquisition, net of any indemnification payments made from the escrow or amounts reserved for pending claims pursuant to any indemnification claims under the purchase agreement. As of the date of this report, it is not possible to estimate if any claims will be made and, if made the amounts involved, against the escrow account. Therefore, the Company has assumed that

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

the full escrow amount will be paid to the stockholders of BVF for purposes of determining the fair value of $2,252,000 at November 1, 2014.

        The following table presents pro forma financial information as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013, which includes the pre-acquisition period for BVF. The historical unaudited pro forma financial information has been adjusted to reflect supportable items that are directly attributable to the acquisition and expected to have a continuing impact on consolidated results of operations, as such, one-time acquisition costs are not included. The unaudited pro forma financial information is provided for informational purposes only. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily, and should not be assumed to be, an indication of the results that would have been achieved had the acquisition been completed as of the dates indicated or that may be achieved in the future. The preparation of the unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial statements and related adjustments required management to make certain assumptions and estimates. .

UNAUDITED
  2014   2013  
 
   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
  

Net interest income

   $ 66,105   $ 59,998  

Noninterest income

     8,293     8,080  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total revenue

   $ 74,398   $ 68,078  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income

   $ 15,141   $ 13,397  

Net income per share — basic

  
$
0.47		  
$
0.42		  

Net income per share — diluted

   $ 0.47   $ 0.42  

(8) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        The Company recognized $13,044,000 of goodwill upon its acquisition of Bay View Funding on November 1, 2014. Goodwill remained at $13,044,000 as of December 31, 2014.

        Core deposit and customer relationship intangible assets acquired in the 2007 acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank were $5,049,000 and $276,000, respectively. These assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Customer relationship intangible asset is fully amortized at December 31, 2014. Accumulated amortization of these intangible assets was $4,257,000 and $3,798,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

        Other intangible assets acquired in the acquisition of Bay View Funding in November 2014 included: a below market value lease intangible asset of $109,000 (amortized over 3 years), customer relationship and brokered relationship intangible assets of $1,900,000, (amortized over the 10 year estimated useful lives), and a non-compete agreement intangible asset of $250,000 (amortized over 3 years). Accumulated amortization of these intangible assets was $51,000 at December 31, 2014.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years follows:

 
   (Dollars in thousands)  

2015

   $ 755  

2016

     736  

2017

     486  

2018

     190  

2019

     190  

        The estimated amortization expense related to the Diablo Valley Bank acquisition for each of the years 2015 through 2019 is $446,000, $427,000, $195,000, $0, and $0, respectively. The estimated amortization expense related to the Bay View Funding acquisition for each of the years 2015 through 2019 is $309,000, $309,000, $291,000, $190,000, and $190,000, respectively.

        Impairment testing of the intangible assets is performed at the individual asset level. Impairment exists if the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value at the date of the impairment test. For intangible assets, estimates of expected future cash flows (cash inflows less cash outflows) that are directly associated with an intangible asset are used to determine the fair value of that asset. Management makes certain estimates and assumptions in determining the expected future cash flows from core deposit and customer relationship intangibles including account attrition, expected lives, discount rates, interest rates, servicing costs and other factors. Significant changes in these estimates and assumptions could adversely impact the valuation of these intangible assets. If an impairment loss exists, the carrying amount of the intangible asset is adjusted to a new cost basis. The new cost basis is then amortized over the remaining useful life of the asset. Based on its assessment, management concluded that there was no impairment of intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

(9) Deposits

        Time deposits of $250,000 and over, including time deposits within the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service ("CDARS") and brokered deposits of $250,000 and over, were $193,228,000 and $213,769,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The following table presents the scheduled maturities of all time deposits and brokered deposits for the next five years:

 
   (Dollars in thousands)  

2015

   $ 230,675  

2016

     23,791  

2017

     728  

2018

     29  

2019

     1,000  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 256,223  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        At December 31, 2014, total CDARS deposits of $11,248,000 include money market deposits of $4,036,000, which have no scheduled maturity date, and therefore, are excluded from the table above.

        At December 31, 2014, the Company had securities pledged with a fair value of $109,764,000 for $98,019,000 in certificates of deposits (including accrued interest) with the State of California. At December 31, 2013, the Company had securities pledged with a fair value of $107,965,000 for $98,022,000 in certificates of deposits (including accrued interest) with the State of California.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        The CDARS program allows customers with deposits in excess of FDIC-insured limits to obtain full coverage on time deposits through a network of banks within the CDARS program. Deposits gathered through these programs are considered brokered deposits under current regulatory reporting guidelines. CDARS deposits were comprised of $4,036,000 of money market accounts and $7,212,000 of time deposits at December 31, 2014. CDARS deposits were comprised of $34,789,000 of money market accounts and $5,669,000 of time deposits at December 31, 2013. The CDARS money market deposits at December 31, 2013, included $27,463,000 in deposits from a law firm for legal settlements. All of the $27,463,000 in deposits from the law firm were withdrawn in the first quarter of 2014.

        Deposits from executive officers, directors, and their affiliates were $2,593,000 and $3,122,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(10) Borrowing Arrangements

        The Company maintains a collateralized line of credit with the FHLB of San Francisco. Under this line, the Company can borrow from the FHLB on a short-term (typically overnight) or long-term (over one year) basis. As of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the Company had no overnight borrowings from the FHLB. The Company had $246,635,000 of loans and no securities pledged to the FHLB as collateral on a line of credit of $139,990,000 at December 31, 2014. The Company had $253,472,000 of loans and no securities pledged to the FHLB as collateral on a line of credit of $125,330,000 at December 31, 2013.

        The Company can also borrow from the FRB's discount window. The Company had approximately $387,972,000 of loans pledged to the FRB as collateral on an available line of credit of approximately $260,439,000 at December 31, 2014, none of which was outstanding. The Company had approximately $323,209,000 of loans pledged to the FRB as collateral on an available line of credit of approximately $241,515,000 at December 31, 2013, none of which was outstanding.

        At December 31, 2014, the Company has Federal funds purchase arrangements and lines of credit available of $55,000,000. There were no Federal funds purchased at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

        At November 1, 2014 Bay View Funding had $1,000,000 outstanding on a subordinated revolving line credit from a related party with a maturity date of June 30, 2015. On November 5, 2014, BVF paid off the related party line of credit of $1,000,000.

        Bay View Funding had a $32,500,000 revolving bank line of credit. Repayment of the line of credit was secured by all the assets of BVF and was set to mature on April 3, 2015. On December 17, 2014, the remaining unpaid principal balance of $14,002,000 was paid, along with a $325,000 prepayment premium, to close out the $32,500,000 revolving bank line of credit.

        The Company supported its growth through the issuance of trust preferred securities from special purpose trusts and accompanying sales of subordinated debt to these trusts. The subordinated debt issued to the trusts was senior to the outstanding shares of common stock and Series C Preferred Stock. As a result, payments were required on the subordinated debt before any dividends could be paid on the common stock and Series C Preferred Stock. Under the terms of the subordinated debt, the Company could defer interest payments for up to five years. Interest payments on the subordinated notes payable to the Company's subsidiary grantor Trusts were deductible for tax purposes.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        During the third quarter of 2012, the Company redeemed its 10.875% fixed-rate subordinated debentures in the amount of $7,000,000 issued to Heritage Capital Trust I and the Company's 10.600% fixed-rate subordinated debentures in the amount of $7,000,000 issued to Heritage Statutory Trust I. The related trust securities issued by Capital Trust I and Statutory Trust I were also redeemed in connection with the subordinated debt redemption and the trusts were dissolved.

        During the third quarter of 2013, the Company redeemed its Company's variable rate subordinated debentures in the amount of $5,000,000 issued to Heritage Statutory Trust II and the Company's variable rate subordinated debentures in the amount of $4,000,000 issued to Heritage Statutory Trust III. The related trust securities issued by Statutory Trust II and Statutory Trust III were also redeemed in connection with the subordinated debt redemption and the trusts were dissolved.

11) Income Taxes

        Income tax (benefit) consisted of the following for the year ended December 31, as follows:

 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Currently payable tax:

                    

Federal

   $ 4,392   $ 5,015   $ 4,139  

State

     818     63     51  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total currently payable

     5,210     5,078     4,190  

Deferred tax (benefit):

                    

Federal

     1,114     (130 )   292  

State

     1,214     1,258     1,007  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total deferred tax

     2,328     1,128     1,299  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income tax

   $ 7,538   $ 6,206   $ 5,489  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The effective tax rate differs from the Federal statutory rate for the years ended December 31, as follows:

 
   2014   2013   2012  

Statutory Federal income tax rate

     35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

     6.5 %   5.3 %   4.7 %

Low income housing credits, net of investment losses

     0.8 %   0.6 %   -0.6 %

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance

     -2.7 %   -3.5 %   -4.2 %

Non-taxable interest income

     -3.2 %   -2.9 %   -0.3 %

Split-dollar term insurance

     0.1 %   0.2 %   0.0 %

Other, net

     -0.5 %   0.3 %   1.0 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Effective tax rate

     36.0 %   35.0 %   35.6 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities that result from the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes at December 31, are as follows:

 
   2014   2013  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Deferred tax assets:

              

Defined postretirement benefit obligation

   $ 10,327   $ 8,707  

Allowance for loan losses

     7,728     8,058  

Tax credit carryforwards

     2,441     3,958  

Stock compensation

     1,693     1,697  

California net operating loss carryforwards

     —     1,138  

Accrued expenses

     1,446     1,029  

Securities available-for-sale

     —     668  

Loans

     2     —  

Fixed assets

     702     613  

Nonaccrual interest

     25     134  

Split-dollar life insurance benefit plan

     112     108  

State income taxes

     213     —  

Other

     359     451  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total deferred tax assets

     25,048     26,561  

Deferred tax liabilities:

    
 		    
 		  

Securities available-for-sale

     (2,351 )   —  

FHLB stock

     (245 )   (263 )

Prepaid expenses

     (464 )   (481 )

Intangible assets

     (1,334 )   (642 )

I/O strips

     (621 )   (691 )

Loan fees

     (1,131 )   (1,025 )

Other

     (375 )   (133 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (6,521 )   (3,235 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net deferred tax assets

   $ 18,527   $ 23,326  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        Tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2014 consist of the following:

 
   2014    
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
    

Low income housing credits

   $ 1,388   (begin to expire in 2030)

Alternative Minimum Tax credits

     870   (no expiration date)

State tax credits, net of federal tax effects

     181   (no expiration date)

New Hire Retention Credit

     2   (expires in 2031)
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total tax credit carryforwards

   $ 2,441    
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        If the Company were to generate a Federal net operating loss, it would have the ability to carryback its net operating loss to recover some federal income taxes paid in prior years. Under current California law, if the Company were to generate a state net operating loss, it would have the ability to carryback 75% of the net operating loss to recover some state income taxes paid in prior years.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        Under generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is required if it is "more likely than not" that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination of the realizability of the deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management's evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, including forecasts of future income, cumulative losses, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740-10 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, the Company estimated the need for a reserve for income taxes of $250,000 for uncertain state income tax positions of BVF.

        At December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $18,527,000 and $23,326,000, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the Company determined that a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was not necessary.

        The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as income tax of the State of California. The Company is no longer subject to examination by Federal and state taxing authorities for years before 2011 and 2010, respectively.

        The Company adopted the proportional amortization method of accounting for its low income housing investments in the third quarter of 2014. The Company quantified the impact of adopting the proportional amortization method compared to the equity method to its current year and prior period financial statements. The Company determined that the adoption of the proportional amortization method did not have a material impact to its financial statements. The low income housing investment losses, net of the tax benefits received, are included in income tax expense for all periods reflected on the consolidated income statements. The following tables reflect noninterest expense, income tax expense, and the effective tax rate as originally reported and with the low income housing investment losses reclassified under the proportional amortization method of accounting for the periods indicated:

 
    
   For the Quarter Ended  
 
   For the
Year Ended
12/31/14 		 
 
   12/31/14   09/30/14   06/30/14   03/31/14  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Noninterest expense as originally reported

   $ 44,222   $ 12,415   $ 10,139   $ 10,934   $ 10,734  

Low income housing investment losses reclassified to income tax expense

     —     —     353     (165 )   (188 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Noninterest expense under the proportional method

   $ 44,222   $ 12,415   $ 10,492   $ 10,769   $ 10,546  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income tax expense as originally reported

   $ 7,538   $ 1,993   $ 2,322   $ 1,672   $ 1,551  

Low income housing investment losses reclassified from noninterest expense

     —     —     (353 )   165     188  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income tax expense under the proportional method

   $ 7,538   $ 1,993   $ 1,969   $ 1,837   $ 1,739  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Effective tax rate as originally reported

     36.0 %   35.6 %   40.4 %   33.5 %   33.5 %

Effective under the proportional method

     36.0 %   35.6 %   36.5 %   35.6 %   36.1 %

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


 
   For the
Year Ended
12/31/13 		  For the
Year Ended
12/31/12 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Noninterest expense as originally reported

   $ 41,722   $ 40,256  

Low income housing investment losses reclassified to income tax expense

     (1,252 )   (1,195 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Noninterest expense under the proportional method

   $ 40,470   $ 39,061  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income tax expense as originally reported

   $ 4,954   $ 4,294  

Low income housing investment losses reclassified from noninterest expense

     1,252     1,195  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income tax expense under the proportional method

   $ 6,206   $ 5,489  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Effective tax rate as originally reported

     30.0 %   30.2 %

Effective under the proportional method

     35.0 %   35.6 %

        The following table reflects the carry amounts of the low income housing investments included in accrued interest receivable and other assets, and the future commitments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 
   December 31,
2014 		  December 31,
2013 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Low income housing investments

   $ 5,268   $ 1,227  

Future commitments

   $ 1,827   $ 59  

        The Company expects $1,193,000 of the future commitments to be paid in 2015, $550,000 in 2016, and $84,000 in 2017 through 2023.

        For tax purposes, the Company had low income housing tax credits of $581,000 and $731,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 2013, respectively, and low income housing investment losses of $338,000 and $263,000, respectively. The Company recognized low income housing investment expense as a component of income tax expense of $174,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014.

(12) Equity Plan

        The Company maintained an Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan (the "2004 Plan") for directors, officers, and key employees. The 2004 Plan was terminated on May 23, 2013. On May 23, 2013, the Company's shareholders approved the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2013 Plan"). The equity plans provide for the grant of incentive and nonqualified stock options and restricted stock. The equity plans provide that the option price for both incentive and nonqualified stock options will be determined by the Board of Directors at no less than the fair value at the date of grant. Options granted vest on a schedule determined by the Board of Directors at the time of grant. Generally options vest over four years. All options expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. Restricted stock is subject to time vesting. In 2014, the Company granted 385,050 shares of nonqualified stock options and 90,000 shares of restricted stock subject to time vesting requirements. There were 1,273,816 shares available for the issuance of equity awards under the 2013 Plan as of December 31, 2014.

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        Stock option activity under the equity plans is as follows:

Total Stock Options
  Number
of Shares 		  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price 		  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years) 		  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value 		 

Outstanding at January 1, 2014

     1,506,504   $ 11.80              

Granted

     385,050   $ 8.15              

Exercised

     (62,567 ) $ 4.19              

Forfeited or expired

     (102,881 ) $ 12.41              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Outstanding at December 31, 2014

     1,726,106   $ 11.23     5.9   $ 2,478,300  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Vested or expected to vest

     1,639,801           5.9   $ 2,354,385  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Exercisable at December 31, 2014

     1,176,652           4.5   $ 1,703,800  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        Information related to the equity plans for each of the last three years:

 
   2014   2013   2012  

Intrinsic value of options exercised

   $ 258,467   $ 51,000   $ 10,000  

Cash received from option exercise

   $ 262,035   $ 88,000   $ 25,000  

Tax benefit realized from option exercises

   $ 102,710   $ 17,245   $ 3,000  

Weighted average fair value of options granted

   $ 3.90   $ 3.84   $ 3.67  

        As of December 31, 2014, there was $2,092,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted under the equity plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.71 years.

        The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table, including the weighted average assumptions for the option grants in each year.

 
   2014   2013   2012  

Expected life in months(1)

     84     96     84  

Volatility(1)

     57 %   54 %   57 %

Weighted average risk-free interest rate(2)

     2.09 %   1.49 %   1.31 %

Expected dividends(3)

     2.06 %   0.12 %   0.00 %
(1)
The expected life of employee stock options represents the weighted average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding based on historical experience. Volatility is based on the historical volatility of the stock price over the same period of the expected life of the option.

(2)
Based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity interest rate with a term consistent with the expected life of the option granted.

(3)
Each grant's dividend yield is calculated by annualizing the most recent quarterly cash dividend and dividing that amount by the market price of the Company's common stock as of the grant date.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        The Company estimates the impact of forfeitures based on historical experience. Should the Company's current estimate change, additional expense could be recognized or reversed in future periods. The Company issues authorized shares of common stock to satisfy stock option exercises.

        Restricted stock activity under the equity plans is as follows:

Total Restricted Stock Award
  Number
of Shares 		  Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value 		 

Nonvested shares at January 1, 2014

     58,000   $ 6.28  

Granted

     90,000   $ 8.44  

Vested

     (48,000 ) $ 6.23  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Nonvested shares at December 31, 2014

     100,000   $ 8.25  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        As of December 31, 2014, there was $714,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards granted under the 2004 Plan and 2013 Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.75 years.

(13) Benefit Plans

        The Company offers a 401(k) savings plan that allows employees to contribute up to a maximum percentage of their compensation, as established by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company made a discretionary matching contribution of up to $1,000 for each employee's contributions in 2014, 2013 and 2012. Contribution expense was $206,000, $196,000, and $187,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

        The Company sponsors a non-contributory employee stock ownership plan. To participate in this plan, an employee must have worked at least 1,000 hours during the year and must be employed by the Company at year-end. Employer contributions to the ESOP are discretionary. The Company has suspended contributions to the ESOP since 2010. At December 31, 2014, the ESOP owned 125,713 shares of the Company's common stock.

        The Company has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for its directors ("Deferral Agreements"). Under the Deferral Agreements, a participating director may defer up to 100% of his or her board fees into a deferred account. The director may elect a distribution schedule of up to ten years. Amounts deferred earn interest. The Company's deferred compensation obligation of $50,000 and $173,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is included in "Accrued interest payable and other liabilities."

        The Company has purchased life insurance policies on the lives of two of its former directors who have Deferral Agreements. It is expected that the earnings on these policies will offset the cost of the program. In addition, the Company will receive death benefit payments upon the death of the former director. The proceeds will permit the Company to "complete" the deferral program as the former director originally intended if he dies prior to the completion of the deferral program. The disbursement of deferred fees is accelerated at death and commences one month after the former director dies.

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        In the event of the former director's disability prior to attainment of his benefit eligibility date, the former director may request that the Board permit him to receive an immediate disability benefit equal to the annualized value of the director's deferral account.

        The Company has a supplemental retirement plan covering some current and some former key executives and directors ("SERP"). The SERP is an unfunded, nonqualified defined benefit plan. The combined number of active and retired/terminated participants in the SERP was 53 at December 31, 2014. The defined benefit represents a stated amount for key executives and directors that generally vests over nine years and is reduced for early retirement. The projected benefit obligation is included in "Accrued interest payable and other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. The SERP has no assets and the entire projected benefit obligation is unfunded. The measurement date of the SERP is December 31.

        The following table sets forth the SERP's status at December 31:

 
   2014   2013  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Change in projected benefit obligation:

              

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 20,712   $ 21,305  

Service cost

     714     1,214  

Actuarial loss (gain)

     3,059     (1,746 )

Interest cost

     911     783  

Benefits paid

     (826 )   (844 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 24,570   $ 20,712  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial loss

   $ 6,730   $ 3,813  

        Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation at year-end:

 
   2014   2013  

Discount rate

     3.65 %   4.50 %

Rate of compensation increase

     N/A     N/A  

        Estimated benefit payments over the next ten years, which reflect anticipated future events, service and other assumptions, are as follows:

Year
  Estimated
Benefit
Payments 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

2015

   $ 866  

2016

     1,248  

2017

     1,422  

2018

     1,525  

2019

     1,549  

2020 to 2024

     8,814  

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        The components of pension cost for the SERP follow:

 
   2014   2013  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

              

Service cost

   $ 714   $ 1,214  

Interest cost

     911     783  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     142     291  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 1,767   $ 2,288  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost for the SERP that will be amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $386,000 and $142,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

        Net periodic benefit cost was determined using the following assumption:

 
   2014   2013  

Discount rate

     4.50 %   3.75 %

Rate of compensation increase

     N/A     N/A  

        The Company maintains life insurance policies for some current and some former directors and officers that are subject to split-dollar life insurance agreements, which continues after the participant's employment and retirement. All participants are fully vested in their split-dollar life insurance benefits. The accrued benefit liability for the split-dollar insurance agreements represents either the present value of the future death benefits payable to the participants' beneficiaries or the present value of the estimated cost to maintain life insurance, depending on the contractual terms of the participant's underlying agreement.

        The split-dollar life insurance projected benefit obligation is included in "Accrued interest payable and other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. The measurement date of the split-dollar life insurance benefit plan is December 31.

        The following sets forth the funded status of the split dollar life insurance benefits.

 
   2014   2013  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Change in projected benefit obligation:

              

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 4,353   $ 4,717  

Interest cost

     196     177  

Actuarial loss (gain)

     92     (541 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 4,641   $ 4,353  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31 consist of:

 
   2014   2013  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Net actuarial loss

   $ 540   $ 256  

Prior transition obligation

     1,507     1,597  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ 2,047   $ 1,853  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        Weighted-average assumption used to determine the benefit obligation at year-end follow:

 
   2014   2013  

Discount rate

     3.65 %   4.50 %

        Components of net periodic benefit cost during the year are:

 
   2014   2013  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Amortization of prior transition obligation

   $ (102 ) $ (84 )

Interest cost

     196     177  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 94   $ 93  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        The estimated net actuarial loss and prior transition obligation for the split-dollar life insurance benefit plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $90,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

        Weighted-average assumption used to determine the net periodic benefit cost:

 
   2014   2013  

Discount rate

     4.50 %   3.75 %

(14) Fair Value

        Accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

        Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

        Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data (for example, interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, prepayment speeds, credit risks, and default rates).

        Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        The fair values of securities available-for-sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs) or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities' relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs). The Company uses matrix pricing (Level 2 inputs) to establish the fair value of its securities available-for-sale.

        The fair value of interest-only ("I/O") strip receivable assets is based on a valuation model used by a third party. The Company is able to compare the valuation model inputs and results to widely available published industry data for reasonableness (Level 2 inputs).

 
    
   Fair Value Measurements Using  
 
   Balance   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1) 		  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2) 		  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3) 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Assets at December 31, 2014:

                          

Available-for-sale securities:

                          

Agency mortgage-backed securities          

   $ 154,172     —   $ 154,172     —  

Corporate bonds

   $ 36,863     —   $ 36,863     —  

Trust preferred securities

   $ 15,300     —   $ 15,300     —  

I/O strip receivables

   $ 1,481     —   $ 1,481     —  

Assets at December 31, 2013:

    
 		    
 		    
 		    
 		  

Available-for-sale securities:

                          

Agency mortgage-backed securities          

   $ 207,644     —   $ 207,644     —  

Corporate bonds

   $ 52,046     —   $ 52,046     —  

Trust preferred securities

   $ 20,410     —   $ 20,410     —  

I/O strip receivables

   $ 1,647     —   $ 1,647     —  

        There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

        The fair value of impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses is generally based on recent real estate appraisals. The appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

        Foreclosed assets are valued at the time the loan is foreclosed upon and the asset is transferred to foreclosed assets. The fair value is based primarily on third party appraisals, less costs to sell. The appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including the comparable sales and income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

 
    
   Fair Value Measurements Using  
 
   Balance   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1) 		  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2) 		  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3) 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Assets at December 31, 2014:

                          

Impaired loans — held-for-investment:

                          

Commercial

   $ 859     —     —   $ 859  

Real estate:

                          

Commercial and residential

     587     —     —     587  

Land and construction

     1,176     —     —     1,176  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

  $ 2,622     —     —   $ 2,622  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Foreclosed assets:

                          

Commercial

   $ 31     —     —   $ 31  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

  $ 31               $ 31  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Assets at December 31, 2013:

                          

Impaired loans — held-for-investment:

                          

Commercial

   $ 1,780     —     —   $ 1,780  

Real estate:

                          

Commercial and residential

     2,846     —     —     2,846  

Land and construction

     1,290     —     —     1,290  

Consumer

     100     —     —     100  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

  $ 6,016     —     —   $ 6,016  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Foreclosed assets:

                          

Land and construction

   $ 575     —     —   $ 575  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

  $ 575               $ 575  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        The following table shows the detail of the impaired loans held-for-investment and the impaired loans held-for-investment carried at fair value for the periods indicated:

 
   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Impaired loans held-for-investment:

              

Book value of impaired loans held-for-investment carried at fair value

   $ 3,026   $ 8,472  

Book value of impaired loans held-for-investment carried at cost          

     2,996     3,346  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total impaired loans held-for-investment

   $ 6,022   $ 11,818  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Impaired loans held-for-investment carried at fair value:

              

Book value of impaired loans held-for-investment carried at fair value

   $ 3,026   $ 8,472  

Specific valuation allowance

     (404 )   (2,456 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Impaired loans held-for-investment carried at fair value, net

   $ 2,622   $ 6,016  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        Impaired loans held-for-investment of $6,022,000 at December 31, 2014, after partial charge-offs of $107,000 in 2014, were analyzed for additional impairment primarily using the fair value of collateral. In addition, these loans had a specific valuation allowance of $404,000 at December 31, 2014. Impaired loans held-for-investment totaling $3,026,000 at December 31, 2014 were carried at fair value as a result of the aforementioned partial charge-offs and specific valuation allowances at year-end. The remaining $2,996,000 of impaired loans were carried at cost at December 31, 2014, as the fair value of the collateral exceeded the cost basis of each respective loan. Partial charge-offs and changes in specific valuation allowances during 2014 on impaired loans held-for-investment carried at fair value at December 31, 2014 resulted in a credit to the provision for loan losses of $100,000.

        At December 31, 2014, foreclosed assets had a carrying amount of $696,000, with no valuation allowance at December 31, 2014.

        Impaired loans held for investment of $11,818,000 at December 31, 2013, after partial charge offs of $318,000 in 2013, were analyzed for additional impairment primarily using the fair value of collateral. In addition, these loans had a specific valuation allowance of $2,456,000 at December 31, 2013. Impaired loans held for investment totaling $8,472,000 at December 31, 2013 were carried at fair value as a result of the aforementioned partial charge offs and specific valuation allowances at year end. The remaining $3,346,000 of impaired loans were carried at cost at December 31, 2013, as the fair value of the collateral exceeded the cost basis of each respective loan. Partial charge offs and changes in specific valuation allowances during 2013 on impaired loans held for investment carried at fair value at December 31, 2013 resulted in an additional provision for loan losses of $508,000.

        At December 31, 2013, foreclosed assets had a carrying amount of $575,000, with no valuation allowance at December 31, 2013.

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        The following table presents quantitative information about level 3 fair value measurements for financial instruments measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, except for consumer loans, at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 
   December 31, 2014
 
   Fair Value   Valuation
Techniques 		  Unobservable
Inputs 		  Range
(Weighted Average)
 
   (Dollars in thousands)

Impaired loans — held-for-investment:

                  

Commercial

   $ 859   Market Approach   Discount adjustment for differences between comparable sales   0% to 3% (3%)

Real estate:

                  

Commercial and residential

     587   Market Approach   Discount adjustment for differences between comparable sales   0% to 3% (3%)

Land and construction

     1,176   Market Approach   Discount adjustment for differences between comparable sales   1% to 2% (2%)

Foreclosed assets:

                  

Commercial

     31   Market Approach   Discount adjustment for differences between comparable sales   Less than 1%

 

 
   December 31, 2013
 
   Fair Value   Valuation
Techniques 		  Unobservable
Inputs 		  Range
(Weighted Average)
 
   (Dollars in thousands)

Impaired loans — held-for-investment:

                  

Commercial

   $ 1,780   Market Approach   Discount adjustment for differences between comparable sales   2% to 3% (2%)

Real estate:

                  

Commercial and residential

     2,846   Market Approach   Discount adjustment for differences between comparable sales   1% to 15% (2%)

Land and construction

     1,290   Market Approach   Discount adjustment for differences between comparable sales   1% to 2% (2%)

Foreclosed assets:

                  

Land and construction

     575   Market Approach   Discount adjustment for differences between comparable sales   1% to 16% (7%)

        The Company obtains third party appraisals on its impaired loans held-for-investment and foreclosed assets to determine fair value. Generally, the third party appraisals apply the "market approach," which is a valuation technique that uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable (that is, similar) assets, liabilities, or a group of assets and liabilities, such

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

as a business. Adjustments are then made based on the type of property, age of appraisal, current status of property and other related factors to estimate the current value of collateral.

        The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, at year-end were as follows:

 
    
   December 31, 2014 Estimated Fair Value  
 
   Carrying
Amounts 		  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1) 		  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2) 		  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3) 		  Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Assets:

                                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 122,403   $ 122,403   $ —   $ —   $ 122,403  

Securities available-for-sale

     206,335     —     206,335     —     206,335  

Securities held-to-maturity

     95,362     —     94,953     —     94,953  

Loans (including loans held-for-sale), net

     1,071,436     —     1,172     1,071,854     1,073,026  

FHLB and FRB stock

     10,598     —     —     —     N/A  

Accrued interest receivable

     5,044     —     1,435     3,609     5,044  

Loan servicing rights and I/O strips receivables

     2,046     —     3,906     —     3,906  

Liabilities:

    
 		    
 		    
 		    
 		    
 		  

Time deposits

   $ 256,223   $ —   $ 256,589   $ —   $ 256,589  

Other deposits

     1,132,163     —     1,132,163     —     1,132,163  

Accrued interest payable

     201     —     201     —     201  

 

 
    
   December 31, 2013 Estimated Fair Value  
 
   Carrying
Amounts 		  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1) 		  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2) 		  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3) 		  Total  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Assets:

                                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 112,605   $ 112,605   $ —   $ —   $ 112,605  

Securities available-for-sale

     280,100     —     280,100     —     280,100  

Securities held-to-maturity

     95,921     —     86,032     —     86,032  

Loans (including loans held-for-sale), net

     898,897     —     3,148     890,368     893,516  

FHLB and FRB stock

     10,435     —     —     —     N/A  

Accrued interest receivable

     4,085     —     1,729     2,356     4,085  

Loan servicing rights and I/O strips receivables

     2,172     —     4,203     —     4,203  

Liabilities:

    
 		    
 		    
 		    
 		    
 		  

Time deposits

   $ 277,844   $ —   $ 278,239   $ —   $ 278,239  

Other deposits

     1,008,377     —     1,008,377     —     1,008,377  

Accrued interest payable

     192     —     192     —     192  

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

        The methods and assumptions, not previously discussed, used to estimate the fair value are described as follows:

        The carrying amounts of cash on hand, noninterest and interest bearing due from bank accounts approximate fair values and are classified as Level 1.

        The fair value of loans held-for-sale is estimated based upon binding contracts and quotes from third party investors resulting in a Level 2 classification.

        Fair values of loans, excluding loans held for sale, are estimated as follows: For variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values resulting in a Level 3 classification. Fair values for other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality resulting in a Level 3 classification. Impaired loans are valued at the lower of cost or fair value as described previously. The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price.

        It was not practical to determine the fair value of FHLB and FRB stock due to the restrictions placed on transferability.

        The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value resulting in a Level 2 or Level 3 classification.

        The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and noninterest checking, passbook savings, and certain types of money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amount) resulting in a Level 2 classification. The carrying amounts of variable rate, fixed-term money market accounts approximate their fair values at the reporting date resulting in a Level 2 classification. The carrying amounts of variable rate, certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the reporting date resulting in a Level 2 classification. Fair values for fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flows calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits resulting in a Level 2 classification.

        The fair values of the subordinated debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements resulting in a Level 3 classification.

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        Fair values for off-balance sheet, credit-related financial instruments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties' credit standing. The fair value of commitments is not material.

        Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information about the financial instruments. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

(15) Commitments and Contingencies

        HBC is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its clients. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the balance sheets.

        HBC's exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance of the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. HBC uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Credit risk is the possibility that a loss may occur because a party to a transaction failed to perform according to the terms of the contract. HBC controls the credit risk of these transactions through credit approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures. Management does not anticipate any significant losses as a result of these transactions.

        Commitments to extend credit were as follows:

 
   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013  
 
   Fixed
Rate 		  Variable
Rate 		  Fixed
Rate 		  Variable
Rate 		 
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Unused lines of credit and commitments to make loans

   $ 8,164   $ 415,146   $ 6,136   $ 359,955  

Standby letters of credit

     3,235     12,783     —     11,099  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

  $ 11,399   $ 427,929   $ 6,136   $ 371,054  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

        Commitments generally expire within one year.

        Standby letters of credit are written with conditional commitments issued by HBC to guarantee the performance of a client to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to clients.

        The Company is required to maintain interest-bearing reserves. Reserve requirements are based on a percentage of certain deposits. As of December 31, 2014, the Company maintained reserves of $11,379,000

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

in the form of vault cash and balances at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, which satisfied the regulatory requirements.

        The Company's policy is to accrue for legal costs associated with both asserted and unasserted claims when it is probable that such costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. A number of parties have filed complaints in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara asserting certain claims against the Company arising from the transfer of funds for personal use by an authorized signatory of a customer. The litigation is in the discovery stage and it is not possible to determine the amount of the loss, if any, arising from the claim in excess of the legal expenses expected to be incurred in defense of the litigation. The Company intends to vigorously defend the litigation.

(16) Shareholders' Equity and Earnings Per Share

        Series A Preferred Stock—On November 21, 2008, the Company issued 40,000 shares of Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock") to the U.S. Treasury under the terms of the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program for $40,000,000 with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. On March 7, 2012, in accordance with approvals received from the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board, the Company repurchased all of the Series A Preferred Stock and paid all of the related accrued and unpaid dividends.

        Warrants—On November 21, 2008, in conjunction with the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Company issued a warrant to the U.S Treasury with an initial exercise price of $12.96 per share of common stock, with an allocated fair value of $1,979,000. The warrant was exercisable at any time on or before November 21, 2018. The warrant was transferable at any time. On June 12, 2013, the Company completed the repurchase of the common stock warrant for $140,000.

        Series C Preferred Stock—On June 21, 2010, the Company issued to various institutional investors 21,004 shares of Series C Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock ("Series C Preferred Stock"). The Series C Preferred Stock is mandatorily convertible into 5,601,000 shares of common stock at a conversion price of $3.75 per share upon a subsequent transfer of the Series C Preferred Stock to third parties not affiliated with the holder in a widely dispersed offering. The Series C Preferred Stock is non-voting except in the case of certain transactions that would affect the rights of the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock or applicable law. The holders of Series C Preferred Stock receive dividends on an as converted basis when dividends are also declared for holders of common stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is not redeemable by the Company or by the holders and has a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Company's common stock.

        Dividends—On January 26, 2015, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a $0.08 per share quarterly cash dividend to holders of common stock and Series C preferred stock (on an as converted basis). The dividend will be paid on February 25, 2015, to shareholders of record on February 10, 2015.

        Earnings Per Share—Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income, less dividends and discount accretion on preferred stock, by the weighted average common shares outstanding. The Series C Preferred Stock participates in the earnings of the Company and, therefore, the shares issued on the conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock are considered outstanding under the two-class method of computing basic earnings per common share during periods of earnings. Diluted earnings per share reflect potential dilution from outstanding stock options and common stock warrants, using the treasury

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stock method. The common stock warrant was antidilutive at December 31, 2013, and 2012. The Company repurchased the warrant for $140,000 in the second quarter of 2013. A reconciliation of these factors used in computing basic and diluted earnings per common share is as follows:

 
   Year ended December 31,  
 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
  

Net income available to common shareholders

   $ 12,419   $ 11,204   $ 8,703  

Less: undistributed earnings allocated to Series C Preferred Stock

     1,342     1,687     1,527  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders

   $ 11,077   $ 9,517   $ 7,176  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share

     26,390,615     26,338,161     26,303,245  

Dilutive effect of stock options oustanding, using the the treasury stock method

     135,666     48,291     26,091  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Shares used in computing diluted earnings per common share

     26,526,282     26,386,452     26,329,336  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.42   $ 0.36   $ 0.27  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.42   $ 0.36   $ 0.27  

(17) Capital Requirements

        The Company and its subsidiary bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory — and possibly additional discretionary — actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's financial statements and operations. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and HBC must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

        Quantitative measures established by regulation to help ensure capital adequacy require the Company and HBC to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined). Management believes that, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company and HBC met all capital adequacy guidelines to which they were subject.

        As of December 31, 2014 HBC was categorized as "well-capitalized" under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since December 31, 2014 that management believes have changed the categorization of the Company or HBC as well-capitalized.

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        The Company's consolidated capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table, together with capital adequacy requirements.

 
   Actual   To Be
Well-Capitalized
Under Regulatory
Requirements 		  Required For
Capital
Adequacy
Purposes 		 
 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

As of December 31, 2014

                                      

Total Capital

   $ 186,068     13.9 % $ 134,109     10.0 % $ 107,287     8.0 %

(to risk-weighted assets)

                                      

Tier 1 Capital

   $ 169,278     12.6 % $ 80,465     6.0 % $ 53,644     4.0 %

(to risk-weighted assets)

                                      

Tier 1 Capital

   $ 169,278     10.6 %   N/A     N/A   $ 63,949     4.0 %

(to average assets)

                                      

As of December 31, 2013

    
 		    
 		    
 		    
 		    
 		    
 		  

Total Capital

   $ 179,916     15.3 % $ 117,581     10.0 % $ 94,065     8.0 %

(to risk-weighted assets)

                                      

Tier 1 Capital

   $ 165,162     14.0 % $ 70,549     6.0 % $ 47,032     4.0 %

(to risk-weighted assets)

                                      

Tier 1 Capital

   $ 165,162     11.2 %   N/A     N/A   $ 59,083     4.0 %

(to average assets)

                                      

        HBC's actual capital and required amounts and ratios are presented in the following table.

 
   Actual   To Be
Well-Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Action
Provisions 		  Required For
Capital
Adequacy
Purposes 		 
 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

As of December 31, 2014

                                      

Total Capital

   $ 175,765     13.1 % $ 134,095     10.0 % $ 107,276     8.0 %

(to risk-weighted assets)

                                      

Tier 1 Capital

   $ 158,976     11.9 % $ 80,457     6.0 % $ 53,638     4.0 %

(to risk-weighted assets)

                                      

Tier 1 Capital

   $ 158,976     9.9 % $ 79,959     5.0 % $ 63,967     4.0 %

(to average assets)

                                      

As of December 31, 2013

    
 		    
 		    
 		    
 		    
 		    
 		  

Total Capital

   $ 163,827     13.9 % $ 117,872     10.0 % $ 94,297     8.0 %

(to risk-weighted assets)

                                      

Tier 1 Capital

   $ 149,037     12.6 % $ 70,723     6.0 % $ 47,148     4.0 %

(to risk-weighted assets)

                                      

Tier 1 Capital

   $ 149,037     10.1 % $ 73,858     5.0 % $ 59,086     4.0 %

(to average assets)

                                      

        The Company's total risk based capital ratio, Tier 1 risk based capital ratio, and leverage ratio at December 31, 2014 decreased to 13.9%, 12.6%, and 10.6%, compared to 15.3%, 14.0%, and 11.2% at

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December 31, 2013, respectively. HBC's total risk based capital ratio, Tier 1 risk based capital ratio, and leverage ratio at December 31, 2014 decreased to 13.1%, 11.9%, and 9.9%, compared to 13.9%, 12.6%, and 10.1% at December 31, 2013, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to the addition of goodwill and other intangible assets from the BVF acquisition. At December 31, 2014, the Company's and HBC's capital ratios exceed the highest regulatory capital requirement of "well capitalized" under prompt corrective action provisions.

        HCC is dependent upon dividends from HBC. Under California General Corporation Law, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available. The California Financial Code provides that a state-licensed bank may not make a cash distribution to its shareholders in excess of the lesser of the following: (i) the bank's retained earnings; or (ii) the bank's net income for its last three fiscal years, less the amount of any distributions made by the bank to its shareholders during such period. However, a bank, with the prior approval of the Commissioner of the California Department of Business Oversight may make a distribution to its shareholders of an amount not to exceed the greater of (i) a bank's retained earnings; (ii) its net income for its last fiscal year; or (iii) its net income for the current fiscal year. Also with the prior approval of the Commissioner of the California Department of Business Oversight and the shareholders of the bank, the bank may make a distribution to its shareholders, as a reduction in capital of the bank. In the event that the Commissioner determines that the shareholders' equity of a bank is inadequate or that the making of a distribution by a bank would be unsafe or unsound, the Commissioner may order a bank to refrain from making such a proposed distribution. As of December 31, 2014, HBC would be required to obtain regulatory approval from the California Department of Business Oversight for a dividend or other distribution to HCC. Similar restrictions applied to the amount and sum of loan advances and other transfers of funds from HBC to the parent company.

(18) Parent Company only Condensed Financial Information

        The condensed financial statements of Heritage Commerce Corp (parent company only) are as follows:

Condensed Balance Sheets

 
   December 31,  
 
   2014   2013  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Assets

              

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 10,159   $ 19,009  

Investment in subsidiary bank

     173,453     155,958  

Other assets

     953     —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total assets

   $ 184,565   $ 174,967  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity

              

Other liabilities

     207     1,571  

Shareholder's equity

     184,358     173,396  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total liabilities and shareholder's equity

   $ 184,565   $ 174,967  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Condensed Statements of Income

 
   For the Year Ended December 31,  
 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Interest income

   $ —   $ —   $ 1  

Dividend from subsidiary bank

     —     16,000     45,000  

Interest expense

     —     (229 )   (1,383 )

Other expenses

     (2,033 )   (2,080 )   (2,615 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in net income of subsidiary bank

     (2,033 )   13,691     41,003  

Equity in net income of subsidiary bank:

                    

Reduction in contributed capital and distribution from subsidiary bank

     —     (16,000 )   (45,000 )

Net income of subsidiary bank

     14,614     13,155     12,710  

Income tax benefit

     846     694     1,196  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income

     13,427     11,540     9,909  

Dividends and discount accretion on preferred stock

     (1,008 )   (336 )   (1,206 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income available to common shareholders

   $ 12,419   $ 11,204   $ 8,703  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

 
   For the Year Ended December 31,  
 
   2014   2013   2012  
 
   (Dollars in thousands)
  

Cash flows from operating activities:

                    

Net Income

   $ 13,427   $ 11,540   $ 9,909  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operations:

                    

Amortization of restricted stock award, net of forfeitures and taxes          

     (9 )   200     148  

Equity in undistributed loss/(net income) of subsidiary bank

     (14,614 )   2,845     32,290  

Net change in other assets and liabilities

     (2,158 )   4,478     (744 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     (3,354 )   19,063     41,603  

Cash flows from financing activities:

                    

Repayment of subordinated debt

     —     (9,279 )   (14,423 )

Payment of cash dividends

     (5,758 )   (1,916 )   (373 )

Repayment of preferred stock

     —     —     (40,000 )

Exercise of stock options

     262     88     39  

Payment of repurchase of common stock warrant

     —     (140 )   —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net cash used in financing activities

     (5,496 )   (11,247 )   (54,757 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (8,850 )   7,816     (13,154 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     19,009     11,193     24,347  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 10,159   $ 19,009   $ 11,193  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(19) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

        The following table discloses the Company's selected unaudited quarterly financial data:

 
   For the Quarter Ended  
 
   12/31/2014(1)   9/30/2014(2)   06/30/14   03/31/14  
 
   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
  

Interest income

   $ 16,717   $ 14,492   $ 14,192   $ 13,855  

Interest expense

     625     500     507     521  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net interest income

     16,092     13,992     13,685     13,334  

Provision (credit) for loan losses

     (106 )   (24 )   (198 )   (10 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net interest income after provision for loan losses          

     16,198     14,016     13,883     13,344  

Noninterest income

     1,812     1,870     2,047     2,017  

Noninterest expense

     12,415     10,492     10,769     10,546  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income before income taxes

     5,595     5,394     5,161     4,815  

Income tax expense

     1,993     1,969     1,837     1,739  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income

     3,602     3,425     3,324     3,076  

Dividends on preferred stock

     (280 )   (280 )   (224 )   (224 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income available to common shareholders

     3,322     3,145     3,100     2,852  

Undistributed earnings allocated to Series C Preferred Stock

     (349 )   (320 )   (358 )   (315 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders

   $ 2,973   $ 2,825   $ 2,742   $ 2,537  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Earnings per common share

                          

Basic

   $ 0.11   $ 0.11   $ 0.10   $ 0.10  

Diluted

   $ 0.11   $ 0.11   $ 0.10   $ 0.10  
(1)
The Company's selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 includes BVF acquisition and integration costs of $609,000, and the results of operations for Bay View Funding for the months of November and December 2014.

(2)
The Company's selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 includes BVF acquisition and integration costs of $234,000.

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 
   For the Quarter Ended  
 
   12/31/13   09/30/13   06/30/13   03/31/13  
 
   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
  

Interest income

   $ 13,623   $ 13,458   $ 12,838   $ 12,867  

Interest expense

     574     627     685     714  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net interest income

     13,049     12,831     12,153     12,153  

Provision (credit) for loan losses

     (12 )   (534 )   (270 )   —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net interest income after provision for loan losses          

     13,061     13,365     12,423     12,153  

Noninterest income

     1,898     1,738     1,915     1,663  

Noninterest expense

     9,851     10,060     10,089     10,470  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income before income taxes

     5,108     5,043     4,249     3,346  

Income tax expense

     1,754     1,830     1,456     1,166  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income

     3,354     3,213     2,793     2,180  

Dividends on preferred stock

     (168 )   (168 )   —     —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income available to common shareholders

     3,186     3,045     2,793     2,180  

Undistributed earnings allocated to Series C Preferred Stock

     (421 )   (395 )   (489 )   (382 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders

   $ 2,765   $ 2,650   $ 2,304   $ 1,798  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Earnings per common share

                          

Basic

   $ 0.10   $ 0.10   $ 0.09   $ 0.07  

Diluted

   $ 0.10   $ 0.10   $ 0.09   $ 0.07  

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number 		  Description
  2.1   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 8, 2007, by and between Heritage Commerce Corp, Heritage Bank of Commerce and Diablo Valley Bank (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2007)

 
3.1
 
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Heritage Commerce Corp (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2009)

 
3.2
 
Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation of Heritage Commerce Corp, as filed with the California Secretary of State on June 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed July 23, 2010)

 
3.3
 
Bylaws, as amended, of Heritage Commerce Corp (incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed July 23, 2010)

 
4.1
 
Certificate of Determination of Series C Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, as filed with the California Secretary of State on June 17, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K as filed June 22, 2010)

 
10.1
 
Real Property Lease for Registrant's Principle Office dated April 13, 2000

 
10.2
 
Sixth Amendment to Lease for Registrant's Principle Office dated November 17, 2014

 
*10.3
 
Heritage Commerce Corp Management Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 3, 2005)

 
*10.4
 
Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2009)

 
*10.5
 
Restricted Stock Agreement with Walter Kaczmarek dated March 17, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 22, 2005)

 
*10.6
 
2004 Stock Option Agreement with Walter Kaczmarek dated March 17, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 22, 2005)

 
*10.7
 
Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 31, 2005)

 
*10.8
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Walter Kaczmarek, dated October 17, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 22, 2007)

 
*10.9
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Lawrence McGovern, dated July 21, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 21, 2011)

 
*10.10
 
Employment Agreement with Michael E. Benito, dated February 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 1, 2012)

 
*10.11
 
Employment Agreement with David Porter, dated June 25, 2012 (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 25, 2012)

 
*10.12
 
Employment Agreement with Keith Wilton, dated February 18, 2014 (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 20, 2014)

 
*10.13
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement For Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 9, 2012)

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Exhibit
Number 		  Description
  *10.14   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement For Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 9, 2012)

 
*10.15
 
2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement in Form S-8 filed July 15, 2013)

 
*10.16
 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement For 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed July 15, 2013)

 
*10.17
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed July 15, 2013)

 
*10.18
 
2005 Amended and Restated Heritage Commerce Corp Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 30, 2008)

 
*10.19
 
Form of Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement for Executive Officers (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 17, 2008)

 
*10.20
 
Form of Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement for Directors (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 17, 2008)

 
*10.21
 
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated December 29, 2008 between the Company and Walter T. Kaczmarek (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009)

 
*10.22
 
First Amended and Restated Director Compensation Benefits Agreement dated December 29, 2008 between Jack Conner and the Company (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009)

 
*10.23
 
First Amended and Restated Director Compensation Benefits Agreement dated December 29, 2008 between Frank Bisceglia and the Company (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009)

 
*10.24
 
First Amended and Restated Director Compensation Benefits Agreement dated December 29, 2008 between Robert Moles and the Company (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009)

 
*10.25
 
First Amended and Restated Director Compensation Benefits Agreement dated December 29, 2008 between Humphrey Polanen and the Company (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009)

 
*10.26
 
First Amended and Restated Director Compensation Benefits Agreement dated December 29, 2008 between Charles Toeniskoetter and the Company (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009)

 
*10.27
 
First Amended and Restated Director Compensation Benefits Agreement dated December 29, 2008 between Ranson Webster and the Company (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009)

 
10.28
 
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and its directors and executive officers (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 23, 2009)

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Exhibit
Number 		  Description
  10.29   Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and each of the Purchasers, dated as of June 18, 2010 (incorporated herein from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K as filed June 22, 2010)

 
10.30
 
Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and each of the Purchasers, dated as of June 18, 2010 (incorporated herein from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K as filed June 22, 2010)

 
10.31
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, between Heritage Bank of Commerce, BVF Acquisition Corp and the stockholders named therein dated October 8, 2014 (incorporated herein from the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed October 9, 2014)

 
12.1
 
Calculation of consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges and consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends

 
21.1
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 
23.1
 
Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP

 
31.1
 
Certification of Registrant's Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

 
31.2
 
Certification of Registrant's Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

 
32.1
 
Certification of Registrant's Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 
32.2
 
Certification of Registrant's Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document, furnished herewith

 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document, furnished herewith

 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document, furnished herewith

 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document, furnished herewith

 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document, furnished herewith

 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document, furnished herewith
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

147