UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
FORM 10-K
(MARK
ONE)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION
13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December
31, 2007
OR
[ ] TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM
___________ TO _____________
Commission file number
000-23877
Heritage Commerce
Corp
(Exact
name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
California
|
77-0469558
|
(State
or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
|
(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
|
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 [ ] No [X]
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes [ ] No [X]
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 [X] No [ ]
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. [X]
Indicate
by check mark whether the Registrant is an large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated
filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large
accelerated filer [ ]
Accelerated
filer [X]
Non-accelerated
filer [ ]
Smaller Reporting
Company [ ]
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
The
aggregate market value of the stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant,
based upon the closing price of its common stock as of June 29, 2007 ($23.68 per
share), as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, was approximately $262
million.
As of February 15, 2008, there were 12,
785,944 shares
of
the Registrant’s common stock (no par value) outstanding.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED
Definitive proxy statement for the Company's 2008 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be filed within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2007
|
PARTS OF FORM 10-K
INTO WHICH INCORPORATED
Part
III
|
|
|
INDEX TO
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2007
Part
I.
|
|
Page
|
Item 1.
|
Business
|
4
|
Item 1A
|
Risk
Factors
|
15
|
Item 1B.
|
Unresolved
Staff Comments
|
17
|
Item 2.
|
Properties
|
17
|
Item 3.
|
Legal
Proceedings
|
18
|
Item 4.
|
Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
|
18
|
Part
II.
|
|
|
Item 5.
|
Market
for the Registrant's Commom Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
|
19
|
Item 6.
|
Selected
Financial Data
|
21
|
Item 7.
|
Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
|
23
|
Item
7A.
|
Quantiative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
|
44
|
Item 8.
|
Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data
|
44
|
Item 9.
|
Changes
in Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosures
|
44
|
Item 9A.
|
Controls
and Procedures
|
44
|
Item 9B.
|
Other
Information
|
45
|
Part III.
|
|
|
Item 10.
|
Directors
and Executive Officers of the Registrant
|
45
|
Item 11.
|
Executive
Compensation
|
45
|
Item 12.
|
Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters
|
45
|
Item 13.
|
Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions
|
45
|
Item 14.
|
Principal
Accountant Fees and Services
|
45
|
Part IV.
|
|
|
Item 15.
|
Exhibits
and Financial Statement Schedules
|
46
|
Signatures
|
|
46
|
Financial
Statements
|
|
50
|
Exhibit
Index
|
|
78
|
Discussions
of certain matters in this Report on Form 10-K may constitute forward looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
“Exchange Act”), and as such, may involve risks and uncertainties.
Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe
future plans, strategies, and expectations, are generally identifiable by the
use of words such as “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “estimate”,
“project”, “assume,” “plan,” “predict,” “forecast” or similar expressions. These
forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the
business environment in which the Company operates, projections of future
performance, potential future performance, potential future credit experience,
perceived opportunities in the market, and statements regarding the Company’s
mission and vision. The Company’s actual results, performance, and achievements
may differ materially from the results, performance, and achievements expressed
or implied in such forward-looking statements due to a wide range of factors.
The factors include, but are not limited to changes in interest rates, reducing
interest margins or increasing interest rate risk, general economic conditions
nationally or in the State of California, legislative and regulatory changes
adversely affecting the business in which the Company operates, monetary and
fiscal policies of the US Government, real estate valuations, the availability
of sources of liquidity at a reasonable cost, competition in the financial
services industry, the occurrence of events such as the terrorist acts of
September 11, 2001, and other risks. All of the Company’s operations and most of
its customers are located in California. In addition, acts and
threats of terrorism or the impact of military conflicts have increased the
uncertainty related to the national and California economic outlook and could
have an effect on the future operations of the Company or its customers,
including borrowers. See Item 1A – Risk Factors for further discussion of
factors that could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking
statements. The Company does not undertake, and specifically
disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect
occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such
statements.
Heritage
Commerce Corp (the “Company”) is registered with the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (“FRB”) as a Bank Holding Company under the Bank Holding
Company Act (“BHCA”). The Company was organized in 1997 to be the holding
company for Heritage Bank of Commerce. Subsequent to 1997, the
Company became the holding company for Heritage Bank East Bay (“HBEB”), Heritage
Bank South Valley (“HBSV”), and Bank of Los Altos (“BLA”). On January
1, 2003, HBEB, HBSV, and BLA were merged into Heritage Bank of Commerce
(”HBC”).
The
Company’s only other direct subsidiaries are Heritage Capital Trust I (formed
2000), Heritage Statutory Trust I (formed 2000), Heritage Statutory
Trust II (formed 2001) and Heritage Statutory Trust III (formed 2002)
(collectively, “Subsidiary Trusts”), which were formed solely to facilitate the
issuance of capital trust pass-through securities to enhance regulatory capital
and liquidity. Pursuant to FASB Interpretation No. 46,
Consolidation of Variable Interest
Entities
(FIN 46), the Subsidiary Trusts are not reflected on a
consolidated basis in the financial statements of the Company.
In June
2007, the Company acquired Diablo Valley Bank. The transaction was
valued at approximately $65,400,000, including payments for cancellation of
options for Diablo Valley Bank common stock. Diablo Valley Bank
shareholders received a per share consideration of $23.00. Accordingly, the
Company paid approximately $24,000,000 in cash and issued 1,732,298 shares of
the Company’s common stock in exchange for all outstanding Diablo Valley Bank
shares and stock options. Prior to closing, Diablo Valley Bank
redeemed all of its outstanding Series A Preferred Stock for an aggregate of
approximately $6,700,000 in cash (including dividend payments). Two
members of the Diablo Valley Bank board of directors, John J. Hounslow and Mark
E. Lefanowicz joined the Company’s Board of Directors and James Mayer,
President/Diablo Valley Banking Region, joined the Company as Executive Vice
President/East Bay Division.
The
Company’s principal source of income is dividends from HBC. The
expenditures of the Company, including (but not limited to) the payment of
dividends to shareholders, if and when declared by the Board of Directors, the
cost of servicing debt, legal fees, audit fees, and shareholder costs will
generally be paid from dividends paid to the Company by HBC.
At
December 31, 2007, the Company had consolidated assets of $1.35 billion,
deposits of $1.06 billion and shareholders’ equity of $165
million. The Company’s liabilities include $24 million in debt
obligations due to the Subsidiary Trusts related to capital trust pass-through
securities issued by those entities.
The
Internet address of the Company’s website is
“http://www.heritagecommercecorp.com.” The Company makes available
free of charge through the Company’s website, the Company’s annual reports on
Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and
amendments to these reports. The Company makes these reports
available on its website on the same day they appear on the SEC’s
website.
References
herein to the “Company” include the Company and its consolidated subsidiary,
unless the context indicates otherwise.
Heritage
Bank of Commerce
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 is a multi-community independent bank
that offers a full range of banking services to small to medium sized businesses
and their owners, managers and employees residing in Santa Clara, Alameda, San
Mateo, and Contra Costa counties in California. We operate eleven
full service branch offices throughout this geographic footprint. The
locations of HBC’s current offices are:
San
Jose:
|
Administrative
Office
Main
Branch
150
Almaden Boulevard
|
|
|
Los
Gatos:
|
Branch
Office 15575
Los
Gatos Boulevard
|
|
|
Fremont:
|
Branch
Office
3077
Stevenson Boulevard
|
|
|
Danville:
|
Branch
Office
310
Hartz Avenue
|
|
|
Morgan
Hill:
|
Branch
Office
18625
Sutter Boulevard
|
|
|
Gilroy:
|
Branch
Office
7598
Monterey Street
|
|
|
Los
Altos:
|
Branch
Office
369
S. San Antonio Road
|
|
|
Los
Altos:
|
Branch
Office
4546
El Camino Real
|
|
|
Mountain
View:
|
Branch
Office
175
E. El Camino Real
|
|
|
Pleasanton:
|
Branch
Office
300
Main
Street
|
|
|
Walnut
Creek:
|
Branch
Office
101 Ygnacio
Valley
Road
Ste
#100
|
HBC’s
gross loan balances at the end of 2007 totaled $1.04 billion. HBC’s lending
activities are diversified and include commercial, real estate, construction
loans, and consumer loans. HBC’s commercial loans are made for working capital,
financing the purchase of equipment or for other business purposes. Such 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 or fixed interest rates, with
monthly payments of both principal and interest. HBC’s commercial loans are
centered in locally-oriented commercial activities in markets where HBC has a
physical presence through its branch offices and loan production
offices.
HBC’s
real estate term loans consist primarily of loans made 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. HBC generally restricts
real estate term loans to no more than 80% 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 thirty years and a balloon payment due at
maturity).
HBC’s
real estate land and construction loans are primarily short term interim loans
to finance the construction of commercial and single family residential
properties. 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.
HBC makes
consumer loans for the purpose of financing automobiles, various types of
consumer goods, and other personal purposes. Additionally, HBC makes home equity
lines of credit available to its clientele. Consumer loans generally provide for
the monthly payment of principal and interest. Most of HBC’s consumer loans are
secured by the personal property being purchased or, in the instances of home
equity loans or lines, real property.
We also
actively engage in Small Business Administration (“SBA”) lending. We
have been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender since 1999 and HBC is a
participant in the SBA’s innovative “Community Express”
program.
As of
December 31, 2007, the percentage of our total loans for each of the
principal areas in which we directed our lending activities were as follows: (i)
commercial 40% (including SBA loans), (ii) real estate secured loans 35%,
(iii) construction loans 21%, and (iv) consumer (including home equity)
4%. While no specific industry concentration is considered
significant, our lending operations are located in market areas dependent on
technology and real estate industries and their supporting
companies.
In
addition to loans, 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. We attract deposits from throughout our market area with a
customer-oriented product mix, competitive pricing, and convenient
locations. At December 31, 2007, we had 15,800 deposit accounts
totaling approximately $1.06 billion, including brokered deposits, compared to
13,000 deposit accounts totaling approximately $847 million as of December 31,
2006.
We offer
a variety of other products and services to complement our lending and deposit
services. These include cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, bank-by-mail, ATM,
night depository, safe deposit boxes, direct deposit, automated payroll
services, electronic funds transfers, on-line banking, and other customary
banking services. We currently operate ATMs at six different
locations. In addition, we have established a convenient customer
service group accessible by toll-free telephone to answer questions and promote
a high level of customer service. HBC does not have a trust
department.
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.
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 159 offices that control a combined 39% of deposit
market share based on June 30, 2007 FDIC market share data. HBC ranks
thirteenth with 1.59% share of total deposits. These banks have,
among other advantages, the ability to finance wide-ranging advertising
campaigns and to allocate their resources to regions of highest yield and
demand. They can also offer certain services that we do not offer
directly but may offer indirectly through correspondent institutions. By virtue
of their greater total capitalization, these banks also have substantially
higher lending limits than we do.
In
addition to other large regional banks and local community banks, our
competitors include savings institutions, securities and brokerage companies,
mortgage companies, credit unions, finance companies and money market
funds. In recent years, we have also witnessed increased competition
from specialized companies that offer wholesale finance, credit card, and other
consumer finance services, as well as services that circumvent the banking
system by facilitating payments via the internet, wireless devices, prepaid
cards, or other means. Technological innovations have lowered
traditional barriers of entry and enabled many of these companies to compete in
financial services markets. Such innovation has, for example, made it
possible for non-depository institutions to offer customers automated transfer
payment services that previously were considered traditional banking
products. In addition, many customers now expect a choice of delivery
channels, including telephone, mail, personal computer, ATMs, self-service
branches, and/or in-store branches. Competitors offering such
products include traditional banks and savings associations, credit unions,
brokerage firms, asset management groups, finance and insurance companies,
internet-based companies, and mortgage banking firms.
Strong
competition for deposits and loans among financial institutions and non-banks
alike affects interest rates and other terms on which financial products are
offered to customers. Mergers between financial institutions have
placed additional pressure on other banks within the industry to remain
competitive by streamlining operations, reducing expenses, and increasing
revenues. Competition has also intensified due to federal and state
interstate banking laws enacted in the mid-1990’s, which permit banking
organizations to expand into other states. The relatively large and
expanding California market has been particularly attractive to out-of-state
institutions. The Financial Modernization Act, effective March 11,
2000 (see “- Regulation and Supervision – Financial Modernization Act”), 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.
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. 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 - Supervision and
Regulation.
”
SUPERVISION
AND REGULATION
|
Introduction
Banking
is a complex, highly regulated industry. The primary goals of the
regulatory scheme are to maintain a safe and sound banking system, protect
depositors and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s insurance fund, and
facilitate the conduct of sound monetary policy. In furtherance of
these goals, Congress and the states have created several largely autonomous
regulatory agencies and enacted numerous laws that govern banks, bank holding
companies and the financial services industry. Consequently, the growth and
earnings performance of the Company and HBC 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 Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System, (“FRB”), and the California Department
of Financial Institutions, (“DFI”).
The
system of supervision and regulation applicable to financial services businesses
governs most aspects of the business of the Company and HBC, 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.
From time
to time laws or regulations are enacted which have the effect of increasing the
cost of doing business, limiting or expanding the scope of permissible
activities, or changing the competitive balance between banks and other
financial and non-financial institutions. Proposals to change the
laws and regulations governing the operations of banks and bank holding
companies are frequently made in Congress, in the California legislature and by
various bank and other regulatory agencies. Future changes in the
laws, regulations or polices that impact the Company and HBC cannot necessarily
be predicted, but they may have a material effect on the business and earnings
of the Company and HBC.
The
Company
General
. The
Company’s stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, and as such the
Company is subject to the rules and regulations of The NASDAQ Stock Market,
including those related to corporate governance. The Company is also
subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 13 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) which requires the Company to file
annual, quarterly and other current reports with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”). The Company 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 Company’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 the Company promulgated by the SEC under Section 13 of the
Exchange Act. As a publicly traded company which had more than $75
million in public float as of June 30, 2007, the Company is classified as an
“accelerated filer.” In addition to accelerated time frames for
filing SEC periodic reports, this also means that the Company is subject to the
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding
documenting, testing, and attesting to internal controls over financial
reporting.
As a bank
holding company, the Company is registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of
1956, as amended, or the BHCA, and is subject to regulation by the FRB. Under
the BHCA, the Company is subject to periodic examination by the
FRB. The Company 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 FRB.
The
Company is also a bank holding company within the meaning of Section 3700 of the
California Financial Code. Consequently, the Company and HBC are
subject to examination by, and may be required to file reports with, the
DFI. Regulations have not yet been proposed or adopted or steps
otherwise taken to implement the DFI’s powers under this statute.
Bank Holding Company
Liquidity.
The Company is a legal entity, separate and
distinct from HBC. The Company has the ability to raise capital on
its own behalf or borrow from external sources. The Company may also
obtain additional funds from dividends paid by, and fees charged for services
provided to, HBC. However, regulatory constraints on HBC may restrict
or totally preclude the payment of dividends by HBC to the Company.
The
Company is entitled to receive dividends, when and as declared by HBC’s Board of
Directors. Those dividends may come from funds legally available for
those dividends, as specified and limited by the California Financial
Code. Under the California Financial Code, funds available for cash
dividends by a California-chartered bank are restricted to the lesser of:
(i) the bank’s retained earnings; or (ii) the bank’s net income for
its last three fiscal years (less any distributions to shareholders made during
such period). With the prior approval of the DFI, cash dividends may
also be paid out of the greater of: (a) the bank’s retained earnings;
(b) net income for the bank’s last preceding fiscal year; or (c) net
income of the bank’s current fiscal year.
If the
DFI determines that the shareholders’ equity of the bank paying the dividend is
not adequate or that the payment of the dividend would be unsafe or unsound for
the bank, the DFI may order the bank not to pay the dividend. Since
HBC is an FDIC insured institution, it is also possible, depending upon its
financial condition and other factors, that the FDIC could assert that the
payment of dividends or other payments might, under some circumstances,
constitute an unsafe or unsound practice and thereby prohibit such
payments.
The
Federal Reserve Board has a policy that bank holding companies must serve as a
source of financial and managerial strength to their subsidiary
banks. It is the Federal Reserve Bank’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 should also maintain the financial
flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for
assisting their subsidiary bank.
Transactions with
Affiliates.
The Company and any subsidiaries it may purchase
or organize are deemed to be affiliates of HBC within the meaning of
Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and the FRB’s
Regulation W. Under Sections 23A and 23B and
Regulation W, loans by HBC to affiliates, investments by them in
affiliates’ stock, and taking affiliates’ stock as collateral for loans to any
borrower is limited to 10% of HBC’s capital, in the case of any one affiliate,
and is limited to 20% of HBC’s capital, in the case of all
affiliates. In addition, transactions between HBC and other
affiliates must be on terms and conditions that are consistent with safe and
sound banking practices; in particular, a bank and its subsidiaries generally
may not purchase from an affiliate a low-quality asset, as defined in the
Federal Reserve Act. These restrictions also prevent a bank holding
company and its other affiliates from borrowing from a banking subsidiary of the
bank holding company, unless the loans are secured by marketable collateral of
designated amounts. The Company and HBC are also subject to certain
restrictions with respect to engaging in the underwriting, public sale and
distribution of securities.
Limitations on Business and
Investment Activities.
Under the BHCA, a bank
holding company must obtain the FRB’s approval before: (i) directly or
indirectly acquiring more than 5% ownership or control of any voting shares of
another bank or bank holding company; (ii) acquiring all or substantially
all of the assets of another bank; (iii) or merging or consolidating with
another bank holding company.
Bank
holding companies may own subsidiaries engaged in certain businesses that the
FRB has determined to be “so closely related to banking as to be a proper
incident thereto.” The Company, therefore, is permitted to engage in
a variety of banking-related businesses. Some of the activities that
the FRB has determined, pursuant to its Regulation Y, to be related to
banking are: (i) making or acquiring loans or other extensions of credit
for its own account or for the account of others; (ii) servicing loans and
other extensions of credit; (iii) performing functions or activities that
may be performed by a trust company in the manner authorized by federal or state
law under certain circumstances; (iv) leasing personal and real property or
acting as agent, broker, or adviser in leasing such property in accordance with
various restrictions imposed by FRB regulations; (v) acting as investment
or financial advisor; (vi) providing management consulting advice under
certain circumstances; (vii) providing support services, including courier
services and printing and selling MICR-encoded items; (viii) acting as a
principal, agent, or broker for insurance under certain circumstances;
(ix) making equity and debt investments in corporations or projects
designed primarily to promote community welfare or jobs for residents;
(x) providing financial, banking, or economic data processing and data
transmission services; (xi) owning, controlling, or operating a savings
association under certain circumstances; (xii) selling money orders,
travelers’ checks and U.S. Savings Bonds; (xiii) providing securities
brokerage services, related securities credit activities pursuant to
Regulation T, and other incidental activities; and
(xiv) underwriting dealing in obligations of the U.S., general obligations
of states and their political subdivisions, and other obligations authorized for
state member banks under federal law.
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 the Company or
any subsidiaries; or (iii) the customer must not obtain some other
credit, property or services from competitors, except reasonable requirements to
assure soundness of credit extended.
The FRB also possesses enforcement powers over bank
holding companies and their non-bank subsidiaries to prevent or remedy actions
that represent unsafe or unsound practices or violations of a
pplicable statutes and regulations.
Interstate Banking and
Branching.
The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching
Efficiency Act of 1994 (the “Interstate Banking Act”) regulates the interstate
activities of banks and bank holding companies and establishes a framework for
nationwide interstate banking and branching. Since June 1, 1997, a
bank has generally been permitted to merge with a bank in another state without
the need to obtain explicit state law authorization. However, states
were given the ability to prohibit interstate mergers with banks in their own
state by “opting-out” (enacting state legislation applying equality to all
out-of-state banks prohibiting such mergers) prior to June 1, 1997.
Since
1995, adequately capitalized and managed bank holding companies have been
permitted to acquire banks located in any state, subject to two exceptions:
first, any state may still prohibit bank holding companies from acquiring a bank
which is less than five years old; and second, no interstate acquisition can be
consummated by a bank holding companies if the acquirer would control more than
10% of the deposits held by insured depository institutions nationwide or 30%
percent or more of the deposits held by insured depository institutions in any
state in which the target bank has branches. A bank may establish and
operate de novo branches in any state in which the bank does not already
maintain a branch if that state has enacted legislation to expressly permit all
out-of-state banks to establish branches in that state.
In 1995
California enacted legislation to implement important provisions of the
Interstate Banking Act discussed above and to repeal California’s previous
interstate banking laws, which were largely preempted by the Interstate Banking
Act.
The
changes effected by Interstate Banking Act and California laws have increased
competition in the environment in which the Company operates to the extent that
out-of-state financial institutions directly or indirectly enter the Company’s
market areas. It appears that the Interstate Banking Act has
contributed to accelerated consolidation within the banking
industry.
Capital
Adequacy.
Bank holding companies must maintain minimum levels
of capital under the FRB’s risk-based capital adequacy guidelines. If
capital falls below minimum guideline levels, a bank holding company, among
other things, may be denied approval to acquire or establish additional banks or
non-bank businesses.
The FRB’s
risk-based capital adequacy guidelines, discussed in more detail below in the
section entitled “SUPERVISION AND REGULATION — Heritage Bank of
Commerce — Regulatory Capital Guidelines,” assign various risk percentages
to different categories of assets, and capital is measured as a percentage of
risk assets. Under the terms of the guidelines, bank holding
companies are expected to meet capital adequacy guidelines based both on total
risk assets and on total assets, without regard to risk weights.
The
risk-based guidelines are minimum requirements. Higher capital levels
will be required if warranted by the particular circumstances or risk profiles
of individual organizations. For example, the FRB’s capital
guidelines contemplate that additional capital may be required to take adequate
account of, among other things, interest rate risk, or the risks posed by
concentrations of credit, nontraditional activities or securities trading
activities. Moreover, any banking organization experiencing or
anticipating significant growth or expansion into new activities, particularly
under the expanded powers under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, would be expected to
maintain capital ratios, including tangible capital positions, well above the
minimum levels.
Limitations on Dividend Payments.
The California General Corporation Law prohibits the Company from paying
dividends on the common stock unless: (i) its retained earnings, immediately
prior to the dividend payment, equals or exceeds the amount of the dividend or
(ii) immediately after giving effect to the dividend the sum of the Company’s
assets (exclusive of goodwill and deferred charges) would be at least equal to
125% of its liabilities (not including deferred taxes, deferred income and other
deferred liabilities) and the current assets of the Company would be at least
equal to its current liabilities, or, if the average of its earnings before
taxes on income and before interest expense for the two preceding fiscal years
was less than the average of its interest expense for the two preceding fiscal
years, at least equal to 125% of its current
liabilities. Additionally, the FRB’s policy regarding dividends
provides that a bank holding company should not pay cash dividends exceeding its
net income or which can only be funded in ways that weaken the bank holding
company
’
s
financial health, such as by borrowing.
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of
1999.
On November 12, 1999, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999
(the “Financial Services Modernization Act”) was signed into law. The Financial
Services Modernization Act is intended to modernize the banking industry by
removing barriers to affiliation among banks, insurance companies, the
securities industry and other financial service providers. It provides financial
organizations with the flexibility to structure such affiliations through a
holding company structure or through a financial subsidiary of a bank, subject
to certain limitations. The Financial Services Modernization Act establishes a
new type of bank holding company, known as a financial holding company, that may
engage in an expanded list of activities that are “financial in nature,” which
include securities and insurance brokerage, securities underwriting, insurance
underwriting and merchant banking.
The
Company currently meets all the requirements for financial holding company
status. However, the Company does not expect to elect financial holding company
status unless and until it intends to engage in any of the expanded activities
under the Financial Services Modernization Act which require such status. Unless
and until it elects such status, the Company will only be permitted to engage in
non-banking activities that were permissible for bank holding companies as of
the date of the enactment of the Financial Services Modernization
Act.
The
Financial Services Modernization Act also sets forth a system of functional
regulation that makes the FRB the “umbrella supervisor” for holding companies,
while providing for the supervision of the holding company’s subsidiaries by
other federal and state agencies. A bank holding company may not become a
financial holding company if any of its subsidiary financial institutions are
not well-capitalized or well-managed. Further, each bank subsidiary of the
holding company must have received at least a satisfactory Community
Reinvestment Financial Services Modernization Act (CRA) rating. The Financial
Services Modernization Act also expands the types of financial activities a
national bank may conduct through a financial subsidiary, addresses state
regulation of insurance, generally prohibits unitary thrift holding companies
organized after May 4, 1999 from participating in new financial activities,
provides privacy protection for nonpublic customer information of financial
institutions, modernizes the Federal Home Loan Bank system and makes
miscellaneous regulatory improvements. The FRB and the Secretary of the Treasury
must coordinate their supervision regarding approval of new financial activities
to be conducted through a financial holding company or through a financial
subsidiary of a bank. While the provisions of the Financial Services
Modernization Act regarding activities that may be conducted through a financial
subsidiary directly apply only to national banks, those provisions indirectly
apply to state-chartered banks.
In
addition, HBC is subject to other provisions of the Financial Services
Modernization Act, including those relating to CRA, privacy and safe-guarding
confidential customer information, regardless of whether the Company elects to
become a financial holding company or to conduct activities through a financial
subsidiary of HBC.
The
Company and HBC do not believe that the Financial Services Modernization Act has
had thus far, or will have in the near term, a material adverse effect on their
operations. However, to the extent that it permits banks, securities firms, and
insurance companies to affiliate, the financial services industry may experience
further consolidation. The Financial Services Modernization Act is intended to
grant to community banks certain powers as a matter of right that larger
institutions have accumulated on an ad hoc basis. Nevertheless, this act may
have the result of increasing the amount of competition that the Company and HBC
face from larger institutions and other types of companies offering financial
products, many of which may have substantially more financial resources than the
Company and HBC.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”), became effective
on July 30, 2002, and represents the most far reaching corporate and
accounting reform legislation since the enactment of the Securities Act of 1933
and the Exchange Act of 1934. SOX is intended to provide a permanent
framework that improves the quality of independent audits and accounting
services, improves the quality of financial reporting, strengthens the
independence of accounting firms and increases the responsibility of management
for corporate disclosures and financial statements.
SOX’s
provisions are significant to all companies that have a class of securities
registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, or are otherwise reporting
to the SEC (or the appropriate federal banking agency) pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including the Company (collectively,
“public companies”). In addition to SEC rulemaking to implement SOX,
The NASDAQ Stock Market has adopted corporate governance rules intended to allow
shareholders to more easily and effectively monitor the performance of companies
and directors. The principal provisions of SOX provide for and
include, among other things: (i) the creation of an independent accounting
oversight board; (ii) auditor independence provisions that restrict
non-audit services that accountants may provide to their audit clients;
(iii) additional corporate governance and responsibility measures,
including the requirement that the chief executive officer and chief financial
officer of a public company certify financial statements; (iv) the
forfeiture of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the
sale of an issuer’s securities by the chief executive officer and the chief
financial officer in the twelve month period following initial publication of
any financial statements that later require restatement due to material
noncompliance of financial accounting reporting requirements as a result of
misconduct; (v) an increase in the oversight of, and enhancement of certain
requirements relating to, audit committees of public companies and how they
interact with the Company’s independent auditors; (vi) requirements that
audit committee members must be independent and are barred from accepting
consulting, advisory or other compensatory fees from the issuer;
(vii) requirements that companies disclose whether at least one member of
the audit committee is a “financial expert’ (as such term is defined by the SEC)
and if not, discuss why the audit committee does not have a financial expert;
(viii) expanded disclosure requirements for corporate insiders, including
accelerated reporting of stock transactions by insiders and a prohibition on
insider trading during pension blackout periods; (ix) a prohibition on
personal loans to directors and officers, except certain loans made by insured
financial institutions on non-preferential terms and in compliance with other
bank regulatory requirements; (x) disclosure of a code of ethics and filing
a Form 8-K for a change or waiver of such code; (xi) a range of
enhanced penalties for fraud and other violations; and (xii) expanded disclosure
and certification relating to an issuer’s disclosure controls and procedures and
internal controls over financial reporting.
The
Company has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, significant time and
expense in connection with its compliance with Section 404 of SOX, which
requires management to undertake an annual assessment of the adequacy and
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and
requires the Company’s auditors to express an opinion on the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting.
Heritage
Bank of Commerce
General
. HBC, as a
California-chartered bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System, is
subject to regulation, supervision, and regular examination by the DFI and the
FRB. HBC’s deposits are insured by the FDIC up to the maximum extent
provided by law. The regulations of these agencies govern most
aspects of HBC’s business and establish a comprehensive framework governing its
operations. California law exempts all banks from usury limitations on interest
rates.
The
earnings and growth of the Bank are largely dependent on its ability to maintain
a favorable differential or “spread” between the yield on its interest-earning
assets and the rates paid on its deposits and other interest-bearing
liabilities. As a result, the Bank’s performance is influenced by
general economic conditions, both domestic and foreign, the monetary and fiscal
policies of the federal government, and the policies of the regulatory agencies,
particularly the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board
implements national monetary policies (such as seeking to curb inflation and
combat recession) by means of open-market operations in United States Government
securities, adjusting the required level of reserves for financial institutions
subject to its reserve requirements, and varying the discount rate applicable to
borrowings by banks that are members of the Federal Reserve
System. The actions of the Federal Reserve Board in these areas
influence the growth of bank loans, investments and deposits and also affect
interest rates on loans and deposits. The nature and impact of any
future changes in monetary policies cannot be predicted.
Regulatory Capital
Guidelines.
The federal banking agencies have established
minimum capital standards known as risk-based capital
guidelines. These guidelines are intended to provide a measure of
capital that reflects the degree of risk associated with a bank’s
operations. The risk-based capital guidelines include both a
definition of capital and a framework for calculating the amount of capital that
must be maintained against a bank’s assets and off-balance sheet
items. The amount of capital required to be maintained is based upon
the credit risks associated with the various types of a bank’s assets and
off-balance sheet items. A bank’s assets and off-balance sheet items
are classified under several risk categories, with each category assigned a
particular risk weighting from 0% to 100%. The following table sets
forth the regulatory capital guidelines and the actual capitalization levels for
HBC and the Company as of December 31, 2007:
|
|
|
Adequately
Capitalized
|
|
|
Well
Capitalized
|
|
|
HBC
|
|
Company
(consolidated)
|
|
|
(greater than
or equal to)
|
|
|
|
|
Total
risked-based capital
|
|
|
8.00
|
%
|
|
10.00
|
%
|
|
11.76
|
%
|
|
12.52
|
%
|
Tier
1 risk-based capital ratio
|
|
|
4.00
|
%
|
|
6.00
|
%
|
|
10.74
|
%
|
|
11.50
|
%
|
Tier
1 leverage capital ratio
|
|
|
4.00
|
%
|
|
5.00
|
%
|
|
10.37
|
%
|
|
11.05
|
%
|
As of
December 31, 2007, management believes that the Company’s capital levels
met all minimum regulatory requirements and that HBC was considered “well
capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective
action.
To
enhance regulatory capital and to provide liquidity, the Company, through
unconsolidated subsidiary grantor trusts, issued $23.7 million of trust
preferred securities. These securities are currently included in our
Tier I capital for purposes of determining the Company’s Tier I and total
risk-based capital ratios. The FRB has promulgated a modification of the capital
regulations affecting trust preferred securities. Under this modification,
effective March 31, 2009, the Company will be required to use a more
restrictive formula to determine the amount of trust preferred securities that
can be included in regulatory Tier I capital. At that time, the
Company will be allowed to include in Tier I capital an amount of trust
preferred securities equal to no more than 25% of the sum of all core capital
elements, which is generally defined as shareholders’ equity, less accumulated
other comprehensive income and goodwill and other intanigble assets, net of any
related deferred income tax liability. The regulations currently in
effect through December 31, 2008, limit the amount of trust preferred
securities that can be included in Tier I capital to 25% of the sum of core
capital elements without a deduction for goodwill. Management has
determined that the Company’s Tier I capital ratios would remain above the
“well-capitalized” level had the modification of the capital regulations been in
effect at December 31, 2007. Management expects that the
Company’s Tier I capital ratios will be at or above the existing well
capitalized levels on March 31, 2009, the first date on which the modified
capital regulations must be applied.
Prompt Corrective
Action.
The federal banking agencies possess broad powers to
take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of insured banks. Each
federal banking agency has issued regulations defining five capital categories:
“well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly
undercapitalized,” and “critically undercapitalized.” Under the regulations, a
bank shall be deemed to be:
·
|
“well
capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or more,
has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or more, has a leverage
capital ratio of 5.0% or more, and is not subject to specified
requirements to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital
measure;
|
·
|
“adequately
capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or more, a
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.0% or more, and a leverage
capital ratio of 4.0% or more (3.0% under certain circumstances) and does
not meet the definition of “well
capitalized”;
|
·
|
“undercapitalized”
if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio that is less than 4.0%, or a leverage
capital ratio that is less than 4.0% (3.0% under certain
circumstances);
|
·
|
“significantly
undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less
than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio that is less than 3.0%
or a leverage capital ratio that is less than
3.0%; and
|
·
|
“critically
undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets
that is equal to or less than 2.0%.
|
Banks are
prohibited from paying dividends or management fees to controlling persons or
entities if, after making the payment the bank would be “undercapitalized,” that
is, the bank fails to meet the required minimum level for any relevant capital
measure. Asset growth and branching restrictions apply to “undercapitalized”
banks. Banks classified as “undercapitalized” are required to submit
acceptable capital plans guaranteed by its holding company, if
any. Broad regulatory authority was granted with respect to
“significantly undercapitalized” banks, including forced mergers, growth
restrictions, ordering new elections for directors, forcing divestiture by its
holding company, if any, requiring management changes, and prohibiting the
payment of bonuses to senior management. Even more severe
restrictions are applicable to “critically undercapitalized” banks, those with
capital at or less than 2%. Restrictions for these banks include the
appointment of a receiver or conservator. All of the federal banking
agencies have promulgated substantially similar regulations to implement this
system of prompt corrective action.
A bank,
based upon its capital levels, that is classified as “well capitalized,”
“adequately capitalized” or “undercapitalized” may be treated as though it were
in the next lower capital category if the appropriate federal banking agency,
after notice and opportunity for a hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound
condition, or an unsafe or unsound practice, warrants such
treatment. At each successive lower capital category, an insured bank
is subject to more restrictions. The federal banking agencies,
however, may not treat an institution as “critically undercapitalized” unless
its capital ratios actually warrant such treatment.
In
addition to measures taken under the prompt corrective action provisions,
insured banks may be subject to potential enforcement actions by the federal
banking agencies for unsafe or unsound practices in conducting their businesses
or for violations of any law, rule, regulation or any condition imposed in
writing by the agency or any written agreement with the
agency. Enforcement actions may include the imposition of a
conservator or receiver, the issuance of a cease-and-desist order that can be
judicially enforced, the termination of insurance of deposits (in the case of a
depository institution), the imposition of civil money penalties, the issuance
of directives to increase capital, the issuance of formal and informal
agreements, the issuance of removal and prohibition orders against
institution-affiliated parties. The enforcement of such actions
through injunctions or restraining orders may be based upon a judicial
determination that the agency would be harmed if such equitable relief was not
granted.
The DFI,
as the primary regulator for state-chartered banks, also has a broad range of
enforcement measures, from cease and desist powers and the imposition of
monetary penalties to the ability to take possession of a bank, including
causing its liquidation.
Safety and Soundness Standards.
The federal banking agencies have also adopted guidelines establishing
safety and soundness standards for all insured depository
institutions. Those guidelines relate to internal controls,
information systems, internal audit systems, loan underwriting and
documentation, compensation and interest rate exposure. In general,
the standards are designated to assist the federal banking agencies in
identifying and addressing problems at insured depository institutions before
capital becomes impaired. In an institution fails to meet these
standards, the appropriate federal banking agency may require the institution to
submit a compliance plan and institute enforcement proceedings if an acceptable
compliance plan is not submitted.
FDIC Insurance and Insurance
Assessments
. Banks and thrifts have historically paid varying amounts of
premiums for federal deposit insurance depending upon a risk-based system which
evaluated the institution’s regulatory and capital adequacy
ratings. The FDIC operated two separate insurance funds, the Bank
Insurance Fund (“BIF”) and the Savings Association Insurance Fund
(“SAIF”).
As a
result of the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 (the “FDI Reform
Act”) and regulations adopted by the FDIC effective as of November 2, 2006: (i)
the BIF and the SAIF have been merged into the Deposit Insurance Fund (the
“DIF”); (ii) the $100,000 insurance level has been indexed to reflect inflation
(the first adjustment for inflation will be effective January 1, 2011 and
thereafter adjustments will occur every 5 years); (iii) deposit insurance
coverage for retirement accounts has been increased to $250,000, and will also
be subject to adjustment every five years; (iv) banks that historically have
capitalized the BIF are entitled to a one-time credit which can be used to
off-set premiums otherwise due (this addresses the fact that institutions that
have grown rapidly have not had to pay deposit premiums); (v) a cap on the level
of the DIF has been imposed and dividends will be paid when the DIF grows beyond
a specified threshold; and (vi) the previous risk-based system for assessing
premiums has been revised.
Prior to
January 1, 2007, the FDIC utilized a risk-based assessment system to set
semi-annual insurance premium assessments which categorized banks into risk
categories based on two criteria, (1) three capital levels and (2) three
supervisory ratings, creating a nine-cell matrix for risk-based
assessments. The new assessment system consolidates the previous nine
risk categories into four and names them Risk Categories I, II, III and
IV. The four new categories will continue to be defined based
upon supervisory and capital evaluations. In practice, the subgroup
evaluations will generally be based on an institution’s composite CAMELS rating
assigned to it by the institution’s federal supervisor at the end of its
examination. The CAMELS rating system is based upon an evaluation of
the five critical elements of an institution’s operations: Capital adequacy,
Asset quality, Management, Earnings, Liquidity, and Sensitivity to
risk. This rating system is designed to take into account and reflect
all significant financial and operational factors financial institution
examiners assess in their evaluation of an institution’s
performance. The consolidation creates four new Risk Categories as
shown in following table:
|
|
Supervisory
Subgroup
|
Captial
Group
|
|
A
|
|
B
|
|
C
|
1.
Well Capitalized
|
|
I
|
|
|
|
III
|
2.
Adequately Capitalized
|
|
|
II
|
|
|
3.
Undercapitalized
|
|
|
III
|
|
|
IV
|
Within
Risk Category I, the new assessment system combines supervisory ratings with
other risk measures to differentiate risk. For most institutions, the
new assessment system combines CAMELS component ratings with financial ratios to
determine an institution’s assessment rate. For large institutions
that have long-term debt issuer ratings, the new assessment system
differentiates risk by combining CAMELS component ratings with those
ratings. For large institutions within Risk Category I, initial
assessment rate determinations may be modified within limits upon review of
additional relevant information. The new assessment system assesses
those within Risk Category I that pose the least risk a minimum assessment rate
and those that pose the greatest risk a maximum assessment rate that is two
basis points higher. An institution that poses an intermediate risk
within Risk Category I will be charged a rate between the minimum and maximum
that will vary incrementally by institution.
Effective
January 1, 2007, the actual assessment rates under this new assessment system
are summarized below, expressed in terms of cents per $100 in insured
deposits:
Risk
Category
|
I*
|
II
|
III
|
IV
|
Minimum
|
|
Maximum
|
5
|
|
7
|
10
|
28
|
43
|
* Rates
for institutions that do no pay the minimum or maximum rate vary between these
rates.
The FDIC
may terminate its insurance of deposits if it finds that HBC has engaged in
unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue
operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or
condition imposed by the FDIC.
Money Laundering and Currency
Controls.
Various federal statutory and regulatory provisions are
designed to enhance record-keeping and reporting of currency and foreign
transactions. Pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, financial
institutions must report high levels of currency transactions or face the
imposition of civil monetary penalties for reporting violations. The
Money Laundering Control Act imposes sanctions, including revocation of federal
deposit insurance, for institutions convicted of money laundering.
The
International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of
2001 (“IMLAFATA”), a part of the Patriot Act, authorizes the Secretary of the
Treasury, in consultation with the heads of other government agencies, to adopt
special measures applicable to banks and other financial institutions to enhance
record-keeping and reporting requirements for certain financial transactions
that are of primary money laundering concern. Among its other provisions,
IMLAFATA requires each financial institution to: (i) establish an
anti-money laundering program; (ii) establish due diligence policies,
procedures and controls with respect to its private banking accounts and
correspondent banking accounts involving individuals and certain foreign banks;
and (iii) avoid establishing, maintaining, administering, or managing
correspondent accounts in the Untied States for, or on behalf of, a foreign bank
that does not have a physical presence in any country. In addition,
IMLAFATA contains a provision encouraging cooperation among financial
institutions, regulatory authorities and law enforcement authorities with
respect to individuals, entities and organizations engaged in, or reasonably
suspected of engaging in, terrorist acts or money laundering
activities.
The
Treasury Department’s regulations implementing IMLAFATA mandate that
federally-insured banks and other financial institutions establish customer
identification programs designed to verify the identity of persons opening new
accounts, maintain the records used for verification, and determine whether the
person appears on any list of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist
organizations.
Community Reinvestment Act
(“CRA”)
. The CRA is intended to encourage insured depository
institutions, while operating safely and soundly, to help meet the credit needs
of their communities. The CRA specifically directs the federal bank
regulatory agencies, in examining insured depository institutions, to assess
their record of helping to meet the credit needs of their entire community,
including low-and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound
banking practices. The CRA further requires the agencies to take a
financial institution’s record of meeting its community credit needs into
account when evaluating applications for, among other things, domestic branches,
consummating mergers or acquisitions, or holding company
formations.
The
federal banking agencies have adopted regulations which measure a bank’s
compliance with its CRA obligations on a performance-based evaluation
system. This system bases CRA ratings on an institution’s actual
lending service and investment performance rather than the extent to which the
institution conducts needs assessments, documents community outreach or complies
with other procedural requirements. The ratings range from “outstanding” to a
low of “substantial noncompliance.” HBC had a CRA rating of
“satisfactory” as of its most recent regulatory examination.
Other Consumer Protection Laws and
Regulations.
The bank regulatory agencies are increasingly focusing
attention on compliance with consumer protection laws and
regulations. Banks have been advised to carefully monitor compliance
with various consumer protection laws and regulations. The federal
Interagency Task Force on Fair Lending issued a policy statement on
discrimination in home mortgage lending describing three methods that federal
agencies will use to prove discrimination: overt evidence of discrimination,
evidence of disparate treatment, and evidence of disparate impact. In
addition to CRA and fair lending requirements, HBC is subject to numerous other
federal consumer protection statutes and regulations. Due to
heightened regulatory concern related to compliance with consumer protection
laws and regulations generally, HBC may incur additional compliance costs or be
required to expend additional funds for investments in the local communities it
serves.
Environmental Regulation.
Federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding the discharge of
harmful materials into the environment may have an impact on
HBC. Since HBC is not involved in any 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,
2007.
Safeguarding of Customer Information
and Privacy.
The FRB and other bank regulatory agencies have
adopted guidelines for safeguarding confidential, personal customer
information. These guidelines require financial institutions to
create, implement and maintain a comprehensive written information security
program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer
information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security
or integrity of such information and protect against unauthorized access to or
use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience
to any customer. HBC has adopted a customer information security
program to comply with such requirements.
Financial
institutions are also required to implement policies and procedures regarding
the disclosure of nonpublic personal information about consumers to
non-affiliated third parties. In general, financial institutions must
provide explanations to consumers on policies and procedures regarding the
disclosure of such nonpublic personal information, and, except as otherwise
required by law, prohibits disclosing such information except as provided in
HBC’s policies and procedures. HBC has implemented privacy policies
addressing these restrictions which are distributed regularly to all existing
and new customers of HBC.
USA Patriot Act of
2001.
On October 26, 2001, President Bush signed the USA
Patriot Act of 2001 (the “Patriot Act”). Enacted in response to the terrorist
attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. on September 11,
2001, the Patriot Act is intended to strengthen the ability of U.S. law
enforcement agencies and intelligence communities to work cohesively to combat
terrorism on a variety of fronts. The impact of the Patriot Act on financial
institutions of all kinds has been significant and wide ranging. The Patriot Act
substantially enhanced existing anti-money laundering and financial transparency
laws, and required appropriate regulatory authorities to adopt rules to promote
cooperation among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement
entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money
laundering. Under the Patriot Act, financial institutions are subject to
prohibitions regarding specified financial transactions and account
relationships, as well as enhanced due diligence and “know your customer”
standards in their dealings with foreign financial institutions and foreign
customers. For example, the enhanced due diligence policies, procedures, and
controls generally require financial institutions to take reasonable
steps:
·
|
to
conduct enhanced scrutiny of account relationships to guard against money
laundering and report any suspicious
transactions;
|
·
|
to
ascertain the identity of the nominal and beneficial owners of, and the
source of funds deposited into, each account as needed to guard against
money laundering and report any suspicious
transactions;
|
·
|
to
ascertain for any foreign bank, the shares of which are not publicly
traded, the identity of the owners of the foreign bank, and the nature and
extent of the ownership interest of each such owner;
and
|
·
|
to
ascertain whether any foreign bank provides correspondent accounts to
other foreign banks and, if so, the identity of those foreign banks and
related due diligence information.
|
The
Patriot Act also requires all financial institutions to establish anti money
laundering programs, which must include, at minimum:
·
|
the
development of internal policies, procedures, and
controls;
|
·
|
the
designation of a compliance
officer;
|
·
|
an
ongoing employee training program;
and
|
·
|
an
independent audit function to test the
programs.
|
HBC has
incorporated the requirements of the Patriot Act into its operating procedures,
and while these requirements have resulted in an additional time burden the
financial impact on HBC is difficult to quantify.
Other Aspects of Banking Law.
HBC is also subject to federal statutory and regulatory provisions covering,
among other things, security procedures, insider and affiliated party
transactions, management interlocks, electronic funds transfers, funds
availability, and truth-in-savings.
Other
Pending and Proposed Legislation
Other
legislative and regulatory initiatives which could affect the Company, HBC and
the banking industry in general are pending, and additional initiatives may be
proposed or introduced before the United States Congress, the California
legislature and other governmental bodies in the future. Such
proposals, if enacted, may further alter the structure, regulation and
competitive relationship among financial institutions, and may subject the
Company 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 the Company or HBC would be affected.
At
December 31, 2007, the Company had 225 full-time equivalent employees. The
Company’s employees are not represented by any union or collective bargaining
agreement and the Company believes its employee relations are
satisfactory.
In
addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K,
shareholders or prospective investors should carefully consider the following
risk factors:
Our profitability
is dependent upon the economic conditions of the markets in which we
operate.
We operate primarily in Santa Clara County, Contra
Costa County and Alameda County and, as a result, our financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows 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. While no specific industry concentration is considered significant,
our lending operations are located in market areas dependent on technology and
real estate industries and their supporting companies. Thus, the
Company’s borrowers could be adversely impacted by a downturn in these sectors
of the economy which could reduce the demand for loans and adversely impact the
borrower’s ability to repay their loans. Because of our geographic
concentration, we are less able than other regional or national financial
institutions to diversify our credit risks across multiple markets.
Our growth must
be effectively managed and our growth strategy involves risks that may impact
our net income.
As part of our general
growth strategy, we may expand into additional communities or attempt to
strengthen our position in our current markets to take advantage of expanding
market share by opening new offices. To the extent that we undertake additional
office openings, 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 the
addition of new branch offices over time, so that the additional overhead
expenses associated with these openings is absorbed prior to opening other new
offices.
We must compete
with other banks and financial institutions in all lines of
business.
The banking and
financial services business in our market is highly competitive. Our competitors
include large regional banks, local community banks, savings institutions,
securities and brokerage companies, mortgage companies, insurance companies,
finance companies, money market mutual funds, credit unions and other non-bank
financial service providers. Many of these competitors are not subject to the
same regulatory restrictions we are and are able to provide customers with an
alternative to traditional banking services. In addition, there is an increased
importance on remaining current on technological changes because such
technological advances may diminish the importance of depository institutions
and financial intermediaries in the transfer of funds between
parties. Increased competition in our market and market changes, such
as interest rate changes, force management to better control costs in order to
absorb any resultant narrowing of our net interest margin, i.e., the spread
between the interest rates earned on investments and loans and the interest
rates paid on deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities. Without effective
management and cost controls, net income may be adversely impacted by changing
conditions and competition.
Interest rates
and other conditions impact our results of operations.
The earnings of most
financial institutions depend largely on the relationship between the cost of
funds, primarily deposits and borrowings, and the yield on earning assets such
as loans and investment securities. This relationship, known as the interest
rate spread, is subject to fluctuation and is affected by economic, regulatory
and competitive factors that influence interest rates, the volume and mix of
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the level of
non-performing assets. Many of these factors are beyond our control.
Fluctuations in interest rates affect the demand of customers for our products
and services, and we are subject to interest rate risk to the degree that our
interest-bearing liabilities re-price or mature more slowly or more rapidly or
on a different basis than our interest-earning assets. Given the current volume,
mix, and re-pricing characteristics of our interest-bearing liabilities and
interest-earning assets, our interest rate spread is expected to increase
slightly in a rising rate environment, and decrease slightly in a declining
interest rate scenario. However, there are scenarios where fluctuations in
interest rates in either direction could have a negative effect on net income.
For example, if funding rates rise faster than asset yields in a rising rate
environment (i.e., if basis compression occurs), or if we do not actively manage
certain loan index rates in a declining rate environment, we would be negatively
impacted.
We must
effectively manage our credit risk.
There are risks inherent
in making any loan, including risks inherent in dealing with individual
borrowers, risks of nonpayment, risks resulting from uncertainties as to the
future value of collateral and risks resulting from changes in economic and
industry conditions. We attempt to minimize our credit risk through prudent loan
application approval procedures, careful monitoring of the concentration of our
loans within specific industries and periodic independent reviews of outstanding
loans by external parties. However, we cannot assure such approval and
monitoring procedures will eliminate these credit risks.
Our allowance for
loan losses must be managed to provide a sufficient amount to absorb probable
incurred losses in our loan portfolio.
We maintain our
allowance for loan losses at a level considered adequate by management to absorb
probable incurred loan losses. The amount of future loan losses is susceptible
to changes in economic, operating and other conditions within our market, which
may be beyond our control, and such losses may exceed current estimates. At
December 31, 2007, our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans
was 1.18%. Although management believes that the allowance for loan losses is
adequate to absorb probable incurred losses on existing loans, we cannot
predict loan losses with certainty, and we cannot assure that our allowance for
loan losses will prove sufficient to cover actual loan losses in the future.
Loan losses in excess of our allowance may adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations. Additional information regarding
our allowance for loan losses and the methodology we use to determine an
appropriate level of the allowance is located in the “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Operations” section included
under Item 7 of Part II of this Form 10-K.
Government
regulation can result in limitations on our operations.
We
operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to supervision and
regulation by a number of governmental regulatory agencies, including the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the California Department of
Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Regulations adopted by these agencies, which are generally intended to provide
protection for depositors and customers rather than for the benefit of
shareholders, govern a comprehensive range of matters relating to ownership and
control of our shares, our acquisition of other companies and businesses,
permissible activities for us to engage in, maintenance of adequate capital
levels and other aspects of our operations. These bank regulators possess broad
authority to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of law.
The laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry could change at any
time and we cannot predict the effects of these changes on our business and
profitability. Increased regulation could increase our cost of compliance and
adversely affect profitability.
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 net income.
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. On an outsourced
basis, we engage auditors to conduct extensive auditing and testing for any
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 affect on our financial condition and results of
operations.
Our loan
portfolio has a large concentration of real estate loans, which involve risks
specific to real estate value.
Real estate lending (including
commercial and construction) is a large portion of our loan portfolio; however,
it is within recently established regulatory guidelines based on a percentage of
Tier 2 Capital. These categories constitute $621 million, or
approximately 60% of our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2007. 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. Although a significant portion of such loans is secured by
real estate as a secondary form of collateral, adverse developments affecting
real estate values in one or more of our markets could increase the credit risk
associated with our loan portfolio. Commercial and residential properties have
recently experienced a decrease in market value. 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. Economic events
or governmental regulations outside of the control of the borrower or lender
could negatively impact the future cash flow and market values of the affected
properties. If the loans that are collateralized by real estate
become troubled during a time when market conditions are declining or have
declined, we may not be able to realize the amount of security that we
anticipated at the time of originating the loan, which could cause us to
increase our provision for loan losses and adversely affect our operating
results and financial condition.
Our construction
and 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, 2007, residential
construction loans, including land acquisition and development, totaled $216
million or 21%, of our total loan portfolio. Of the $216
million, $157 million was construction loans comprised of $92 million
residential and $65 million commercial. The other $59 million of construction
loans represent land loans consisting of $46 million residential and $13
million commercial. Construction, land acquisition and development lending
involve additional risks because funds are advanced upon the security of the
project, which is of uncertain value prior to its completion. Because of the
uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, as well as the market
value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation on
real property, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds
required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. This process
has become more difficult as commercial and residential properties have recently
experienced decreases in market value. As a result, speculative construction
loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment
dependent, in part, 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 our appraisal of the value of the
completed project proves to be overstated, we may have inadequate security 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.
Acquisition
risks.
We
have in the past and 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 integrate successfully past or future
acquisitions, there is a risk that results of operations could be adversely
affected.
Impairment of
goodwill or amortizable intangible assets associated with acquisitions would
result in a charge to earnings.
Goodwill is evaluated
for impairment at least annually, and amortizable intangible assets are
evaluated for impairment annually or when events or circumstances indicate that
the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. We may be
required to record a charge to the earnings during the period in which any
impairment of goodwill or intangibles is determined.
None
The main
and executive offices of the Company and Heritage Bank of Commerce are located
at 150 Almaden Boulevard in San Jose, California 95113, with branch offices
located at 15575 Los Gatos Boulevard in Los Gatos, California 95032, at 387
Diablo Road in Danville, California 94526, at 3077 Stevenson Boulevard in
Fremont, California 94538, at 300 Main Street in Pleasanton, California 94566,
at 101 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek, California 94596, at 18625 Sutter
Boulevard in Morgan Hill, California 95037, at 7598 Monterey Street in Gilroy,
California 95020, at 4546 El Camino Real in Los Altos, California 94022, at 369
S. San Antonio Road in Los Altos, California 94022, and at 175 E. El Camino Real
in Mountain View, California 94040.
Main
Offices
The main
offices of Heritage Bank of Commerce are located at 150 Almaden Boulevard in San
Jose, California on the first three floors in a fifteen-story Class-A type
office building. The first two floors, which consist of approximately 22,417
square feet, were subleased from a non-affiliated third party under a lease
dated February 12, 1996, as amended. The third floor, which consists of
approximately 12,824 square feet, was acquired directly under a lease dated
April 13, 2000, as amended. The current monthly rent payment for the third floor
is $28,726 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until August 1, 2009, when
the monthly rent payment will become fixed at $53,861 until the lease expires on
May 31, 2015. The current monthly rent payment for the first two floors is
$42,592 until the sublease expires on February 28, 2010; however, after the
sublease expires, the first two floors will become part of the direct lease for
the third floor, subject to all of the terms and conditions therein, except that
the monthly rent will be based on the then prevailing market rate to be
determined no later than January 15, 2010. The Company has reserved the right to
extend the term of the direct lease for two additional periods of five years
each.
In
January of 1997, the Company leased approximately 1,255 square feet (referred to
as the “Kiosk”) located next to the primary operating area at 150 Almaden
Boulevard in San Jose, California to be used for meetings, staff training and
marketing events. The current monthly rent payment is $2,811 and is subject to
annual increases of 3% until August 1, 2009 when the monthly rent payment will
then become fixed at $5,271 until the lease expires on May 31, 2015. The Company
has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for two additional
periods of five years each.
Branch
Offices
In March
of 1999, the Company leased approximately 7,260 square feet in a one-story
multi-tenant office building located at 18625 Sutter Boulevard in Morgan Hill,
California. The current monthly rent payment is $11,944 and is subject to
adjustment every 36 months, based on the Consumer Price Index of the Labor of
Statistics as defined in the lease agreement, until the lease expires on October
31, 2014.
In
October of 2000, as part of a merger the Company assumed a lease for
approximately 7,889 square feet in a two-story multi-tenant shopping center
located at 4546 El Camino Real in Los Altos, California. In October of 2001, the
lease was amended to return 795 square feet, leaving 7,094 square feet remaining
under the lease. The current monthly rent payment is $16,550 until the lease
expires on September 30, 2008.
In
October of 2000, as part of a merger the Company assumed a lease for
approximately 3,471 square feet in a one-story stand-alone office building
located at 369 S. San Antonio Road in Los Altos, California. The current monthly
rent payment is $17,291 until the lease expires on September 30, 2008. The
Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for two
additional periods of five years each.
In
December of 2003, the Company leased 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 $4,930
until the lease expires on November 30, 2008. The Company has reserved the right
to extend the term of the lease for two additional periods of five years
each.
In May of
2006, the Company leased approximately 2,505 square feet on the first floor in a
three-story multi-tenant multi-use building located at 7598 Monterey Street in
Gilroy, California. The current monthly rent payment is $4,509 and is subject to
annual increases of 2% until the lease expires on September 30, 2016. However,
as provided for in the lease, the monthly rent payment has been waived until
January of 2009 in exchange for a tenant improvement allowance equal to the
amount that would have been paid during the free rent period. The Company has
reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for two additional periods of
five years each.
In April
of 2007, the Company leased approximately 3,850 square feet in a four-story
multi-tenant office building located at 101 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek,
California. The current monthly rent payment is $12,705 and is subject to annual
increases of 3% until the lease expires on August 15, 2014. The Company has
reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for an additional five
years.
In June
of 2007, as part of the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank the Company took
ownership of an 8,300 square foot one-story commercial building, including the
land, located at 387 Diablo Road in Danville, California. The Company also
assumed a lease for approximately 4,096 square feet in a stand-alone office
building located at 300 Main Street in Pleasanton, California. The current
monthly rent payment is $14,983 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until
the lease expires on October 31, 2010. The Company has reserved the right to
extend the term of the lease for one additional period of seven
years.
In August
of 2007, the Company extended its lease for approximately 6,590 square feet in a
stand-alone office building located at 3077 Stevenson Boulevard in Fremont,
California. The current monthly rent payment is $13,180 and is subject to annual
increases of 3% until the lease expires on February 28, 2013. The Company has
reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of
five years.
In
February 2008, the Company extended its lease for approximately 4,840 square
feet in a multi-tenant shopping center located at 175 E. El Camino Real in
Mountain View, California. The current monthly rent payment is $13,986 and is
subject to annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index of the Bureau of
Labor Statistics as defined in the lease agreement. The lease expires on May 30,
2013; however, the Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the
lease for one additional period of five years.
Loan
Production Offices
In
October of 2007, the Company lease approximately 250 square feet of office space
for a loan production office located at 740 Fourth Street in Santa Rosa,
California 95404. The current monthly rent payment is $1,250 until the lease
expires on October 7, 2008.
In
November of 2007, the Company lease approximately 243 square feet of office
space for a loan production office located at 1440 Broadway in Oakland,
California 94612. The current monthly rent payment is $535 until the lease
expires on November 18, 2008.
In
January of 2008, the Company extended its lease for approximately 225 square
feet of office space for a loan production office located at 8788 Elk Grove
Boulevard in Elk Grove, California 95624. The current monthly rent payment for
this space is $702 until the lease expires on January 31, 2009. The Company has
reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of
one year.
In
February of 2008, the Company renewed its lease for a loan production office
located at 264 Clovis Avenue in Clovis, California 93612. The lease covers
approximately 140 square feet of office space and expires on March 31, 2009. The
current monthly rent payment for this space is $500.
For
additional information on operating leases and rent expense, refer to
Footnote 11 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 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY
HOLDERS
|
There was
no submission of matters to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter
of the year ended December 31, 2007.
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: Citigroup
Global Markets Holdings Inc., Keefe, Brunette & Woods, Inc., Knight Equity
Markets, L.P., Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley & Company, Inc., RBC Dain
Rauscher Inc., UBS Capital Markets, Goldman Sachs & Co., Citadel Derivatives
Markets, Howe Barnes Hoefer & Arnett, and E-Trade Capital
Markets. 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 2007 and 2006 indicates the high and low
closing prices for the common stock, based upon information provided by the
NASDAQ Global Select Market.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends
Paid
|
Quarter
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
Per
Share
|
Year ended December 31,
2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth
quarter
|
|
$
|
21.97
|
|
$
|
15.45
|
|
$
|
0.08
|
Third
quarter
|
|
$
|
24.47
|
|
$
|
18.55
|
|
$
|
0.06
|
Second
quarter
|
|
$
|
25.54
|
|
$
|
21.72
|
|
$
|
0.06
|
First
quarter
|
|
$
|
27.34
|
|
$
|
24.68
|
|
$
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth
quarter
|
|
$
|
27.25
|
|
$
|
22.61
|
|
$
|
0.05
|
Third
quarter
|
|
$
|
24.95
|
|
$
|
22.55
|
|
$
|
0.05
|
Second
quarter
|
|
$
|
25.16
|
|
$
|
22.30
|
|
$
|
0.05
|
First
quarter
|
|
$
|
25.00
|
|
$
|
21.08
|
|
$
|
0.05
|
As of
February 15, 2008, there were approximately 2,500 holders of record of common
stock. There are no other classes of common equity
outstanding.
Dividends
As a bank
holding company that currently has no significant assets other than its equity
interest in HBC, the Company’s ability to declare dividends depends primarily
upon dividends it receives from HBC. HBC’s dividend practices in turn depend
upon legal restrictions, HBC’s earnings, financial position, current and
anticipated capital requirements, and other factors deemed relevant by HBC’s
Board of Directors at that time.
The
Company declared a $0.08 per share quarterly cash dividend on January 30,
2008. The dividend will be paid on March 19, 2008, to shareholders of
record on February 27, 2008.
The
Company paid cash dividends totaling $3.25 million, or $0.26 per share in 2007
representing 23% of 2007 earnings. The Company’s general dividend policy is to
pay cash dividends within the range of typical peer payout ratios, provided that
such payments do not adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and are
not overly restrictive to our growth capacity. However, no assurance can be
given that earnings and/or growth expectations in any given year will justify
the payment of such a dividend.
During
any period in which the Company has deferred payment of interest otherwise due
and payable on its subordinated debt securities, it may not make any dividends
or distributions with respect to its capital stock (see “Item 7, Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations –
Capital Resources”). The ability of HBC’s Board of Directors to
declare cash dividends is also subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions
which limit the amount available for cash dividends depending upon the earnings,
financial condition and cash needs of HBC, as well as general business
conditions. Under California banking law, HBC may declare dividends in an amount
not exceeding the lesser of its retained earnings or its net income for the last
three years (reduced by dividends paid during such period) or, with the prior
approval of the California Commissioner of Financial Institutions, in an amount
not exceeding the greatest of (i) the retained earnings of HBC, (ii) the net
income of HBC for its last fiscal year, or (iii) the net income of HBC for its
current fiscal year. The payment of any cash dividends by HBC will depend not
only upon HBC’s earnings during a specified period, but also on HBC meeting
certain regulatory capital requirements.
The
Company’s ability to pay dividends is also limited by state corporation law. The
California General Corporation Law prohibits the Company from paying dividends
on the Common Stock unless: (i) its retained earnings, immediately prior to the
dividend payment, equals or exceeds the amount of the dividend or (ii)
immediately after giving effect to the dividend the sum of the Company’s assets
(exclusive of goodwill and deferred charges) would be at least equal to 125% of
its liabilities (not including deferred taxes, deferred income and other
deferred liabilities) and the current assets of the Company would be at least
equal to its current liabilities, or, if the average of its earnings before
taxes on income and before interest expense for the two preceding fiscal years
was less than the average of its interest expense for the two preceding fiscal
years, at least equal to 125% of its current liabilities.
Additionally,
the FRB’s policy regarding dividends provides that a bank holding company should
not pay cash dividends exceeding its net income or which can only be funded in
ways that weaken the bank holding company’s financial health, such as by
borrowing.
The FDIC
and the DFI have authority to prohibit a bank from engaging in business
practices that are considered to be unsafe or unsound. Depending upon the
financial condition of a bank and upon other factors, the FDIC or DFI could
assert that payments of dividends or other payments by a bank might be such an
unsafe or unsound practice. The FRB has similar authority with respect to a bank
holding company.
For
regulatory restrictions on payment of dividends by the Company, see Item 1-
“
BUSINESS - Regulation and
Supervision – The Company - Limitations on Dividends
Payments.”
Performance
Graph
The
following graph compares the stock performance of the Company from
December 31, 2002 to December 31, 2007, 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.
The following chart compares the stock performance of the Company from
December 31, 2002 to December 31, 2007, 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
|
12/31/02
|
12/31/03
|
12/31/04
|
12/31/05
|
12/31/06
|
12/31/07
|
Heritage
Commerce Corp *
|
100
|
142
|
220
|
249
|
308
|
213
|
S&P
500 *
|
100
|
126
|
138
|
142
|
161
|
167
|
NASDAQ
- Total US*
|
100
|
150
|
163
|
165
|
181
|
199
|
NASDAQ
Bank Index*
|
100
|
130
|
144
|
138
|
153
|
119
|
*
Source: SNL Financial Bank Information Group – (434)
977-1600
Stock Repurchase
Program
In July
2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $30
million of its common stock, which represents approximately 1.48 million shares,
or 11%, of its outstanding shares at the current market price on the date of
authorization. The share repurchase authorization is valid through
July, 2009. The Company intends to continue to finance the repurchase of shares
using its available cash. Shares may be repurchased by the Company in
open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions as permitted under
applicable rules and regulations. The repurchase program may be
modified, suspended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time without
notice. The extent to which the Company repurchases its shares and
the timing of such repurchases will depend upon market conditions and other
corporate considerations.
The
following table provides information concerning the Company’s repurchase of its
common stock during the fourth quarter of 2007, which were all executed in
accordance with SEC Rule 10b-18 in 2007.
|
|
October
|
|
|
November
|
|
|
December
|
|
Total
Shares Purchased
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
196,216
|
|
|
|
162,274
|
|
Average
Per Share Price
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
16.57
|
|
|
$
|
18.02
|
|
Number
of Shares as Part of Announced Plan or Program
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
196,216
|
|
|
|
162,274
|
|
Maximum
Amount Remaining for Purchase Under Plan or Program
|
|
$
|
24,021,440
|
|
|
$
|
20,769,336
|
|
|
$
|
17,844,363
|
|
Securities
Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plan
The
information concerning our equity compensation plans is incorporated by
reference herein to the section of the proxy statement entitled “Equity
Compensation and Plan Information.”
ITEM
6 - SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The
following table presents a summary of selected financial information that should
be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto included under Item 8 - “FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY
DATA.”
SELECTED
FINANCIAL DATA
|
|
AT OR
FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
|
|
(Dollars
in thousands, except per share amounts and ratios)
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2003
|
|
INCOME
STATEMENT DATA:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
$
|
78,712
|
|
|
$
|
72,957
|
|
|
$
|
63,756
|
|
|
$
|
50,685
|
|
|
$
|
46,447
|
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
27,012
|
|
|
|
22,525
|
|
|
|
15,907
|
|
|
|
9,648
|
|
|
|
10,003
|
|
Net
interest income before provision for loan losses
|
|
|
51,700
|
|
|
|
50,432
|
|
|
|
47,849
|
|
|
|
41,037
|
|
|
|
36,444
|
|
Provision
for loan losses
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
(503
|
)
|
|
|
313
|
|
|
|
666
|
|
|
|
2,900
|
|
Net
interest income after provision for loan losses
|
|
|
51,711
|
|
|
|
50,935
|
|
|
|
47,536
|
|
|
|
40,371
|
|
|
|
33,544
|
|
Noninterest
income
|
|
|
8,052
|
|
|
|
9,840
|
|
|
|
9,423
|
|
|
|
10,544
|
|
|
|
10,812
|
|
Noninterest
expense
|
|
|
37,530
|
|
|
|
34,268
|
|
|
|
35,233
|
|
|
|
39,238
|
|
|
|
33,084
|
|
Income
before income taxes
|
|
|
22,233
|
|
|
|
26,507
|
|
|
|
21,726
|
|
|
|
11,677
|
|
|
|
11,272
|
|
Income
tax expense
|
|
|
8,137
|
|
|
|
9,237
|
|
|
|
7,280
|
|
|
|
3,199
|
|
|
|
3,496
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
14,096
|
|
|
$
|
17,270
|
|
|
$
|
14,446
|
|
|
$
|
8,478
|
|
|
$
|
7,776
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PER
SHARE DATA:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
net income
(1)
|
|
$
|
1.14
|
|
|
$
|
1.47
|
|
|
$
|
1.22
|
|
|
$
|
0.73
|
|
|
$
|
0.69
|
|
Diluted
net income
(2)
|
|
$
|
1.12
|
|
|
$
|
1.44
|
|
|
$
|
1.19
|
|
|
$
|
0.71
|
|
|
$
|
0.67
|
|
Book
value
(3)
|
|
$
|
12.90
|
|
|
$
|
10.54
|
|
|
$
|
9.45
|
|
|
$
|
8.45
|
|
|
$
|
7.86
|
|
Tangible
book value per share
|
|
$
|
9.20
|
|
|
$
|
10.54
|
|
|
$
|
9.45
|
|
|
$
|
8.45
|
|
|
$
|
7.86
|
|
Weighted
average number of shares outstanding - basic
|
|
|
12,398,270
|
|
|
|
11,725,671
|
|
|
|
11,795,635
|
|
|
|
11,559,155
|
|
|
|
11,221,232
|
|
Weighted
average number of shares outstanding - diluted
|
|
|
12,536,740
|
|
|
|
11,956,433
|
|
|
|
12,107,230
|
|
|
|
11,986,856
|
|
|
|
11,572,588
|
|
Shares
outstanding at period end
|
|
|
12,774,926
|
|
|
|
11,656,943
|
|
|
|
11,807,649
|
|
|
|
11,669,837
|
|
|
|
11,381,037
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities
|
|
$
|
135,402
|
|
|
$
|
172,298
|
|
|
$
|
198,495
|
|
|
$
|
232,809
|
|
|
$
|
153,473
|
|
Net
loans
|
|
$
|
1,024,247
|
|
|
$
|
699,957
|
|
|
$
|
669,901
|
|
|
$
|
708,611
|
|
|
$
|
636,221
|
|
Allowance
for loan losses
|
|
$
|
12,218
|
|
|
$
|
9,279
|
|
|
$
|
10,224
|
|
|
$
|
12,497
|
|
|
$
|
13,451
|
|
Goodwill
and other intangible assets
|
|
$
|
48,153
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
$
|
1,347,472
|
|
|
$
|
1,037,138
|
|
|
$
|
1,130,509
|
|
|
$
|
1,108,173
|
|
|
$
|
1,005,982
|
|
Total
deposits
|
|
$
|
1,064,226
|
|
|
$
|
846,593
|
|
|
$
|
939,759
|
|
|
$
|
918,535
|
|
|
$
|
835,410
|
|
Securities
sold under agreement to repurchase
|
|
$
|
10,900
|
|
|
$
|
21,800
|
|
|
$
|
32,700
|
|
|
$
|
47,800
|
|
|
$
|
43,600
|
|
Short-term
borrowings
|
|
$
|
60,000
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Notes
payable to subsidiary grantor trusts
|
|
$
|
23,702
|
|
|
$
|
23,702
|
|
|
$
|
23,702
|
|
|
$
|
23,702
|
|
|
$
|
23,702
|
|
Total
shareholders' equity
|
|
$
|
164,824
|
|
|
$
|
122,820
|
|
|
$
|
111,617
|
|
|
$
|
98,579
|
|
|
$
|
89,485
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SELECTED
PERFORMANCE RATIOS:
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return
on average assets
|
|
|
1.18
|
%
|
|
|
1.57
|
%
|
|
|
1.27
|
%
|
|
|
0.80
|
%
|
|
|
0.81
|
%
|
Return
on average tangible assets
|
|
|
1.21
|
%
|
|
|
1.57
|
%
|
|
|
1.27
|
%
|
|
|
0.80
|
%
|
|
|
0.81
|
%
|
Return
on average equity
|
|
|
9.47
|
%
|
|
|
14.62
|
%
|
|
|
13.73
|
%
|
|
|
9.04
|
%
|
|
|
9.04
|
%
|
Return
on average tangible equity
|
|
|
11.43
|
%
|
|
|
14.62
|
%
|
|
|
13.73
|
%
|
|
|
9.04
|
%
|
|
|
9.04
|
%
|
Net
interest margin
|
|
|
4.86
|
%
|
|
|
5.06
|
%
|
|
|
4.58
|
%
|
|
|
4.22
|
%
|
|
|
4.15
|
%
|
Efficiency
ratio
|
|
|
62.81
|
%
|
|
|
56.86
|
%
|
|
|
61.52
|
%
|
|
|
76.07
|
%
|
|
|
70.01
|
%
|
Average
net loans (excludes loans held for sale)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
as a percentage of average deposits
|
|
|
84.06
|
%
|
|
|
77.61
|
%
|
|
|
73.55
|
%
|
|
|
77.11
|
%
|
|
|
77.21
|
%
|
Average
total shareholders' equity as a
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
percentage
of average total assets
|
|
|
12.47
|
%
|
|
|
10.75
|
%
|
|
|
9.25
|
%
|
|
|
8.80
|
%
|
|
|
8.95
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SELECTED
ASSET QUALITY RATIOS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loan charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans
|
|
|
(0.10)
|
%
|
|
|
0.06
|
%
|
|
|
0.28
|
%
|
|
|
0.19
|
%
|
|
|
0.41
|
%
|
Allowance
for loan losses to total loans
|
|
|
1.18
|
%
|
|
|
1.31
|
%
|
|
|
1.51
|
%
|
|
|
1.73
|
%
|
|
|
2.03
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAPITAL
RATIOS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tier
1 risk-based
|
|
|
11.5
|
%
|
|
|
17.3
|
%
|
|
|
14.2
|
%
|
|
|
13.0
|
%
|
|
|
13.3
|
%
|
Total
risk-based
|
|
|
12.5
|
%
|
|
|
18.4
|
%
|
|
|
15.3
|
%
|
|
|
14.3
|
%
|
|
|
14.5
|
%
|
Leverage
|
|
|
11.1
|
%
|
|
|
13.6
|
%
|
|
|
11.6
|
%
|
|
|
10.9
|
%
|
|
|
11.1
|
%
|
Notes:
1)
|
Represents
net income divided by the average number of shares of common stock
outstanding for the respective
period.
|
2)
|
Represents
net income divided by the average number of shares of common stock and
common stock-equivalents outstanding for the respective
period.
|
3)
|
Represents
shareholders’ equity divided by the number of shares of common stock
outstanding at the end of the period
indicated.
|
4)
|
Average
balances used in this table and throughout this Annual Report are based on
daily averages.
|
ITEM
7 - MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
|
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 with
its own performance objectives established in the internal planning
process.
The
primary activity of the Company is commercial banking. The Company’s
operations are located entirely in the southern and eastern regions of the
general San Francisco Bay area of California in the counties of Santa Clara,
Alameda and Contra Costa. The largest city in this area is San Jose
and the Company’s market includes the headquarters of a number of technology
based companies in the region known commonly as Silicon Valley. The
Company’s customers are primarily closely held businesses and
professionals.
Performance
Overview
Net
income in 2007 was $14.1 million, a decrease of $3.2 million, or 18%, compared
to $17.3 million in 2006. Net income in 2006 was $2.8 million higher
than 2005 net income of $14.4 million. Net income per diluted share
was $1.12 for 2007, as compared to $1.44 during 2006 and $1.19 in
2005. The Company’s Return on Average Assets was 1.18% and Return on
Average Equity was 9.47% in 2007, as compared to 1.57% and 14.62%, respectively
for 2006, and 1.27% and 13.73%, respectively in 2005. The Company’s return on
average tangible assets and return on average tangible equity were 1.21% and
11.43%, respectively, for 2007, compared to 1.57% and 14.62%, respectively, for
2006, and 1.27% and 13.73%, respectively, for 2005.
The
following are major factors impacting the Company’s results of operations in
recent years:
·
|
Net
interest income increased by $1.3 million, or 3%, in 2007, and by $3.4
million, or 7%, in 2006. The growth in 2007 was largely driven
by an increase in average interest earning assets and the growth in 2006
was largely driven by an increased rate on earning
assets.
|
·
|
Noninterest
income decreased by 18% in 2007 from 2006. The Company’s changed its
strategy regarding its SBA loan business. The Company is now
retaining most of its SBA production in lieu of selling
loans. The Company’s noninterest income declined in 2007 as a
result of the change in strategy.
|
·
|
The
efficiency ratio was 62.81% in 2007, compared to 56.86% in 2006 and 61.52%
in 2005. The higher efficiency ratio in 2007 reflects the
additional senior level bankers and a new SBA team the Company hired
during 2007 and costs associated with the acquisition of Diablo Valley
Bank.
|
·
|
Noninterest
expense increased to $37.5 million in 2007, compared to $34.3 million in
2006 and $35.2 million in 2005. Charges relative to the Diablo
Valley Bank acquisition accounted for $1.3 million of the increase,
including $352,000 for intangible asset amortization, $400,000
of consulting agreement expense, $40,000 of non-compete agreement expense,
and compensation expense of $461,000 for employees who are no longer with
the Company. Compensation expense increased 9% in 2007 compared to a year
ago. The increase in compensation expense was primarily due to
the merger with Diablo Valley Bank, the addition of senior level bankers
and hiring of a new SBA team during 2007. Up front costs associated with
the hiring of new bankers for the East Bay expansion and SBA team totaled
$970,000 in 2007.
|
·
|
A
credit provision for loan losses of $11,000 was recorded in 2007, compared
to a credit provision of $503,000 in 2006 and a provision of $313,000 in
2005. This is the result of a general improvement in credit
quality and recoveries in 2007 of loans previously charged
off.
|
The
following are important factors in understanding our current financial condition
and liquidity position:
·
|
Total
assets increased $310 million, or 30%, to $1.35 billion at the end of 2007
from $1.04 billion at the end of 2006. The increase in 2007 was
primarily due to the acquisition of Diablo Valley
Bank.
|
·
|
Total
loans increased $327 million, or 46%, to $1.04 billion at the end of
2007. Total loans were $709 million at the end of 2006. The
increase in 2007 was primarily due to the acquisition of Diablo Valley
Bank and the addition of several experienced loan producers hired in the
fourth quarter.
|
·
|
Nonperforming
assets remained at nominal levels. Nonperforming assets were
$4.5 million, or 0.34% of total assets, at December 31, 2007, compared to
$4.3 million, or 0.42% of total assets, at December 31, 2006, and $3.7
million, or 0.32% of total assets, at December 31, 2005. Approximately
$2.4 million of the nonperforming loans at year end of 2007 were acquired
in the acquisition of Diablo Valley
Bank.
|
·
|
Total
deposits increased $218 million, or 26%, to $1.06 billion at the end of
2007 from $847 million at the end of 2006. The increase in 2007
was primarily due to the acquisition of Diablo Valley
Bank.
|
Deposits
Growth in
deposits is an important metric management uses to measure market
share. The Company’s depositors are predominately located in its
primary market area. Depending on loan demand and other funding
requirements, the Company will occasionally obtain deposits from wholesale
sources including deposit brokers. The Company had $40 million in
brokered deposits at December 31, 2007. The Company also seeks
deposits from title insurance companies and real estate exchange
facilitators. 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. The Company’s acquisition of
Diablo Valley Bank during 2007 resulted a significant growth in deposits and
expanded the Company’s market area.
Lending
Our
lending business originates primarily through our branch offices located in our
primary market. The economy in our primary service area continued to
stabilize in 2007. Commercial loans increased from December 31, 2006
due to increased marketing focus and the acquisition of Diablo Valley
Bank. Commercial real estate mortgage loans slightly increased from
December 31, 2006 primarily due to general improvements in commercial income
property markets and the Diablo Valley Bank acquisition. We will
continue to use and improve existing products to expand market share at current
locations, including our new branch in Walnut Creek, California that opened in
2007.
Net
Interest Income
The
management of interest income and interest expense is fundamental to the
performance of the Company. Net interest income, the difference
between interest income and interest expense, is the largest component of the
Company’s total revenue. Management closely monitors both total net
interest income and the net interest margin (net interest income divided by
average earning assets).
Because
of its focus on commercial lending to closely held businesses, the Company will
continue to have a high percentage of floating rate loans and other
assets. Given the current volume, mix and repricing characteristics
of our interest-bearing liabilities and interest-earning assets, we believe our
interest rate spread is expected to increase in a rising rate environment,
and decrease in a declining interest rate scenario.
During
the fourth quarter of 2007, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
reduced short-term interest rates by 50 basis points. This decrease in
short-term rates immediately affected the rates applicable to the majority of
the Company’s loans. While the decrease in interest rates also lowered the cost
of interest bearing deposits, which represent the Company’s primary funding
source, these deposits tend to reprice more slowly than floating rate loans. The
Federal Reserve reduced short-term interest rates by another 125 points in
January 2008. Reductions in short-term interest rates can be expected
to negatively affect the Company’s net interest margin and net interest
income, at least in the near term.
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.
Management
of Credit Risk
Because
of its focus on business banking, loans to single borrowing entities are often
larger than would be found in a more consumer oriented bank with many smaller,
more homogenous loans. The average size of its relationships makes
the Company more susceptible to larger losses. As a result of this
concentration of larger risks, the Company has maintained an allowance for loan
losses which is substantially higher than would be indicated by its actual
historic loss experience. The Company had a reverse provision for
loan losses each of the last two years because of a general improvement in
credit quality and net recoveries in 2007 of loans previously charged off. A
complete 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. Prior to the third
quarter of 2007, a significant percentage of the Company’s noninterest income
was associated with its SBA lending activity, as gains on the sale of loans
sold in the secondary market and servicing income from loans sold in the
secondary market with servicing rights retained. However, beginning
in the third quarter of 2007, the Company started retaining new SBA loans in
lieu of selling. As a result, the Company’s noninterest income
declined in 2007 compared to 2006. SBA loan activity includes the origination,
sale, and servicing of loans guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Noninterest income associated with SBA activity increased each year from
2003 through 2006.
Noninterest
Expense
Management
considers the control of operating expenses to be a critical element of the
Company’s performance. Prior to 2007 the Company had undertaken
several initiatives to reduce its noninterest expense and improve its
efficiency, including a reduction in staff and the consolidation of operations
under the common Heritage Bank brand and restructuring each
department. In 2007, however, the Company’s efficiency ratio was
significantly impacted by the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank, the hiring of
additional experienced bankers and a new SBA team. Management monitors progress
in reducing expense through the review of the Company’s efficiency
ratio. The Company’s efficiency ratio was 62.81% in 2007 compared
with 56.86% in 2006, and 61.52% in 2005.
In the
fourth quarter of 2005, the Company recognized additional expenses of $1.05
million, representing the present value of term insurance for participants in
the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, substantially all of whom
have split dollar life insurance agreements with the
Company. Typically, under the split dollar life insurance agreements,
the insureds’ beneficiary receives 80% of the excess of the death benefit over
the cash surrender value of the policy. This accounting adjustment
was undertaken after the Company’s review of split dollar life insurance
agreements and recognition that the Company has contractually agreed with each
participant to provide a benefit. This charge reflected the term
insurance cost for all insureds.
Beginning
in 2008, the Company will be impacted by the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force
Issue No. 06-4,
Accounting for
Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement
Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements
. This issue requires
that a liability be recorded during the service period when a split-dollar life
insurance agreement continues after participants’ employment or
retirement. With its existing split dollar life insurance agreements,
the Company has contractually agreed with each participant to provide life
insurance on an ongoing basis. Therefore, the Company would have to obtain term
insurance for the remainder of the participant’s life, or a comparable death
benefit if the respective life insurance policy were ever terminated. The
required accrued liability will be based on either the post-employment benefit
cost for the continuing life insurance or on the future death benefit depending
on the contractual terms of the underlying agreement.
In
September 2006, FASB issued Statement 158,
Employers’ Accounting for Defined
Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements
No. 87, 88, 106 and 132 (R)
. Adoption of Statement 158 did not affect the
Company’s financial statements since the Company’s supplemental retirement plan
has no assets and the liability for benefits is measured as of December 31 and
recorded on the Company’s balance sheet.
Capital
Management and Share Repurchases
Heritage
Commerce Corp and Heritage Bank of Commerce meet the regulatory definition of
“well capitalized” at December 31, 2007. As part of its asset and
liability 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. As a part of this
process, the Company determined in the second quarter of 2004 that its capital
levels were higher than necessary. To adjust capital to levels
consistent with its view of current market conditions, the Company commenced a
stock repurchase plan of $10 million in June 2004. This
repurchase program was completed at the end of third quarter of
2005. On February 7, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized the
repurchase of up to an additional $10 million of common stock through June 30,
2007. This repurchase program was completed at the end of second
quarter of 2007. On July, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized to
purchase up to $30 million of common stock through July, 2009.
In 2006,
the Company initiated the payment of quarterly cash dividends. The
Company paid cash dividends totaling $3.25 million, or $0.26 per share in 2007,
representing 23% of 2007 earnings. The Company’s general policy is to
pay cash dividends within the range of typical peer payout ratios, provided that
such payments do not adversely affect our financial condition and are not overly
restrictive to our growth capacity. On January 30, 2008, the Company
declared an $0.08 per share quarterly cash dividend. The dividend
will be paid on March 19, 2008, to shareholders of record on February 27,
2008.
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 non-interest income,
which primarily consists of loan servicing fees, customer service charges and
fees, and increase in cash surrender value of life insurance. The
majority of the Company’s non-interest expenses are operating costs that relate
to providing a full range of banking services to our customers.
Net
Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
In 2007,
net interest income was $51.7 million, an increase of 3% compared to $50.4
million in 2006. 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 which
comprise the Company’s earning assets, deposits, and other interest-bearing
liabilities. 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 earned or paid thereon, and the
resulting net interest margin on average interest earning assets for the periods
indicated. Average balances are based on daily averages.
Distribution, Rate and
Yield
|
|
Year Ended December
31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
Income /
|
|
Yield /
|
|
Average
|
|
Income /
|
|
Yield /
|
|
Average
|
|
Income /
|
|
Yield /
|
|
(Dollars in
thousands)
|
|
Balance
|
|
Expense
|
|
Rate
|
|
Balance
|
|
Expense
|
|
Rate
|
|
Balance
|
|
Expense
|
|
Rate
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans,
gross
(1)
|
|
$
|
844,928
|
|
$
|
68,405
|
|
|
8.10%
|
|
$
|
738,297
|
|
$
|
61,859
|
|
|
8.38%
|
|
$
|
762,328
|
|
$
|
54,643
|
|
|
7.17
|
%
|
Securities
|
|
|
165,884
|
|
|
7,636
|
|
|
4.60%
|
|
|
191,220
|
|
|
7,796
|
|
|
4.08%
|
|
|
226,043
|
|
|
7,247
|
|
|
3.21
|
%
|
Interest
bearing deposits in other financial institutions
|
|
|
3,132
|
|
|
141
|
|
|
4.50%
|
|
|
2,826
|
|
|
132
|
|
|
4.67%
|
|
|
3,234
|
|
|
97
|
|
|
3.00
|
%
|
Federal
funds sold
|
|
|
49,118
|
|
|
2,530
|
|
|
5.15%
|
|
|
63,739
|
|
|
3,170
|
|
|
4.97%
|
|
|
52,438
|
|
|
1,769
|
|
|
3.37
|
%
|
Total interest earning assets
|
|
|
1,063,062
|
|
|
78,712
|
|
|
7.40%
|
|
|
996,082
|
|
|
72,957
|
|
|
7.32%
|
|
|
1,044,043
|
|
|
63,756
|
|
|
6.11
|
%
|
Cash
and due from banks
|
|
|
37,435
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,810
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,670
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premises
and equipment, net
|
|
|
6,218
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,482
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,879
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
assets
|
|
|
87,175
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,904
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,593
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
1,193,890
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,098,278
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,137,185
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and shareholders'
equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Demand,
interest bearing
|
|
$
|
143,801
|
|
$
|
3,154
|
|
|
2.19%
|
|
$
|
145,471
|
|
$
|
3,220
|
|
|
2.21%
|
|
$
|
134,412
|
|
$
|
1,749
|
|
|
1.30
|
%
|
Savings
and money market
|
|
|
393,750
|
|
|
12,368
|
|
|
3.14%
|
|
|
358,846
|
|
|
10,274
|
|
|
2.86%
|
|
|
363,570
|
|
|
6,058
|
|
|
1.67
|
%
|
Time
deposits, under $100
|
|
|
32,196
|
|
|
1,243
|
|
|
3.86%
|
|
|
31,967
|
|
|
1,037
|
|
|
3.24%
|
|
|
37,260
|
|
|
862
|
|
|
2.31
|
%
|
Time
deposits, $100 and over
|
|
|
119,812
|
|
|
5,151
|
|
|
4.30%
|
|
|
107,387
|
|
|
3,762
|
|
|
3.50%
|
|
|
115,104
|
|
|
2,867
|
|
|
2.49
|
%
|
Brokered
time deposits, $100 and over
|
|
|
49,846
|
|
|
2,295
|
|
|
4.60%
|
|
|
34,234
|
|
|
1,295
|
|
|
3.78%
|
|
|
35,764
|
|
|
1,313
|
|
|
3.67
|
%
|
Notes
payable to subsidiary grantor trusts
|
|
|
23,702
|
|
|
2,329
|
|
|
9.83%
|
|
|
23,702
|
|
|
2,310
|
|
|
9.75%
|
|
|
23,702
|
|
|
2,136
|
|
|
9.01
|
%
|
Securities
sold under agreement to repurchase
|
|
|
14,529
|
|
|
387
|
|
|
2.66%
|
|
|
25,429
|
|
|
627
|
|
|
2.47%
|
|
|
40,748
|
|
|
922
|
|
|
2.26
|
%
|
Other
short-term borrowings
|
|
|
1,726
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
4.92%
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
N/
|
A
|
Total interest bearing liabilities
|
|
|
779,362
|
|
|
27,012
|
|
|
3.47%
|
|
|
727,036
|
|
|
22,525
|
|
|
3.10%
|
|
|
750,560
|
|
|
15,907
|
|
|
2.12
|
%
|
Demand,
noninterest bearing
|
|
|
242,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
229,190
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
259,881
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
liabilities
|
|
|
23,385
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,957
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,536
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
1,045,055
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
980,183
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,031,977
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders'
equity
|
|
|
148,835
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
118,095
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
105,208
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
|
$
|
1,193,890
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,098,278
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,137,185
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
interest income / margin
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
51,700
|
|
|
4.86%
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
50,432
|
|
|
5.06%
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
47,849
|
|
|
4.58
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Yields
and amounts earned on loans include loan fees and costs. Nonaccrual loans are
included in the average balance calculations above.
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 times the prior period rate and rate variances are equal
to the increase or decrease in the average rate times the prior period average
balance. Variances attributable to both rate and volume changes are equal to the
change in rate times the change in average balance and are included below in the
average volume column.
Volume
and Rate Variances
|
|
2007
vs. 2006
|
|
2006
vs. 2005
|
|
|
Increase
(Decrease) Due to Change in:
|
|
Increase
(Decrease) Due to Change in:
|
|
|
Average
|
|
Average
|
|
Net
|
|
Average
|
|
Average
|
|
Net
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
Volume
|
|
Rate
|
|
Change
|
|
Volume
|
|
Rate
|
|
Change
|
Income
from the interest earning assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans,
gross
|
|
$
|
8,633
|
|
$
|
(2,087)
|
|
$
|
6,546
|
|
$
|
(2,024)
|
|
$
|
9,240
|
|
$
|
7,216
|
Securities
|
|
|
(1,160)
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
(160)
|
|
|
(1,427)
|
|
|
1,976
|
|
|
549
|
Interest
bearing deposits in other financial institutions
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
(5)
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
(19)
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
35
|
Federal
funds sold
|
|
|
(753)
|
|
|
113
|
|
|
(640)
|
|
|
564
|
|
|
837
|
|
|
1,401
|
Total
interest income on interest earning assets
|
|
$
|
6,734
|
|
$
|
(979)
|
|
$
|
5,755
|
|
$
|
(2,906)
|
|
$
|
12,107
|
|
$
|
9,201
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expense
from the interest bearing liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Demand,
interest bearing
|
|
$
|
(38)
|
|
$
|
(28)
|
|
$
|
(66)
|
|
$
|
249
|
|
$
|
1,222
|
|
$
|
1,471
|
Savings
and money market
|
|
|
1,100
|
|
|
994
|
|
|
2,094
|
|
|
(124)
|
|
|
4,340
|
|
|
4,216
|
Time
deposits, under $100
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
197
|
|
|
206
|
|
|
(170)
|
|
|
345
|
|
|
175
|
Time
deposits, $100 and over
|
|
|
533
|
|
|
856
|
|
|
1,389
|
|
|
(267)
|
|
|
1,162
|
|
|
895
|
Brokered
time deposits, $100 and over
|
|
|
720
|
|
|
280
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
(57)
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
(18)
|
Notes
payable to subsidiary grantor trusts
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
174
|
|
|
174
|
Securities
sold under agreement to repurchase
|
|
|
(350)
|
|
|
110
|
|
|
(240)
|
|
|
(379)
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
(295)
|
Other short-term borrowings
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Total
interest expense on interest bearing liabilities
|
|
$
|
2,059
|
|
$
|
2,428
|
|
$
|
4,487
|
|
$
|
(748)
|
|
$
|
7,366
|
|
$
|
6,618
|
Net
interest income
|
|
$
|
4,675
|
|
$
|
(3,407)
|
|
$
|
1,268
|
|
$
|
(2,158)
|
|
$
|
4,741
|
|
$
|
2,583
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
interest income for 2007 increased $1.3 million or 3% from 2006. The
increase in 2007 was primarily due to growth in the loan
portfolio. Average earning assets increased 7% in 2007 from
2006. This increase was primarily attributable to the acquisition of
Diablo Valley Bank. The Company’s net interest margin, expressed as a percentage
of average earning assets, was 4.86% in 2007 compared to 5.06% in 2006, a
decrease of 20 basis points. 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. Management anticipates that the
Company’s net interest margin could experience some compression if short-term
interest rates continue to fall in 2008.
The net
interest margin increased 48 basis points to 5.06% in 2006 from 4.58% in 2005.
Net interest income increased $2.6 million, or 5%, for 2006 to $50.4 million
from $47.8 million for 2005, primarily due to higher in interest rate levels in
2006.
Provision
for Loan Losses
|
Credit
risk is inherent in the business of making loans. The Company sets aside an
allowance or reserve for loan losses through charges to earnings, which are
shown in the income statement as the provision for loan losses. Specifically
identifiable and quantifiable losses are immediately charged off against the
allowance. The loan loss provision is determined by conducting a monthly
evaluation of the adequacy of the Company’s allowance for loan losses and
charging the shortfall, if any, to the current month’s expense. This has the
effect of creating variability in the amount and frequency of charges to the
Company’s earnings. The loan loss provision and level of allowance
for each period are dependent upon many factors, including loan growth, net
charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies,
management’s assessment of the quality of the loan portfolio, the valuation of
problem loans and the general economic conditions in the Company’s market
area.
For 2007,
the Company had a credit provision for loan losses of $11,000, compared to a
credit provision for loan losses of $0.5 million for 2006 and provision for loan
losses of $0.3 million for 2005. The allowance for loan losses
represented 1.18%, 1.31% and 1.51% of total loans at December 31, 2007, 2006 and
2005, respectively. See “Allowance for Loan Losses” on page 34 for additional
information.
Noninterest
Income
Beginning
in the third quarter of 2007, the Company decided to change its strategy
regarding its SBA loan business. The Company is now retaining most
new SBA production in lieu of selling the loans. Reflecting the strategic shift
to retain SBA loan production, gains from sale of loans dropped substantially in
2007.
The
following table sets forth the various components of the Company’s noninterest
income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase
(decrease)
|
|
|
Increase
(decrease)
|
|
|
Year
Ended December 31,
|
|
2007
versus 2006
|
|
|
2006
versus 2005
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percent
|
Gain
on sale of SBA loans
|
|
$
|
1,766
|
|
$
|
3,337
|
|
$
|
2,871
|
|
$
|
(1,571)
|
|
-47
|
%
|
|
$
|
466
|
|
16%
|
Gain
on sale Capital Group loan portfolio
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
671
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(671)
|
|
-100
|
%
|
|
|
671
|
|
N/A
|
Servicing
income
|
|
|
2,181
|
|
|
1,860
|
|
|
1,838
|
|
|
321
|
|
17
|
%
|
|
|
22
|
|
1%
|
Increase
in cash surrender value of life insurance
|
|
|
1,443
|
|
|
1,439
|
|
|
1,236
|
|
|
4
|
|
-
|
%
|
|
|
203
|
|
16%
|
Service
charges and fees on deposit accounts
|
|
|
1,284
|
|
|
1,335
|
|
|
1,468
|
|
|
(51)
|
|
-4
|
%
|
|
|
(133)
|
|
-9%
|
Gain
on sale of leased equipment
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
299
|
|
|
-
|
|
N/
|
A
|
|
|
(299)
|
|
-100%
|
Equipment
leasing
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
131
|
|
|
-
|
|
N/
|
A
|
|
|
(131)
|
|
-100%
|
Other
|
|
|
1,378
|
|
|
1,198
|
|
|
1,580
|
|
|
180
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
|
(382)
|
|
-24%
|
Total
|
|
$
|
8,052
|
|
$
|
9,840
|
|
$
|
9,423
|
|
$
|
(1,788)
|
|
-18
|
%
|
|
$
|
417
|
|
4%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
decrease in noninterest income in 2007 compared to 2006 was primarily
attributable to a $2.2 million decrease in gain on sale of loans. The
net gain on sale of SBA loans was $1.8 million for 2007, compared to $3.3
million for 2006. The reduction in noninterest income should be offset in future
years with higher interest income, as a result of retaining SBA loan
production..
For
periods the Company sold its SBA loan production, including the first nine
months of 2007, gains or losses on SBA loans held for sale were recognized upon
completion of the sale, and are based on the difference between the net sales
proceeds and the relative fair value of the guaranteed portion of the loan sold
compared to the relative fair value of the unguaranteed portion. The
servicing assets that resulted from the sale of SBA loans, with servicing rights
retained, are amortized over the term of the loans using a method approximating
the interest method.
Noninterest
Expense
The
following table sets forth the various components of the Company’s noninterest
expense:
Noninterest
Expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase
(decrease)
|
|
|
Increase
(decrease)
|
|
|
Year
Ended December 31,
|
|
2007
versus 2006
|
|
|
2006
versus 2005
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Amount
|
Percent
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percent
|
Salaries
and employee benefits
|
|
$
|
21,160
|
|
$
|
19,414
|
|
$
|
19,845
|
|
$
|
1,746
|
|
9
|
%
|
|
$
|
(431)
|
|
-2%
|
Occupancy
|
|
|
3,557
|
|
|
3,110
|
|
|
3,254
|
|
|
447
|
|
14
|
%
|
|
|
(144)
|
|
-4%
|
Professional
fees
|
|
|
2,342
|
|
|
1,688
|
|
|
1,617
|
|
|
654
|
|
39
|
%
|
|
|
71
|
|
4%
|
Advertising
and promotion
|
|
|
1,092
|
|
|
1,064
|
|
|
985
|
|
|
28
|
|
3
|
%
|
|
|
79
|
|
8%
|
Data
processing expense
|
|
|
867
|
|
|
806
|
|
|
661
|
|
|
61
|
|
8
|
%
|
|
|
145
|
|
22%
|
Low
income housing investment losses and writedowns
|
|
|
828
|
|
|
995
|
|
|
957
|
|
|
(167)
|
|
-17
|
%
|
|
|
38
|
|
4%
|
Client
services
|
|
|
820
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
1,404
|
|
|
(180)
|
|
-18
|
%
|
|
|
(404)
|
|
-29%
|
Furniture
and equipment
|
|
|
638
|
|
|
517
|
|
|
734
|
|
|
121
|
|
23
|
%
|
|
|
(217)
|
|
-30%
|
Intangible
asset amortization
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
352
|
|
N/
|
A
|
|
|
-
|
|
N/A
|
Retirement
plan expense
|
|
|
274
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
619
|
|
|
(78)
|
|
-22
|
%
|
|
|
(267)
|
|
-43%
|
Amortization
of leased equipment
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
334
|
|
|
-
|
|
N/
|
A
|
|
|
(334)
|
|
-100%
|
Other
|
|
|
5,600
|
|
|
5,322
|
|
|
4,823
|
|
|
278
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
|
499
|
|
10%
|
Total
|
|
$
|
37,530
|
|
$
|
34,268
|
|
$
|
35,233
|
|
$
|
3,262
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
|
(965)
|
|
-3%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
following table indicates the percentage of noninterest expense in each
category:
Noninterest
Expense by Category
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
Amount
|
|
of
Total
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
of
Total
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
of
Total
|
Salaries
and employee benefits
|
|
$
|
21,160
|
|
|
56
|
%
|
|
$
|
19,414
|
|
|
57
|
%
|
|
$
|
19,845
|
|
56%
|
Occupancy
|
|
|
3,557
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
|
3,110
|
|
|
9
|
%
|
|
|
3,254
|
|
9%
|
Professional
fees
|
|
|
2,342
|
|
|
6
|
%
|
|
|
1,688
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
|
1,617
|
|
5%
|
Advertising
and promotion
|
|
|
1,092
|
|
|
3
|
%
|
|
|
1,064
|
|
|
3
|
%
|
|
|
985
|
|
3%
|
Data
processing expense
|
|
|
867
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
|
806
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
|
661
|
|
2%
|
Low
income housing investment losses and writedowns
|
|
|
828
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
|
995
|
|
|
3
|
%
|
|
|
957
|
|
3%
|
Client
services
|
|
|
820
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
3
|
%
|
|
|
1,404
|
|
4%
|
Furniture
and equipment
|
|
|
638
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
|
517
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
|
734
|
|
2%
|
Intangible
asset amortization
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
%
|
|
|
-
|
|
-%
|
Retirement
plan expense
|
|
|
274
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
|
619
|
|
2%
|
Amortization
of leased equipment
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
%
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
%
|
|
|
334
|
|
1%
|
Other
|
|
|
5,600
|
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
|
5,322
|
|
|
16
|
%
|
|
|
4,823
|
|
13%
|
Total
|
|
$
|
37,530
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
$
|
34,268
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
$
|
35,233
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noninterest
expense increased $3.3 million, or 10%, in 2007 compared to
2006. Noninterest expense for 2006 decreased $1.0 million, or 3%, from
2005. The efficiency ratio represents noninterest expense
divided by the sum of net interest and noninterest income. The Company’s
efficiency ratio was 62.81% in 2007, as compared to 56.86% in 2006 and 61.52% in
2005.
The
increase in compensation expense was primarily due to the acquisition of Diablo
Valley Bank and the Company hiring a number of experienced bankers during 2007.
Salary and severance benefits for former Diablo Valley Bank employees totaled
$461,000. Up-front costs associated with the hiring of new bankers for the East
Bay expansion and SBA teams totaled $970,000 in 2007. The increase in
occupancy, furniture and equipment was due to opening a new branch office in
Walnut Creek during 2007, as well as the addition of the Diablo Valley Bank
offices. The increase in professional fees and data processing fees
in 2007 were due to the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank
and additional branches and customer accounts after the merger with
Diablo Valley Bank. The Company also incurred amortization expense of
$352,000 related to intangible assets from the Diablo Valley Bank
acquisition.
Income
Tax Expense
The
Company computes its provision for income taxes on a monthly
basis. As indicated in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements, the amount of such provision is determined by applying the Company’s
statutory income tax rates to pre-tax book income as adjusted for permanent
differences between pre-tax book income and actual taxable
income. These permanent differences include, but are not limited to,
tax-exempt interest income, increases in the cash surrender value of life
insurance policies, California Enterprise Zone deductions, certain expenses that
are not allowed as tax deductions, and tax credits.
The
Company’s federal and state income tax expense was $8.1 million in 2007,
compared to $9.2 million and $7.3 million for 2006 and 2005,
respectively. This represents 36.6% of income before taxes in 2007,
34.8% in 2006, and 33.5% in 2005. The effective tax rate is higher in 2007, than
in 2006 and 2005, because of adjustments in 2007 resulting from the audit of the
Company’s California state tax returns by the State of California Franchise Tax
Board.
Tax-exempt interest income is generated
primarily by the Company’s investments in state, county and municipal
securities, which provided $0.2 million in federal tax-exempt income in 2007,
2006 and 2005. Although not reflected in the investment portfolio,
the Company also has total investments of $7.3 million in low-income housing
limited partnerships as of December 31, 2007. These investments have
generated tax credits for the past few years, with about $1.1 million in credits
available for the 2007 tax year and $1.0 million in tax credits realized in
2006. The investments are expected to generate an additional $6.2
million in aggregate tax credits from 2008 through 2016; however, the credits
are dependent upon the occupancy level of the housing projects and income of the
tenants and cannot be projected with certainty
.
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, which is
accumulated on the Company’s books as a deferred tax asset or deferred tax
liability until such time as it reverses. At the end of 2007, the
Company had a net deferred tax asset of $10.1 million.
As of
December 31, 2007, total assets were $1.35 billion, an increase of 30% from
$1.04 billion at year-end 2006. Total securities
available-for-sale (at fair value) were $135 million, a decrease of 22% from
$172 million at year-end 2006. The total loan portfolio (excluding
loans held for sale) was $1.04 billion, an increase of 46% from $709 million at
year-end 2006. Total deposits were $1.064 billion, an increase of 26%
from $846 million at year-end 2006. Securities sold under agreement
to repurchase decreased $10.9 million, or 50%, to $10.9 million at December 31,
2007, from $21.8 million at year-end 2006.
Securities
Portfolio
The
following table reflects the estimated fair value for each category of
securities for the past three years.
Investment
Portfolio
|
|
December
31,
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
Securities
available-for-sale (at fair value)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
Treasury
|
|
$
|
4,991
|
|
$
|
5,963
|
|
$
|
6,920
|
U.S.
Government Agencies
|
|
|
35,803
|
|
|
59,396
|
|
|
82,041
|
Municipals
- Tax Exempt
|
|
|
4,114
|
|
|
8,142
|
|
|
8,268
|
Mortgage-Backed
Securities
|
|
|
83,046
|
|
|
90,186
|
|
|
91,868
|
Collateralized
Mortgage Obligations
|
|
|
7,448
|
|
|
8,611
|
|
|
9,398
|
Total
|
|
$
|
135,402
|
|
$
|
172,298
|
|
$
|
198,495
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities
classified as U.S. Government Agencies as of December 31, 2007 were issued by
the Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation, and the Federal Home Loan Bank.
The
following table summarizes the maturities and weighted average yields of
securities as of December 31, 2007:
|
|
December
31, 2007
|
|
|
Maturity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After
One and
|
|
|
After
Five and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Within
One Year
|
|
|
Within
Five Years
|
|
|
Within
Ten Years
|
|
|
After
Ten Years
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Yield
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Yield
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Yield
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Yield
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Yield
|
Securities
available-for-sale (at fair value):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
Treasury
|
|
$
|
4,991
|
|
4.77
|
%
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4,991
|
|
4.77%
|
U.S.
Government Agencies
|
|
|
24,260
|
|
4.92
|
%
|
|
|
11,543
|
|
4.51
|
%
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
35,803
|
|
4.79%
|
Municipals
- non-taxable
|
|
|
3,421
|
|
3.04
|
%
|
|
|
693
|
|
3.88
|
%
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,114
|
|
3.18%
|
Mortgage
Backed Securities
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,743
|
|
3.00
|
%
|
|
|
12,497
|
|
4.64
|
%
|
|
|
68,806
|
|
4.53
|
%
|
|
|
83,046
|
|
4.51%
|
Collateralized
Mortgage Obligations
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
5,001
|
|
5.50
|
%
|
|
|
2,447
|
|
3.16
|
%
|
|
|
7,448
|
|
4.73%
|
Total
|
|
$
|
32,672
|
|
4.70
|
%
|
|
$
|
13,979
|
|
4.29
|
%
|
|
$
|
17,498
|
|
4.89
|
%
|
|
$
|
71,253
|
|
4.48
|
%
|
|
$
|
135,402
|
|
4.57%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
investment 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 any analysis of the financial condition of the
Company. The investment portfolio serves the following
purposes: (i) it can be readily reduced in size to provide
liquidity for loan balance increases or deposit balance decreases; (ii) 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; (iii) it can be used as an interest rate risk management tool, since it
provides a large base of 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; (iv) it is
an alternative interest-earning use of funds when loan demand is weak or when
deposits grow more rapidly than loans; and (v) it can enhance the Company’s tax
position by providing partially tax exempt income.
The
Company uses two portfolio classifications for its securities:
“Held-to-maturity”, and “Available-for-sale”. Accounting rules also
allow for a trading portfolio classification, but the Company has no securities
that would be classified as such. The held-to-maturity portfolio can
consist only of securities that the Company has both the intent and ability to
hold until maturity, to be sold only in the event of concerns with an issuer’s
credit worthiness, a change in tax law that eliminates their tax exempt status,
or other infrequent situations as permitted by generally accepted accounting
principles. Since the Company does not have a trading portfolio, the
available-for-sale portfolio is comprised of all securities not included as
“held-to-maturity”. Even though management currently has the intent
and the ability to hold the Company’s securities for the foreseeable future,
they are all currently classified as available-for-sale to allow flexibility
with regard to the active management of the Company’s investment
portfolio. FASB Statement 115 requires available-for-sale securities
to be marked to market with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive
income, a component of shareholders’ equity. Monthly adjustments are
made to reflect changes in the market value of the Company’s available-for-sale
securities.
The
Company’s investment portfolio is currently composed primarily
of: (i) U.S. Treasury and Agency issues 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)
state, county and municipal obligations, which provide tax free income and
limited pledging potential; and (iv) collateralized mortgage obligations, which
generally enhance the yield of the portfolio. The amortized cost of securities
pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements, public deposits and for other
purposes as required or permitted by law was $42.2 million and $53.7 million at
December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Except
for obligations of the U.S. government or U.S. government agencies, no
securities of a single issuer exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity at December
31, 2007. The Company has not used interest rate swaps or other
derivative instruments to hedge fixed rate loans or to otherwise mitigate
interest rate risk.
In 2007,
the investment portfolio declined by $37 million, or 21%, and decreased to 10%
of total assets at the end of 2007 from 16.6% at the end of
2006. U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency securities decreased
to 30% of the portfolio at the end of 2007 from 38% at the end of
2006. The decrease was primarily due to maturities of U.S.
Government Agency securities during 2007. Municipal securities
also decreased by 49% in 2007, due to maturities. Mortgage-backed securities and
collateralized mortgage obligations remained fairly constant in the portfolio in
2007 compared to 2006.
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 represented 77% of total assets at December 31, 2007, as compared to 68%
of at December 31, 2006. The ratio of loans to deposits increased to
97% at the end of 2007 from 84% at the end of 2006. Demand for loans
remains relatively strong in many areas within the Company’s markets and
competition continues to intensify. To help ensure that we remain
competitive, we make every effort to be flexible and creative in our approach to
structuring loans.
The
Selected Financial Data table in Item 6 reflects the amount of loans outstanding
at December 31st for each year from 2003 through 2007, net of deferred fees and
origination costs and the allowance for loan losses. The Loan
Distribution table that follows sets forth the Company’s gross loans outstanding
and the percentage distribution in each category at the dates
indicated. The amounts shown in the table do not reflect any deferred
loan fees or deferred origination costs, nor is the allowance for loan loss
deducted.
|
|
December
31,
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
%
to Total
|
|
2006
|
|
%
to Total
|
|
2005
|
|
%
to Total
|
|
2004
|
|
%
to Total
|
|
2003
|
|
%
to Total
|
Commercial
|
|
$
|
411,251
|
|
40
|
%
|
|
$
|
284,093
|
|
40
|
%
|
|
$
|
248,060
|
|
37
|
%
|
|
$
|
296,030
|
|
41
|
%
|
|
$
|
269,076
|
|
41%
|
Real
estate - mortgage
|
|
|
361,211
|
|
35
|
%
|
|
|
239,041
|
|
34
|
%
|
|
|
237,566
|
|
35
|
%
|
|
|
250,984
|
|
35
|
%
|
|
|
227,474
|
|
35%
|
Real
estate - land and construction
|
|
|
215,597
|
|
21
|
%
|
|
|
143,834
|
|
20
|
%
|
|
|
149,851
|
|
22
|
%
|
|
|
118,290
|
|
17
|
%
|
|
|
101,082
|
|
16%
|
Home
equity
|
|
|
44,187
|
|
4
|
%
|
|
|
38,976
|
|
6
|
%
|
|
|
41,772
|
|
6
|
%
|
|
|
52,170
|
|
7
|
%
|
|
|
49,434
|
|
8%
|
Consumer
|
|
|
3,044
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
|
2,422
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
|
1,721
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
|
2,908
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
|
1,743
|
|
0%
|
Total
loans
|
|
|
1,035,290
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
708,366
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
678,970
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
720,382
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
648,809
|
|
100%
|
Deferred
loan costs, net
|
|
|
1,175
|
|
|
|
|
|
870
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,155
|
|
|
|
|
|
726
|
|
|
|
|
|
863
|
|
|
Allowance
for loan losses
|
|
|
(12,218)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,279)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,224)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,497)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,451)
|
|
|
Loans,
net
|
|
$
|
1,024,247
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
699,957
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
669,901
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
708,611
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
636,221
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
loans (excluding loans held for sale) were $1.035 billion at December 31, 2007,
an increase of 46% from $708 million at December 31, 2006.
Total
loans increased by $386 million, or 60%, from the end of 2003 to the end
of 2007.
The
Company’s loan portfolio is concentrated in commercial, primarily manufacturing,
wholesale, and services and real estate, with the balance in land development
and construction and home equity and consumer loans. The loan
portfolio mix over the past five years has remained relatively the
same.
The
change in the Company’s loan portfolio in 2007 from 2006 is primarily due to the
acquisition of DVB. The Company does not have any concentrations by
industry or group of industries in its loan portfolio; however, 60% of its net
loans were secured by real property as of December 31, 2007 and 2006. 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. In the fourth
quarter of 2005, the Company entered into negotiations for the sale of its
Capital Group loan portfolio consisting primarily of “factoring” type
loans. In contemplation of the sale, $32 million, net of the
respective allowance loan loss, was moved from commercial loans into loans
held-for-sale. The sale of the Capital Group loan portfolio was
completed in 2006, resulting in a gain of $0.7 million.
The
Company’s commercial loans are made for working capital, financing the purchase
of equipment or for other business purposes. Such 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’s commercial loans are centered in
locally-oriented commercial activities in markets where the Company has a
physical presence, and these markets have become more competitive as
business activity has moderated.
The
Company is an active participant in the Small Business Administration (“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 SBA-guaranteed loans. Prior to third quarter of 2007, the
guaranteed portion of these loans were sold in the secondary market depending on
market conditions. Once it was determined that these loans would be sold, these
loans were classified as held for sale and carried at the lower of cost or
market. When the guaranteed portion of an SBA loan, was sold, the Company
retained the servicing rights for the sold portion. As of December
31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, $177 million, $189 million and $180 million,
respectively, in SBA and U.S. Department of Agriculture loans were serviced by
the Company for others. As discussed on page 28, beginning in the third quarter
of 2007, the Company changed its strategy regarding its SBA loan business by
retaining new SBA production in lieu of selling the loans.
As of
December 31, 2007, real estate mortgage loans of $360 million consist of
adjustable and fixed rate loans secured by commercial property, and loans
secured by first mortgages on 1-4 family residential properties of $1
million. Of the $216 million in land and construction loans at
Decemeber 31, 2007, $157 million was construction loans comprised of $92 million
residential and $65 million commercial. The other $59 million of land and
construction loans represent residential land loans of $46 million residential
and $13 million of commercial land loans. Properties securing the real
estate mortgage loans are primarily located in the Company’s market
area. While no specific industry concentration is considered
significant, the Company’s lending operations are located in market areas that
are dependent on the technology and real estate industries and their supporting
companies. Real estate values in portions of Santa Clara County and neighboring
San Mateo County are among the highest in the country at present but have
recently been experiencing a decrease in value from the levels experienced at
the beginning of 2007. The Company’s borrowers could be adversely impacted by a
downturn in these sectors of the economy, which could reduce the demand for
loans and adversely impact the borrowers’ ability to repay their
loans.
The
Company’s real estate term loans consist primarily of loans made 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 80% of the property’s
appraised value or the purchase price of the property, depending on the type of
property and its utilization. The Company offers both fixed and floating rate
loans. Maturities on such 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
are easily sold in the secondary market may be granted for longer
maturities.
The
Company’s land and construction loans are primarily short term interim
loans to finance the 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
permanent mortgage financing prior to making the construction loan.
The
Company makes consumer loans for the purpose of financing automobiles, various
types of consumer goods, and other personal purposes. Additionally, the Company
makes home equity lines of credit available to its clientele. 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 $29 million and $48 million
at December 31, 2007, respectively.
The
following table presents the maturity distribution of the Company’s loans as of
December 31, 2007. The table shows the distribution of such loans between those
loans with predetermined (fixed) interest rates and those with variable
(floating) interest rates. Floating rates generally fluctuate with changes in
the prime rate as reflected in the western edition of The Wall Street Journal.
As of December 31, 2007, approximately 71% of the Company’s loan portfolio
consisted of floating interest rate loans.
Loan
Maturities
|
|
|
|
Over
One
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due
in
|
|
Year
But
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year
|
|
Less
than
|
|
Over
|
|
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
or
Less
|
|
Five
Years
|
|
Five
Years
|
|
Total
|
Commercial
|
|
$
|
369,575
|
|
$
|
30,378
|
|
$
|
11,298
|
|
$
|
411,251
|
Real
estate - mortgage
|
|
|
112,553
|
|
|
154,145
|
|
|
94,513
|
|
|
361,211
|
Real
estate - land and construction
|
|
|
213,565
|
|
|
2,032
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
215,597
|
Home
equity
|
|
|
38,097
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
6,090
|
|
|
44,187
|
Consumer
|
|
|
1,723
|
|
|
1,321
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
3,044
|
Total
loans
|
|
$
|
735,513
|
|
$
|
187,876
|
|
$
|
111,901
|
|
$
|
1,035,290
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans
with variable interest rates
|
|
$
|
668,970
|
|
$
|
52,081
|
|
$
|
9,333
|
|
$
|
730,384
|
Loans
with fixed interest rates
|
|
|
66,543
|
|
|
135,795
|
|
|
102,568
|
|
|
304,906
|
Total
loans
|
|
$
|
735,513
|
|
$
|
187,876
|
|
$
|
111,901
|
|
$
|
1,035,290
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonperforming
Assets
Financial
institutions generally have a certain level of exposure to asset 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 asset 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, or as a result of the downturns in national
and regional economies which have brought about declines in overall property
values. In addition, certain debt securities that the Company may
purchase have the potential of declining in value if the obligor’s financial
capacity to repay deteriorates.
To help
minimize credit quality concerns, we have established a sound approach to credit
that includes well-defined goals and objectives and well-documented credit
policies and procedures. The 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 and lease
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 a
multi-community independent bank serving a specific geographic area, the Company
must contend with the unpredictable changes of both the general California 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 for which the Company is no longer
accruing interest; loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest
(although they are generally placed on non-accrual when they become 90 days past
due unless they are both well secured and in the process of collection); loans
restructured where the terms of repayment have been renegotiated, resulting in a
deferral of interest or principal; and other real estate owned
(“OREO”). Management’s classification of a loan as “non-accrual” 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, reverses any uncollected interest that had been
accrued as income, and begins recognizing interest income only as cash interest
payments are received as long as the collection of all outstanding principal is
not in doubt. The loans may or may not be collateralized, and
collection efforts are continuously pursued. Loans may be
restructured by management when a borrower has experienced some change in
financial status causing an inability to meet the original repayment terms and
where the Company believes the borrower will eventually overcome those
circumstances and make full restitution. OREO consists of properties
acquired by foreclosure or similar means that management is offering or will
offer for sale.
The
following table provides information with respect to components of the Company’s
non-performing assets at the dates indicated.
|
|
December
31,
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
|
2003
|
Nonaccrual
loans
|
|
$
|
3,363
|
|
$
|
3,866
|
|
$
|
3,672
|
|
$
|
1,028
|
|
$
|
3,972
|
Loans
90 days past due and still accruing
|
|
|
101
|
|
|
451
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
302
|
|
|
608
|
Total
nonperforming loans
|
|
|
3,464
|
|
|
4,317
|
|
|
3,672
|
|
|
1,330
|
|
|
4,580
|
Other
real estate owned
|
|
|
1,062
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Total
nonperforming assets
|
|
$
|
4,526
|
|
$
|
4,317
|
|
$
|
3,672
|
|
$
|
1,330
|
|
$
|
4,580
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonperforming
assets as a percentage of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
loans
plus other real estate owned
|
|
|
0.44%
|
|
|
0.61%
|
|
|
0.54%
|
|
|
0.18%
|
|
|
0.70%
|
The
balance of nonperforming assets at the end of 2007 represents an increase of
$0.2 million, or 5%, from year-end 2006 levels. Nonperforming assets
increased by $0.6 million, or 18%, in 2006 as compared to 2005.
While the
current level of nonperforming assets is relatively low, we recognize that an
increase in the dollar amount of nonaccrual loans is possible in the normal
course of business as we expand our lending activities.
Allowance
for Loan Losses
The
allowance for loan losses is an estimate of the losses in our loan
portfolio. The allowance is based on two basic principles of
accounting: (1) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“Statement”) No. 5
“Accounting for Contingencies,” which requires that losses be accrued when they
are probable of occurring and estimable and (2) Statement No. 114, “Accounting
by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan,” which requires that losses be accrued
based on the differences between the impaired loan balance and value of
collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent, or present value of future cash
flows or values that are observable in the secondary market.
Management
conducts a critical evaluation of the loan portfolio monthly. This evaluation
includes periodic loan by loan review for certain loans to evaluate the level of
impairment, as well as detailed reviews of other loans (either individually or
in pools) based on an assessment of the following factors: past loan loss
experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that
may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, collateral values, loan volumes and
concentrations, size and complexity of the loans, recent loss experience in
particular segments of the portfolio, bank regulatory examination and
independent loan review results, and current economic conditions in the
Company’s marketplace, in particular the state of the technology industry and
the real estate market. This process attempts to assess the
risk of loss inherent in the portfolio by segregating loans into two categories
for purposes of determining an appropriate level of the allowance: Loans graded
“Pass through Special Mention” and “Substandard.”
Loans are
charged against the allowance when management believes that the uncollectibility
of the loan balance is confirmed. The Company’s methodology for assessing the
appropriateness of the allowance consists of several key elements, which include
the formula allowance and specific allowances.
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 note
agreement. When a loan is considered to be impaired, the amount of impairment is
measured based on the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral
dependent or on the present value of expected future cash flow.
The
formula portion of the allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to pools
of outstanding loans. Loss factors are based on the Company's historical loss
experience, adjusted for significant factors that, in management's judgment,
affect the collectibility of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. The
adjustment factors for the formula allowance may include existing general
economic and business conditions affecting the key lending areas of the Company,
in particular the real estate market, credit quality trends, collateral values,
loan volumes and concentrations, the technology industry and specific industry
conditions within portfolio segments, recent loss experience in particular
segments of the portfolio, duration of the current business cycle, and bank
regulatory examination results. The evaluation of the inherent loss with respect
to these conditions is subject to a higher degree of uncertainty.
Loans
that demonstrate a weakness, for which there is a possibility of loss if the
weakness is not corrected, are categorized as “classified.” Classified loans
include all loans considered as substandard, doubtful, and loss 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). The principal
balance of classified loans, which include all loans internally graded as
substandard, doubtful, and loss, was $25.2 million, $24.5 million, and $16.3
million, respectively, at December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005. At
December 31, 2007 and 2006, all of the Company’s classified loans were graded as
substandard.
In
adjusting the historical loss factors applied to the respective segments of the
loan portfolio, management considered the following factors:
·
|
Levels
and trends in delinquencies, non-accruals, charge offs and
recoveries
|
·
|
Trends
in volume and loan terms
|
·
|
Lending
policy or procedural changes
|
·
|
Experience,
ability, and depth of lending management and
staff
|
·
|
National
and local economic trends and
conditions
|
·
|
Concentrations
of Credit
|
There can
be no assurance that the adverse impact of any of these conditions on HBC will
not be in excess of the current level of estimated 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 outside firms to independently assess our methodology and
perform independent credit reviews of our loan portfolio. The
Company’s credit review consultants, the FRB and the DFI also review the
allowance for loan losses as an integral part of the examination
process. Based on information currently available to analyze loan
loss delinquency and a history of actual charge-offs, management believes that
the loan loss allowance 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.
The
following table summarizes the Company’s loan loss experience, as well as
provisions and charges to the allowance for loan losses and certain pertinent
ratios for the periods indicated:
Allowance
for Loan Losses
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2003
|
Balance,
beginning of year
|
|
$
|
9,279
|
|
$
|
10,224
|
|
$
|
12,497
|
|
|
$
|
13,451
|
|
|
$
|
13,227
|
Charge-offs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
(84)
|
|
|
(291)
|
|
|
(3,273)
|
|
|
|
(2,901
|
)
|
|
|
(2,906)
|
Real
estate - mortgage
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
Real
estate - land and construction
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
Home
equity
|
|
|
(20)
|
|
|
(540)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
Consumer
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
Total
charge-offs
|
|
|
(104)
|
|
|
(831)
|
|
|
(3,273)
|
|
|
|
(2,901
|
)
|
|
|
(2,906)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recoveries:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
929
|
|
|
389
|
|
|
1,358
|
|
|
|
1,562
|
|
|
|
230
|
Real
estate - mortgage
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
Real
estate - land and construction
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
Home
equity
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
Consumer
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
Total
recoveries
|
|
|
929
|
|
|
389
|
|
|
1,358
|
|
|
|
1,562
|
|
|
|
230
|
Net
recoveries (charge-offs)
|
|
|
825
|
|
|
(442)
|
|
|
(1,915)
|
|
|
|
(1,339
|
)
|
|
|
(2,676)
|
Provision
for loan losses
|
|
|
(11)
|
|
|
(503)
|
|
|
313
|
|
|
|
666
|
|
|
|
2,900
|
Reclassification
of allowance for loan losses
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(671)
|
(1)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
Reclassification
to other liabilities
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(281)
|
(2)
|
|
|
-
|
Allowance
acquired in bank acquisition
|
|
|
2,125
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
Balance,
end of year
|
|
$
|
12,218
|
|
$
|
9,279
|
|
$
|
10,224
|
|
|
$
|
12,497
|
|
|
$
|
13,451
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RATIOS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
charge-offs to average loans *
|
|
|
(0.10)%
|
|
|
0.06%
|
|
|
0.28%
|
|
|
|
0.19%
|
|
|
|
0.41%
|
Allowance
for loan losses to total loans *
|
|
|
1.18%
|
|
|
1.31%
|
|
|
1.51%
|
|
|
|
1.73%
|
|
|
|
2.03%
|
Allowance
for loan losses to nonperforming loans
|
|
|
353%
|
|
|
215%
|
|
|
278%
|
|
|
|
940%
|
|
|
|
294%
|
*
Average loans and total loans exclude loans held for
sale
|
(1)
|
The
Company reclassified $0.7 million of the allowance allocated to $32
million of commercial asset based loans that were reclassified to loans
held-for-sale as of December 31, 2005. Thus, the carrying value
of these loans held-for-sale includes an allowance for loan losses of $0.7
million.
|
(2)
|
The
Company reclassified estimated losses on unused commitments of $0.3
million to other liabilities as of December 31,
2004.
|
The
Company’s allowance for loan losses increased $2.9 million in 2007 as compared
to 2006. The allowance for loan losses increased primarily as a result
of the Diablo Valley Bank acquistion. The Company had $929,000 in
recoveries in 2007, which were partially offset by loan charge-offs of
$104,000. The Company had a credit provision of $11,000 in 2007,
compared to a credit provision of $503,000 in 2006. Previously, the Company’s
allowance for loan losses had steadily decreased from 2003 through
2006.
Net loans
charged-off reflect the realization of losses in the portfolio that were
recognized previously though provisions for loan losses. Net
recoveries were $0.8 million in 2007, compared to net charged-offs of $0.4
million, and $1.9 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively. The
decrease in net loan charge-offs in 2007 was primarily due to continued
improvement in credit quality and a $700,000 recovery on a loan charged off in
2005. Historical net loan charge-offs are not necessarily indicative
of the amount of net charge-offs that the Company will realize in the
future.
The
Company’s unallocated allowance was $1.4 million as of December 31, 2007 and
2006. The unallocated component of the allowance is maintained to
cover uncertainties that could affect management's estimate of probable
losses.
The
following table provides a summary of the allocation of the allowance for loan
losses for specific categories at the dates indicated. The allocation
presented should not be interpreted as an indication that charges to the
allowance for loan losses will be incurred in these amounts or proportions, or
that the portion of the allowance allocated to each category represents the
total amount available for charge-offs that may occur within these
categories.
Allocation
of Loan Loss Allowance
|
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
|
2003
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
|
|
of
Loans
|
|
|
|
of
Loans
|
|
|
|
of
Loans
|
|
|
|
of
Loans
|
|
|
|
of
Loans
|
|
|
|
|
in
each
|
|
|
|
in
each
|
|
|
|
in
each
|
|
|
|
in
each
|
|
|
|
in
each
|
|
|
|
|
category
|
|
|
|
category
|
|
|
|
category
|
|
|
|
category
|
|
|
|
category
|
|
|
|
|
to
total
|
|
|
|
to
total
|
|
|
|
to
total
|
|
|
|
to
total
|
|
|
|
to
total
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
Allowance
|
|
loans
|
|
Allowance
|
|
loans
|
|
Allowance
|
|
loans
|
|
Allowance
|
|
loans
|
|
Allowance
|
|
loans
|
Commercial
|
|
$
|
6,067
|
|
40%
|
|
$
|
4,872
|
|
40%
|
|
$
|
4,199
|
|
37%
|
|
$
|
8,691
|
|
41%
|
|
$
|
9,667
|
|
41%
|
Real
estate - mortgage
|
|
|
2,416
|
|
35%
|
|
|
1,507
|
|
34%
|
|
|
2,631
|
|
35%
|
|
|
1,498
|
|
35%
|
|
|
1,846
|
|
35%
|
Real
estate - land and construction
|
|
|
1,923
|
|
21%
|
|
|
1,243
|
|
20%
|
|
|
1,914
|
|
22%
|
|
|
1,711
|
|
17%
|
|
|
1,714
|
|
16%
|
Home
equity
|
|
|
335
|
|
4%
|
|
|
244
|
|
6%
|
|
|
300
|
|
6%
|
|
|
173
|
|
7%
|
|
|
157
|
|
8%
|
Consumer
|
|
|
88
|
|
0%
|
|
|
24
|
|
0%
|
|
|
33
|
|
0%
|
|
|
38
|
|
0%
|
|
|
37
|
|
0%
|
Unallocated
|
|
|
1,389
|
|
0%
|
|
|
1,389
|
|
0%
|
|
|
1,147
|
|
0%
|
|
|
386
|
|
0%
|
|
|
30
|
|
0%
|
%Total
|
|
$
|
12,218
|
|
100%
|
|
$
|
9,279
|
|
100%
|
|
$
|
10,224
|
|
100%
|
|
$
|
12,497
|
|
100%
|
|
$
|
13,451
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
herein. Our net interest margin is improved to the extent that growth
in deposits can be concentrated in historically lower-cost deposits such as
non-interest-bearing demand, NOW accounts, savings accounts and money market
deposit accounts. The Company’s liquidity is impacted by the
volatility of deposits or other funding instruments, or in other words, by the
propensity of that money to leave the institution for rate-related or other
reasons. Potentially, the most volatile deposits in a financial
institution are jumbo certificates of deposit, meaning time deposits with
balances that equal or exceed $100,000, as customers with balances of that
magnitude are typically more rate-sensitive than customers with smaller
balances.
The
following table summarizes the distribution of deposits and the percentage of
distribution in each category of deposits for the periods
indicated:
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
Balance
|
|
%
to Total
|
|
Balance
|
|
%
to Total
|
|
Balance
|
|
%
to Total
|
Demand,
noninterest bearing
|
|
$
|
268,005
|
|
25%
|
|
$
|
231,841
|
|
27%
|
|
$
|
248,009
|
|
26%
|
Demand,
interest bearing
|
|
|
150,527
|
|
14%
|
|
|
133,413
|
|
16%
|
|
|
157,330
|
|
17%
|
Savings
and money market
|
|
|
432,293
|
|
41%
|
|
|
307,266
|
|
36%
|
|
|
353,798
|
|
38%
|
Time
deposits, under $100
|
|
|
34,092
|
|
3%
|
|
|
31,097
|
|
4%
|
|
|
35,209
|
|
4%
|
Time
deposits, $100 and over
|
|
|
139,562
|
|
13%
|
|
|
111,017
|
|
13%
|
|
|
109,373
|
|
12%
|
Brokered
deposits, $100 and over
|
|
|
39,747
|
|
4%
|
|
|
31,959
|
|
4%
|
|
|
36,040
|
|
4%
|
Total
deposits
|
|
$
|
1,064,226
|
|
100%
|
|
$
|
846,593
|
|
100%
|
|
$
|
939,759
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
deposits were $1.06 billion at December 31, 2007, an increase of $218 million,
or 26%, compared to $846.6 million at December 31, 2006. The
increases primarily reflect the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank. At December
31, 2007, compared to December 31, 2006, noninterest bearing demand deposits
increased $36 million, or 16%; interest bearing demand deposits increased $17
million, or 13%; savings and money market deposits increased $125 million, or
41%; time deposits increased $32 million, or 22%; and brokered deposits
increased $8 million, or 24%.
As of
December 31, 2007, approximately $7.7 million, or less than 1%, of deposits were
from public sources, and approximately $117.1 million, or 11%, of deposits were
from real estate exchange company and title company accounts. As of
December 31, 2006, approximately $2.4 million, or less than 1%, of deposits were
from public sources, and approximately $108.2 million, or 13%, of deposits were
from real estate exchange company and title company accounts.
Among
core deposits categories, noninterest demand deposits increased by $36 million
or 16% in 2007. Furthermore, relatively low-cost NOW accounts increased by $17
million or 13%. Savings and money market accounts increased by $125 million, or
41%, and time deposits increased in absolute dollars but remained flat as a
percentage of total deposits. Our increase in savings and money market accounts
was primarily the result of the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank. While our
core deposit accounts increased in number to 15,400 at the end of 2007 from
13,200 at the end of 2006, the average balance per core deposit increased to
about $57,000 at the end of 2007 from $53,000 at the end of 2006.
Without
the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank, total deposits would have been relatively
flat. The Company faces intensified competition for deposits as core deposits
migrate into higher-yielding alternatives, including equity
markets.
The
Company obtains deposits from a cross-section of the communities it serves. The
Company’s business is not seasonal in nature. The Company had brokered deposits
totaling approximately $39.7 million, and $32.0 million at December 31, 2007 and
2006, respectively. These brokered deposits generally mature within
one to three years. The Company is not dependent upon funds from
sources outside the United States.
The
following table indicates the maturity schedule of the Company’s time deposits
of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2007:
Deposit
Maturity Distribution
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
Balance
|
|
%
of Total
|
Three
months or less
|
|
$
|
70,180
|
|
39%
|
Over
three months through six months
|
|
|
52,505
|
|
30%
|
Over
six months through twelve months
|
|
|
39,976
|
|
22%
|
Over
twelve months
|
|
|
16,548
|
|
9%
|
Total
|
|
$
|
179,209
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
Company focuses primarily on providing and servicing business deposit accounts
that are frequently over $100,000 in average balance per
account. As a result, certain types of business clients that
the Company serves typically carry average deposits in excess of $100,000. The
account activity for some account types and client types necessitates
appropriate liquidity management practices by the Company to ensure its ability
to fund deposit withdrawals.
Return
on Equity and Assets
The
following table indicates the ratios for return on average assets and average
equity, dividend payout, and average equity to average assets for 2007, 2006,
and 2005:
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
Return
on average assets
|
|
1.18
|
%
|
|
|
1.57
|
%
|
|
1.27%
|
Return
on average tangible assets
|
|
1.21
|
%
|
|
|
1.57
|
%
|
|
1.27%
|
Return
on average equity
|
|
9.47
|
%
|
|
|
14.62
|
%
|
|
13.73%
|
Return
on average tangible equity
|
|
11.43
|
%
|
|
|
14.62
|
%
|
|
13.73%
|
Dividend
payout ratio
|
|
23.06
|
%
|
|
|
13.65
|
%
|
|
-
|
Average
equity to average assets ratio
|
|
12.47
|
%
|
|
|
10.75
|
%
|
|
9.25%
|
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 $465.3 million at December 31, 2007, as compared to $322.2 million
at December 31, 2006. Unused commitments represented 45% of
outstanding gross loans at December 31, 2007 and 2006.
The
effect on the Company’s revenues, expenses, cash flows and liquidity from the
unused portion of the commitments to provide credit cannot be reasonably
predicted, because there is no certainty that the lines of credit will ever be
fully utilized. For more information regarding the Company’s off-balance sheet
arrangements, see Note 14 to the financial statements located elsewhere
herein.
The
following table presents the Company’s commitments to fund as of December 31,
2007, 2006, and 2005:
|
|
December
31,
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
Commitments
to extend credit
|
|
$
|
444,172
|
|
$
|
310,200
|
|
$
|
328,031
|
Standby
letters of credit
|
|
|
21,143
|
|
|
12,020
|
|
|
6,104
|
Commitments
to funds
|
|
$
|
465,315
|
|
$
|
322,220
|
|
$
|
334,135
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contractual
Obligations
The
contractual obligations of the Company, summarized by type of obligation and
contractual maturity, at December 31, 2007, are as
follows:
|
|
Less
Than
|
|
One
to
|
|
Three
to
|
|
After
|
|
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
One
Year
|
|
Three
Years
|
|
Five
Years
|
|
Five
Years
|
|
Total
|
Securities
sold under agreement to repurchase
|
|
$
|
10,900
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
10,900
|
Notes
payable to subsidiary grantor trusts
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
23,702
|
|
|
23,702
|
Other
short-term borrowings
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
60,000
|
Operating
leases
|
|
|
2,142
|
|
|
4,197
|
|
|
4,077
|
|
|
4,203
|
|
|
14,619
|
Time
deposits of $100 or more
|
|
|
162,662
|
|
|
16,547
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
179,209
|
Total
debt and operating leases
|
|
$
|
235,704
|
|
$
|
20,744
|
|
$
|
4,077
|
|
$
|
27,905
|
|
$
|
288,430
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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. 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 in such a fashion as
to be able to meet unexpected sudden changes in levels of its assets or deposit
liabilities without maintaining excessive amounts of on-balance sheet
liquidity. Excess balance sheet liquidity can negatively impact the
interest margin.
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. In addition to core
deposits, the Company has the ability to raise deposits through various deposit
brokers if required for liquidity purposes. The Company’s net loan to
deposit ratio increased to 96% at the end of 2007 from 86% at the end of
2006.
To meet
liquidity needs, the Company maintains a portion of its funds in cash deposits
at other banks, in Federal funds sold and in securities available for
sale. The “primary liquidity ratio” is composed of net cash,
non-pledged securities, and other marketable assets, divided by total deposits
and short-term liabilities minus liabilities secured by investments or other
marketable assets. As of December 31, 2007, the Company’s
primary liquidity ratio was 7.7%, comprised of $46.7 million in securities
available-for-sale of maturities of up to five years, less $15.0 million of
securities that were pledged to secure public and certain other deposits as
required by law or contract, Federal funds sold of $9.3 million, and $39.8
million cash and due from banks, as a percentage of total unsecured deposits of
$1,049.3 million. The decrease in the liquidity ratio from 2006 was primarily
due to the growth of loans in 2007. As of December 31, 2006, the Company’s
“primary liquidity ratio” was 13.6%, comprised of $75.5 million in securities
available-for-sale of maturities of up to five years, less $10.9 million of
securities that were pledged to secure public and certain other deposits as
required by law and contract, Federal funds sold of $15.1 million and $34.3
million in cash and due from banks, as a percentage of total unsecured deposits
of $835.7 million.
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,
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
Average
balance during the year
|
|
$
|
16,255
|
|
$
|
25,429
|
|
$
|
40,748
|
Average
interest rate during the year
|
|
|
2.90%
|
|
|
2.46%
|
|
|
2.26%
|
Maximum
month-end balance
|
|
$
|
70,900
|
|
$
|
32,700
|
|
$
|
57,800
|
Average
rate at December 31,
|
|
|
2.83%
|
|
|
2.56%
|
|
|
2.34%
|
Because
most of the growth in loans in 2007 was funded with deposits, other liquidity
ratios tracked by the Company, such as unfunded loan commitments to secondary
reserves ratio, have been slightly outside of policy guidelines for several
months. We continue to watch these ratios closely, and expect that these ratios
will come back within guidelines.
Capital
Resources
At
December 31, 2007, the Company had total shareholders’ equity of $164.8 million
included $92.4 million in common stock, $73.3 million in retained earnings, and
$0.9 million of accumulated other comprehensive loss.
The
Company paid cash dividends totaling $3.25 million, or $0.26 per share in
2007. The Company anticipates paying future dividends within the
range of typical peer payout ratios provided, however, that no assurance can be
given that earnings and/or growth expectations in any given year will justify
the payment of such a dividend.
The
Company uses a variety of measures to evaluate capital adequacy. Management
reviews various capital measurements on a regular basis and takes appropriate
action to ensure that such measurements are within established internal and
external guidelines. The external guidelines, which are issued by the Federal
Reserve Board and the FDIC, establish a risk-adjusted ratio relating capital to
different categories of assets and off-balance sheet exposures. There are two
categories of capital under the Federal Reserve Board and FDIC guidelines: Tier
1 and Tier 2 Capital. Our Tier 1 Capital currently includes common shareholders’
equity and the proceeds from the issuance of trust preferred securities (trust
preferred securities are counted only up to a maximum of 25% of Tier 1 capital),
less intangible assets, and the addition of the unrealized net losses (after tax
adjustments) on securities available for sale and accumulated net losses on cash
flow hedges, which are carried at fair market value. Our Tier 2 Capital includes
the amount of trust preferred securities not includible in Tier 1 Capital,
and the allowances for loan losses and off balance sheet credit
losses.
The
following table summarizes risk-based capital, risk-weighted assets, and
risk-based capital ratios of the Company:
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Capital
components:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tier
1 Capital
|
|
$
|
141,227
|
|
$
|
147,600
|
|
$
|
133,715
|
|
|
Tier
2 Capital
|
|
|
12,461
|
|
|
9,756
|
|
|
10,427
|
|
|
Total
risk-based capital
|
|
$
|
153,688
|
|
$
|
157,356
|
|
$
|
144,142
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Risk-weighted
assets
|
|
$
|
1,227,628
|
|
$
|
855,715
|
|
$
|
941,567
|
|
|
Average
assets (regulatory purposes)
|
|
$
|
1,278,207
|
|
$
|
1,087,502
|
|
$
|
1,157,704
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well
Capitalized
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory
|
Capital
ratios:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Requirements
|
Total
risk-based capital
|
|
|
12.5%
|
|
|
18.4%
|
|
|
15.3%
|
|
10.00%
|
Tier
1 risk-based capital
|
|
|
11.5%
|
|
|
17.3%
|
|
|
14.2%
|
|
6.00%
|
Leverage
(1)
|
|
|
11.1%
|
|
|
13.6%
|
|
|
11.6%
|
|
5.00%
|
(1) Tier
1 capital divided by average assets (excluding goodwill).
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 under the FDIC’s prompt corrective action
authority as of December 31, 2007. The risk-based and leverage capital ratios
are defined in Item 1 - “
Business - Supervision and
Regulation – Heritage Bank of Commerce
” on page 10 and 11.
At
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company’s capital met all minimum
regulatory requirements. As of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, management
believes that HBC was considered “well capitalized” under the regulatory
framework for prompt corrective action.
Mandatory
Redeemable Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities.
To
enhance regulatory capital and to provide liquidity, the Company, through
unconsolidated subsidiary grantor trusts, issued the following mandatory
redeemable cumulative trust preferred securities of subsidiary grantor trusts:
In the first quarter of 2000, the Company issued $7 million aggregate principal
amount of 10.875% subordinated debentures due on March 8, 2030 to a subsidiary
trust, which in turn issued a similar amount of trust preferred
securities. In the third quarter of 2000, the Company issued $7
million aggregate principal amount of 10.60% subordinated debentures due on
September 7, 2030 to a subsidiary trust, which in turn issued a similar amount
of trust preferred securities. In the third quarter of 2001, the
Company issued $5 million aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate Junior
Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due on July 31, 2031 to a subsidiary
trust, which in turn issued a similar amount of trust preferred
securities. In the third quarter of 2002, the Company issued $4
million aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate Junior Subordinated
Deferrable Interest Debentures due on September 26, 2032 to a subsidiary
trust, which in turn issued a similar amount of trust preferred
securities. Under applicable regulatory guidelines, the trust
preferred securities currently qualify as Tier I capital. The
subsidiary trusts are not consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial
statements and the subordinated debt payable to the subsidiary grantor trusts is
recorded as debt of the Company to the related trusts. See Footnote 8
the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Market
risk is the risk of loss to future earnings, to fair values, or to 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.
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 (“ALCO”). 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 accept the risks. Management uses two methodologies to manage
interest rate risk: (i) a standard GAP analysis; and (ii) an interest
rate shock simulation model.
The
planning of asset and liability maturities is an integral part of the management
of an institution’s net interest margin. To the extent maturities of assets and
liabilities do not match in a changing interest rate environment, the net
interest margin may change over time. Even with perfectly matched repricing of
assets and liabilities, risks remain in the form of prepayment of loans or
securities or in the form of delays in the adjustment of rates of interest
applying to either earning assets with floating rates or to interest bearing
liabilities. The Company has generally been able to control its exposure to
changing interest rates by maintaining primarily floating interest rate loans
and a majority of its time certificates with relatively short
maturities.
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), ramped (an
incremental increase or decrease in rates over a specified time period), based
on current trends and econometric models or economic conditions stable
(unchanged from current actual levels).
The
Company applies a market value (“MV”) methodology to gauge its interest rate
risk exposure as derived from its simulation model. Generally, MV is the
discounted present value of the difference between incoming cash flows on
interest earning assets and other investments and outgoing cash flows on
interest bearing liabilities and other liabilities. The application of the
methodology attempts to quantify interest rate risk as the change in the MV
which would result from a theoretical 200 basis point (1 basis point equals
0.01%) change in market interest rates. Both a 200 basis point increase and a
200 basis point decrease in market rates are considered.
At
December 31, 2007, it was estimated that the Company’s MV would increase 18.54%
in the event of a 200 basis point increase in market interest rates. The
Company’s MV at the same date would decrease 26.35% in the event of a 200 basis
point decrease in market interest rates.
Presented
below, as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, is an analysis of the Company’s
interest rate risk as measured by changes in MV for instantaneous and sustained
parallel shifts of 200 basis points in market interest rates:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
|
$ Change
|
|
% Change
|
|
Market Value as a %
of
|
|
$ Change
|
|
% Change
|
|
Market Value as a %
of
|
|
|
in
Market
|
|
in
Market
|
|
Present Value of
Assets
|
|
in
Market
|
|
in
Market
|
|
Present Value of
Assets
|
(Dollars in
thousands)
|
|
Value
|
|
Value
|
|
MV Ratio
|
|
Change
(bp)
|
|
Value
|
|
Value
|
|
MV Ratio
|
|
Change
(bp)
|
Change in
rates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
+
200 bp
|
|
$
|
38,716
|
|
|
18.54%
|
|
|
18.5%
|
|
|
290
|
|
$
|
31,607
|
|
|
17.16%
|
|
|
21.1%
|
|
|
309
|
0
bp
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
-%
|
|
|
15.6%
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
-%
|
|
|
18.0%
|
|
|
-
|
-
200 bp
|
|
$
|
(55,007)
|
|
|
-26.35%
|
|
|
11.5%
|
|
|
(412)
|
|
$
|
(45,606)
|
|
|
-24.76%
|
|
|
13.6%
|
|
|
(446)
|
Management
believes that the MV methodology overcomes three shortcomings of the typical
maturity gap methodology. First, it does not use arbitrary repricing intervals
and accounts for all expected future cash flows. Second, because the MV method
projects cash flows of each financial instrument under different interest rate
environments, it can incorporate the effect of embedded options on an
institution’s interest rate risk exposure. Third, it allows interest rates on
different instruments to change by varying amounts in response to a change in
market interest rates, resulting in more accurate estimates of cash
flows.
However,
as with any method of gauging interest rate risk, there are certain shortcomings
inherent to the MV methodology. The model assumes interest rate changes are
instantaneous parallel shifts in the yield curve. In reality, rate changes are
rarely instantaneous. The use of the simplifying assumption that short-term and
long-term rates change by the same degree may also misstate historic rate
patterns, which rarely show parallel yield curve shifts. Further, the model
assumes that certain assets and liabilities of similar maturity or period to
repricing will react in the same way to changes in rates. In reality, certain
types of financial instruments may react in advance of changes in market rates,
while the reaction of other types of financial instruments may lag behind the
change in general market rates. Additionally, the MV methodology 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.
CRITICAL
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
General
The
Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
(“GAAP”). The financial information contained within our consolidated
financial statements is, to a significant extent, based on approximate measures
of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already
occurred. A variety of factors could affect the ultimate value that
is obtained either when earning income, recognizing an expense, recovering an
asset or relieving a liability. In certain instances, we use a
discount factor and prepayment assumptions to determine the present value of
assets and liabilities. A change in the discount factor or prepayment speeds
could increase or decrease the values of those assets and liabilities which
would result in either a beneficial or adverse impact to our financial results.
We use historical loss factors as one factor in determining the inherent loss
that may be present in our loan portfolio. Actual losses could differ
significantly from the historical factors that we use. The Company
adopted Statement 123R on January 1, 2006, and elected the modified prospective
method, under which prior periods are not revised for comparative
purposes. Other estimates that we use are related to the expected
useful lives of our depreciable assets. In addition, GAAP itself may
change from one previously acceptable method to another method, although the
economics of our transactions would be the same.
Allowance
for Loan Losses
The
allowance for loan losses is an estimate of the losses in our loan
portfolio. Our accounting for estimated loan losses is discussed
under the heading “Allowance for Loan Losses” beginning on page 34.
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 Note 3 to the consolidated financial
statements.
Stock
Based Compensation
We grant stock options to purchase our common stock to
our employees and directors under the 2004 Plan. We also granted our
chief executive officer restricted stock when he joined the
Company. Additionally, we have outstanding options that were granted
under an option plan from which we no longer make grants. The
benefits provided under all of these plans are subject to the provisions of FASB
Statement 123(Revised), “Share-Based Payments,” which we adopted effective
January 1, 2006
. We elected to use the modified prospective
application in adopting Statement 123R and therefore have not restated results
for prior periods. The valuation provisions of Statement 123R apply
to new awards and to awards that are outstanding on the adoption date and
subsequently modified or cancelled. Our results of operations for
2007 and 2006 were impacted by the recognition of non cash expense related to
the fair value of our share-based compensation awards as discussed in Notes 1
and 10 to the consolidated financial
statements.
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 expected stock price volatility over the
term of the awards. Our stock options have
characteristics
significantly different
from
those of traded options, and changes
in the assumptions can materially affect the fair value
estimates.
Statement 123R 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 or when options
vest.
Our accounting for stock options is disclosed primarily
in Notes 1 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements.
Accounting
for goodwill and other intangible assets
The
Company accounts for acquisitions using the purchase method of
accounting. Under the purchase 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
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, fair value techniques based on multiples of earnings
or book value are used to determine the fair value of the Company’s reporting
units. Management believes the multiples used in these calculations
are consistent with current industry practice for valuing similar types of
companies.
Intangible
assets consist of core deposit intangibles and customer relationship
intangible assets arising from the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank in
2007. These assets are amortized over their estimated useful
lives. Impairment testing of these assets is performed at the
individual asset level. Impairment exists if the carrying amount of
the asset 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 amortized over the
remaining useful life of the asset.
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, 2007, the Company does 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 above. See page 41.
ITEM
8 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY
DATA
|
The
financial statements and report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm are set forth on pages 49 through 77.
ITEM
9 – CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
|
ITEM
9A – CONTROLS 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,
2007. 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 the Company’s disclosure controls were
effective as of December 31, 2007, the period covered by this report on Form
10K.
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:
·
|
Pertain
to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and
fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of a
company;
|
·
|
Provide
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of a company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the
board of directors of the company;
and
|
·
|
Provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of a company’s assets that
could have a material effect on its financial
statements.
|
Because
of the inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not
prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation
of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may
become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The
Company’s management has used the criteria established in “Internal
Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) to evaluate the effectiveness
of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on our
assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial
reporting, based on criteria established in “Internal Control-Integrated
Framework” issued by COSO was effective as of December 31, 2007.
The
Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has audited the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The report of Crowe Chizek
and Company LLP precedes the consolidated financial statements in this annual
report.
Inherent
Limitations on Effectiveness of
Controls
|
The
Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our
disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will
prevent or detect all error and all 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 considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the
inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can
provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not
occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the
company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities
that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur
because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the
individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by
management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is
based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and
there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated
goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of
controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over
time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or
deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or
procedures.
Changes
in Internal Control over Financial
Reporting
|
There was
no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during
the quarter ended December 31, 2007 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
GOVERNACE
|
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
|
ITEM
12 - SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
|
ITEM
13 - CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED
TRANSACTIONS
|
ITEM
14 – PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND
SERVICES
|
Information
required by this item will be contained in our
Definitive
Proxy Statement for
our
2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
, to be filed
pursuant to Regulation 14A, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
with
in 120 days of
December 31
,
2007
. 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 49 through
77.
(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.
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 17, 2008
|
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
BISCEGLIA
Frank
Bisceglia
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
/s/ JAMES
BLAIR
James
Blair
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
/s/ JACK
CONNER
Jack
Conner
|
Director
and Chairman of the Board
|
March
17, 2008
|
/s/ WILLIAM DEL
BIAGGIO, JR.
William
Del Biaggio, Jr.
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
/s/ WALTER T.
KACZMAREK
Walter
T. Kaczmarek
|
Director
and Chief Executive Officer and President (Principle Executive
Officer)
|
March
17, 2008
|
/s/ LAWRENCE D.
MCGOVERN
Lawrence
D. McGovern
|
Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
|
March
17, 2008
|
/s/ ROBERT
MOLES
Robert
Moles
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
/s/ LON
NORMANDIN
Lon
Normandin
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
/s/ JACK
PECKHAM
Jack
Peckham
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
/
s/
HUMPHREY POLANEN
Humphrey
Polanen
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
/s/ CHARLES
TOENISKOETTER
Charles
Toeniskoetter
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
/s/ RANSON
WEBSTER
Ranson
Webster
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
/s/ JOHN J.
HOUNSLOW
John J. Hounslow
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
/s/ MARK
LEFANOWICZ
Mark Lefanowicz
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2007
|
Page
|
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
49
|
Consolidated
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006
|
50
|
Consolidated
Income Statements for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and
2005
|
51
|
Consolidated
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December
31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
|
52
|
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and
2005
|
53
|
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
55
|
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
as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated income
statements, statements of changes in shareholders’ equity and statements of cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. We also
have audited Heritage Commerce Corp’s internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in
Internal Control
—
Integrated Framework
issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO)
.
Heritage
Commerce Corp’s management is responsible for these
financial statements,
for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in
the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial
Reporting included in Item 9A in Form 10-K. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our
audits.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining,
on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial
reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on
the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as
we considered necessary in the circumestances. 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
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 aasurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the compnay’s
assets that could have a material effect on the financial
statements.
Because
of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not
prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our
opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Heritage Commerce Corp as of
December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 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,
2007, based on criteria established in
Internal
Control—Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO).
/s/ Crowe
Chizek and Company LLP
Oak
Brook, Illinois
March 17
, 2008
HERITAGE
COMMERCE CORP
|
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
December
31,
|
|
December
31,
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and due from banks
|
|
$
|
39,793
|
|
$
|
34,285
|
Federal
funds sold
|
|
|
9,300
|
|
|
15,100
|
Total
cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
49,093
|
|
|
49,385
|
Securities
available for sale, at fair value
|
|
|
135,402
|
|
|
172,298
|
Loans
held for sale, at lower of cost or market
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
33,752
|
Loans,
net of deferred costs
|
|
|
1,036,465
|
|
|
709,236
|
Allowance
for loan losses
|
|
|
(12,218)
|
|
|
(9,279)
|
Loans,
net
|
|
|
1,024,247
|
|
|
699,957
|
Federal
Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost
|
|
|
7,002
|
|
|
6,113
|
Company
owned life insurance
|
|
|
38,643
|
|
|
36,174
|
Premises
and equipment, net
|
|
|
9,308
|
|
|
2,539
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
43,181
|
|
|
-
|
Intangible
assets
|
|
|
4,972
|
|
|
-
|
Accrued
interest receivable and other assets
|
|
|
35,624
|
|
|
36,920
|
Total
assets
|
|
$
|
1,347,472
|
|
$
|
1,037,138
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
and Shareholders' Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Demand,
noninterest bearing
|
|
$
|
268,005
|
|
$
|
231,841
|
Demand,
interest bearing
|
|
|
150,527
|
|
|
133,413
|
Savings
and money market
|
|
|
432,293
|
|
|
307,266
|
Time
deposits, under $100
|
|
|
34,092
|
|
|
31,097
|
Time
deposits, $100 and over
|
|
|
139,562
|
|
|
111,017
|
Brokered
deposits
|
|
|
39,747
|
|
|
31,959
|
Total
deposits
|
|
|
1,064,226
|
|
|
846,593
|
Notes
payable to subsidiary grantor trusts
|
|
|
23,702
|
|
|
23,702
|
Securities
sold under agreement to repurchase
|
|
|
10,900
|
|
|
21,800
|
Other
short-term borrowings
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
-
|
Accrued
interest payable and other liabilities
|
|
|
23,820
|
|
|
22,223
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
|
1,182,648
|
|
|
914,318
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders'
equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
stock, no par value; 10,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares
authorized; none outstanding
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Common
Stock, no par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized;
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares
outstanding: 12,774,926 in 2007 and 11,656,943 in 2006
|
|
|
92,414
|
|
|
62,363
|
Retained
earnings
|
|
|
73,298
|
|
|
62,452
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(888)
|
|
|
(1,995)
|
Total
shareholders' equity
|
|
|
164,824
|
|
|
122,820
|
Total
liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
|
$
|
1,347,472
|
|
$
|
1,037,138
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
notes to consolidated financial statements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HERITAGE
COMMERCE CORP
|
CONSOLIDATED
INCOME STATEMENTS
|
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
(Dollars
in thousands, except per share data)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
Interest
income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans,
including fees
|
|
$
|
68,405
|
|
$
|
61,859
|
|
$
|
54,643
|
Securities,
taxable
|
|
|
7,481
|
|
|
7,614
|
|
|
7,042
|
Securities,
non-taxable
|
|
|
155
|
|
|
182
|
|
|
205
|
Interest
bearing deposits in other financial institutions
|
|
|
141
|
|
|
132
|
|
|
97
|
Federal
funds sold
|
|
|
2,530
|
|
|
3,170
|
|
|
1,769
|
Total
interest income
|
|
|
78,712
|
|
|
72,957
|
|
|
63,756
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
expense:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits
|
|
|
24,211
|
|
|
19,588
|
|
|
12,849
|
Notes
payable to subsidiary grantor trusts
|
|
|
2,329
|
|
|
2,310
|
|
|
2,136
|
Repurchase
agreements
|
|
|
387
|
|
|
627
|
|
|
922
|
Other
borrowings
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Total
interest expense
|
|
|
27,012
|
|
|
22,525
|
|
|
15,907
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
interest income before provision for loan losses
|
|
|
51,700
|
|
|
50,432
|
|
|
47,849
|
Provision
for loan losses
|
|
|
(11)
|
|
|
(503)
|
|
|
313
|
Net
interest income after provision for loan losses
|
|
|
51,711
|
|
|
50,935
|
|
|
47,536
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noninterest
income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain
on sale of SBA loans
|
|
|
1,766
|
|
|
3,337
|
|
|
2,871
|
Gain
on sale of Capital Group loan portfolio
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
671
|
|
|
-
|
Servicing
income
|
|
|
2,181
|
|
|
1,860
|
|
|
1,838
|
Increase
in cash surrender value of life insurance
|
|
|
1,443
|
|
|
1,439
|
|
|
1,236
|
Service
charges and fees on deposit accounts
|
|
|
1,284
|
|
|
1,335
|
|
|
1,468
|
Gain
on sale of leased equipment
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
299
|
Equipment
leasing
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
131
|
Other
|
|
|
1,378
|
|
|
1,198
|
|
|
1,580
|
Total
noninterest income
|
|
|
8,052
|
|
|
9,840
|
|
|
9,423
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noninterest
expense:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries
and employee benefits
|
|
|
21,160
|
|
|
19,414
|
|
|
19,845
|
Occupancy
|
|
|
3,557
|
|
|
3,110
|
|
|
3,254
|
Professional
fees
|
|
|
2,342
|
|
|
1,688
|
|
|
1,617
|
Advertising
and promotion
|
|
|
1,092
|
|
|
1,064
|
|
|
985
|
Data processing
|
|
|
867
|
|
|
806
|
|
|
661
|
Low
income housing investment losses and writedowns
|
|
|
828
|
|
|
995
|
|
|
957
|
Client
services
|
|
|
820
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
1,404
|
Furniture
and equipment
|
|
|
638
|
|
|
517
|
|
|
734
|
Intangible asset amortization
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Retirement
plan expense
|
|
|
274
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
619
|
Amortization
of leased equipment
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
334
|
Other
|
|
|
5,600
|
|
|
5,322
|
|
|
4,823
|
Total
noninterest expense
|
|
|
37,530
|
|
|
34,268
|
|
|
35,233
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
before income taxes
|
|
|
22,233
|
|
|
26,507
|
|
|
21,726
|
Income
tax expense
|
|
|
8,137
|
|
|
9,237
|
|
|
7,280
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
14,096
|
|
$
|
17,270
|
|
$
|
14,446
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings
per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
1.14
|
|
$
|
1.47
|
|
$
|
1.22
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
1.12
|
|
$
|
1.44
|
|
$
|
1.19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
notes to consolidated financial
statements
|
HERITAGE
COMMERCE CORP
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unearned
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted
|
|
Unallocated
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
C
ommon
Stock
|
|
Stock
|
|
ESOP
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
Retained
|
|
Shareholders'
|
|
Comprehensive
|
(Dollars
in thousands, except shares)
|
|
Shares
|
|
Amount
|
|
Award
|
|
Shares
|
|
Income
(Loss)
|
|
Earnings
|
|
Equity
|
|
Income
|
Balance,
January 1, 2005
|
|
|
11,669,837
|
|
$
|
67,409
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
(193
|
)
|
$
|
(1,730)
|
|
$
|
33,093
|
|
$
|
98,579
|
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
14,446
|
|
|
14,446
|
|
$
|
14,446
|
Net
change in unrealized gain/loss on securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
available-for-sale
and I/O strips, net of reclassification
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
adjustment
and deferred income taxes
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(664)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(664)
|
|
|
(664)
|
Increase
in pension liability, net of deferred income taxes
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(327)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(327)
|
|
|
(327)
|
Total
comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
13,455
|
ESOP
shares released
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
284
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
193
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
477
|
|
|
|
Restricted
stock award
|
|
|
51,000
|
|
|
926
|
|
|
(926)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
Amortization
of restricted stock award
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
123
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
123
|
|
|
|
Redemption
payment on common stock
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(12)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(12)
|
|
|
|
Common
stock repurchased
|
|
|
(300,160)
|
|
|
(5,732)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(5,732)
|
|
|
|
Stock
options exercised, including related tax benefits
|
|
|
386,972
|
|
|
4,727
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
4,727
|
|
|
|
Balance,
December 31, 2005
|
|
|
11,807,649
|
|
|
67,602
|
|
|
(803)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(2,721)
|
|
|
47,539
|
|
|
111,617
|
|
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
17,270
|
|
|
17,270
|
|
$
|
17,270
|
Net
change in unrealized gain/loss on securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
available-for-sale
and I/O strips, net of reclassification
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
adjustment
and deferred income taxes
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
377
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
377
|
|
|
377
|
Decrease
in pension liability, net of deferred income taxes
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
349
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
349
|
|
|
349
|
Total
comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
17,996
|
Reclassification
of unearned restricted stock award
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
upon
adoption of Statement 123 (revised 2004)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(803)
|
|
|
803
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
Amortization
of restricted stock award
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
154
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
154
|
|
|
|
Cash
dividend declared on common stock, $0.20 per share
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(2,357)
|
|
|
(2,357)
|
|
|
|
Common
stock repurchased
|
|
|
(330,300)
|
|
|
(7,888)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(7,888)
|
|
|
|
Stock
option expense
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
780
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
780
|
|
|
|
Stock
options exercised, including related tax benefits
|
|
|
179,594
|
|
|
2,518
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,518
|
|
|
|
Balance,
December 31, 2006
|
|
|
11,656,943
|
|
|
62,363
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(1,995)
|
|
|
62,452
|
|
|
122,820
|
|
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
14,096
|
|
|
14,096
|
|
$
|
14,096
|
Net
change in unrealized gain/loss on securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
available-for-sale
and I/O strips, net of reclassification
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
adjustment
and deferred income taxes
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,028
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,028
|
|
|
1,028
|
Decrease
in pension liability, net of deferred income taxes
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
79
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
79
|
|
|
79
|
Total
comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
15,203
|
Issuance
of 1,732,298 shares to acquire Diablo
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valley
Bank, net of offering costs of $214
|
|
|
1,732,298
|
|
|
41,183
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
41,183
|
|
|
|
Amortization
of restricted stock award
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
154
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
154
|
|
|
|
Cash
dividend declared on common stock, $0.26 per share
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(3,250)
|
|
|
(3,250)
|
|
|
|
Common
stock repurchased
|
|
|
(698,190)
|
|
|
(13,653)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(13,653)
|
|
|
|
Stock
option expense
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,159
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,159
|
|
|
|
Stock
options exercised, including related tax benefits
|
|
|
83,875
|
|
|
1,208
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,208
|
|
|
|
Balance,
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
12,774,926
|
|
$
|
92,414
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
(888)
|
|
$
|
73,298
|
|
$
|
164,824
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
notes to consolidated financial
statements
|
HERITAGE
COMMERCE CORP
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
Years
ended December 31,
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
14,096
|
|
$
|
17,270
|
|
$
|
14,446
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
776
|
|
|
662
|
|
|
988
|
Provision
for loan losses
|
|
|
(11)
|
|
|
(503)
|
|
|
313
|
Gain
on sale of leased equipment
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(299)
|
Deferred
income tax benefit
|
|
|
(225)
|
|
|
(319)
|
|
|
(360)
|
Non-cash
compensation expense related to ESOP plan
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
477
|
Stock
option expense
|
|
|
1,159
|
|
|
780
|
|
|
-
|
Amortization
of other intangible assets
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Amortization
of restricted stock award
|
|
|
154
|
|
|
154
|
|
|
123
|
Amortization
(accretion) of discounts and premiums on securities
|
|
|
95
|
|
|
(1,087)
|
|
|
928
|
Gain
on sale of Capital Group loan portfolio
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(671)
|
|
|
-
|
Gain
on sale of SBA loans
|
|
|
(1,766)
|
|
|
(3,337)
|
|
|
(2,871)
|
Proceeds
from sales of loans held for sale
|
|
|
35,529
|
|
|
65,466
|
|
|
51,176
|
Change
in SBA loans held for sale
|
|
|
(17,469)
|
|
|
(51,100)
|
|
|
(58,876)
|
Increase
in cash surrender value of life insurance
|
|
|
(1,443)
|
|
|
(1,439)
|
|
|
(1,236)
|
Other
non-cash income
|
|
|
(230)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Effect
of changes in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued
interest receivable and other assets
|
|
|
3,162
|
|
|
4,270
|
|
|
(7,181)
|
Accrued
interest payable and other liabilities
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
1,562
|
|
|
4,909
|
Net
cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
34,531
|
|
|
31,708
|
|
|
2,537
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
change in loans (including purchase of $10,306 in 2006)
|
|
|
(104,078)
|
|
|
(27,591)
|
|
|
11,768
|
Proceeds
from sale of Capital Group loan portfolio
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
30,047
|
|
|
-
|
Net
decrease in Capital Group loan portfolio prior to sale
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,681
|
|
|
-
|
Purchases
of securities available-for-sale
|
|
|
(9,322)
|
|
|
(64,018)
|
|
|
(26,087)
|
Maturities/Paydowns/Calls
of securities available-for-sale
|
|
|
61,344
|
|
|
92,274
|
|
|
57,707
|
Sale
of leased equipment
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
687
|
Purchases
of company owned life insurance
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(7,196)
|
Purchase
of premises and equipment
|
|
|
(704)
|
|
|
(660)
|
|
|
(346)
|
Redemption
(Purchase) of restricted stock and other investments
|
|
|
58
|
|
|
(254)
|
|
|
(1,164)
|
Cash
received in bank acquisition, net of cash paid
|
|
|
16,407
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
(36,295)
|
|
|
32,479
|
|
|
35,369
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
change in deposits
|
|
|
(31,390)
|
|
|
(93,166)
|
|
|
21,224
|
Payment
of other liability
|
|
|
(329)
|
|
|
(1,469)
|
|
|
(2,299)
|
Exercise
of stock options
|
|
|
1,208
|
|
|
2,518
|
|
|
4,727
|
Stock
offering cost
|
|
|
(214)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Common
stock repurchased
|
|
|
(13,653)
|
|
|
(7,888)
|
|
|
(5,744)
|
Payment
of cash dividend
|
|
|
(3,250)
|
|
|
(2,357)
|
|
|
-
|
Proceeds
from other short-term borrowings
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Repayment
of securities under agreement to repurchase
|
|
|
(10,900)
|
|
|
(10,900)
|
|
|
(15,100)
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
1,472
|
|
|
(113,262)
|
|
|
2,808
|
Net
increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(292)
|
|
|
(49,075)
|
|
|
40,714
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of year
|
|
|
49,385
|
|
|
98,460
|
|
|
57,746
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of year
|
|
$
|
49,093
|
|
$
|
49,385
|
|
$
|
98,460
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
disclosures of cash flow information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid during the year for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
$
|
27,216
|
|
$
|
22,285
|
|
$
|
15,291
|
Income
taxes
|
|
$
|
6,319
|
|
$
|
4,781
|
|
$
|
13,828
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
schedule of non-cash investing activity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transfer
of commercial loans (Capital Group loan portfolio) to loans
held-for-sale
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
32,057
|
Transfer
of portfolio loans to loans held for sale
|
|
$
|
972
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
Transfer
of loans held for sale to loan portfolio
|
|
$
|
18,430
|
|
$
|
1,962
|
|
$
|
5,428
|
Loans
transferred to foreclosed assets
|
|
$
|
1,062
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
Summary
of assets acquired, and liabilities assumed through
acquisition:
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
41,807
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Securities
available-for-sale
|
|
$
|
12,214
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Net
loans
|
|
$
|
203,805
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Goodwill
and other intangible assets
|
|
$
|
48,506
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Premises
and equipment
|
|
$
|
6,841
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Company
owned life insurance
|
|
$
|
1,026
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Federal
Home Loan Bank Stock
|
|
$
|
717
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Other
assets, net
|
|
$
|
2,615
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Deposits
|
|
$
|
(249,023)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Other
liabilities
|
|
$
|
(1,711)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Common
stock issued to acquire Diablo Valley Bank
|
|
$
|
41,397
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
notes to consolidated financial
statements
|
HERITAGE
COMMERCE CORP
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description
of Business and Basis of Presentation
Heritage
Commerce Corp (the “Company”) operates as a bank holding company for its wholly
owned subsidy Heritage Bank of Commerce (“HBC” or “the Bank”). 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 6, the Company acquired Diablo Valley Bank (“DVB”) on June 20, 2007 and
merged DVB into HBC. HBC was incorporated on November 23, 1993 and commenced
operations on June 8, 1994.
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its
subsidiary bank. All inter- company accounts and transactions have
been eliminated.
The
Company also has four other subsidiaries, 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, which are Delaware statutory
business trusts formed for the exclusive purpose of issuing trust preferred
securities. These subsidiary trusts are not consolidated in the
Company’s consolidated financial statements and the subordinated debt payable to
subsidiary grantor trusts is recorded as debt of the Company to the related
trusts.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates. The allowance for loan losses, loan servicing
rights, defined benefit pension obligation, interest-only strip receivables,
purchase accounting adjustments, and the fair values of financial instruments
are particularly subject to change.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
Cash and
cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, and Federal funds
sold. Generally, Federal funds are sold and purchased for one-day
periods.
Cash
Flows
Net cash
flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, Federal funds
purchased, repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings.
Securities
The
Company classifies its securities as either available-for-sale or
held-to-maturity at the time of purchase. Securities
available-for-sale are recorded at fair value with a corresponding recognition
of the net unrealized holding gain or loss, net of deferred income taxes, as a
net amount within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is a
separate component of shareholders’ equity. Securities held-to-maturity are
recorded at amortized cost, based on the Company’s positive intent and ability
to hold the securities to maturity. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006,
all the Company’s securities were classified as available-for-sale
securities.
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, and (3)
the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security for a period sufficient to
allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.
Interest
income includes amortization of purchase premiums or
discount. 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.
Federal
Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) Stock
The Bank
is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain
amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may
invest in additional amounts. The FHLB stock is carried at cost,
classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for
impairment. Because this stock is viewed as a long term investment,
impairment is based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and
stock dividends are reported as income. The Bank is also member of
the FRB. FRB stock is classified as a restricted security, and cash
dividends are reported as income.
Loans
Held for Sale
The
Company held for sale the guaranteed portion of certain loans guaranteed by the
Small Business Administration or the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(collectively referred to as “SBA loans”). These loans were carried at the lower
of aggregate cost or market. Net unrealized losses, if any, were recorded as a
valuation allowance and charged to earnings.
Gains or
losses on SBA loans held for sale were recognized upon completion of the sale,
based on the difference between the net sales proceeds and the relative fair
value of the guaranteed portion of the loan sold compared to the relative fair
value of the unguaranteed portion.
SBA loans
were sold with servicing retained. The servicing assets that result
from the sale of SBA loans consist of servicing rights and 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, derecognizing
financial assets when control has been surrendered, and derecognizing
liabilities when extinguished. Servicing rights are measured at their fair value
and 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.
In March,
2006, FASB issued Statement 156,
Accounting for Servicing of
Financial Assets - An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 140
. This standard
amends the guidance in Statement 140, with respect to the accounting for
separately recognized servicing assets and servicing
liabilities. Among other requirements, Statement 156 requires
an entity to recognize a servicing asset or servicing liability each time it
undertakes an obligation to service a financial asset by entering into a
servicing contract in certain situations, including a transfer of loans with
servicing retained that meets the requirements for sale
accounting. Statement 156 is effective as of the beginning of an
entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. The
adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s
financial statements.
Loans
Loans
that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or
maturity or payoff are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of
deferred loan origination fees and costs. 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.
Generally,
if a loan is classified as non-accrual, the accrual of interest is discontinued,
any accrued and unpaid interest is reversed, and the amortization of deferred
loan fees and costs is discontinued. Loans are classified as non-accrual when
the payment of principal or interest is 90 days past due, unless the amount is
well secured and in the process of collection. 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 collectibility
of the contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.
Non-refundable
loan fees and direct origination costs are deferred and recognized over the
expected lives of the related loans using the effective yield interest
method.
Allowance
for Loan Losses
The
Company maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses
incurred in the loan portfolio. The allowance is based on ongoing, quarterly
assessments of the probable estimated losses. Loans are charged against the
allowance when management believes that the uncollectibility of a loan balance
is confirmed. The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses, which
is charged against current period operating results, and decreased by loan
charge-offs, net of recoveries. The Company’s methodology for assessing the
adequacy of the allowance consists of several key elements, which include the
formula allowance and specific allowances.
The
formula allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to pools of outstanding
loans. Loss factors are based on the Company’s historical loss experience,
adjusted for significant factors that, in management’s judgment, affect the
collectibility of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. The adjustment
factors for the formula allowance may include current economic and business
conditions affecting the key lending areas of the Company, in particular the
technology industry and the real estate market, credit quality trends,
collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, specific industry conditions
within portfolio segments, recent loss experience in particular segments of the
portfolio, duration of the current business cycle, and bank regulatory
examination results. The evaluation of the inherent loss with respect to these
conditions is subject to a higher degree of uncertainty.
Specific
allowances are established for impaired loans, but the entire allowance is
available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged
off. 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. When a loan is considered to
be impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the present value of
expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or
the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral
dependent. Commercial, land and construction and commercial real
estate loans are individually evaluated for impairment. Large groups
of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real
estate loans, are collectively evaluated for impairment and, accordingly, they
are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.
Loan
Commitments and Related Financial Instruments
Financial
instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to
make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing
needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to
loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to
repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are
funded.
Loss
Contingencies
Loss
contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course
of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable
and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably
estimated. Management does not believe that the ultimate loss from
such matters, if any, will have a material effect on the financial
statements.
Company
Owned Life Insurance
The
Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain directors and
officers. Upon adoption of EITF 06-5, which is discussed further
below, 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. Prior to adoption of EITF 06-5, the Company
recorded owned life insurance at its cash surrender value.
In
September 2006, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) finalized Issue No.
06-5,
Accounting for Purchases
of Life Insurance - Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized in Accordance
with FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4 (Accounting for Purchases of Life
Insurance).
This issue requires that a policyholder consider contractual
terms of a life insurance policy in determining the amount that could be
realized under the insurance contract. It also requires that if the
contract provides for a greater surrender value if all individual policies in a
group are surrendered at the same time, that the surrender value be determined
based on the assumption that policies will be surrendered on an individual
basis. Lastly, the issue discusses whether the cash surrender value
should be discounted when the policyholder is contractually limited in its
ability to surrender a policy. This issue is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of this issue
did not have a material impact on the financial statements.
In
September 2006, the EITF finalized Issue No. 06-4,
Accounting for Deferred Compensation
and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance
Arrangements
. This issue requires that a liability be recorded
during the service period when a split-dollar life insurance agreement continues
after participants’ employment or retirement. The required accrued
liability will be on either the post-employment benefit cost for the continuing
life insurance or based on the future death benefit depending on the contractual
terms of the underlying agreement. This issue is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2007.
The
Company will adopt EITF 06-4 on January 1, 2008, which will result in a
cumulative effect adjustment to decrease retained
earnings. Management is in the process of completing its calculations
and estimates that the cumulative effect will be a decrease to retained earnings
in the range of $3.0 million to $4.0 million, net of deferred
taxes.
Goodwill
and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
results from the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank 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 will be recognized in
the period identified.
Other
intangible assets consist of core deposit and customer relationship
intangible assets arising from the Diablo Valley Bank
acquisition. They are initially measured at fair value and then are
amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives. The core
deposit and customer relationship intangible assets are being amortized over ten
and seven years, respectively.
Retirement
Plans
Pension
expense is the net of service and interest cost, return on plan assets 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.
Premises
and Equipment
Land is
carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and
amortization are computed on a 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 on-going basis.
Income
Taxes
The
Company files consolidated Federal and combined state income tax
returns. Income tax expense is the total of the current year income
tax payable or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and
liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected
future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and
tax basis of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax
rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets
to the amount expected to be realized.
The
Company adopted FASB Interpretation 48 (“FIN 48”) “Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes”, as of January 1, 2007. Under FIN 48, 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 adoption of this standard did not have a
material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
The
Company recognizes interest related to income tax matters as interest expense
and penalties related to income tax matters as other noninterest
expense.
Earnings
per Share
Basic
earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average
common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect potential dilution
from outstanding stock options, using the treasury stock
method. There were 447,526, 167,763 and 25,225 stock options
for 2007, 2006, and 2005 that were considered to be antidilutive and excluded
from the computation of diluted earnings per share. For each of the
years presented, net income is the same for basic and diluted earnings per
share. Reconciliation of weighted average shares used in computing basic and
diluted earnings per share is as follows
|
|
Year ended December
31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
Weighted
average common shares outstanding - used
in computing basic
earnings per share
|
|
|
12,398,270
|
|
|
11,725,671
|
|
|
11,795,635
|
Dilutive
effect of stock options outstanding,
using the treasury stock
method
|
|
|
138,470
|
|
|
230,762
|
|
|
311,595
|
Shares
used in computing diluted earnings per share
|
|
|
12,536,740
|
|
|
11,956,433
|
|
|
12,107,230
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-Based
Compensation
Prior to
2006, the Company accounted for stock-based awards to employees using the
intrinsic value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”)
Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” No
compensation expense was recognized in the financial statements for stock option
arrangements, as the Company’s stock option plan provides for the issuance of
options at a price of no less than the fair market value at the date of the
grant.
Effective
January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(“SFAS”) No. 123R, Share-based Payment, using the modified prospective
transition method. Accordingly, the Company has recorded stock-based
employee compensation cost using the fair value method starting in
2006.
Prior to
January 1, 2006, employee compensation expense under stock options was reported
using the intrinsic value method; therefore, no stock-based compensation cost is
reflected in net income for the year ended December 31, 2005, as all options
granted had an exercise price equal to or greater than the market price of the
underlying common stock at date of grant.
The
following table presents the effect on net income and earnings per share if
expense was measured using the fair value recognition provisions of FASB
Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, for the year ended
December 31, 2005;
(Dollars
in thousands, except per share data)
|
|
December
31, 2005
|
Net
income as reported
|
|
$
|
14,446
|
Less:
Compensation expense for stock options determined under fair value
method
|
|
|
(438)
|
Pro
forma net income
|
|
$
|
14,008
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income per common share - basic
|
|
|
|
As
reported
|
|
$
|
1.22
|
Pro
forma
|
|
$
|
1.19
|
Net
income per common share - diluted
|
|
|
|
As
reported
|
|
$
|
1.19
|
Pro
forma
|
|
$
|
1.16
|
Comprehensive
Income
Comprehensive
income includes net income and other comprehensive income. The Company’s sources
of other comprehensive income are unrealized gains and losses on securities
available-for-sale and I/O strips, which are treated like available-for-sale
securities, and the liability related to the Company’s supplemental retirement
plan. The items in other comprehensive income are presented net of
deferred income tax effects. Reclassification adjustments result from gains or
losses on securities that were realized and included in net income of the
current period that also had been included in other comprehensive income as
unrealized holding gains and losses.
The
following is a summary of the components of other comprehensive income
(loss):
|
|
Year
ended December 31,
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
Net
unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale of securities and I/O
strips
during the year
|
|
$
|
1,766
|
|
$
|
650
|
|
$
|
(1,212)
|
Less:
Deferred income tax
|
|
|
(738)
|
|
|
(273)
|
|
|
548
|
Net
unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and I/O
strips, net of deferred income tax
|
|
|
1,028
|
|
|
377
|
|
|
(664)
|
Pension
liability adjustment during the year
|
|
|
137
|
|
|
601
|
|
|
(563)
|
Less:
Deferred income tax
|
|
|
(58)
|
|
|
(252)
|
|
|
236
|
Pension
liability adjustment, net of deferred income tax
|
|
|
79
|
|
|
349
|
|
|
(327)
|
Other
comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
$
|
1,107
|
|
$
|
726
|
|
$
|
(991)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following items, net of
deferred tax, at year-end.
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Unrealized
net losses on securities available-for-sale and I/O strips
|
|
$
|
136
|
|
$
|
(892)
|
Pension
liability
|
|
|
(1,024)
|
|
|
(1,103)
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
$
|
(888)
|
|
$
|
(1,995)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment
Reporting
HBC is an
independent community business bank with eleven branch offices that offer
similar products to customers. No customer accounts for more than 10 percent of
revenue for HBC or the Company. 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.
Reclassifications
Certain
amounts in the 2006 and 2005 financial statements have been reclassified to
conform to the 2007 presentation.
Adoption
of Other New Accounting Standards
In
February, 2006, FASB issued Statement 155,
Accounting for Certain Hybrid
Instruments.
This standard amended the guidance in Statement 133,
Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities,
and Statement 140,
Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities.
Statement 155 permits fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial
instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require
bifurcation and clarifies which interest-only and principal-only strips are not
subject to the requirements of Statement 133. Statement 155 is
effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning
of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. The
adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s
financial statements.
Newly
Issued but not yet Effective Accounting Standards
In
September 2006, FASB issued Statement 157,
Fair Value Measurements
. This
Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value
in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands disclosures
about fair value measurements. This Statement applies under other accounting
pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, FASB having
previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the
relevant measurement attribute. This Statement is effective for financial
statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and
interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this standard is not
expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial
statements.
In
February 2007, FASB issued Statement 159,
The Fair Value Option for Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities.
This statement provides companies with
an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair
value. The Standard’s objective is to reduce both complexity in accounting
for financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring
related assets and liabilities differently. The standard requires
companies to provide additional information that will help investors and other
users of financial statements to more easily understand the effect of the
company’s choice to use fair value on its earnings. It also requires entities to
display the fair value of those assets and liabilities for which the company has
chosen to use fair value on the face of the balance sheet. The new
Statement does not eliminate disclosure requirements included in other
accounting standards, including requirements for disclosures about fair value
measurements included in Statements 157,
Fair Value Measurements,
and
107,
Disclosures about Fair
Value of Financial Instruments.
This Statement is
effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after
November 15, 2007. The Company elected to not implement Statement
159.
On
November 5, 2007, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109,
Written Loan Commitments Recorded at
Fair Value through Earnings (“SAB 109”).
Previously, SAB
105
, Application of Accounting
Principles to Loan Commitments,
stated that in measuring the fair value
of a loan commitment, a company should not incorporate the expected net future
cash flows related to the associated servicing of the loan. SAB 109
supersedes SAB 105 and indicates that the expected net future cash flows related
to the associated servicing of the loan should be included in measuring fair
value for all written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value
through earnings. SAB 105 also indicated that internally-developed
intangible assets should not be recorded as part of the fair value of a
derivative loan commitment, and SAB 109 retains that view. SAB 109 is
effective for derivative loans commitments issued or modified in fiscal quarters
beginning after December 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the
impact of this standard to be material.
(2)
Securities
The
amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities at year-end were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
Gross
|
|
Gross
|
|
Estimated
|
2007
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
Fair
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
Cost
|
|
Gains
|
|
Losses
|
|
Value
|
Securities
available-for-sale:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
Treasury
|
|
$
|
4,942
|
|
$
|
49
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
4,991
|
U.S.
Government Agencies
|
|
|
35,578
|
|
|
256
|
|
|
(31)
|
|
|
35,803
|
Municipals
- Tax Exempt
|
|
|
4,139
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(25)
|
|
|
4,114
|
Mortgage-Backed
Securities
|
|
|
83,811
|
|
|
322
|
|
|
(1,087)
|
|
|
83,046
|
Collateralized
Mortgage Obligations
|
|
|
7,369
|
|
|
162
|
|
|
(83)
|
|
|
7,448
|
Total
securities available-for-sale
|
|
$
|
135,839
|
|
$
|
789
|
|
$
|
(1,226)
|
|
$
|
135,402
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
|
|
Gross
|
|
Estimated
|
2006
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
Fair
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
Cost
|
|
Gains
|
|
Losses
|
|
Value
|
Securities
available-for-sale:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
Treasury
|
|
$
|
6,000
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
(37)
|
|
$
|
5,963
|
U.S.
Government Agencies
|
|
|
59,610
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
(241)
|
|
|
59,396
|
Municipals
- Tax Exempt
|
|
|
8,299
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(157)
|
|
|
8,142
|
Mortgage-Backed
Securities
|
|
|
93,150
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
(3,038)
|
|
|
90,186
|
Collateralized
Mortgage Obligations
|
|
|
8,683
|
|
|
76
|
|
|
(148)
|
|
|
8,611
|
Total
securities available-for-sale
|
|
$
|
175,742
|
|
$
|
177
|
|
$
|
(3,621)
|
|
$
|
172,298
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities
classified as U.S. Government Agencies as of December 31, 2007 were issued by
the Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation, and the Federal Home Loan Bank.
At year
end 2007 and 2006, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other
than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of
shareholders’ equity.
No
securities were sold in 2007, 2006 or 2005.
Securities
with unrealized losses at year end, aggregated by investment category and length
of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss
position, are as follows:
|
|
Less Than 12
Months
|
|
12 Months or
More
|
|
Total
|
2007
|
|
Fair
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Unrealized
|
(Dollars in
thousands)
|
|
Value
|
|
Losses
|
|
Value
|
|
Losses
|
|
Value
|
|
Losses
|
U.S.
Government Agencies
|
|
|
1,251
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
2,969
|
|
|
(30)
|
|
|
4,220
|
|
|
(31)
|
Mortgage-Backed
Securities
|
|
|
2,132
|
|
|
(7)
|
|
|
55,817
|
|
|
(1,080)
|
|
|
57,949
|
|
|
(1,087)
|
Municipals
- Tax Exempt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
4,117
|
|
|
(25)
|
|
|
4,117
|
|
|
(25)
|
Collateralized
Mortgage Obligations
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,447
|
|
|
(83)
|
|
|
2,447
|
|
|
(83)
|
Total
|
|
$
|
3,383
|
|
$
|
(8)
|
|
$
|
65,350
|
|
$
|
(1,218)
|
|
$
|
68,733
|
|
$
|
(1,226)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Than 12
Months
|
|
12 Months or
More
|
|
Total
|
2006
|
|
Fair
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Unrealized
|
(Dollars in
thousands)
|
|
Value
|
|
Losses
|
|
Value
|
|
Losses
|
|
Value
|
|
Losses
|
U.S.
Treasury
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
5,963
|
|
$
|
(37)
|
|
$
|
5,963
|
|
$
|
(37)
|
U.S.
Government Agencies
|
|
|
35,078
|
|
|
(87)
|
|
|
11,456
|
|
|
(154)
|
|
|
46,534
|
|
|
(241)
|
Mortgage-Backed
Securities
|
|
|
11,691
|
|
|
(65)
|
|
|
68,421
|
|
|
(2,973)
|
|
|
80,112
|
|
|
(3,038)
|
Municipals
- Tax Exempt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
8,142
|
|
|
(157)
|
|
|
8,142
|
|
|
(157)
|
Collateralized
Mortgage Obligations
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
3,257
|
|
|
(148)
|
|
|
3,257
|
|
|
(148)
|
Total
|
|
$
|
46,769
|
|
$
|
(152)
|
|
$
|
97,239
|
|
$
|
(3,469)
|
|
$
|
144,008
|
|
$
|
(3,621)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At
December 31, 2007, the Company held 78 securities, of which 34 had fair values
below amortized cost. Thirty-one securities have been carried with an unrealized
loss for over 12 months. Unrealized losses were primarily due to
higher interest rates. No security sustained a downgrade in credit
rating. 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. Because the Company has the ability and intent to hold
these securities until a recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, the
Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired
at December 31, 2007.
At
December 31, 2006, the Company held 99 securities, of which 73 had fair values
below amortized cost. Fifty-two securities have been carried with an unrealized
loss for over 12 months. Unrealized losses were primarily due to
higher interest rates. No security sustained a downgrade in credit
rating. 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. Because the Company has the ability and intent to hold
these securities until a recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, the
Company did not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired
at December 31, 2006.
The
amortized cost and estimated fair values of securities as of December 31, 2007,
by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from
contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or pre-pay
obligations with or without call or pre-payment penalties.
|
|
Available-for-sale
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
Estimated
Fair Value
|
Due
within one year
|
|
$
|
32,570
|
|
$
|
32,672
|
Due
after one through five years
|
|
|
13,868
|
|
|
13,979
|
Due
after five through ten years
|
|
|
17,317
|
|
|
17,498
|
Due
after ten years
|
|
|
72,084
|
|
|
71,253
|
Total
|
|
$
|
135,839
|
|
$
|
135,402
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities
with amortized cost of $42,174,000 and $53,708,000 as of December 31, 2007 and
2006 were pledged to secure public and certain other deposits as required by law
or contract.
(3)
Loans and Loan Servicing
Loans at
year-end were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Loans
held for sale
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
33,752
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans
held for investment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial
|
|
$
|
411,251
|
|
$
|
284,093
|
Real
estate - mortgage
|
|
|
361,211
|
|
|
239,041
|
Real
estate - land and construction
|
|
|
215,597
|
|
|
143,834
|
Home
equity
|
|
|
44,187
|
|
|
38,976
|
Consumer
|
|
|
3,044
|
|
|
2,422
|
Total
loans
|
|
|
1,035,290
|
|
|
708,366
|
Deferred
loan origination costs and fees, net
|
|
|
1,175
|
|
|
870
|
Allowance
for loan losses
|
|
|
(12,218)
|
|
|
(9,279)
|
Loans,
net
|
|
$
|
1,024,247
|
|
$
|
699,957
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real
estate mortgage loans are primarily secured by mortgages on commercial
property.
During
2006, HBC purchased $10,306,000 of home equity loans from another
bank. The premium that HBC paid over the face value of the loans was
insignificant. The purchased loans are considered to be of
satisfactory credit quality.
Changes
in the allowance for loan losses were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December
31,
|
|
(Dollars in
thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Balance,
beginning of year
|
|
$
|
9,279
|
|
$
|
10,224
|
|
$
|
12,497
|
|
Loans
charged-off
|
|
|
(104)
|
|
|
(831)
|
|
|
(3,273)
|
|
Recoveries
|
|
|
929
|
|
|
389
|
|
|
1,358
|
|
Net
recoveries (charge-offs)
|
|
|
825
|
|
|
(442)
|
|
|
(1,915)
|
|
Provision
for loan losses
|
|
|
(11)
|
|
|
(503)
|
|
|
313
|
|
Reclassification
of allowance for loan losses
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
671
|
(1)
|
Allowance
acquired in bank acquisition
|
|
|
2,125
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
Balance,
end of year
|
|
$
|
12,218
|
|
$
|
9,279
|
|
$
|
10,224
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
The
Company reclassified $671,000 of the allowance allocated to $32 million of
commercial asset based loans that were reclassified to loans held-for-sale
as of December 31, 2005. Thus, the carrying value of these
loans held-for-sale includes an allowance for loan losses of
$671,000.
|
Impaired
loans were as follows:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Year-end
loans with no allocated allowance for loan losses
|
|
$
|
439
|
|
$
|
1,020
|
Year-end
loans with allocated allowance for loan losses
|
|
|
6,620
|
|
|
8,011
|
Total
|
|
$
|
7,059
|
|
$
|
9,031
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
Amount
of the allowance for loan losses allocated at year-end
|
|
$
|
1,478
|
|
$
|
1,226
|
|
$
|
2,656
|
Average
of impaired loans during the year
|
|
$
|
8,329
|
|
$
|
13,551
|
|
$
|
16,823
|
Cash
basis interest income recognized during impairment
|
|
$
|
103
|
|
$
|
28
|
|
$
|
110
|
Interest
income during impairment
|
|
$
|
1,031
|
|
$
|
1,012
|
|
$
|
885
|
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:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Loans
past due over 90 days still on accrual
|
|
$
|
101
|
|
$
|
451
|
Nonaccrual
loans
|
|
$
|
3,363
|
|
$
|
3,866
|
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 downturn in these sectors
of the economy which could reduce the demand for loans and adversely impact the
borrowers’ ability to repay their loans.
HBC makes
loans to executive officers, directors, and their affiliates. The following
table presents the loans outstanding to these related parties:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
Balance,
beginning of year
|
|
$
|
2
|
Advances
on loans during the year
|
|
|
1,300
|
Repayment
on loans during the year
|
|
|
(1,301)
|
Balance,
end of year
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
At
December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company serviced SBA loans sold to the secondary
market of approximately $177,161,000 and $188,844,000.
Activity
for loan servicing rights follows:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Beginning
of year balance
|
|
$
|
2,154
|
|
$
|
2,171
|
Additions
|
|
|
575
|
|
|
1,195
|
Amortization
|
|
|
(975)
|
|
|
(1,212)
|
End
of year balance
|
|
$
|
1,754
|
|
$
|
2,154
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loan
servicing income is reported net of amortization. There was no valuation
allowance as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, as the fair market value of the
assets was greater than the carrying value. The estimated fair value of loan
servicing rights was $2,333,000 and $3,562,000 at December 31, 2007 and
2006.
Servicing
assets represent the servicing spread generated from the sold guaranteed
portions of SBA and other guaranteed loans. The weighted average
servicing rate for all loans serviced was 1.60% and 1.70% at December 31, 2007
and 2006, respectively. In recording the initial value of the servicing rights
and the fair value of the I/O strip receivable, the Company uses estimates which
are based on management’s expectations of future prepayment and discount rates.
Management’s estimate of constant prepayment rate (“CPR”) was 18.7% and 17.7%
for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The
weighted average discount rate assumption was 9.7% and 9.8% for the years ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. These prepayment and
discount rates were based on current market conditions and historical
performance of the various loan pools. If actual prepayments with
respect to sold loans occur more quickly than projected, the carrying value of
the servicing rights may have to be adjusted through a charge to
earnings. A corresponding decrease in the value of the I/O strip
receivable would also be expected.
Management
reviews key economic assumptions used in the FASB Statement 140 accounting model
to establish the value of the I/O strip on a quarterly basis. The Bank has
completed a sensitivity analysis to determine the impact on the value of the
asset in the event of a 10% and 20% adverse change, independently from any
change in another key assumption. This test involved the CPR assumption and the
discount rate assumptions. The value of the I/O strip can be
adversely impacted by a significant increase in either the prepayment speed of
the portfolio or a significant increase in the discount rate.
At
December 31, 2007, key economic assumptions and the sensitivity of the current
fair value of residual cash flows on the I/O strip to immediate 10 percent and
20 percent adverse changes in those assumptions are as follows:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
|
Carrying
amount/fair value of Interest-Only (I/O) strip
|
|
$
|
2,332
|
Weighted
average life (in years)
|
|
|
3.4
|
Prepayment
speed assumption (annual rate)
|
|
|
21.4%
|
Impact
on fair value of 10% adverse change in prepayment speed (CPR
23.5%)
|
|
$
|
(127)
|
Impact
on fair value of 20% adverse change in prepayment speed (CPR
25.6%)
|
|
$
|
(245)
|
Residual
cash flow discount rate assumption (annual)
|
|
|
20.0%
|
Impact
on fair value of 10% adverse change in discount rate (22.0% discount
rate)
|
|
$
|
(96)
|
Impact
on fair value of 20% adverse change in discount rate (24.0% discount
rate)
|
|
$
|
(184)
|
Activity
for I/O strip receivables in 2007 and 2006 follows:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Beginning
of year balance
|
|
$
|
4,537
|
|
$
|
4,679
|
Additions
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
1,272
|
Amortization
|
|
|
(991)
|
|
|
(1,229)
|
Unrealized
loss
|
|
|
(1,241)
|
|
|
(185)
|
End
of year balance
|
|
$
|
2,332
|
|
$
|
4,537
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4)
Premises and Equipment
Premises
and equipment at year end were as follows:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Building
|
|
$
|
3,243
|
|
$
|
-
|
Land
|
|
|
2,900
|
|
|
-
|
Furniture
and equipment
|
|
|
6,031
|
|
|
4,704
|
Leasehold
improvements
|
|
|
4,864
|
|
|
4,420
|
|
|
|
17,038
|
|
|
9,124
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(7,730)
|
|
|
(6,585)
|
Premises
and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
9,308
|
|
$
|
2,539
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
expense was $776,000, $662,000, and $988,000 in 2007, 2006, and 2005,
respectively.
(5)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The
change in balance for goodwill during the year follows:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
Beginning
balance, January 1, 2007
|
|
$
|
-
|
Recorded
amounts during the year
|
|
|
43,181
|
Ending
balance, December 31, 2007
|
|
$
|
43,181
|
|
|
|
|
Acquired
Intangible Assets
Core
deposit and customer relationship intangible assets acquired in the 2007
acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank were $5,049,000 and $276,000, respectively.
Accumulated amortization of these intangible assets was $352,000 at December 31,
2007.
Estimated
amortization expense for each of the next five years:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
|
2008
|
|
$
|
741
|
2009
|
|
|
642
|
2010
|
|
|
575
|
2011
|
|
|
523
|
2012
|
|
|
492
|
(6)
Acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank
The
Company completed its acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank on June 20,
2007. The transaction was valued at approximately $65 million,
including payments for cancellation of options for Diablo Valley Bank common
stock. The merger consideration consisted of approximately $24
million in cash and the issuance of 1,732,298 shares of the Company’s common
stock in exchange for all outstanding Diablo Valley Bank shares and stock
options. Prior to closing, Diablo Valley Bank redeemed all of its
outstanding Series A Preferred Stock for an aggregate of approximately $6.7
million in cash (including dividend payments). The consolidated
financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2007 include
purchase accounting adjustments to record the assets and liabilities of Diablo
Valley Bank at their estimated fair values.
The
following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed at the date of
acquisition.
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
41,807
|
Securities
available-for-sale
|
|
|
12,214
|
Net
loans
|
|
|
203,805
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
43,181
|
Core
deposit and customer relationship intangible assets
|
|
|
5,325
|
Premises
and equipment
|
|
|
6,841
|
Corporate
owned life insurance
|
|
|
1,026
|
Federal
Home Loan Bank Stock
|
|
|
717
|
Other
assets, net
|
|
|
2,615
|
Total
assets acquired
|
|
|
317,531
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits
|
|
|
(249,023)
|
Other
liabilities
|
|
|
(1,711)
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
|
(250,734)
|
Net
assets acquired
|
|
$
|
66,797
|
|
|
|
|
None of
the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.
The
Company’s cost to acquire Diablo Valley Bank is summarized as
follows:
Cash
paid to Diablo Valley Bank common shareholders and stock option
holders
|
|
$
|
24,002
|
Common
stock issued to Diablo Valley Bank shareholders
|
|
|
41,397
|
Total
consideration
|
|
|
65,399
|
Professional
fees and other acquisition costs
|
|
|
1,398
|
Net
assets acquired
|
|
$
|
66,797
|
|
|
|
|
Diablo
Valley Bank was acquired by the Company for several reasons. Diablo
Valley Bank was a profitable and fast growing bank in a geographic area where
the Company wants to expand. Diablo Valley Bank had experienced staff
and the acquisition also enhanced the Company’s position in the East Bay area in
the cities of Danville and Pleasanton. The Company believes it can
achieve significant cost savings from merging Diablo Valley Bank into Heritage
Bank of Commerce.
The
following table presents pro forma information as if the acquisition had
occurred at the beginning of 2007 and 2006. The pro forma financial
information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations as they
would have been had the transaction been effected on the assumed date and is not
intended to be a projection of future results.
Unaudited
|
(Dollars
in thousands, except per share data)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Net
interest income
|
|
$
|
56,805
|
|
$
|
59,854
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
15,193
|
|
$
|
18,360
|
Net
income per share - basic
|
|
$
|
1.15
|
|
$
|
1.36
|
Net
income per share - diluted
|
|
$
|
1.14
|
|
$
|
1.34
|
(7)
Deposits
The
following table presents the scheduled maturities of time deposits, including
brokered deposits, for the next five years:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
December
31, 2007
|
2008
|
|
$
|
194,644
|
2009
|
|
|
17,482
|
2010
|
|
|
1,231
|
2011
|
|
|
44
|
2012
|
|
|
-
|
Total
|
|
$
|
213,401
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits
from executive officers, directors, and their affiliates were $9,691,000 at
December 31, 2007.
(8)
Borrowing Arrangements
FHLB
Borrowings & Available Lines of Credit
The
Company maintains a collateralized line of credit with the Federal Home Loan
Bank (“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, 2007, the Company had $60 million of
overnight borrowings from the FHLB, bearing interest at 4.05%. There were no
outstanding advances at December 31, 2006. The Company has $164
million of loans and $11 million of securities pledged to the FHLB as
collarteral on a line of credit of $94 million at December 31,
2007.
At
December 31, 2007, the Company has Federal funds purchase arrangements and lines
of credit available of $72 million. There were no Fed Funds
purchased at December 31, 2007 and 2006.
Securities
sold under agreements to repurchase are secured by mortgage-backed securities
carried at $12,993,000 and $27,694,000, respectively, at December 31, 2007 and
2006. The repurchase agreements, totaling $10,900,000 at December 31, 2007
mature in 2008.
Notes
Payable to Subsidiary Grantor Trusts
The
following is a summary of the notes payable to the Company’s subsidiary grantor
trusts at December 31:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Subordinated
debentures due to Heritage Capital Trust I with
|
|
|
|
|
interest
payable semi-annually at 10.875%, redeemable with a
|
|
|
|
|
premium
beginning March 8, 2010 and with no premium beginning
|
|
|
|
|
March
8, 2020 and due March 8, 2030
|
|
$
|
7,217
|
|
$
|
7,217
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subordinated
debentures due to Heritage Statutory Trust I with
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
interest
payable semi-annually at 10.6%, redeemable with a
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
premium
beginning September 7, 2010 and with no premium beginning
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September
7, 2020 and due September 7, 2030
|
|
|
7,206
|
|
|
7,206
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subordinated
debentures due to Heritage Statutory Trust II with
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
interest
payable semi-annually based on 3-month Libor plus 3.58%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8.54%
at December 31, 2007), redeemable with a premium beginning
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July
31, 2006 and with no premium beginning July 31, 2011 and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
due
July 31, 2031
|
|
|
5,155
|
|
|
5,155
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subordinated
debentures due to Heritage Statutory Trust III with
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
interest
payable semi-annually based on 3-month Libor plus 3.40%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8.26%
at December 31, 2007), redeemable with no premium
beginning
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September
26, 2012 and due September 26, 2032
|
|
|
4,124
|
|
|
4,124
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
23,702
|
|
$
|
23,702
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
Company has guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, distributions and other
payments due on the trust preferred securities issued by the subsidiary grantor
trusts.
(9)
Income Taxes
Income
tax expense consisted of the following:
|
|
December
31,
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
Currently
payable tax:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$
|
6,013
|
|
$
|
7,472
|
|
$
|
5,921
|
State
|
|
|
2,349
|
|
|
2,084
|
|
|
1,719
|
Total
currently payable
|
|
|
8,362
|
|
|
9,556
|
|
|
7,640
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
tax (benefit)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
(223)
|
|
|
(258)
|
|
|
(292)
|
State
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
|
(61)
|
|
|
(68)
|
Total
deferred tax (benefit)
|
|
|
(225)
|
|
|
(319)
|
|
|
(360)
|
Income
tax expense
|
|
$
|
8,137
|
|
$
|
9,237
|
|
$
|
7,280
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate for the years ended
December 31, as follows:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
Statutory
Federal income tax rate
|
|
35.0%
|
|
35.0%
|
|
35.0%
|
State
income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
|
|
7.2%
|
|
5.6%
|
|
4.9%
|
Low
income housing credits
|
|
-4.9%
|
|
-3.9%
|
|
-4.3%
|
Non-taxable
interest income
|
|
-0.2%
|
|
-0.2%
|
|
-0.3%
|
Increase
in cash surrender value of life insurance
|
|
-2.3%
|
|
-1.9%
|
|
-2.0%
|
Stock
based compensation
|
|
1.1%
|
|
0.7%
|
|
-
|
Other
|
|
0.7%
|
|
-0.5%
|
|
0.2%
|
Effective
tax rate
|
|
36.6%
|
|
34.8%
|
|
33.5%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
deferred tax assets at year-end consist of the following:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Deferred
tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance
for loan losses
|
|
$
|
5,061
|
|
$
|
3,901
|
Deferred
compensation
|
|
|
4,750
|
|
|
4,183
|
Net
operating loss carryforward
|
|
|
163
|
|
|
-
|
Fixed
Assets
|
|
|
780
|
|
|
924
|
Postretirement
benefit obligation
|
|
|
741
|
|
|
799
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
|
717
|
|
|
524
|
State
income taxes
|
|
|
715
|
|
|
729
|
Loans
|
|
|
373
|
|
|
-
|
Loans
held for sale
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
389
|
Securities
available-for-sale and I/O strips
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
646
|
Other
|
|
|
561
|
|
|
322
|
Total
deferred tax assets
|
|
|
13,861
|
|
|
12,417
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FHLB
Stock
|
|
|
(253)
|
|
|
(150)
|
Loan
fees
|
|
|
(456)
|
|
|
(606)
|
Securities
available-for-sale and I/O strips
|
|
|
(95)
|
|
|
-
|
Intangible
assets
|
|
|
(2,091)
|
|
|
-
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
(332)
|
|
|
(277)
|
Other
|
|
|
(489)
|
|
|
(215)
|
Total
deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(3,716)
|
|
|
(1,248)
|
Net
deferred tax assets
|
|
$
|
10,145
|
|
$
|
11,169
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as
income of the state of California. The Company is no longer subject
to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2004.
At year
end 2007, the Company has a California net operating loss carryforwards acquired
from the Diablo Valley Bank acquisition of approximately $2,300,000 which will
expire in 2022 if not utilized.
(10) Stock option
plan
The
Company has a stock option plan (the Plan) for directors, officers, and key
employees. The Plan provides for the grant of incentive and non-qualified stock
options. The Plan provides that the option price for both incentive and
non-qualified stock options will be determined by the Board of Directors at no
less than the fair value at the date of grant. Options granted vest on a
schedule determined by the Board of Directors at the time of grant. Generally,
options vest over four years. All options expire no later than ten years from
the date of grant. On May 25, 2006, the Company’s shareholders approved an
amendment to the Heritage Commerce Corp 2004 Stock Option Plan by authorizing
550,000 additional shares available for option grants. As of December
31, 2007, there are 73,134 shares available for future grants under the
Plan.
Option
activity under the Plan is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
Average
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
Remaining
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
Number
|
|
Average
|
|
Contractual
|
|
Intrinsic
|
Total
Stock Options
|
|
of
Shares
|
|
Exercise
Price
|
|
Life
(Years)
|
|
Value
|
Outstanding
at January 1, 2007
|
|
|
752,983
|
|
$
|
16.56
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
384,000
|
|
$
|
21.97
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(83,875)
|
|
$
|
9.56
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
or expired
|
|
|
(42,446)
|
|
$
|
20.97
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding
at December 31, 2007
|
|
|
1,010,662
|
|
$
|
19.02
|
|
|
7.5
|
|
$
|
1,993,000
|
Vested
or expected to vest
|
|
|
970,236
|
|
$
|
19.02
|
|
|
7.5
|
|
$
|
1,914,000
|
Exercisable
at December 31, 2007
|
|
|
492,664
|
|
$
|
16.02
|
|
|
6.0
|
|
$
|
1,854,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Information
related to the stock option plan during each year follows:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
Intrinsic
value of options exercised
|
|
$
|
1,105,000
|
|
$
|
2,435,000
|
|
$
|
3,791,000
|
Cash
received from option exercise
|
|
$
|
802,000
|
|
$
|
1,812,000
|
|
$
|
3,641,000
|
Tax
benefit realized from option exercises
|
|
$
|
406,000
|
|
$
|
706,000
|
|
$
|
1,086,000
|
Weighted
average fair value of options granted
|
|
$
|
6.10
|
|
$
|
7.57
|
|
$
|
5.93
|
As of
December 31, 2007, there was $3,545,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost
related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the
Company’s stock option plan. That cost is expected to be recognized
over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.9 years. The total
fair value of options vested during 2007 is approximately
$1,159,000.
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.
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
Expected
life in months
(1)
|
|
72
|
|
84
|
|
84
|
Volatility
(1)
|
|
22%
|
|
21%
|
|
21%
|
Weighted
average risk-free interest rate
(2)
|
|
4.49%
|
|
4.85%
|
|
4.14%
|
Expected
dividends
(3)
|
|
1.18%
|
|
0.85%
|
|
0%
|
(1)
|
The
expected life of employee stock options represents the weighted average
period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding. It
is estimated 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)
|
The
Company began paying cash dividends on the common stock in
2006. 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.
|
Forfeitures
for options granted prior to 2006 were recognized as they
occurred. Beginning in 2006, the Company estimates the impact of
forfeitures based on historical experience, and has concluded that forfeitures
have no significant effect on stock option expense. The Company
issues new shares of common stock to satisfy stock option
exercises.
The
Company granted 51,000 restricted shares of its common stock to an executive
officer pursuant to the terms of a restricted stock agreement, dated March 17,
2005. The grant price was $18.15. Under the terms of the
agreement, the restricted shares will vest 25% per year at the end of years
three, four, five and six, provided the executive officer is still with the
Company, subject to accelerated vesting upon a change of control, termination
without cause, termination by the executive officer for good reason (as defined
by the executive employment agreement), death or disability. The fair
value of stock award at the grant date was $926,000, which is being amortized to
expense over the six-year vesting period on the straight-line
method. Amortization expense was $154,000 in 2007 and 2006, and
$123,000 in 2005.
(11)
Leases
Operating
Leases
The
Company owns one of its offices and leases the others under non-cancelable
operating leases with terms, including renewal options, ranging from five to
fifteen years. Future minimum payments under the agreements are as
follows:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
|
Year
ending December 31,
|
|
|
2008
|
|
$
|
2,142
|
2009
|
|
|
2,022
|
2010
|
|
|
2,175
|
2011
|
|
|
2,033
|
2012
|
|
|
2,044
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
4,203
|
Total
|
|
$
|
14,619
|
|
|
|
|
Rent
expense under operating leases was $2,644,000, $2,375,000, and $2,402,000,
respectively, in 2007, 2006, and 2005.
(12)
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 has made a discretionary matching contribution of up to $1,500
for each employee’s contributions in 2007, 2006 and
2005. Contribution expense was $315,000, $279,000, and $271,000 in
2007, 2006 and 2005.
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. Employer contributions to
the ESOP are discretionary. Contribution expense was $247,000, $400,000 and
$177,087 in 2007, 2006, and 2005. At December 31, 2007, the ESOP owned
approximately 142,000 shares of the Company’s stock.
On
September 7, 2001, the ESOP borrowed $1,000,000 from an unaffiliated third party
lender to fund the purchase of common stock of the Company. This loan
was paid off in June 2005. The loan was collateralized by the shares
of the Company’s common stock held by the ESOP.
The
Company has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for its directors
(“Deferral Plan”). Under the Deferral Plan, a participating director may defer
up to 100% of his monthly board fees into the Deferral Plan for up to ten years.
Amounts deferred earn interest. The director may elect a distribution schedule
of up to ten years. The Company’s deferred compensation obligation of $562,000
and $484,000 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 is included in “Accrued interest
payable and other liabilities.”
The
Company has purchased life insurance policies on the lives of directors who have
agreed to participate in the Deferral Plan. It is expected that the earnings on
these policies will offset the cost of the program. In addition, the Company
will receive death benefit payments upon the death of the director. The proceeds
will permit the Company to “complete” the deferral program as the director
originally intended if he dies prior to the completion of the deferral program.
The disbursement of deferred fees is accelerated at death and commences one
month after the director dies.
In the
event of the director’s disability prior to attainment of his benefit
eligibility date, the director may request that the Board permit him to receive
an immediate disability benefit equal to the annualized value of the director’s
deferral account.
The
Company has a supplemental retirement plan covering key executives and directors
(“Plan”). The Plan is a nonqualified defined benefit plan and is unsecured and
unfunded and there are no Plan assets. The combined number of active
and retired/terminated participants in the Plan was 52 at December 31, 2007. 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 Company has purchased insurance on the lives of the
directors and executive officers in the plan. If the life insurance contract is
terminated by the Company, the Company will have the obligation to pay the
retirement and death benefits. The accrued pension obligation was $11,499,000
and $10,478,000 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and is included
in “Accrued interest payable and other liabilities”. The Plan had
accumulated other comprehensive loss before taxes of $1,765,000 and $1,902,000,
respectively, as of December 31, 2007 and 2006. The measurement date
of the plan is December 31.
The
following table sets forth the Plan’s status at December 31:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Change
in projected benefit obligation
|
|
|
|
|
Projected
benefit obligation at beginning of year
|
|
$
|
10,478
|
|
$
|
9,782
|
Service
cost
|
|
|
734
|
|
|
799
|
Interest
cost
|
|
|
619
|
|
|
552
|
Actuarial
(gain)/loss
|
|
|
(30)
|
|
|
(422)
|
Benefits
paid
|
|
|
(302)
|
|
|
(233)
|
Projected
benefit obligation at end of year
|
|
$
|
11,499
|
|
$
|
10,478
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unfunded
Status
|
|
$
|
(11,499)
|
|
$
|
(10,478)
|
Unrecognized
net actuarial (gain)/loss
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
1,902
|
Net
amount recognized
|
|
$
|
(9,734)
|
|
$
|
(8,576)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts
recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
acturial loss
|
|
$
|
1,594
|
|
$
|
1,694
|
Prior
service cost
|
|
|
171
|
|
|
208
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive loss
|
|
$
|
1,765
|
|
$
|
1,902
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average
assumptions as of December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount
rate
|
|
|
6.45%
|
|
|
5.98%
|
Rate
of compensation increase
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
N/A
|
Expected
return on Plan assets
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
N/A
|
Benefits,
which reflect anticipated future events, service and others, are expected to be
paid over the following years:
|
|
Estimated
|
Year
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
Benefit
Payments
|
2008
|
|
$
|
430
|
2009
|
|
|
451
|
2010
|
|
|
477
|
2011
|
|
|
595
|
2012
|
|
|
728
|
2013
to 2017
|
|
|
5,162
|
The
components of pension cost for the nonqualified supplemental retirement defined
benefit plan were as follows:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Components
of net periodic benefits cost
|
|
|
|
|
Service
cost
|
|
$
|
734
|
|
$
|
799
|
Interest
cost
|
|
|
619
|
|
|
552
|
Amortization
of net acturial and prior serice cost loss
|
|
|
106
|
|
|
180
|
Net
periodic benefit cost
|
|
$
|
1,459
|
|
$
|
1,531
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The net
periodic benefit cost was determined using the following
assumptions:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Discount
rate
|
|
5.98%
|
|
5.68%
|
Rate
of increase in future compensation levels for determining
expense
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
Expected
return on Plan assets
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13)
Disclosures of Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The
estimated fair value amounts have been determined by using available market
information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable
judgment is required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair
value. Accordingly, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of
the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. The use of
different market assumptions and/or estimation techniques may have a material
effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
The
carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial
instruments at year-end were as follows:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
Carrying
|
|
Fair
|
|
Carrying
|
|
Fair
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
Amounts
|
|
Value
|
|
Amounts
|
|
Value
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
49,093
|
|
$
|
49,093
|
|
$
|
49,385
|
|
$
|
49,385
|
Securities
|
|
|
135,402
|
|
|
135,402
|
|
|
172,298
|
|
|
172,298
|
Loans,
including loans held for sale, net
|
|
|
1,024,247
|
|
|
1,011,683
|
|
|
733,709
|
|
|
723,302
|
FHLB
and FRB Stock
|
|
|
7,002
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
6,113
|
|
|
N/A
|
Accrued
interest receivable
|
|
|
5,131
|
|
|
5,131
|
|
|
4,876
|
|
|
4,876
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Time
deposits
|
|
$
|
213,401
|
|
$
|
214,151
|
|
$
|
174,073
|
|
$
|
173,953
|
Other
deposits
|
|
|
850,825
|
|
|
850,825
|
|
|
672,520
|
|
|
672,520
|
Securities
sold under agreement to repurchase
|
|
|
10,900
|
|
|
10,881
|
|
|
21,800
|
|
|
21,421
|
Other
short-term borrowings
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
Notes
payable subsidiary grantor trusts
|
|
|
23,702
|
|
|
24,010
|
|
|
23,702
|
|
|
25,820
|
Accrued
interest payable
|
|
|
1,844
|
|
|
1,844
|
|
|
2,048
|
|
|
2,048
|
The
following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value in the
table, above:
Cash
and Cash Equivalents and Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable
The
carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturities of these
instruments.
Securities
Security
fair values are based on market prices or dealer quotes and, if no such
information is available, on the rate and term of the security and information
about the issuer. It was not practical to determine the fair value of
FHLB and FRB stock due to the restrictions placed on
transferability.
Loans
Loans
with similar financial characteristics are grouped together for purposes of
estimating their fair value. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial,
term real estate, residential construction, and consumer. Each loan category is
further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms.
The fair
value of performing, fixed rate loans is calculated by discounting scheduled
future cash flows using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit
and interest rate risk inherent in the loan. The fair value of variable rate
loans approximates the carrying amount as these loans generally reprice within
90 days. The fair value of loans held for sale is based on estimated
market values.
Deposits
The fair
value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest bearing demand
deposits, savings, and money market accounts, approximates the amount payable on
demand. The carrying amount approximates the fair value of time deposits with a
remaining maturity of less than 90 days. The fair value of all other time
deposits is calculated based on discounting the future cash flows using rates
currently offered by the Bank for time deposits with similar remaining
maturities.
Notes
Payable to Subsidiary Grantor Trusts and Securities Sold Under Agreement to
Repurchase
The fair
values of notes payable to subsidiary grantor trusts and securities sold under
agreement to repurchase were determined based on the current market value for
like kind instruments of a similar maturity and structure.
Other
Short-term Borrowings
The
carrying amount approximates the fair value of short-term borrowings that
reprice frequently and fully.
Commitments
to Fund Loans/Standby Letters of Credit
The fair
values of commitments are estimated using the fees currently charged to enter
into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the
agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. The amounts
of and differences between the carrying value of commitments to fund loans or
stand by letters of credit and their fair value is not significant and therefore
is not included in the table above.
Limitations
Fair
value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market
information about the financial instruments. These estimates do not reflect any
premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the
entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Fair value estimates are
based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic
conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other
factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and
matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with
precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the
estimates.
(14)
Commitments and Contingencies
Financial
Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
HBC is a
party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course
of business to meet the financing needs of its clients. These financial
instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.
Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest
rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the balance
sheets.
HBC’s
exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance of the other party to
the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of
credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. HBC uses
the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it
does for on-balance sheet instruments. Credit risk is the possibility that a
loss may occur because a party to a transaction failed to perform according to
the terms of the contract. HBC controls the credit risk of these transactions
through credit approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures. Management does not
anticipate any significant losses as a result of these
transactions.
Commitments
to extend credit as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Commitments
to extend credit
|
|
$
|
444,172
|
|
$
|
310,200
|
Standby
letters of credit
|
|
|
21,143
|
|
|
12,020
|
Commitments
to fund
|
|
$
|
465,315
|
|
$
|
322,220
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Generally,
commitments to extend credit as of December 31, 2007 are at variable rates,
typically based on the prime rate (with a margin). Commitments generally expire
within one year.
Commitments
to extend credit are agreements to lend to a client as long as there is no
violation of conditions established in the contract. Commitments generally have
fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since some of the
commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total
commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. HBC
evaluates each client’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of
collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by HBC upon the extension of credit, is
based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral held varies
but may include cash, marketable securities, accounts receivable, inventory,
property, plant and equipment, income-producing commercial properties, and/or
residential properties. Fair value of these instruments is not
material.
Standby
letters of credit are written with conditional commitments issued by HBC to
guaranty the performance of a client to a third party. The credit risk involved
in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in
extending loan facilities to clients.
The
Company is required to maintain noninterest bearing reserves. Reserve
requirements are based on a percentage of certain deposits. As of December 31,
2007, the Company maintained reserves of $3,289,000 in the form of vault cash
and balances at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, which satisfied the
regulatory requirements.
Claims
The
Company is involved in certain legal actions arising from normal business
activities. Management, based upon the advice of legal counsel,
believes the ultimate resolution of all pending legal actions will not have a
material effect on the financial statements of the Company.
(15)
Capital Requirements
The
Company and its subsidiary bank are subject to various regulatory capital
requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet
minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory - and possibly
additional discretionary - actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have
a direct material effect on 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 ensure capital adequacy require the
Company and HBC to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table
below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to
risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier I capital to average assets (as
defined). Management believes that, as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the
Company and HBC meet all capital adequacy guidelines to which they are
subject.
The most
recent notification from the FDIC as of December 31, 2007 categorized HBC as
“well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.
There are no conditions or events since that notification that management
believes have changed the Bank’s category.
The
Company’s actual and required consolidated capital amounts and ratios are
presented in the following table:
|
|
Actual
|
|
For
Capital Adequacy Purposes
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Ratio
|
|
Amount
|
|
Ratio
|
As
of December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Capital
|
|
$
|
153,687
|
|
12.5%
|
|
$
|
98,203
|
|
8.0%
|
(to
risk-weighted assets)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tier
1 Capital
|
|
$
|
141,226
|
|
11.5%
|
|
$
|
49,122
|
|
4.0%
|
(to
risk-weighted assets)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tier
1 Capital
|
|
$
|
141,226
|
|
11.1%
|
|
$
|
51,123
|
|
4.0%
|
(to
average assets)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of December 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Capital
|
|
$
|
157,356
|
|
18.4%
|
|
$
|
68,416
|
|
8.0%
|
(to
risk-weighted assets)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tier
1 Capital
|
|
$
|
147,600
|
|
17.3%
|
|
$
|
34,127
|
|
4.0%
|
(to
risk-weighted assets)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tier
1 Capital
|
|
$
|
147,600
|
|
13.6%
|
|
$
|
43,412
|
|
4.0%
|
(to
average assets)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HBC’s
actual capital and required amounts and ratios are presented in the following
table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To
Be Well-Capitalized Under Prompt
|
|
|
Actual
|
|
For
Capital Adequacy Purposes
|
|
Corrective
Action Provisions
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Ratio
|
|
Amount
|
|
Ratio
|
|
Amount
|
|
Ratio
|
As
of December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Capital
|
|
$
|
144,154
|
|
11.8%
|
|
$
|
98,064
|
|
8.0%
|
|
$
|
122,580
|
|
10.0%
|
(to
risk-weighted assets)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tier
1 Capital
|
|
$
|
131,693
|
|
10.7%
|
|
$
|
49,048
|
|
4.0%
|
|
$
|
73,572
|
|
6.0%
|
(to
risk-weighted assets)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tier
1 Capital
|
|
$
|
131,693
|
|
10.4%
|
|
$
|
50,798
|
|
4.0%
|
|
$
|
63,497
|
|
5.0%
|
(to
average assets)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of December 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Capital
|
|
$
|
154,711
|
|
18.1%
|
|
$
|
68,381
|
|
8.0%
|
|
$
|
85,476
|
|
10.0%
|
(to
risk-weighted assets)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tier
1 Capital
|
|
$
|
144,955
|
|
17.0%
|
|
$
|
34,107
|
|
4.0%
|
|
$
|
51,161
|
|
6.0%
|
(to
risk-weighted assets)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tier
1 Capital
|
|
$
|
144,955
|
|
13.4%
|
|
$
|
43,270
|
|
4.0%
|
|
$
|
54,088
|
|
5.0%
|
(to
average assets)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under
California 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
therefore. The California Banking Law provides that a state-licensed bank may
not make a cash distribution to its shareholders in excess of the lesser of the
following: (i) the bank’s retained earnings, or (ii) the bank’s net income for
its last three fiscal years, less the amount of any distributions made by the
bank to its shareholders during such period. However, a bank, with the prior
approval of the Commissioner, may make a distribution to its shareholders of an
amount not to exceed the greater of (i) a bank’s retained earnings, (ii) its net
income for its last fiscal year, or (iii) its net income for the current fiscal
year. 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. At December 31, 2007, the amount available
for such dividends without prior regulatory approval was approximately
$17,503,000 for HBC. Similar restrictions apply to the amounts and sum of loan
advances and other transfers of funds from HBC to the parent
Company.
(16)
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,
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
9,391
|
|
$
|
2,104
|
Investment
in subsidiary bank
|
|
|
178,290
|
|
|
143,175
|
Investment
in subsidiary trusts
|
|
|
702
|
|
|
702
|
Other
assets
|
|
|
723
|
|
|
1,131
|
Total
assets
|
|
$
|
189,106
|
|
$
|
147,112
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
and Shareholders' Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes
payable to subsidiary trusts
|
|
$
|
23,702
|
|
$
|
23,702
|
Other
liabilities
|
|
|
580
|
|
|
590
|
Shareholders'
equity
|
|
|
164,824
|
|
|
122,820
|
Total
liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
|
$
|
189,106
|
|
$
|
147,112
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Condensed
Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
|
|
|
For
the Year Ended December 31,
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
Interest
income
|
|
$
|
24
|
|
$
|
27
|
|
$
|
63
|
Dividend
from subsidiary bank
|
|
|
25,699
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
-
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(2,331)
|
|
|
(2,310)
|
|
|
(2,136)
|
Other
expenses
|
|
|
(2,156)
|
|
|
(1,431)
|
|
|
(1,130)
|
Income
(loss) before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary
bank
|
|
|
21,236
|
|
|
6,286
|
|
|
(3,203)
|
Equity
in undistributed net income of subsidiary bank
|
|
|
(8,739)
|
|
|
9,666
|
|
|
16,576
|
Income
tax benefit
|
|
|
1,599
|
|
|
1,318
|
|
|
1,073
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
14,096
|
|
$
|
17,270
|
|
$
|
14,446
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Condensed
Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
For
the Year Ended December 31,
|
(Dollars
in thousands)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
Cash
flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
$
|
14,096
|
|
$
|
17,270
|
|
$
|
14,446
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in)
operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization
of restricted stock award
|
|
|
154
|
|
|
154
|
|
|
123
|
Equity
in undistributed net income of subsidiary bank
|
|
|
8,739
|
|
|
(9,666)
|
|
|
(16,576)
|
Net
change in other assets and liabilities
|
|
|
399
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
(944)
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
|
23,388
|
|
|
7,761
|
|
|
(2,951)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise
of stock options
|
|
|
802
|
|
|
1,812
|
|
|
3,641
|
Common
stock repurchased
|
|
|
(13,653)
|
|
|
(7,888)
|
|
|
(5,732)
|
Dividends
paid
|
|
|
(3,250)
|
|
|
(2,357)
|
|
|
-
|
Other,
net
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(12)
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(16,101)
|
|
|
(8,433)
|
|
|
(2,103)
|
Net
increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
7,287
|
|
|
(672)
|
|
|
(5,054)
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of year
|
|
|
2,104
|
|
|
2,776
|
|
|
7,830
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of year
|
|
$
|
9,391
|
|
$
|
2,104
|
|
$
|
2,776
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(17)
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The
following table discloses the Company’s selected unaudited quarterly financial
data:
|
|
For
the Quarters Ended
|
(Dollars
in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
|
12/31/2007
(1)
|
|
9/30/2007
(1)
|
|
06/30/07
|
|
03/31/07
|
Interest
income
|
|
$
|
21,056
|
|
$
|
22,105
|
|
$
|
18,317
|
|
$
|
17,234
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
7,261
|
|
|
8,324
|
|
|
5,924
|
|
|
5,503
|
Net
interest income
|
|
|
13,795
|
|
|
13,781
|
|
|
12,393
|
|
|
11,731
|
Provision
for loan losses
|
|
|
725
|
|
|
(500)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(236)
|
Net
interest income after provision for loan losses
|
|
|
13,070
|
|
|
14,281
|
|
|
12,393
|
|
|
11,967
|
Noninterest
income
(2)
|
|
|
1,636
|
|
|
1,639
|
|
|
2,262
|
|
|
2,515
|
Noninterest
expense
|
|
|
10,212
|
|
|
10,518
|
|
|
8,500
|
|
|
8,300
|
Income
before income taxes
|
|
|
4,494
|
|
|
5,402
|
|
|
6,155
|
|
|
6,182
|
Income
tax expense
|
|
|
1,686
|
|
|
2,162
|
|
|
2,140
|
|
|
2,149
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
2,808
|
|
$
|
3,240
|
|
$
|
4,015
|
|
$
|
4,033
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings
per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
0.22
|
|
$
|
0.24
|
|
$
|
0.34
|
|
$
|
0.35
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
0.21
|
|
$
|
0.24
|
|
$
|
0.33
|
|
$
|
0.34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) As
Discussed in Note 1, the Company completed its acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank
on June 20, 2007. The acquisition significantly increased the
Company’s revenues and
expenses.
(2)
Noninterest income decreased in the third and fourth quarters due to a strategic
decision to cease loan sales in favor of retaining SBA loans.
|
|
For
the Quarters Ended
|
(Dollars
in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
|
12/31/06
|
|
09/30/06
|
|
06/30/06
|
|
03/31/06
|
Interest
income
|
|
$
|
18,737
|
|
$
|
18,568
|
|
$
|
18,392
|
|
$
|
17,260
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
5,936
|
|
|
5,754
|
|
|
5,766
|
|
|
5,069
|
Net
interest income
|
|
|
12,801
|
|
|
12,814
|
|
|
12,626
|
|
|
12,191
|
Provision
for loan losses
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(114)
|
|
|
(489)
|
Net
interest income after provision for loan losses
|
|
|
12,701
|
|
|
12,814
|
|
|
12,740
|
|
|
12,680
|
Noninterest
income
|
|
|
2,390
|
|
|
2,299
|
|
|
2,257
|
|
|
2,894
|
Noninterest
expense
|
|
|
8,703
|
|
|
8,312
|
|
|
8,492
|
|
|
8,761
|
Income
before income taxes
|
|
|
6,388
|
|
|
6,801
|
|
|
6,505
|
|
|
6,813
|
Income
tax expense
|
|
|
2,036
|
|
|
2,448
|
|
|
2,316
|
|
|
2,437
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
4,352
|
|
$
|
4,353
|
|
$
|
4,189
|
|
$
|
4,376
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings
per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
0.37
|
|
$
|
0.37
|
|
$
|
0.35
|
|
$
|
0.37
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
0.37
|
|
$
|
0.36
|
|
$
|
0.35
|
|
$
|
0.36
|
|
|
|
Incorporated
by Reference to Form
|
|
|
|
Filed
Herewith
|
Form S-8
|
8-K or 8-A
Dated
|
10-Q
Dated
|
10-K
Dated
|
Exhibit
No.
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
3/16/07
|
2.1
|
3.1
|
Heritage
Commerce Corp Restated Articles of Incorporation as Amended effective May
26, 2005
|
|
|
6/2/05
|
|
|
3.1
|
3.2
|
Heritage
Commerce Corp Bylaws as amended to November 15, 2007
|
|
|
11/20/07
|
|
|
3.2
|
4.1
|
The
indenture, dated as of March 23, 2000, between Heritage Commerce Corp, as
Issuer, and the Bank of New York, as Trustee
|
|
|
|
|
4/6/01
(10-K/A Amendment No. 1)
|
4.1
|
4.2
|
Amended
and restated Declaration of Trust, Heritage Capital Trust I, dated as of
March 23, 2000
|
|
|
|
|
4/6/01
(10-K/A Amendment No. 1)
|
4.2
|
4.3
|
The
indenture, dated as of September 7, 2000, between Heritage Commerce Corp,
as Issuer, and State Street Bank and Trust Company, of Connecticut,
National Association, as Trustee
|
|
|
|
|
4/6/01
(10-K/A Amendment No. 1)
|
4.3
|
4.4
|
Amended
and restated Declaration of Trust, Heritage Commerce Corp Statutory Trust
I, dated as of September 7, 2000
|
|
|
|
|
4/6/01
(10-K/A Amendment No. 1)
|
4.4
|
4.5
|
The
indenture, dated as of July 31, 2001, between Heritage Commerce Corp, as
Issuer, and State Street Bank and Trust Company, of Connecticut, National
Association, as Trustee
|
|
|
|
|
3/28/02
|
4.5
|
4.6
|
Amended
and restated Declaration of Trust, Heritage Statutory Trust II, dated as
of July 31, 2001
|
|
|
3/28/02
|
4.6
|
4.7
|
The
indenture, dated as of September 26, 2002, between Heritage Commerce Corp,
as Issuer, and State Street Bank and Trust Company, of Connecticut,
National Association, as Trustee
|
|
|
|
|
3/28/03
|
4.7
|
4.8
|
Amended
and restated Declaration of Trust, Heritage Commerce Corp Statutory Trust
III, dated as of September 26, 2002
|
|
|
|
|
3/28/03
|
4.8
|
10.1
|
Real
Property Leases for properties located at 150 Almaden Blvd., San Jose.
|
|
78
|
6/21/05
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.2
|
Heritage
Commerce Corp Management Incentive Plan
|
|
|
5/3/05
|
|
|
10.2
|
10.3
|
Agreement
between Fiserv Solutions, Inc. and Heritage Commerce Corp dated October
20, 2003
|
|
|
|
|
3/12/04
|
10.3
|
10.4
|
1994
Stock Option Plan and Form of Agreement
|
|
7/17/98
|
|
|
|
10.4
|
10.5
|
2004
Stock Option Plan and Form of Agreement
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.5
|
10.6
|
Restricted
stock agreement with Mr. Kaczmarek dated March 17, 2005
|
|
|
3/22/05
|
|
|
10.6
|
10.7
|
2004 stock option agreement with Mr. Kaczmarek dated March 17, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.7
|
10.8
|
Non-qualified
Deferred Compensation Plan
|
|
|
|
|
3/
31
/05
|
10.8
|
10.9
|
Director Deferred Fee Agreement with James R. Blair dated June 30,
1997
|
|
|
|
|
3/
31
/05
|
10.9
|
10.10
|
Director Deferred Fee Agreement with Jack Peckham dated June 30,
1997
|
|
|
|
|
3/
31
/05
|
10.10
|
10.11
|
Purchase
Agreement dated January 31, 2006 between Heritage Commerce Corp and County
Bank
|
|
|
|
|
3/28/06
|
10.11
|
10.12
|
Third
Amendment to Lease for Registrant's Principle Office
|
|
|
8/17/05
|
|
|
10.12
|
10.
13
|
Fourth
Amendment to Lease for Registrant's Principle Office
|
|
|
8/17/05
|
|
|
10.13
|
10.14
|
Fourth
Amendment to Sublease for Registrant’s Principle Office
|
|
|
6/
21
/05
|
|
|
10.14
|
10.15
|
Amended
and Restated Employment agreement with Walter
Kaczmarek dated October 17, 2007 *
|
|
|
10/22/07
|
|
|
|
10.16
|
Amended
and Restated Employment agreement with Lawrence
McGovern dated October 17, 2007 *
|
|
|
10/22/07
|
|
|
|
10.17
|
Amended
and Restated Employment agreement with Lawrence
McGovern dated October 17, 2007 *
|
|
79
|
10/22/07
|
|
|
10.17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.18
|
Amended
and Restated Employment agreement with Richard
Hagarty dated October 17, 2007 *
|
|
|
10/22/07
|
|
|
|
10.19
|
2005
Heritage Commerce Corp Supplemental Plan *
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.20
|
Form of
Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement for Executive Officers
*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.21
|
Form of
Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement for Directors
*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.22
|
Director
Compensation Agreement with Frank Bisceglia, dated June 19, 1997, as
amended *
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.23
|
Director
Compensation Agreement with James R. Blair, dated June 19, 1997, as
amended *
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.24
|
Director
Compensation Agreement with Jack Conner, dated May 24, 2007
*
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.25
|
Director
Compensation Agreement with William Del Biaggio, Jr., dated June
19, 1997, as amended *
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.26
|
Director
Compensation Agreement with Robert T. Moles, dated September 29,
2004, as amended *
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.27
|
Director
Compensation Agreement with Louis O. Normandin, dated June 19,
1997, as amended *
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.28
|
Director
Compensation Agreement with Jack L. Peckham, dated June 19, 1997, as
amended *
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.29
|
Director
Compensation Agreement with Humphery P. Polanen, dated June 19, 1997, as
amended *
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.30
|
Director
Compensation Agreement with Charles Toeniskoetter, dated May 23,
2002, as amended *
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.31
|
Director
Compensation Agreement with Ranson W. Webster, dated June 19, 1997,
as amended *
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21.1
|
Subsidiaries
of the registrant
|
|
|
|
|
3/16/07
|
21.1
|
23.1
|
Consent
of Crowe Chizek and Company LLP
|
X
|
80
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.1
|
Certification
of Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.2
|
Certification
of Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.1
|
Certification
of Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section
1350
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.2
|
Certification
of Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section
1350
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Exhibit 10.19
THE
2005
HERITAGE
COMMERCE CORP
SUPPLEMENTAL
EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
Effective
January 1, 2005
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
|
PAGE
|
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
AND EFFECTIVE DATE
|
1
|
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
|
1
|
2.1
Acturial
Equivalent
|
1
|
2.2
Applicable
Percentage
|
1
|
2.3
Board
|
1
|
2.4
Change in
Control
|
1
|
2.5
Committee
|
1
|
2.6
Disbility/Disabled
|
1
|
2.7
Retirement
|
2
|
2.8
Normal
Retirement Date
|
2
|
2.9
Early
Retirement Date
|
2
|
2.10 Early
Retirement Benefit
|
2
|
2.11 Employer
|
2
|
2.12
Participant
|
2
|
2.13 Participation
Agreement
|
2
|
2.14 Supplemental
Retirement Benefit
|
2
|
ARTICLE III
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICPATION
|
2
|
3.1
Eligibility and
Particpation
|
2
|
ARTICLE
IV
SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS
|
3
|
4.1 Retirement
on or After Normal Retirement Date
|
3
|
4.2
Retirement on
or After Early Retirement Date but Before Normal Retirement
Date
|
3
|
4.3
Termination
Without Case
|
3
|
4.4
Voluntary
Termination
|
3
|
4.5
Termination
Pursuant to a Change in Control
|
3
|
4.6
Termination
Following the Determination of Disability
|
3
|
4.7
Termination For
Cause
|
3
|
4.8
Death of
Participant During Active Employment
|
4
|
ARTICLE V
FORM
AND PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
|
4
|
5.1
Internal
Revenue Code Section 409A Compliance
|
4
|
5.2
Reduction for
Early Commencement of Benefits
|
4
|
5.3
Form of Benefit
Payment
|
4
|
5.4
Modifying Form
of Benefit Payment
|
4
|
5.5
Withholding of
Payroll Taxes
|
4
|
5.6
Payment to
Guardian
|
4
|
ARTICLE VI
ADMINISTRATION
|
5
|
6.1
Committee
and Duties
|
5
|
6.2
Agents
|
5
|
6.3
Binding
Effects of Decisions
|
5
|
6.4
Indemnity of
Committee
|
5
|
ARTICLE VII
BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION
|
5
|
7.1
Beneficiary
Designation
|
5
|
7.2
Admendments to
Beneficiary Designation
|
5
|
7.3
No Participant
Designation
|
5
|
7.4
Effect of
Payment
|
5
|
ARTICLE VIII
CLAIMS
PROCEDURE
|
5
|
8.1
Claim
|
5
|
8.2
Arbitration of
Disputes
|
6
|
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
|
6
|
9.1
Unfunded
Plan
|
6
|
9.2
Unsecured
General Creditor
|
6
|
9.3
Trust
Fund
|
6
|
9.4
Nonassignability
|
6
|
9.5
Not a Contract
of Employment
|
6
|
9.6
Protective
Provisions
|
6
|
9.7
Terms
|
7
|
9.8
Captions
|
7
|
9.9
Governing
Law
|
7
|
9.10
Validity
|
7
|
9.11
Notice
|
7
|
9.12 Successors
|
7
|
9.13
IRS Section 280G Issue
|
7
|
|
|
EXHIBIT 1:
Participation
Agreement
|
|
EXHIBIT 2:
Distribution
Election Form
|
|
EXHIBIT 3:
Beneficiary
Agreement
|
|
THE
2005
HERITAGE
COMMERCE CORP
SUPPLEMENTAL
EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
ARTICLE
I
PURPOSE AND EFFECTIVE DATE
The
purpose of this Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “Plan”) is to
provide supplemental retirement benefits for certain key employees of Heritage
Commerce Corp, Heritage Bank of Commerce and subsidiaries or affiliates thereof
(the “Employer”) who are employed by the Employer on, or after January 1,
2005. It is intended that the Plan will aid in retaining and
attracting individuals of exceptional ability by providing them with these
benefits. This Plan shall be effective as of January 1,
2005.
ARTICLE
II
DEFINITIONS
For the
purposes of this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
2.1
Actuarial
Equivalent
. “Actuarial Equivalent” means equivalence in value
between two or more forms and/or times of payment based on a determination by an
actuary chosen by the Committee, using sound actuarial assumptions at the time
of such determination,
2.2
Applicable
Percentage
. The term “Applicable Percentage” shall mean that
percentage of the Supplemental Retirement Benefits that the Participant is
entitled to receive based on the circumstances surrounding the termination of
Employment. The Applicable Percentage of Supplemental Retirement
Benefits shall accrue on the schedule incorporated in the Participation
Agreement.
2.3
Board
. “Board”
means the Board of Directors of Heritage Commerce Corp.
2.4
Change in
Control
. Change in Control shall be defined as follows:
(A)
The
acquisition of more than fifty percent (50%) of the value or voting power of the
Bank’s stock by a person or group;
(B)
The
acquisition in a period of twelve (12) months or less of at least thirty- five
percent (35%) of the Bank’s stock by a person or group:
(C)
The
replacement of a majority of the Bank’s board in a period of twelve (12) months
or less by Directors who were not endorsed by a majority of the current board
members; or
(D)
The
acquisition in a period of twelve (12) months or less of forty percent (40%) or
more of the Bank’s assets by an unrelated entity.
For the
purpose of this Agreement, transfers made on account of deaths or gifts,
transfers between family members or transfers to a qualified retirement plan
maintained by the Bank shall not be considered in determining whether there has
been a Change in Control,
2.5
Committee
. “Committee”
means the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors of
Heritage Commerce Corp.
2.6
Disability/Disabled
. For
the purpose of this Plan, a Participant will be considered disabled if:
(A)
He is
unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically
determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in
death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve
(12) months, or
(B)
He is, by
reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be
expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period
of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a
period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan
covering employees of Participant’s employer.
2.7
Retirement
. The
term “Retirement” or “Retires” shall refer to the date which the Participant
acknowledges in writing to Employer to be the last day the Participant will
provide any significant personal services, whether as an employee or independent
consultant or contractor, to Employer (for any reason other than Termination for
Cause, because of a Disability, or Following a Change of Control, as defined
herein). For purposes of this Plan, the phrase “significant personal
services” shall mean more than ten (10) hours of personal services rendered to
one or more individuals or entities in any thirty (30) day
period.
2.8
Normal Retirement
Date
. “Normal Retirement Date” shall mean the dare specified
in the Participation Agreement on which the Participant terminates employment
with the Employer (for any reason other than Termination for Cause, because of a
Disability, or Following a Change of Control).
2.9
Early Retirement
Date
. “Early Retirement Date” means the date on which a
Participant terminates employment with the Employer (for any reason other than
Termination for Cause, because of a Disability, or Following a Change of
Control), if such termination date occurs on or after such Participant’s
attainment of age fifty-five (55).
2.10
Early Retirement
Benefit
. “Early Retirement Benefit” means the Actuarial
Equivalent of the Supplemental Retirement Benefit based on the actual Early
Retirement Date.
2.11
Employer
. “Employer”
means Heritage Commerce Corp, Heritage Bank of Commerce, any subsidiaries or
affiliates thereof, or any successors thereto.
2.12
Participant
. “Participant”
means any individual who is participating in or has participated in this Plan,
and who has not yet received his full benefit hereunder, as provided in
Article III.
2.13
Participation
Agreement
. “Participation Agreement” means the agreement filed
by a Participant and approved by the Board pursuant to
Article III.
2.14
Supplemental Retirement
Benefit
. “Supplemental Retirement Benefit” means the benefit
specified in the Participation Agreement.
ARTICLE
III
ELIGIBILITY AND
PARTICIPATION
3.1
Eligibility and
Participation
.
(A)
Eligibility
. Eligibility
to participate in the Plan is limited to those key employees of the Employer
that are designated, from time to time, by the Board.
(B)
Participation
. An
employee’s participation in the Plan shall be effective upon notification of
such person by the Committee of eligibility to participate, completion of a
Participation Agreement by such person, and acceptance of the Participation
Agreement by the Committee. Participation in the Plan shall continue
until such time as the Participant terminates employment with the Employer and
as long thereafter as the Participant is eligible to receive benefits under this
Plan.
ARTICLE
IV
SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT
BENEFITS
4.1
Retirement on or After
Normal Retirement Date
. The Applicable Percentage of the
Supplemental Retirement Benefit (as identified in the Participant Agreement) for
a Participant whose employment with the Employer terminates on or after the
Normal Retirement Date shall be one hundred percent (100%). Unless
selected otherwise in accordance with the terms of paragraph 5.3, this
Normal Retirement Benefit shall be paid monthly, with payments to commence on
the first day of the month following the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date
and continuing until the death of the Participant.
4.2
Retirement on or After Early
Retirement Date but Before Normal Retirement Date
. The
Participant may elect to retire on a date that constitutes an Early Retirement
Date and receive the Actuarial Equivalent of the Applicable Percentage of the
Supplemental Retirement Benefit based on the actual Early Retirement
Date. Unless selected otherwise in accordance with the terms of
paragraph 5.3, this Early Retirement Benefit shall be paid monthly, with
payments to commence on the first day of the month following the Participant’s
Early Retirement Date and continuing until the death of the
Participant.
4.3
Termination Without
Cause
. If the Participant’s employment is terminated by the
Employer Without Cause, the Participant shall be eligible to receive the
Actuarial Equivalent of the Applicable Percentage of the Supplemental Retirement
Benefits as of the effective date of Termination with payments to commence
thirty (30) days after the later of the Participant’s attainment of age
sixty-two (62) or the date of termination, and continuing until the death of the
Participant. (Participant shall have the ability to select an
alternate payment form in accordance with the terms of
paragraph 5.3).
4.4
Voluntary
Termination
. If the Participant’s employment is terminated by
voluntary resignation other than for Early Retirement, and such resignation is
not subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.5 below, the Participant shall
be entitled to be paid the Actuarial Equivalent of the Applicable Percentage of
the Supplemental Retirement Benefit as of the effective date of
Termination. Unless selected otherwise pursuant to the terms of
paragraph 5.3, payments shall commence thirty (30) days after the later of
the Participant’s attainment of age sixty-two (62) or the date of termination,
and shall continue until the death of the Participant.
4.5
Termination Pursuant to a
Change in Control
. In the event a Participant is terminated
“Pursuant to a Change in Control,” the Applicable Percentage shall be one
hundred percent (100%). A termination shall be deemed to be “Pursuant
to a Change in Control” if, within two (2) years following the occurrence of a
Change in Control, the Participant’s employment with the Employer is terminated
by either the Participant or the Employer other than because of a Termination
for Cause (as defined below in paragraph 4.7). At the
Participant’s option, this Benefit shall be paid monthly, with payments to
commence on the first day of the month following the Participant’s Early
Retirement Date (reduced to actuarial equivalent in accordance with the terms of
paragraph 5.2) or the Normal Retirement Date, and continuing until the
death of the Participant. In the event Participant fails to select a
payment start date, payments shall begin one month following the Participant’s
Early Retirement Date.
4.6
Termination Following the
Determination of Disability
. The Applicable Percentage for a
Participant whose employment with the Employer terminates because of Disability
shall be one hundred percent (100%). Unless selected otherwise in
accordance with the terms of paragraph 5.3, payments shall commence thirty
(30) days after the later of the Participant’s attainment of age sixty-two (62)
or the date of termination and shall continue until the death of the
Participant.
4.7
Termination For
Cause
. If a Participant is terminated For Cause, as defined
below, Participant shall forfeit any and all benefits payable under this
Plan. For the purpose of this Plan, For Cause shall be defined as any
of the following:
(A)
The
willful, intentional and material breach or the habitual and continued neglect
by the Executive of his employment responsibilities and duties;
(B)
The
Executive’s willful and intentional violation of (i) any state, federal,
banking or securities laws, or of the Bylaws, rules, policies or resolutions of
Employer, or the rules or regulations of the California Commissioner of
Financial Institutions, Board of Governors or the Federal Reserve System,
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or other regulatory agency or
governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Employer, which has a
material adverse effect upon the Employer:
(C)
The
Executive’s final conviction after exhaustion of all appeals of (i) any
felony or (ii) a crime involving moral turpitude, or the Executive’s
willful and intentional commission of a fraudulent or dishonest act, which in
any of the foregoing circumstances has a material adverse effect upon the
Employer.
4.8
Death of Participant During
Active Employment
. In the event Participant dies while
actively employed by Employer, then no death benefits shall be payable under
this Agreement (other than a survivor benefit qualified for under
paragraphs 4.1 through 4.7 above and selected pursuant to
paragraph 5.3). Such benefits are described by a Joint
Beneficiary Designation Agreement, if any.
ARTICLE
V
FORM AND PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
5.1
Internal Revenue Code
Section 409A Compliance
. It is the intent of the parties to
comply with all applicable Internal Revenue Code Sections. including,
but not limited to, IRC 409A. Thus, for any benefits payable
pursuant to this Plan, if the Participant is a Key Employee, as defined by the
Internal Revenue Service, and said Company is publicly traded at the time of
“separation from service” (as defined by IRC 409A), any such benefit
payment described herein shall be withheld for six (6) months following such
separation from service, in order to comply with IRC 409A.
5.2
Reduction for Early
Commencement of Benefits
. If a Participant receives a
Supplemental Retirement Benefit under this Plan before the Participant’s Normal
Retirement Date, the monthly Supplemental Retirement Benefit shall be reduced to
its Actuarial Equivalent value.
5.3
Form of Benefit
Payment
. The Supplemental Retirement Benefit shall be paid in
the basic form provided below, unless the Participant selects an alternate form
of payment. The basic and alternative forms of payment are as
follows:
(A)
Basic Form of Benefit
Payments
. Unless an alternate selection is made, payments made
pursuant to this Plan shall be made as follows: Monthly single life
annuity for the Participant’s life.
(B)
Alternative Forms of Benefit
Payment
.
(i)
A joint
and survivor annuity of the Actuarial Equivalent Value equal to the Basic
Benefit with payment continued to the survivor in the same amount as the amount
paid to the Participant.
(ii)
A joint
and survivor annuity of the Actuarial Equivalent Value equal to the Basic
Benefit with payment continued to the survivor and one-half of the amount paid
to the Participant.
(iii)
Any other
Actuarial Equivalent method as approved by the Board and selected in accordance
with the provisions of the appropriate IRS requirements, including but not
limited to IRC 409A.
5.4
Modifying Form of Benefit
Payment
. A Participant may modify the form of Benefit Payment,
however any such modification (i) may not take effect until at least twelve
(12) months after the date on which the election is made, and (ii) the
first payment to which such election is made must be deferred for a period of at
least five (5) years from the date the payment would otherwise have been
made.
5.5
Withholding of Payroll
Taxes
. The Employer shall withhold from payments made
hereunder any taxes required to be withheld from a Participant’s age under
federal, state or local law. However, a Beneficiary may elect not to
have withholding for federal income tax purposes pursuant to
Section 3405(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or any successor provision
thereto.
5.6
Payment to
Guardian
. If a Plan benefit is payable to a minor or a person
declared incompetent or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of his
property, the Committee may direct payment of such Plan benefit to the guardian,
legal representative or such person having the care and custody of such minor,
incompetent or person. The Committee may require proof of
incompetency, minority, incapacity or guardianship as it may deem appropriate
prior to distribution of the Plan benefit. Such distribution shall
completely discharge the Committee and the Employer from all liability with
respect to such benefit.
ARTICLE
VI
ADMINISTRATION
6.1
Committee and
Duties
. This Plan shall be administered by an Administrative
Committee which shall consist of not less than three persons appointed by the
Chairman of the Board. Any member of the Committee may be removed at
any time by the Board. Any member may resign by delivering his
written resignation to the Board. Upon the existence of any vacancy,
the Board may appoint a successor. The Committee shall have the
authority to make, amend, interpret, and enforce all appropriate rules and
regulations for the administration of this Plan and decide or resolve any and
all questions including interpretations of this Plan, as may arise in connection
with the Plan. A majority of the members of the Committee shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A majority vote
of the Committee members constituting a quorum shall control any
decision.
6.2
Agents
. In
the administration of this Plan, the Committee may, from time to time, employ
agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit, and may
from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to the
Employer.
6.3
Binding Effect of
Decisions
. The decision or action of the Committee in respect
of any question arising out of or in connection with the administration,
interpretation and application of the Plan and the rules and regulations
promulgated hereunder shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all persons
having any interest in the Plan.
6.4
Indemnity of
Committee
. The Employer shall indemnify and hold harmless the
members of the Committee against any and all claims, loss,
damage. expense, or liability arising from any action or failure to
act with respect to this Plan, except in the case of gross negligence or willful
misconduct.
ARTICLE
VII
BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION
7.1
Beneficiary
Designation
. Each Participant shall have the right, at any
time, to designate any person or persons as his Beneficiary or Beneficiaries
(both primary as well as secondary) to whom benefits under this Plan shall be
paid in the event of his death prior to complete distribution to the Participant
of the benefits due under the Plan. Each Beneficiary designation
shall be in a written form prescribed by the Committee, and will be effective
only when filed with the Committee during the Participant’s
lifetime.
7.2
Amendments to Beneficiary
Designation
. Any Beneficiary designation may be changed by a
Participant without the consent of any designated Beneficiary by the filing of a
new Beneficiary designation with the Committee. The filing of a new
Beneficiary designation form will cancel all Beneficiary designations previously
filed. If a Participant’s Compensation is community property, any
Beneficiary designation shall be valid or effective only as permitted under
applicable law.
7.3
No Participant
Designation
. In the absence of an effective Beneficiary
designation, or if all designated Beneficiaries predecease the Participant or
die prior to complete distribution of the Participant’s benefits, then the
Participant’s designated Beneficiary shall be deemed to be the Participant’s
estate.
7.4
Effect of
Payment
. The payment to the deemed Beneficiary shall
completely discharge the Employer’s obligations under this Plan.
ARTICLE
VIII
CLAIMS
PROCEDURE
8.1
Claim
. The
Employer shall, but only to the extent necessary to comply with ERISA, be
designated as the named fiduciary under this Plan and shall have authority to
control and manage the operation and administration of this
Plan. Consistent therewith, the Employer shall make all
determinations as to the rights to benefits under this Plan. Any
decision by the Employer denying a claim by the Participant, the Participant’s
spouse, or the Participant’s beneficiary for benefits under this Plan shall be
stated in writing and delivered or mailed, via registered or certified mail, to
the Participant, the Participant’s spouse or the Participant’s beneficiary, as
the case may be. Such decision shall set forth the specific reasons
for the denial of a claim. In addition, the Employer shall provide
the Participant, the Participant’s spouse or the Participant’s beneficiary with
a reasonable opportunity for a full and fair review of the decision denying such
claim.
8.2
Arbitration of
Disputes
. All unresolved claims, disputes and other matters in
question arising out of or relating to this Plan or the breach or interpretation
thereof, other than those matters which are to be determined by the Employer in
its sole and absolute discretion, shall be resolved by binding arbitration
before a representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of the parties,
of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”), located in
San Francisco, California. In the event JAMS is unable or unwilling
to conduct the arbitration provided for under the terms of this Paragraph, or
has discontinued its business, the parties agree that a representative member,
selected by the mutual agreement of the parties, of the American Arbitration
Association (“AAA”), located in San Francisco, California, shall conduct the
binding arbitration referred to in this Paragraph. Notice of the
demand for arbitration shall be filed in writing with the other party to this
Plan and with JAMS (or AAA, if necessary). In no event shall the
demand for arbitration be made after the date when institution of legal or
equitable proceedings based on such claim, dispute or other matter in question
would be barred by the applicable statute of limitations. The
arbitration shall be subject to such rules of procedure used or established by
JAMS, or if there are none, the rules of procedure used or established by
AAA. Any award rendered by JAMS or AAA shall be final and binding
upon the parties, and as applicable, their respective heirs, beneficiaries,
legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns, and may be entered in any
court having jurisdiction thereof. The obligation of the parties to
arbitrate pursuant to this clause shall be specifically enforceable in
accordance with, and shall be conducted consistently with, the provisions of
Title 9 of Part 3 of the California Code of Civil
Procedure. Any arbitration hereunder shall be conducted in San Jose,
California, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.
ARTICLE
IX
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1
Unfunded
Plan
. This Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan maintained
primarily to provide deferred compensation benefits for a select group of
“management or highly compensated employees” within the meaning of
Sections 201, 301, and 401 of the Employee Retirement Income Security act
of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and therefore to be exempt from the provisions of
Parts 2, 3, and 4 of Title 1 ERISA. Accordingly, the Plan
shall terminate and no further benefits shall be paid hereunder in the event it
is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or by an opinion of counsel
that the Plan constitutes an employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of
Section 3(2) of ERISA which is not so exempt.
9.2
Unsecured General
Creditor
. Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs,
successors, and assigns shall have no legal or equitable rights, interest or
claims in any property or assets of the Employer, nor shall they be
Beneficiaries of, or have any rights, claims or interests in any life insurance
policies, annuity contracts, or the proceeds therefrom owned or which may be
acquired by the Employer. Except as may be provided it
Section 8.3, such policies, annuity contracts or other assets of the
Employer shall not be held under any trust for the benefit of Participants,
their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors or assigns, or held in any way as
collateral security for the fulfilling of the obligations of the Employer under
this Plan. Any and all of the Employer’s assets and policies shall
be, and remain, the general, unpledged, unrestricted assets of the
Employer. The Employer’s obligation under the Plan shall be that of
an unfunded and unsecured promise to pay money in the future.
9.3
Trust
Fund
. The Employer shall be responsible for the payment of all
benefits provided under the Plan. At its discretion, the Employer may
establish one or more trusts, with such trustee as the Board may approve, for
the purpose of providing for the payment of such benefits. Such trust
or trusts may be irrevocable, but the assets thereof shall be subject to the
claims of the Employer’s creditors. To the extent any benefits
provided under the Plan are actually paid from any such trust, the Employer
shall have no further obligation with respect thereto, but to the extent not so
paid, such benefit shall remain the obligation of, and shall be paid by, the
Employer.
9.4
Nonassignability
. Neither
a Participant nor any other person shall have any right to commute, sell,
assign, transfer, pledge, anticipate, mortgage or otherwise encumber, transfer,
hypothecate or convey in advance of actual receipt the amounts, if any, payable
hereunder, or any part thereof, which are, and all rights to which are,
expressly declared to be unassignable and nontransferable. No part of
the amount payable shall, prior to actual payment, be subject to seizure or
sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate
maintenance owed by a Participant’s or any other person, nor be transferable by
operation of law in the event of a Participant a or any other person’s
bankruptcy or insolvency.
9.5
Not a Contract of
Employment
. The terms and conditions of this Plan shall not be
deemed to constitute a contract of employment between the Employer and the
Participant, and the Participant (or his Beneficiary) shall have no rights
against the Employer except as may otherwise be specifically provided
herein. Moreover, nothing in this Plan shall be deemed to give a
Participant the right to be retained in the service of the Employer or to
interfere with the right of the Employer to discipline or discharge him at any
time.
9.6
Protective
Provisions
. A Participant will cooperate with the Employer by
furnishing any and all information requested by the Employer, in order to
facilitate the payment of benefit hereunder, and by taking such physical
examinations as the Employer may deem necessary and taking such other action as
may be requested by the Employer.
9.7
Terms
. Whenever
any words are used herein in the masculine, they shall be construed as though
they were used in the feminine in all cases where they would so apply; and
wherever any words are used herein in the singular or in the plural, they shall
be construed as though they were used in the plural or singular, as the case may
be, in all cases where they would so apply.
9.8
Captions
. The
captions of the articles, sections, and paragraphs of this Plan are for
convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of
any of its provisions.
9.9
Governing
Law
. The provisions of this Plan shall be construed,
interpreted, and governed in all respects in accordance with applicable federal
law and, to the extent not preempted by such federal law, in accordance with the
laws of the State of California.
9.10
Validity
. If
any provision of this Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the
remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect
without being impaired or invalidated in any way.
9.11
Notice
. Any
notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Committee under the
Plan shall be sufficient in writing and hand delivered, or sent by registered or
certified mail, to any member of the Committee, or to the Employer’s statutory
agent. Such notice shall be deemed given as of the date of delivery
or, if delivery is made by mail, as of the date shown on the postmark on the
receipt for registration or certification.
9.12
Successors
. The
provisions of this Plan shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Employer and
its successors and assigns. The term successors as used herein shall
include any corporate or other business entity which shall, whether by merger,
consolidation, purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the
business and assets of the Employer, and successors of any such corporation or
other business entity.
9.13
IRS Section 280G
Issues
. If all or any portion of the amounts payable to the
Participant under this Plan, either alone or together with other payments which
the Participant has the right to receive from the Employer, constitute “excess
parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), that are subject to the excise
tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or similar tax and/or assessment),
Participant shall be responsible for the payment of such excise tax and Employer
(and its successor) shall be responsible for any loss of deductibility related
thereto; provided, however, that Employer and Participant shall cooperate with
each other and use all reasonable efforts to minimize to the fullest extent
possible the amount of excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the
Code. If, at a later date, it is determined (pursuant to final
regulations or published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service, final judgment
of a court of competent jurisdiction, or otherwise) that the amount of excise
taxes payable by the Participant is greater than the amount initially so
determined, then the Participant shall pay an amount equal to the sum of such
additional excise taxes and any interest, fines and penalties resulting from
such underpayment. The determination of the amount of any such excise
taxes shall be made by the independent accounting firm employed by the Employer
immediately prior to the change in control or such other independent accounting
firm or advisor as may be mutually agreeable to Employer and Participant in the
exercise of their reasonable good faith judgment.
HERITAGE
COMMERCE CORP
By:_____________________________
By:__________________________________
Signature and
Date
Secretary and
Date
Title:____________________________
Exhibit
10.20
LIFE
INSURANCE
ENDORSEMENT
METHOD SPLIT DOLLAR PLAN
AGREEMENT
Insurer/Policy
Number:
Bank: Heritage
Bank of Commerce
Insured:
Relationship
of Insured to Bank: Executive
Date:
The
respective rights and duties of the Bank and the Insured in the above
policy(ies) the "Policy" or "Policies" shall be as follows:
Refer to
the Policy provisions for the definition of all terms in this
Agreement.
II.
|
POLICY
TITLE AND OWNERSHIP
|
Title and
ownership shall reside in the Bank for its use and for the use of the Insured
all in accordance with this Agreement. The Bank alone may, to the extent of its
interest, exercise the right to borrow or withdraw the Policy cash values. Where
the Bank and the Insured (or beneficiary[ies] or assignee[s], with the consent
of the Insured) mutually agree to exercise the right to increase the coverage
under the subject split dollar Policy, then, in such event, the rights, duties
and benefits of the parties to such increased coverage shall continue to be
subject to the terms of this Agreement.
III.
|
BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION RIGHTS
|
The
Insured (or beneficiary[ies} or assignee[sj) shall have the right and power to
designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive his share of the proceeds
payable upon the death of the Insured, and to elect and change a payment option
for such beneficiary, subject to any right or interest the Bank may have in such
proceeds, as provided in this Agreement.
IV.
|
PREMIUM
PAYMENT METHOD -
|
The Bank
shall pay an amount equal to the planned premiums and any other premium payments
that might become necessary to maintain the Policy in force.
Annually
the Insured will receive a taxable benefit equal to the assumed cost of
insurance, as required by the Internal Revenue Service. The Bank (or its
administrator) will report to the Insured the amount of imputed income each year
on Form W-2 or its equivalent. In addition, Insured shall be responsible for all
additional appropriate or required taxes, if any.
VI.
|
DIVISION
OF DEATH PROCEEDS
|
Subject
to Paragraph VII herein, the division of the death proceeds of the Policy is as
follows:
1.
|
The
Insured’s beneficiary(ies), designated in accordance with Paragraph III,
shall be entitled to an amount equal to Forty Percent (40%) of the
Net-at-Risk insurance portion of the proceeds. The Net-at-Risk insurance
portion is the total proceeds less the cash value of the
Policy.
|
2.
|
The
Bank shall be entitled to the remainder of such
proceeds.
|
3.
|
The
Bank and the Insured (or beneficiary[ies] or assignee[s]) shall share in
any interest due on the death proceeds on a pro rata basis in the ratio
that the proceeds due the Bank and the Insured, respectively, bears to the
total proceeds, excluding any such
interest.
|
4.
|
In
the event that the Policy is terminated other than as a result of (a) a
termination of this Agreement pursuant to paragraph X or (b) any
intentional act of the Insured which results in the termination of the
Policy, then the Bank shall pay to the Insured’s beneficiary(ies) an
amount which will provide a total after-tax death benefit equal to the
benefit that the Insured would have received if the Policy had not been
terminated.
|
VII.
|
DIVISION
OF CASH SURRENDER VALUE
|
The Bank
shall at all times be entitled to an amount equal to the Policy’s cash value, as
that term is defined in the Policy, less any Policy loans and unpaid interest or
cash withdrawals previously incurred by the Bank and any applicable Policy
surrender charges. Such cash value shall be determined as of the date of
surrender of the Policy or death of the Insured as the case may be.
If the
Policy contains a premium waiver provision, any such waived amounts shall be
considered for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid by the
Bank.
IX.
|
RIGHTS
OF PARTIES WHERE POLICY ENDOWMENT OR ANNUITY ELECTION
EXISTS
|
In the
event the Policy involves an endowment or annuity element, the Bank’s right and
interest in any endowment proceeds or annuity benefits shall be determined under
the provisions of this Agreement by regarding such endowment proceeds or the
commuted value of such annuity benefits as the Policy’s cash value. Such
endowment proceeds or annuity benefits shall be treated like death proceeds for
the purposes of division under this Agreement.
X.
|
TERMINATION
OF AGREEMENT
|
This
Agreement shall terminate at the option of the Bank following thirty (30) days
written notice to the Insured upon the happening of any one of the
following:
1.
|
The
Insured’s right to receive benefits under that certain Supplemental
Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of _____________ , shall terminate
for any reason other than the Insured’s death,
or
|
2.
|
The
Insured shall be discharged from service with the Bank “for cause”. The
term “for cause” shall mean:
|
a.
|
The
willful, intentional and material breach or the habitual and continued
neglect by the Executive of his employment responsibilities and
duties;
|
b.
|
The
Executive’s willful and intentional violation of (i) any state, federal,
banking or securities laws, or of the Bylaws, rules, policies or
resolutions of Employer, or the rules or regulations of the California
Commissioner of Financial Institutions, Board of Governors or the Federal
Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or other regulatory
agency or governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Employer,
which has a material adverse effect upon the
Employer;
|
c.
|
The
Executive’s final conviction after exhaustion of all appeals of (i) any
felony or (ii) a crime involving moral turpitude, or the Executive’s
willful and intentional commission of a fraudulent or dishonest act, which
in any of the foregoing circumstances has a material adverse effect upon
the Employer.
|
Upon such
termination, the Insured (or beneficiary[ies] or assignee[s] shall have a ninety
(90) day option to receive from the Bank an absolute assignment of the Policy in
consideration of a cash payment to the Bank, whereupon this Agreement shall
terminate. Such cash payment shall be the greater of:
1.
|
The
Bank’s share of the cash value of the Policy on the date of such
assignment, as defined in this
Agreement.
|
2.
|
The
amount of the premiums that have been paid by the Bank prior to the date
of such assignment.
|
Should
the Insured (or beneflciary[ies] or assignee[s]) fail to exercise this option
within the prescribed ninety (90) thy period, the Insured (or beneflciary[ies]
or assignee[s]) agrees that all of his or her rights, interest and claims in the
Policy shall terminate as of the date of the termination of this
Agreement.
Except as
provided above, this Agreement shall terminate upon distribution of the death
benefit proceeds in accordance with Paragraph VI above.
XI.
|
INSURED’S
OR ASSIGNEE’S ASSIGNMENT RIGHTS
|
The
Insured may not, without the prior written consent of the Bank, assign to any
individual, trust or other organization, any right, title or interest in the
Policy nor any rights, options, privileges or duties created under this
Agreement.
XII.
|
AGREEMENT
BINDING UPON THE PARTIES
|
This
Agreement shall be binding upon the Insured and the Bank, and their respective
heirs, successors, personal representatives and assigns, as
applicable.
XIII.
|
NAMED
FIDUCIARY AND PLAN ADMINISTRATOR
|
The Bank
is hereby designated the “Named Fiduciary’ until resignation or removal by its
Board of Directors. As Named Fiduciary, the Bank shall be responsible for the
management, control, and administration of this Agreement as established herein.
The Named Fiduciary may allocate to others certain aspects of the management and
operations responsibilities of this Agreement, including the employment of
advisors and the delegation of any ministerial duties to qualified
individuals.
The
finding Policy for this Agreement shall be to maintain the Policy in force by
paying, when due, all premiums required.
Claim
forms or claim information as to the subject Policy can be obtained by
contacting Benmark, Inc. (800-544-6079). When the Named Fiduciary has a claim
which may be covered under the provisions described in the Policy, it should
contact the office named above, and they will either complete a claim form and
forward it to an authorized representative of the Insurer or advise the named
Fiduciary what further requirements are necessary. The Insurer will evaluate and
make a decision as to payment. If the claim is payable, a benefit check will be
issued to the Named Fiduciary.
In the
event that a claim is not eligible under the Policy, the Insurer will notify the
Named Fiduciary of the denial pursuant to the requirements under the terms of
the Policy. If the Named Fiduciary is dissatisfied with the denial of the claim
and wishes to contest such claim denial, it should contact the office named
above and they will assist in making inquiry to the Insurer. All objections to
the Insurer’s actions should be in writing and submitted to the office named
above for transmittal to the Insurer.
Whenever
in this Agreement words are used in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender,
they shall be read and construed as in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender,
whenever they should so apply.
XVII.
|
INSURANCE
COMPANY NOT A PARTY TO THIS
AGREEMENT
|
The
Insurer shall not be deemed a party to this Agreement, but will respect the
rights of the parties as set forth herein upon receiving an executed copy of
this Agreement. Payment or other performance in accordance with the Policy
provisions shall fully discharge the Insurer from any and all
liability.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Insured and a duly authorized Bank officer have signed this
Agreement as of the above written date.
HERITAGE
BANK OF
COMMERCE
INSURED
____________________________
____________________________
BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION FORM
FOR
THE LIFE INSURANCE ENDORSEMENT METHOD
SPLIT
DOLLAR PLAN AGREEMENT
I.
PRIMARY
DESIGNATION
(You may refer to the beneficiary
designation information prior to completion of this form.)
A.
Person(s)
as a Primary Designation
:
(Please indicate the percentage for
each beneficiary)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
B.
Estate as a Primary
Designation
:
My primary Beneficiary is the Estate of
________________________ as set forth in the last will and testament dated the
_________________
day of ___________,
___________ and any codicils thereto.
C.
Trust as a Primary
Designation
:
Name of the
Trust:_______________________________________
Execution Date of the
Trust: ________________/_______/_______
Name of the
Trustee:_____________________________________
Beneficiary(ies) of the Trust (please
indicate the percentage for each beneficiary):
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Is this an Irrevocable Insurance
Trust? ________Yes ________No
(If yes and this designation is for a
Split Dollar agreement, an Assignment of Rights form should be
completed.)
II.
SECONDARY
DESIGNATION
A.
Person(s)
as a Secondary (Contingent) Designation
:
(Please indicate the percentage for
each beneficiary)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
B.
Estate as a Secondary
(Contingent) Designation
:
My
primary Beneficiary is the Estate of ________________________ as set forth in
the last will and testament dated the _________________
day of ___________, ___________ and any
codicils thereto.
C.
Trust as a Primary
(Contingent) Designation
:
Name
of the Trust:_______________________________________
Execution Date of the
Trust: ________________/_______/_______
Name
of the Trustee:_____________________________________
Beneficiary(ies) of the Trust (please indicate the
percentage for each beneficiary):
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
All sums
payable under the Joint Beneficiary Designation Agreement by reason of my death
shall be paid to the Primary Beneficiary(ies), if he or she survives me, and if
no Primary Beneficiary(ies) shall shall survive me, then to the Secondary
(Contingent) Beneficiary(ies). This beneficiary designation is valid
until the participant notifies the bank in writing.
____________________________ _______________________
Insured
Date
NOTE** IF
YOU RESIDE IN A COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE (ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, IDAHO, LOUISIANA,
NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, TEXAS, WASHINGTON OR WISCONSIN), AND YOU ARE DESIGNATING A
BENEFICIARY OTHER THAN YOUR SPOUSE, THEN YOUR SPOUSE MUST ALSO SIGN THE
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION FORM.
I
am aware that my spouse, the above named Insured has designated someone
other than me to be the beneficiary and waive any rights I may have to the
proceeds of such insurance under applicable community property
laws. I understand that this consent and waiver supersedes any
prior spousal consent or waiver under this plan.
Spouse
Signature:______________________
Date:____________________________
|
Exhibit
10.21
LIFE
INSURANCE
ENDORSEMENT
METHOD SPLIT DOLLAR PLAN
AGREEMENT
Insurer/Policy Number:
New York Life
Insurance Company
Bank:
Heritage Bank Of Commerce
Insured:
Relationship of Insured to
Bank:
Director
Date:
The
respective rights and duties of the Bank and the Insured in the above
policy(ies) (hereinafter the “Policy” or “Policies”) shall be as
follows:
Refer to
the Policy provisions for the definition of all terms in this
Agreement.
II.
|
POLICY
TITLE AND OWNERSHIP
|
Title and
ownership shall reside in the Bank for its use and for the use of the Insured
all in accordance with this Agreement. The Bank alone may, to the
extent of its interest, exercise the right to borrow or withdraw the Policy cash
values. Where the Bank and the Insured (or beneficiary[ies] or
assignee[s], with the consent of the Insured) mutually agree to exercise the
right to increase the coverage under the subject split dollar Policy, then, in
such event, the rights, duties and benefits of the parties to such increased
coverage shall continue to be subject to the terms of this
Agreement.
III.
|
BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION RIGHTS
|
The
Insured (or beneficiary[ies] or assignee[s]) shall have the right and power to
designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive his share of the proceeds
payable upon the death of the Insured, and to elect and change a payment option
for such beneficiary, subject to any right or interest the Bank may have in such
proceeds, as provided in this Agreement.
IV.
|
PREMIUM
PAYMENT METHOD
|
The Bank
shall pay an amount equal to the planned premiums and any other premium payments
that might become necessary to maintain the Policy in force.
Annually
the Insured will receive a taxable benefit equal to the assumed cost of
insurance, as required by the Internal Revenue Service. The Bank (or
its administrator) will report to the Insured the amount of imputed income each
year on Form W-2 or its equivalent. In addition, Insured shall be
responsible for all additional appropriate or required taxes, if
any.
VI.
|
DIVISION
OF DEATH PROCEEDS
|
Subject
to Paragraph VII herein, the division of the death proceeds of the Policy is as
follows:
1.
|
The
Insured’s beneficiary(ies), designated in accordance with
Paragraph III, shall be entitled to an amount equal to Eighty Percent
(80%) of the Net-at-Risk insurance portion of the proceeds. The
Net-at-Risk insurance portion is the total proceeds less the cash value of
the Policy.
|
2.
|
The
Bank shall be entitled to the remainder of such
proceeds.
|
3.
|
The
Bank and the insured (or beneficiary[ies] or assignee[s]) shall share in
any interest due on the death proceeds on a pro rata basis in the ratio
that the proceeds due the Bank and the Insured, respectively, bears to the
total proceeds, excluding any such
interest.
|
4.
|
In
the event that the Policy is terminated other than as a result of
(a) a termination of this Agreement pursuant to paragraph X or
(b) any intentional act of the Insured which results in the
termination of the Policy, then the Bank shall pay to the Insured’s
beneficiary(ies) an amount which will provide a total after-tax death
benefit equal to the benefit that the Insured would have received if the
Policy had not been terminated.
|
VII.
|
DIVISION
OF CASH SURRENDER VALUE
|
The Bank
shall at all times be entitled to an amount equal to the Policy’s cash value, as
that term is defined in the Policy, less any Policy loans and unpaid interest or
cash withdrawals previously incurred by the Bank and any applicable Policy
surrender charges. Such cash value shall be determined as of the date
of surrender of the Policy or death of the Insured as the case may
be.
If the
Policy contains a premium waiver provision, any such waived amounts shall be
considered for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid by the
Bank.
IX.
|
RIGHTS
OF PARTIES WHERE POLICY ENDOWMENT OR ANNUITY ELECTION
EXISTS
|
In the
event the Policy involves an endowment or annuity element, the Bank’s right and
interest in any endowment proceeds or annuity benefits shall be determined under
the provisions of this Agreement by regarding such endowment proceeds or the
commuted value of such annuity benefits as the Policy’s cash
value. Such endowment proceeds or annuity benefits shall be treated
like death proceeds for the purposes of division under this
Agreement.
X.
|
TERMINATION
OF AGREEMENT
|
This
Agreement shall terminate at the option of the Bank following thirty (30) days
written notice to the Insured upon the happening of any one of the
following:
1.
|
The
Insured’s right to receive benefits under that certain Director
Compensation Benefits Agreement, effective as of _________________, 2005,
shall terminate for any reason other than the Insured’s death,
or
|
2.
|
The
Insured shall be removed from his position as a Director “for
cause”. The term “for cause” shall
mean:
|
a.
|
The
willful, intentional and material breach or the habitual and continued
neglect by the Director of his responsibilities and
duties;
|
b.
|
The
Director’s willful and intentional violation of (i) any state,
federal, banking or securities laws, or of the Bylaws, rules, policies or
resolutions of Employer, or the rules or regulations of the California
Commissioner of Financial Institutions, Board of Governors or the Federal
Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or other regulatory
agency or governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Employer,
which has a material adverse effect upon the
Employer;
|
c.
|
The
Director’s final conviction after exhaustion of all appeals of
(i) any felony or (ii) a crime involving moral turpitude, or the
Director’s willful and intentional commission of a fraudulent or dishonest
act, which in any of the foregoing circumstances has a material adverse
effect upon the Employer.
|
Upon such
termination, the Insured (or beneficiary[ies] or assignee[s]) shall have a
ninety (90) day option to receive from the Bank an absolute assignment of the
Policy in consideration of a cash payment to the Bank, whereupon this Agreement
shall terminate. Such cash payment shall be the greater
of:
1.
|
The
Bank’s share of the cash value of the Policy on the date of such
assignment, as defined in this
Agreement.
|
2.
|
The
amount of the premiums that have been paid by the Bank prior to the date
of such assignment.
|
Should
the Insured (or beneficiary[ies] or assignee[s]) fail to exercise this option
within the prescribed ninety (90) day period, the Insured (or beneficiary[ies]
or assignee[s]) agrees that all of his or her rights, interest and claims in the
Policy shall terminate as of the date of the termination of this
Agreement.
Except as
provided above, this Agreement shall terminate upon distribution of the death
benefit proceeds in accordance with Paragraph VI above.
XI.
|
INSURED’S
OR ASSIGNEE’S ASSIGNMENT RIGHTS
|
The
Insured may not, without the prior written consent of the Bank, assign to any
individual, trust or other organization, any right, title or interest in the
Policy nor any rights, options, privileges or duties created under this
Agreement.
XII.
|
AGREEMENT
BINDING UPON THE PARTIES
|
This
Agreement shall be binding upon the Insured and the Bank, and their respective
heirs, successors, personal representatives and assigns, as
applicable.
XIII.
|
NAMED
FIDUCIARY AND PLAN ADMINISTRATOR
|
The Bank
is hereby designated the “Named Fiduciary” until resignation or removal by its
Board of Directors. As Named Fiduciary, the Bank shall be responsible
for the management, control, and administration of this Agreement as established
herein. The Named Fiduciary may allocate to others certain aspects of
the management and operations responsibilities of this Agreement, including the
employment of advisors and the delegation of any ministerial duties to qualified
individuals.
The
funding Policy for this Agreement shall be to maintain the Policy in force by
paying, when due, all premiums required.
Claim
forms or claim information as to the subject Policy can be obtained by
contacting Benmark, Inc. (800-544-6079). When the Named Fiduciary has
a claim which may be covered under the provisions described in the Policy, it
should contact the office named above, and they will either complete a claim
form and forward it to an authorized representative of the Insurer or advise the
named Fiduciary what further requirements are necessary. The Insurer
will evaluate and make a decision as to payment. If the claim is
payable, a benefit check will be issued to the Named Fiduciary.
In the
event that a claim is not eligible under the Policy, the Insurer will notify the
Named Fiduciary of the denial pursuant to the requirements under the terms of
the Policy. If the Named Fiduciary is dissatisfied with the denial of
the claim and wishes to contest such claim denial, it should contact the office
named above and they will assist in making inquiry to the
Insurer. All objections to the Insurer’s actions should be in writing
and submitted to the office named above for transmittal to the
Insurer.
Whenever
in this Agreement words are used in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender,
they shall be read and construed as in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender,
whenever they should so apply.
XVII.
|
INSURANCE
COMPANY NOT A PARTY TO THIS
AGREEMENT
|
The
Insurer shall not be deemed a party to this Agreement, but will respect the
rights of the parties as set forth herein upon receiving an executed copy of
this Agreement. Payment or other performance in accordance with the
Policy provisions shall fully discharge the Insurer from any and all
liability.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Insured and a duly authorized Bank officer have signed this
Agreement as of the above written date.
HERITAGE
BANK OF
COMMERCE
INSURED
____________________________
____________________________
BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION FORM
FOR
THE LIFE INSURANCE ENDORSEMENT METHOD
SPLIT
DOLLAR PLAN AGREEMENT
I.
PRIMARY
DESIGNATION
(You may refer to the beneficiary
designation information prior to completion of this form.)
A.
Person(s)
as a Primary Designation
:
(Please indicate the percentage for
each beneficiary)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
B.
Estate as a Primary
Designation
:
My primary Beneficiary is the Estate of
________________________ as set forth in the last will and testament dated the
_________________
day of ___________,
___________ and any codicils thereto.
C.
Trust as a Primary
Designation
:
Name of the
Trust:_______________________________________
Execution Date of the
Trust: ________________/_______/_______
Name of the
Trustee:_____________________________________
Beneficiary(ies) of the Trust (please
indicate the percentage for each beneficiary):
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Is this an Irrevocable Insurance
Trust? ________Yes ________No
(If yes and this designation is for a
Split Dollar agreement, an Assignment of Rights form should be
completed.)
II.
SECONDARY
DESIGNATION
A.
Person(s)
as a Secondary (Contingent) Designation
:
(Please indicate the percentage for
each beneficiary)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
Name_______________________________ Relationship__________________/__________%
Address:__________________________________________________________________
(State) (City) (State)(Zip)
B.
Estate as a Secondary
(Contingent) Designation
:
My
primary Beneficiary is the Estate of ________________________ as set forth in
the last will and testament dated the _________________
day of ___________, ___________ and any
codicils thereto.
C.
Trust as a Primary
(Contingent) Designation
:
Name
of the Trust:_______________________________________
Execution Date of the
Trust: ________________/_______/_______
Name
of the Trustee:_____________________________________
Beneficiary(ies) of the Trust (please indicate the
percentage for each beneficiary):
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
All sums
payable under the Joint Beneficiary Designation Agreement by reason of my death
shall be paid to the Primary Beneficiary(ies), if he or she survives me, and if
no Primary Beneficiary(ies) shall shall survive me, then to the Secondary
(Contingent) Beneficiary(ies). This beneficiary designation is valid
until the participant notifies the bank in writing.
____________________________ _______________________
Insured
Date
NOTE** IF
YOU RESIDE IN A COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE (ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, IDAHO, LOUISIANA,
NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, TEXAS, WASHINGTON OR WISCONSIN), AND YOU ARE DESIGNATING A
BENEFICIARY OTHER THAN YOUR SPOUSE, THEN YOUR SPOUSE MUST ALSO SIGN THE
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION FORM.
I
am aware that my spouse, the above named Insured has designated someone
other than me to be the beneficiary and waive any rights I may have to the
proceeds of such insurance under applicable community property
laws. I understand that this consent and waiver supersedes any
prior spousal consent or waiver under this plan.
Spouse
Signature:______________________
Date:____________________________
|
Exhibit 10.22
AMENDMENT NO.1
TO
DIRECTOR INDEXED
COMPENSATION BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Amendment, made and entered into by and between Heritage Bank of Commerce, a
bank chartered under the laws of the State of California (the “Bank”), and Frank
G. Bisceglia, an individual residing in the State of California (the
“Director”), amends certain provisions of the Director Indexed Compensation
Benefits Agreement dated June 19, 1997 between the Bank and the Director (the
Agreement) for the purposes set forth hereinafter.
R E C I T A L
S
WHEREAS,
the Banks accountants, Deloitte & Touche LLP, have notified the Bank of a
change in the accounting treatment accorded to the Index Benefits under the
Agreement, which increases the benefits expense to the Bank;
WHEREAS,
the Bank and the Director have agreed to delete the Index Benefits and
substitute a defined benefit payable during the Directors life in order to (a)
reduce the benefit expense increase caused by the change in accounting
treatment, and (b) maintain, to the extent feasible, a benefit entitlement which
is substantially equivalent, but not in excess of the projected Index Benefits
under the Agreement; and
WHEREAS,
it is the intent of the Bank and the Director that this Amendment be effective
as of October 21, 1999, and except as amended herein, the terms and conditions
of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by the Director in
the future, as wel1 as the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the
Bank and the Director agree as follows:
A G R E E M E N
T
1.
The
Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
a.
The terms
“Index”, “Indexed” and “Index Benefit”, whether plural or singular, and all
references to payments related thereto as set forth in the Agreement and
Schedules thereto, are hereby deleted.
b.
All
provisions in the Agreement which refer in any manner to payment or distribution
of Director Benefits following the Directors death to a “beneficiary” or
“designated beneficiary”, “Surviving Spouse” or “spouse”, “qualified personal
representative”, “executor”, “administrator”, or “Director’s estate”, along with
any definitions of such terms, and Schedule C, are hereby deleted.
c.
The
portion of subparagraphs 3.1, 3.2, and 4,2 which reads as
follows: “... payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D”
in the case of the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s
death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”, is hereby
deleted from each such subparagraph and a period inserted in lieu of the comma
at the end of the text remaining after such deletions.
d.
The term
“Employer” used in subparagraphs 3.2, 5.1, 5.2 and 5.4 is amended to read
“Bank”.
e.
The last
sentence of subparagraphs 5.1, 5.2, and 5.4 which reads as
follows: “The installments shall be payable (i) for the period
designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the Benefit Account and
(ii) until the Executive’s death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in
Schedule “B”, is hereby deleted from each such subparagraph.
f.
Subparagraphs
3.3 and 4.1 are hereby deleted and subparagraph 4.2 is substituted in lieu of
Paragraph 4.
g.
An
amended Schedule B in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I and incorporated
herein by this reference replaces and supersedes the prior Schedule B in the
Agreement.
h.
Schedule
D is hereby deleted.
i.
All
references to provisions of the Agreement which have been amended hereby are
themselves hereby amended to conform to such amended provisions.
2.
Except as
amended hereby, the Agreement remains in flail force and effect as of the date
thereof.
BANK
DIRECTOR
HERITAGE
BANK OF
COMMERCE
By:____________________________
____________________________
John E. Rossell III
Frank G.
Bisceglia
President and CEO
Dated: March 17, 2000
Dated: February 1, 2000
SPOUSAL
CONSENT
I, Susan
L. Bisceglia, being the spouse of Frank G. Bisceglia, after being afforded the
opportunity to consult with independent counsel of my choosing, do hereby
acknowledge that I have read, agree and consent to the foregoing Amendment No. 1
to the Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement between the Bank and my
spouse. I understand that Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement may affect
certain rights which I may have in the benefits provided for under the terms of
the Agreement and in which I may have a marital property interest.
Dated: February
1, 2000
_____________________________
Susan
L. Bisceglia
EXHIBIT
1
SCHEDULE
B
DIRECTOR
BENEFITS
A benefit
account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books of the
Bank for the benefit of the Director. The Director Benefits shall be
credited to the benefit account in an amount equal to One Thousand Dollars
($1,000.00) per year for each year of service as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Bank. The amount of Director Benefits payable under
the Agreement shall be increased at the rate of two percent (2%) each year from
the date of commencement of payments of the Director Benefits until the death of
the Director.
DIRECTOR INDEXED
COMPENSATION BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Agreement is made and entered into effective as of June 19, 1997 by and between
Heritage Bank of Commerce, a bank chartered under the laws of the State of
California (the “Bank”), and Frank G. Bisceglia, an individual residing in the
State of California (the “Director”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
the Director is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and has served in
such capacity since June 8, 1994, the approximate date of the Bank’s
organization;
WHEREAS,
the Bank desires to establish a compensation benefit for directors who are not
also officers or employees of the Bank in order to attract and retain
individuals with extensive and valuable experience as directors;
WHEREAS,
the Director and the Bank wish to specify in writing the terms and conditions
upon which this additional compensatory incentive will be provided to the
Director, or to the Director’s spouse or designated beneficiaries, as the case
may be;
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by the Director in
the future, as well as the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the
Director and the Bank agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1.
Terms and
Definitions
.
1.1
Administrator
. The
Bank shall be the “Administrator” and, solely for the purposes of ERISA as
defined in subparagraph 1.9 below, the “fiduciary” of this Agreement where a
fiduciary is required by ERISA.
1.2
Applicable
Percentage
. The term “Applicable Percentage” shall mean that
percentage listed on Schedule “A” attached hereto which is adjacent to the
number of calendar years which have elapsed from the date of the Director’s
commencement of service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and
ending on the date payments are to first begin under the terms of this
Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or the percentages set forth
on Schedule “A,” but subject to all other terms and conditions set forth herein,
the “Applicable Percentage” shall be; (i) provided payments have not yet begun
hereunder, one hundred percent (100%) upon the occurrence of a “Change in
Control” as defined in subparagraph 1.4 below, or the Director’s death, or
Disability as defined in subparagraph 1.6 below; and (ii) notwithstanding
subclause (i) of this subparagraph 1.2, zero percent (0%) in the event the
Director takes any intentional action which prevents the Bank from collecting
the proceeds of any life insurance policy which the Bank may happen to own at
the time of the Director’s death and of which the Bank is the designated
beneficiary. Furthermore, notwithstanding the foregoing, or anything
contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event the Director takes any
intentional action which prevents the Bank from collecting the proceeds of any
life insurance policy which the Bank may happen to own at the time of the
Director’s death and of which the Bank is the designated beneficiary: (I) the
Director’s estate or designated beneficiary shall no longer be entitled to
receive any of the amounts payable under the terms of this Agreement, and (2)
the Bank shall have the right to recover from Director’s estate all of the
amounts paid to the Director’s estate (with respect to amounts paid prior to
Director’s death or paid to Director’s estate) or designated beneficiary (with
respect to amounts paid to the designated beneficiary) pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement prior to and after Director’s death.
1.3
Beneficiary
. The
term “beneficiary” or “designated beneficiary” shall mean the person or persons
whom the Director shall designate in a valid Beneficiary Designation, a copy of
which is attached hereto as Exhibit “C,” to receive the benefits provided
hereunder. A Beneficiary Designation shall be valid only if it is in
the form attached hereto and made a part hereof and is received by the
Administrator prior to the Director’s death.
1.4
Change in
Control
. The term “Change in Control” shall mean the
occurrence of any of the following events with respect to the Bank (with the
term “Bank” being defined for purposes of determining whether a “Change in
Control” has occurred to include any parent bank holding company organized at
the direction of the Bank to own 100% of the Bank’s outstanding common stock):
(i) a change in control of a nature that would be required to be reported in
response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or in response
to any other form or report to the regulatory agencies or governmental
authorities having jurisdiction over the Bank or any stock exchange on which the
Bank’s shares are listed which requires the reporting of a change in control;
(ii) any merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Bank in which the Bank
does not survive; (iii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or
other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of any assets
of the Bank having an aggregate fair market value of fifty percent (50%) of the
total value of the assets of the Bank, reflected in the most recent balance
sheet of the Bank; (iv) a transaction whereby any “person” (as such term is used
in the Exchange Act) or any individual, corporation, partnership, trust or any
other entity becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities
of the Bank representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined
voting power of the Bank’s then outstanding securities; or (v) a situation
where, in any one-year period, individuals who at the beginning of such period
constitute the Board of Directors of the Bank cease for any reason to constitute
at least a majority thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election
by the Bank’s shareholders, of each new director is approved by a vote of at
least three-quarters (3/4) of the directors then still in office who were
directors at the beginning of the period. Notwithstanding the
foregoing or anything else contained herein to the contrary, there shall not be
a “Change of Control” for purposes of this Agreement if the event which would
otherwise come within the meaning of the term “Change of Control” involves (i) a
reorganization at the direction of the Bank solely to form a parent bank holding
company which owns 100% of the Bank’s common stock following the reorganization,
or (ii) an Employee Stock Ownership Plan sponsored by the Bank or its parent
holding company which is the party that acquires “control” or is the principal
participant in the transaction constituting a “Change in Control,” as described
above.
1.5
The
Code
. The “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the “Code”).
1.6
Disability/Disabled
. The
term “Disability” or “Disabled” shall mean bodily injury or disease (mental or
physical) which wholly and continuously prevents the performance of duty for at
least three months including, without limitation, the total irrecoverable loss
of the sight in both eyes or the loss by severance of both hands at or above the
wrist or of both feet at or above the ankle or of one hand at or above the wrist
and one foot at or above the ankle.
1.7
Early
Retirement Date
. The term “Early Retirement Date” shall mean
the Retirement, as defined below, of the Director on a date which occurs prior
to the Director attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, but after the Director
has attained fifty-five (55) years of age.
1.8
Effective
Date
. The term “Effective Date” shall mean the date first
written above.
1.9
ERISA
. The
term “ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
1.10
Director
Benefits
. The term “Director Benefits” shall mean the benefits
determined in accordance with Schedule “B”, and reduced to the extent: (i)
required under the other provisions of this Agreement, including, but not
limited to, Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof; (ii) required by reason of the lawful
order of any regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction over the Bank; or
(iii) required in order for the Bank to properly comply with any and all
applicable state and federal laws, including, but not limited to, income,
employment and disability income tax Laws (e.g., FICA, FUTA, SDI).
1.11
Plan
Year
. The term “Plan Year” shall mean the Bank’s fiscal
year.
1.12
Retirement
. The
term “Retirement” or “Retires” shall refer to the date which the Director
acknowledges in writing to the Bank to be the last day of service as a member of
the Board of Directors of the Bank.
1.13
Surviving
Spouse
. The term “Surviving Spouse” shall mean the person, if
any, who shall be legally married to the Director on the date of the Director’s
death.
1.14
Removal
for Cause
. The term “removal for cause” shall mean termination
of a Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank by
reason of any of the following:
(a)
The
willful breach or habitual neglect by the Director of his responsibilities and
duties;
(b)
The
Director’s deliberate violation of (i) any state or federal banking or
securities laws, or of the Bylaws, rules, policies or resolutions of the Bank,
or (ii) the rules or regulations of the California Commissioner of Financial
Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other regulatory
agency or governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, which has a
material adverse effect upon the Bank;
(c)
The
determination by a state or federal court, banking agency or other governmental
authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, that the Director (i) is of unsound
mind, or (ii) has committed a gross abuse of authority or discretion with
reference to the Bank, or (iii) otherwise is not suitable to continue to serve
as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank;
(d)
The
Director’s conviction of any felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or a
fraudulent or dishonest act; or
(e)
The
Director’s disclosure without authority of any secret or confidential
information not otherwise publicly available concerning the Bank or taking any
action which the Bank’s Board of Directors determines, in its sole discretion
and subject to good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, constitutes unfair
competition with or inducement of any customer to breach any contract with the
Bank.
2.
Scope,
Purpose and Effect
.
2.1
Contract
of Employment
. Although this Agreement is intended to provide
the Director with an additional incentive to continue to serve as a member of
the Board of Directors of the Bank, this Agreement shall not be deemed to
constitute a contract of employment between the Director and the Bank nor shall
any provision of this Agreement restrict the right of the Bank to remove or
cause the removal of the Director including, without limitation, by (i) refusal
to nominate the Director for election for any successive term of office as a
member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, or (ii) complying with an order or
other directive from a court of competent jurisdiction or any regulatory
authority having jurisdiction over the Bank which requires the Bank to take
action to remove the Director.
2.2
Fringe
Benefit
. The benefits provided by this Agreement are granted
by the Bank as a fringe benefit to the Director and are not a part of any salary
reduction plan or any arrangement deferring a bonus or a salary
increase. The Director has no option to take any current payments or
bonus in lieu of the benefits provided by this Agreement.
3.
Payments
Upon Early Retirement or Retirement and After Retirement
.
3.1
Payments
Upon Early Retirement
. The Director shall have the right to
Retire from the Board of Directors on a date which constitutes an Early
Retirement Date as defined in subparagraph 1.7 above. In the event
the Director elects to Retire on a date which constitutes an Early Retirement
Date, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, as defined above, in substantially equal monthly installments
on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following the month in
which the Early Retirement Date occurs.
3.2
Payments
Upon Retirement
. If the Director shall continue to serve as a
member of the Board of Directors until attaining sixty-two (62) years of age,
the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, as defined N above, in substantially equal monthly
installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following
the month in which the Director Retires or upon such later date as may be
mutually agreed upon by the Director and the Employer in advance of said
Retirement date. At the Bank’s sole and absolute discretion, the Bank
may increase the Director Benefits as and when the Bank determines the same to
be appropriate.
4.
Payments
in the Event Death or Disability Occurs Prior to Retirement
.
4.1
Payments
in the Event of Disability Prior to Retirement
. In the event
the Director becomes Disabled while serving as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Bank at any time after the Effective Date of this Agreement,
but prior to Retirement, the Director shall be entitled to the Applicable
Percentage of the Director Benefits, as defined above, in substantially equal
monthly installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month
following the month in which the Director becomes Disabled.
5.
Payments
in the Event Employment Is Terminated Prior to Retirement
. As
indicated in subparagraph 2.1 above, the Bank reserves the right to remove or
cause the removal of the Director under certain circumstances, at any time prior
to the Director’s Retirement. In the event that the service of the
Director shall be terminated, other than by reason of death, Disability or
Retirement, prior to the Director’s attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, then
this Agreement shall terminate upon the date of such termination; provided,
however, that the Director shall be entitled to the following benefits as may be
applicable depending upon the circumstances surrounding the Director’s
termination:
5.1
Termination
Without Cause
. If the Director’s service as a member of the
Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated for reasons other than as specified
in paragraph 5.3 below, and such termination is not subject to the provisions of
subparagraph 5.4 below, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable
Percentage of the Director Benefits, as defined above, in substantially equal
monthly installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month
following the month in which the Director attains fifty-five (55) years of age
or any month thereafter, as requested in writing by the Director and delivered
to the Employer or its successor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of
installment payments; provided, however, that in the event the Director does not
request a commencement date as specified, such installments shall be paid on the
first day of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which
the Director attains sixty-two (62) years of age.
5.2
Voluntary
Termination by the Director
. If the Director’s service as a
member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated by voluntary
resignation, and such resignation is not subject to the provisions of
subparagraphs 5.3 or 5.4 below, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, as defined above, in
substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
beginning with the month following the month in which the Director attains
fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter, as requested in writing by
the Director and delivered to the Employer or its successor thirty (30) days
prior to the commencement of installment payments; provided, however, that in
the event the Director does not request a commencement date as specified, such
installments shall be paid on the first day of each month, beginning with the
month following the month in which the Director attains sixty-two (62) years of
age. The installments shall be payable.
5.3
Termination
by Removal for Cause
. The Director agrees that if his service
as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated by “removal for
cause,” as defined in subparagraph 1.14 of this Agreement, he shall forfeit any
and all rights and benefits he may have under the terms of this Agreement and
shall have no right to be paid any of the amounts which would otherwise be due
or paid to the Director by the Bank pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement.
5.4
Termination
by the Bank on Account of or After a Change in Control
. In the
event that the Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the
Bank is terminated in conjunction with, or by reason of, a “Change in Control”
(as defined in subparagraph 1.4 above), the Director shall be entitled to be
paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, as defined above, in
substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
beginning with the month following the month in which the Director attains
fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter, as requested in writing by
the Director and delivered to the Employer or its successor thirty (30) days
prior to the commencement of installment payments; provided, however, that in
the event the Director does not request a commencement date as specified, such
installments shall be paid on the first day of each month, beginning with the
month following the month in which the Director attains sixty-two (62) years of
age. The installments shall be payable (i) for the period designated
in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until
death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
6.
Section
280G Benefits Reduction
. The Director acknowledges and agrees
that the parties have entered into this Agreement based upon certain financial
and tax accounting assumptions. Accordingly, with full knowledge of
the potential consequences the Director agrees that, notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary, in the event that any payment or benefit
received or to be received by the Director, whether payable pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the
Bank (together with the Director Benefits, the “Total Payments”), will not be
deductible (in whole or in part) as a result of Code Section 2800 or other
applicable provisions of the Code, the Total Payments shall be reduced until no
portion of the Total Payments is nondeductible as a result of Section 280G or
such other applicable provisions of the Code. For purposes of this
limitation:
(a)
No
portion of the Total Payments, the receipt or enjoyment of which the Director
shall have effectively waived in writing prior to the date of payment of any
future Director Benefits payments, shall be taken into account;
(b)
No
portion of the Total Payments shall be taken into account, which in the opinion
of the tax counsel selected by the Bank and acceptable to the Director, does not
constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 2800 of the
Code;
(c)
Any
reduction of the Total Payments shall be applied to reduce any payment or
benefit received or to be received by the Director pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement and any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Bank in the
order determined by mutual agreement of the Bank and the Director;
(d)
Future
payments shall be reduced only to the extent necessary so that the Total
Payments (other than those referred to in clauses (a) or (b) above in their
entirety) constitute reasonable compensation for services actually rendered
within the meaning of Section 2800 of the Code, in the opinion of tax counsel
referred to in clause (b) above; and
(e)
The value
of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Total
Payments shall be determined by independent auditors selected by the Bank and
acceptable to the Director in accordance with the principles of Section 2800 of
the Code.
7.
Right To
Determine Funding Methods
. The Bank reserves the right to
determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether, to what extent and by
what method, if any, to provide for the payment of the amounts which may be
payable to the Director, the Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiaries
under the terms of this Agreement. In the event that the Bank elects
to fund this Agreement, in whole or in part, through the use of life insurance
or annuities, or both, the Bank shall determine the ownership and beneficial
interests of any such policy of life insurance or annuity. The Bank
further reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to terminate
any such policy, and any other device used to fund its obligations under this
Agreement, at any time, in whole or in part. Consistent with
Paragraph 9 below, neither the Director, the Director’s spouse nor the
Director’s beneficiaries shall have any right, title or interest in or to any
funding source or amount utilized by the Bank pursuant to this Agreement, and
any such funding source or amount shall not constitute security for the
performance of the Bank’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement. In
connection with the foregoing, the Director agrees to execute such documents and
undergo such medical examinations or tests which the Bank may request and which
may be reasonably necessary to facilitate any funding for this Agreement
including, without limitation, the Bank’s acquisition of any policy of insurance
or annuity. Furthermore, a refusal by the Director to consent to,
participate in and undergo any such medical examinations or tests shall result
in the immediate termination of this Agreement and the immediate forfeiture by
the Director, the Director’s spouse and the Director’s beneficiaries of any and
all rights to payment hereunder.
8.
Claims
Procedure
. The Bank shall, but only to the extent necessary to
comply with ERISA, be designated as the named fiduciary wider this Agreement and
shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of
this Agreement. Consistent therewith, the Bank shall make all
determinations as to the rights to benefits under this Agreement. Any
decision by the Bank denying a claim by the Director, the Director’s spouse, or
the Director’s beneficiary for benefits under this Agreement shall be stated in
writing and delivered or mailed, via registered or certified mail, to the
Director, the Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiary, as the case may
be. Such decision shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial
of a claim. In addition, the Bank shall provide the Director, the
Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiary with a reasonable opportunity
for a full and fair review of the decision denying such claim.
9.
Status as
an Unsecured General Creditor
. Notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary: (i) neither the Director, the Director’s
spouse or the Director’s designated beneficiaries shall have any legal or
equitable rights, interests or claims in or to any specific property or assets
of the Bank as a result of this Agreement; (ii) none of the Bank’s assets shall
be held in or under any trust for the benefit of the Director, the Director’s
spouse or the Director’s designated beneficiaries or held in any way as security
for the fulfillment of the obligations of the Bank under this Agreement; (iii)
all of the Bank’s assets shall be and remain the general unpledged and
unrestricted assets of the Bank; (iv) the Bank’s obligation under this Agreement
shall be that of an unfunded and unsecured promise by the Bank to pay money in
the future; and (v) the Director, the Director’s spouse and the Director’s
designated beneficiaries shall be unsecured general creditors with respect to
any benefits which may be payable under the terms of this
Agreement.
Notwithstanding
subparagraphs (i) through (v) above, the Bank and the Director acknowledge and
agree that upon request of the Director at any time during the term of this
Agreement, a Rabbi Trust (the “Trust”) shall be established upon such terms and
conditions as may be mutually agreeable between the Bank and the Director and
that it is the intention of the Bank to make contributions and/or transfer
assets to the Trust in order to discharge its obligations pursuant to this
Agreement. The principal of the Trust and any earnings thereon shall
be held separate and apart from other funds of the Bank to be used exclusively
for discharge of the Bank’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement and shall
continue to be subject to the claims of the Bank’s general creditors until paid
to the Director or its beneficiaries in such manner and at such times as
specified in this Agreement.
10.
Discretion
of Board to Accelerate Payout
. Notwithstanding any of the
other provisions of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Bank may, if
determined in its sole and absolute discretion to be appropriate, accelerate the
payment of the amounts due under the terms of this Agreement, provided that
Director (or Director’s spouse or designated beneficiaries): (i) consents to the
revised payout terms determined appropriate by the Bank’s Board of Directors;
and (ii) does not negotiate or in anyway influence the terms of proposed
altered/accelerated payout (said decision to be made solely by the Bank’s Board
of Directors and offered to the Director [or Director’s spouse or designated
beneficiaries] on a “take it or leave it basis”),
11.
Miscellaneous
.
11.1
Opportunity
To Consult With Independent Advisors
. The Director
acknowledges that he has been afforded the opportunity to consult with
independent advisors of his choosing including, without limitation, accountants
or tax advisors and counsel regarding both the benefits granted to him under the
terms of this Agreement and the (i) terms and conditions which may affect the
Director’s right to these benefits and (ii) personal tax effects of such
benefits including, without limitation, the effects of any federal or state
taxes, Section 2800 of the Code, and any other taxes, costs, expenses or
liabilities whatsoever related to such benefits, which in any of the foregoing
instances the Director acknowledges and agrees shall be the sole responsibility
of the Director notwithstanding any other term or provision of this
Agreement. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that the Bank
shall have no liability whatsoever related to any such personal tax effects or
other personal costs, expenses, or liabilities applicable to the Director and
further specifically waives any right for himself or herself, and his or her
heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns to
claim or assert liability on the part of the Bank related to the matters
described above in this subparagraph 11.1. The Director further
acknowledges that he has read, understands and consents to all of the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, and that he enters into this Agreement with a full
understanding of its terms and conditions.
11.2
Arbitration
of Disputes
. All claims, disputes and other matters in
question arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach or
interpretation thereof, other than those matters which are to be determined by
the Bank in its sole and absolute discretion, shall be resolved by binding
arbitration before a representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of
the parties, of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”),
presently located at Ill Pine Street, Suite 710, in San Francisco,
California. In the event JAMS is unable or unwilling to conduct the
arbitration provided for under the terms of this Paragraph, or has discontinued
its business, the parties agree that a representative member, selected by the
mutual agreement of the parties, of the American Arbitration Association
(“AAA”), presently located at 417 Montgomery Street, in San Francisco,
California, shall conduct the binding arbitration referred to in this
Paragraph. Notice of the demand for arbitration shall be filed in
writing with the other party to this Agreement and with JAMS (or AAA, if
necessary). In no event shall the demand for arbitration be made
after the date when institution of legal or equitable proceedings based on such
claim, dispute or other matter in question would be barred by the applicable
statute of limitations. The arbitration shall be subject to such
rules of procedure used or established by JAMS, or if there are none, the rules
of procedure used or established by AAA. Any award rendered by JAMS
or AAA shall be final and binding upon the parties, and as applicable, their
respective heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successors and
assigns, and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. The obligation of the parties to arbitrate pursuant to this
clause shall be specifically enforceable in accordance with, and shall be
conducted consistently with, the provisions of Title 9 of Part 3 of the
California Code of Civil Procedure. Any arbitration hereunder shall
be conducted in San Jose, California, unless otherwise agreed to by the
parties.
11.3
Attorneys’
Fees
. In the event of any arbitration or litigation concerning
any controversy, claim or dispute between the parties hereto, arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or the breach hereof, or the interpretation hereof
the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the losing party
reasonable expenses, attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection therewith
or in the enforcement or collection of any judgment or award rendered
therein. The “prevailing party” means the party determined by the
arbitrator(s) or court, as the case may be, to have most nearly prevailed, even
if such party did not prevail in all matters, not necessarily the one in whose
favor a judgment is rendered.
11.4
Notice
. Any
notice required or permitted of either the Director or the Bank under this
Agreement shall be deemed to have been duly given, if by personal delivery, upon
the date received by the party or its authorized representative; if by
facsimile, upon transmission to a telephone number previously provided by the
party to whom the facsimile is transmitted as reflected in the records of the
party transmitting the facsimile and upon reasonable confirmation of such
transmission; and if by mail, on the third day after mailing via
U.S. first class mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid and
return receipt requested, and addressed to the party at the address given below
for the receipt of notices, or such changed address as may be requested in
writing by a party.
|
If
to the Bank:
|
Heritage
Bank of Commerce
|
|
San Jose, California 95113
|
|
Attn: Chairman of the Board
|
|
If
to the Director:
|
1804
Cherry Avenue
|
11.5
Assignment
. Neither
the Director, the Director’s spouse, nor any other beneficiary under this
Agreement shall have any power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate,
hypothecate, modify or otherwise encumber any part or all of the amounts payable
hereunder, no; prior to payment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement,
shall any portion of such amounts be: (i) subject to seizure by any creditor of
any such beneficiary, by a proceeding at law or in equity, for the payment of
any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance obligations which may be
owed by the Director, the Director’s spouse, or any designated beneficiary; or
(ii) transferable by operation of law in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency or
otherwise. Any such attempted assignment or transfer shall be void
and shall terminate this Agreement, and the Bank shall thereupon have no further
liability hereunder.
11.6
Binding
Effect/Merger or Reorganization
. This Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Director and the Bank and, as
applicable, their respective heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives,
agents, successors and assigns. Accordingly, the Bank shall not merge
or consolidate into or with another corporation, or reorganize or sell
substantially all of its assets to another corporation, firm or person, unless
and until such succeeding or continuing corporation, firm or person agrees to
assume and discharge the obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement. Upon the occurrence of such event, the term “Bank” as used
in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer to such surviving or successor firm,
person, entity or corporation.
11.7
Nonwaiver
. The
failure of either party to enforce at any time or for any period of time any one
or more of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be a waiver of
such term(s) or condition(s) or of that party’s right thereafter to enforce each
and every term and condition of this Agreement.
11.8
Partial
Invalidity
. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of
this Agreement is determined by an arbitrator or a court, as the case may be, to
be invalid, void, or unenforceable, such determination shall not render any
other term, provision, covenant or condition invalid, void or unenforceable, and
the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such partial
invalidity.
11.9
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement supersedes any and all other
agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement and contains all of the covenants and
agreements between the parties with respect thereto. Each party to
this Agreement acknowledges that no other representations, inducements,
promises, or agreements, oral or otherwise, have been made by any party, or
anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not set forth herein, and that
no other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this Agreement shall
be valid or binding on either party.
11.10
Modifications
. Any
modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and
signed by each party or such party’s authorized representative.
11.11
Paragraph
Headings
. The paragraph headings used in this Agreement are
included solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not affect or be
used in connection with the interpretation of this Agreement.
11.12
No Strict
Construction
. The language used in this Agreement shall be
deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual
intent, and no rule of strict construction will be applied against any
person,
11.13
Governing
Law
. The laws of the State of California, other than those
laws denominated choice of law rules, and, where applicable, the rules and
regulations of the California Commissioner of Financial Institutions and the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, shall govern the validity,
interpretation, construction and effect of this Agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Director have executed this Agreement on the
date first above-written in the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County,
California.
BANK
DIRECTOR
Heritage Bank of Commerce
By: ____________________________
_____________________________
William J.
Del Biaggio, Jr.
Frank G. Bisceglia
Chairman of the Board of
Directors
SCHEDULE
A
CALENDAR
YEAR
|
APPLICABLE
PERCENTAGE
|
|
|
June
8, 1994 to June 8, 1997
|
36.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1998
|
48.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1999
|
60.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2000
|
72.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2001
|
84.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2002
|
100.00%
|
SCHEDULE
B
DIRECTOR
BENEFITS
1.
Director Benefits
Determination
.
The
Director Benefits shall be determined based upon the following:
a.
Benefit
Account
:
A Benefit
Account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books of the
Bank for the benefit of the Director. Prior to the Director’s
Retirement or other termination of service under the Agreement, such Benefit
Account shall be increased or decreased each Plan Year (including the Plan Year
in which the Director ceases to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of
the Bank) by an amount equal to the annual earnings or loss for that Plan Year
determined by the Index (described in subparagraph c below), less the
Opportunity Cost (described in subparagraph d below) for that Plan
Year.
b.
Index
Benefit
:
The Index
Benefit for the Director for any year shall be equal to the excess of the annual
earnings (if any) determined by the Index for that Plan Year over the
Opportunity Cost for that Plan Year.
c.
Index
:
The Index
for any Plan Year shall be the aggregate annual after-tax income from the life
insurance contracts described hereinafter as defined by FASB Technical Bulletin
85-4. This Index shall be applied as if such insurance contracts were
purchased on the Effective Date.
Insurance
Company: Canada
Life Assurance Company
Policy
Form:
Whole Life
Policy
Name:
CL/I
Insured’s
Age and
Sex: Male,
52
Riders:
None
Ratings:
None
Option:
Level
Face
Amount:
$189,812
Premiums
Paid:
$75,000
No. of
Premium
Payments: Single
Premium
Assumed
Purchase
Date:
September
16, 1997
Insurance
Company: American
General Life Insurance Co.
Policy
Form: Flexible
Premium Adjustable Life
Policy
Name: Corporate
America Bank
Insured’s
Age and
Sex: Male,
52
Riders:
None
Ratings:
None
Option:
Level
Face
Amount:
$178,350
Premiums
Paid: $75,000
No. of
Premium
Payments:
Single Premium
Assumed
Purchase
Date:
September 16, l997
If such
contracts of life insurance are actually purchased by the Bank, then the actual
policies as of the dates purchased shall be used in calculations to determine
the Index and Opportunity Cost. If such contracts of life insurance
are not purchased or are subsequently surrendered or lapsed, then the Bank shall
receive and use annual policy illustrations that assume the above described
policies were purchased from the above named insurance company(ies) on the
Effective Date to calculate the amount of the Index and Opportunity
Cost.
d.
Opportunity
Cost
:
The
Opportunity Cost for any Plan Year shall be calculated by multiplying (a) the
sum of (i) the total amount of premiums set forth in the insurance policies
described above, (ii) the amount of any Index Benefit (described at subparagraph
b above), and (iii) the amount of all previous years after- tax Opportunity
Costs; by (b) the avenge annualized after-tax cost of finds calculated using a
one-year U.S. Treasury Bill as published in the
Wall Street
Journal
. The applicable tax rate used to calculate the
Opportunity Cost shall be the Bank’s marginal tax rate until the Director’s
Retirement, or other termination of service (including a Change in
Control). Thereafter, the Opportunity Cost shall be calculated with
the assumption of a marginal forty-two percent (42%) corporate tax rate each
year regardless of whether the actual marginal tax rate of the Bank is higher or
lower.\
e.
Director Benefits
Payments
.
The
Director shall be entitled to payment of the Applicable Percentage of (i) the
balance in the Benefit Account in installments upon the terms as specified in
the Agreement, and (ii) the Index Benefit for each Plan Year payable in
installments until the Director’s death.
SCHEDULE
C
BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION
To the
Administrator of the Heritage Bank of Commerce Director Indexed Compensation
Benefits Agreement:
Pursuant
to the Provisions of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement with
Heritage Bank of Commerce, permitting the designation of a beneficiary or
beneficiaries by a participant, I hereby designate the following persons and
entities as primary and secondary beneficiaries of any benefit under said
Agreement payable by reason of my death:
Primary
Beneficiary
:
Sue
Bisceglia
1804 Cherry
Ave.
Wife
Name
Address Relationship
Secondary
(Contingent) Beneficiary
:
Bisceglia Family
Trust
Same
Wife
Name
Address
Relationship
THE
RIGHT TO REVOKE OR CHANCE ANY BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION IS HEREBY
RESERVED. ALL PRIOR DESIGNATIONS, IF ANY, OF PRIMARY BENEFICIARIES
AND SECONDARY BENEFICIARIES ARE HEREBY REVOKED.
The
Administrator shall pay all sums payable under the Agreement by reason of my
death to the Primary Beneficiary, if he or she survives me, and if no Primary
Beneficiary shall survive me, then to the Secondary Beneficiary, and if no named
beneficiary survives me, then the Administrator shall pay all amounts in
accordance with the terms of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits
Agreement. In the event that a named beneficiary survives me and dies
prior to receiving the entire benefit payable under said Agreement, then and in
that event, the remaining unpaid benefit payable according to the terms of my
Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement shall be payable to the
personal representatives of the estate of said beneficiary who survived me but
died prior to receiving the total benefit provided by my Director Indexed
Compensation Benefits Agreement.
Dated:
June ____,
1997
_______________________
Frank
G. Bisceglia
CONSENT
OF THE DIRECTOR’S SPOUSE
TO THE
ABOVE BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
:
I,
___________________ being the spouse of Frank G. Bisceglia, after being afforded
the opportunity to consult with independent counsel of my choosing, do hereby
acknowledge that I have read, agree and consent to the foregoing Beneficiary
Designation which relates to the Director Indexed Compensation Benefits
Agreement entered into by my spouse effective as of June 19, 1997. I
understand that the above Beneficiary Designation may affect certain rights
which I may have in the benefits provided for under the terms of the Director
Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement and in which I may have a marital
property interest.
Dated:
June _____, 1997.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Type/Print
Name
SCHEDULE
D
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTION
Pursuant
to the Provisions of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement with
Heritage Bank of Commerce, I hereby elect to have any distribution of the
balance in my Benefit Account paid to me in installments as designated
below:
|
____
|
thirty-six
(36) monthly installments with the amount of each installment determined
as of each installment date by dividing the entire amount in my Benefit
Account by the number of installments then remaining to be paid, with the
final installment to be the entire remaining balance in the Benefit
Account.
|
|
____
|
sixty
(60) monthly installments with the amount of each installment determined
as of each installment date by dividing the entire amount in my Benefit
Account by the number of installments then remaining to be paid, with the
final installment to be the entire remaining balance in the Benefit
Account.
|
|
____
|
one
hundred twenty (120) monthly installments with the amount of each
installment determined as of each installment date by dividing the entire
amount in my Benefit Account by the number of installments then remaining
to be paid, with the final installment to be the entire remaining balance
in the Benefit Account.
|
|
____
|
one
hundred eighty (180) monthly installments with the amount of each
installment determined as of each installment date by dividing the entire
amount in my Benefit Account by the number of installments then remaining
to be paid, with the final installment to be the entire remaining balance
in the Benefit Account.
|
Dated: June
6, 1997
Signed:________________________
Frank G. Bisceglia
Exhibit 10.23
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
DIRECTOR INDEXED
COMPENSATION BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Amendment, made and entered into by and between Heritage Bank of Commerce, a
bank chartered under the laws of the State of California (the “Bank”), and James
R. Blair, an individual residing in the State of California (the “Director”),
amends certain provisions of the Director Indexed Compensation Benefits
Agreement dated June 19, 1997 between the Bank and the Director (the Agreement)
for the purposes set forth hereinafter.
R E C I T A L
S
WHEREAS,
the Banks accountants, Deloitte & Touche LLP, have notified the Bank of a
change in the accounting treatment accorded to the Index Benefits under the
Agreement, which increases the benefits expense to the Bank;
WHEREAS,
the Bank and the Director have agreed to delete the Index Benefits and
substitute a defined benefit payable during the Directors life in order to (a)
reduce the benefit expense increase caused by the change in accounting
treatment, and (b) maintain, to the extent feasible, a benefit entitlement which
is substantially equivalent, but not in excess of the projected Index Benefits
under the Agreement; and
WHEREAS,
it is the intent of the Bank and the Director that this Amendment be effective
as of October 21, 1999, and except as amended herein, the terms and conditions
of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by the Director in
the future, as well as the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the
Bank and the Director agree as follows:
A G R E E M E N
T
1.
The
Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
a.
The terms
“Index”, “Indexed” and “Index Benefit”, whether plural or singular, and all
references to payments related thereto as set forth in the Agreement and
Schedules thereto, are hereby deleted.
b.
All
provisions in the Agreement which refer in any manner to payment or distribution
of Director Benefits following the Directors death to a “beneficiary” or
“designated beneficiary”, “Surviving Spouse’ or “spouse”, “qualified personal
representative”, “executor”, “administrator”, or “Director’s estate”, along with
any definitions of such terms, and Schedule C, are hereby deleted.
c.
The
portion of subparagraphs 3.1, 3.2, and 4.2 which reads as follows: “...payable
(i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the
Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the case of the Index
Benefit defined in Schedule “B”., is hereby deleted from each such subparagraph
and a period inserted in lieu of the comma at the end of the text remaining
after such deletions.
d.
The term
“Employer” used in subparagraphs 3.2, 5.1, 5.2 and 5.4 is amended to read
“Bank”.
e.
The last
sentence of subparagraphs 5.1, 5.2, and 5.4 which reads as follows: “The
installments shall be payable (I) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in
the case of the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Executive’s
death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”., is hereby
deleted from each such subparagraph
f.
Subparagraphs
3.3 and 4.1 are hereby deleted and subparagraph 4.2 is substituted in lieu of
Paragraph 4.
g.
An
amended Schedule B in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and incorporated
herein by this reference replaces and supersedes the prior Schedule B in the
Agreement.
h.
Schedule
D is hereby deleted.
i.
All
references to provisions of the Agreement which have been amended hereby are
themselves hereby amended to conform to such amended provisions.
2.
Except as
amended hereby, the Agreement remains in full force and effect as of the date
thereof.
HERITAGE
BANK OF
COMMERCE
By:____________________________
____________________________
John E.
Rossell III James
R. Blair
President and CEO
Dated: _____________, 2000
Dated: _______________,
2000
SPOUSAL
CONSENT
I, ______________________,
being the spouse of James R. Blair, after being afforded the opportunity to
consult with independent counsel of my choosing, do hereby acknowledge that I
have read, agree and consent to the foregoing Amendment No. 1 to the Director
Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement between the Bank and my spouse. I
understand that Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement may affect certain rights which
I may have in the benefits provided for under the
terms of the Agreement
and in which I may have a marital property interest.
Dated: ______________, 2000
_______________________________
EXHIBIT
1
SCHEDULE
B
DIRECTOR
BENEFITS
A benefit
account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books of the
Bank for the benefit of the
Director. The Director
Benefits shall be credited to the benefit account in an amount equal to One
Thousand
Dollars
($1,000.00) per year for each year of service as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Bank. The amount of Director Benefits payable under the
Agreement shall be increased at the rate of two percent (2%) each year from the
date of commencement of payments of the Director Benefits until the death of the
Director.
DIRECTOR INDEXED
COMPENSATION BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Agreement is made and entered into effective as of June 19, 1997 by and between
Heritage Bank of Commerce, a bank chartered under the laws of the State of
California (the “Bank”), and James R. Blair, an individual residing in the State
of California (the “Director”).
R E C I T A L
S
WHEREAS;
the Director is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and has served in
such capacity since June 8, 1994, the approximate date of the Bank’s
organization;
WHEREAS,
the Bank desires to establish a compensation benefit for directors who are not
also officers or employees of the Bank in order to attract and retain
individuals with extensive and valuable experience as directors;
and
WHEREAS,
the Director and the Bank wish to specify in writing the terms and conditions
upon which this additional compensatory incentive will be provided to the
Director, or to the Director’s spouse or designated beneficiaries, as the case
may be.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by the Director in
the future, as well as the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the
Director and the Bank agree as follows:
A G R E E M E N
T
1.
Terms and
Definitions
.
1.1
Administrator
. The
Bank shall be the “Administrator” and, solely for the purposes of ERISA as
defined in subparagraph 1.9 below, the “fiduciary” of this Agreement where a
fiduciary is required by ERISA.
1.2
Applicable
Percentage
. The term “Applicable Percentage” shall mean that
percentage adjacent to a calendar period listed on Schedule “A” attached hereto,
which percentage shall remain in effect until an adjustment occurs on each
succeeding calendar period during the term of service as a member of the Board
of Directors of the Bank. Notwithstanding the foregoing or the
percentages set forth on Schedule “A,” but subject to all other terms and
conditions set forth herein, the “Applicable Percentage” shall
be: (i) provided payments have not yet begun hereunder, one hundred
percent (100%) upon termination of service described in subparagraph 5.4
pursuant to a “Change in Control” as defined in subparagraph 1.4 below, or the
Director’s death, or Disability as defined in subparagraph 1.6 below, which
death or Disability occurs prior to termination of service; and (ii)
notwithstanding subclause (i) of this subparagraph 1.2, zero percent (0%) in the
event the Director takes any intentional action which prevents the Bank from
collecting the proceeds of any life insurance policy which the Bank may happen
to own at the time of the Director’s death and of which the Bank is the
designated beneficiary. Furthermore, notwithstanding the foregoing,
or anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event the
Director takes any intentional action which prevents the Bank from collecting
the proceeds of any life insurance policy which the Bank may happen to own at
the time of the Director’s death and of which the Bank is the designated
beneficiary: (1) the Director’s estate or designated beneficiary
shall no longer be entitled to receive any of the amounts payable under the
terms of this Agreement, and (2) the Bank shall have the right to recover from
the Director’s estate all of the amounts paid to the Director’s estate (with
respect to amounts paid prior to the Director’s death or paid to the Director’s
estate) or designated beneficiary (with respect to amounts paid to the
designated beneficiary) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement prior to and
after the Director’s death.
1.3
Beneficiary
: The
term “beneficiary” or “designated beneficiary” shall mean the person or persons
whom the Director shall designate in a valid Beneficiary Designation, a copy of
which is attached hereto as Schedule “C,” to receive the benefits provided
hereunder. A Beneficiary Designation shall be valid only if it is in
the form attached hereto and made a part hereof, completed and signed by the
Director and is received by the Administrator prior to the Director’s
death.
1.4
Change in
Control
. The term “Change in Control” shall mean the
occurrence of any of the following events with respect to the Bank (with the
term “Bank” being defined for purposes of determining whether a “Change in
Control” has occurred to include any parent bank holding company organized at
the direction of the Bank to own 100% of the Bank’s outstanding common
stock): (i) a change in control of a nature that would be required to
be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”), or in response to any other form or report to the regulatory agencies or
governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the Bank or any stock exchange
on which the Bank’s shares are listed which requires the reporting of a change
in control; (ii) any merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Bank in
which the Bank does not survive; (iii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage,
pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of
transactions) of any assets of the Bank having an aggregate fair market value of
fifty percent (50%) of the total value of the assets of the Bank, reflected in
the most recent balance sheet of the Bank; (iv) a transaction whereby any
“person” (as such term is used in the Exchange Act) or any individual,
corporation, partnership, trust or any other entity becomes the beneficial
owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Bank representing
twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined voting power of the Bank’s
then outstanding securities; or (v) a situation where, in any one-year period,
individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of
Directors of the Bank cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority
thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election by the Bank’s
shareholders, of each new director is approved by a vote of at least
three-quarters (3/4) of the directors then still in office who were directors at
the beginning of the period.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing or anything else contained herein to the contrary, there shall not
be a “Change of Control” for purposes of this Agreement if the event which would
otherwise come within the meaning of the term “Change of Control” involves (i) a
reorganization at the direction of the Bank solely to form a parent bank holding
company which owns 100% of the Bank’s common stock following the reorganization,
or (ii) an Employee Stock Ownership Plan sponsored by the Bank or its parent
holding company which is the party that acquires “control” or is the principal
participant in the transaction constituting a “Change in Control,” as described
above.
1.5
The
Code
. The “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the “Code”).
1.6
Disability/Disabled
. The
term “Disability” or “Disabled” shall mean bodily injury or disease (mental or
physical) which wholly and continuously prevents the performance of duty for at
least three months including, without limitation, the total irrecoverable loss
of the sight in both eyes or the loss by severance of both hands at or above the
wrist or of both feet at or above the ankle or of one hand at or above the wrist
and one foot at or above the ankle.
1.7
Early
Retirement Date
. The term “Early Retirement Date” shall mean
the Retirement, as defined below, of the Director on a date which occurs prior
to the Director attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, but after the Director
has attained fifty-five (55) years of age written above.
1.8
Effective
Date
. The term “Effective Date” shall mean the date first
written above.
1.9
ERISA
. The
term “ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
1.10
Director
Benefits
. The term “Director Benefits” shall mean the benefits
determined in accordance with Schedule “B”, and reduced to the
extent: (i) required under the other provisions of this Agreement,
including, but not limited to, Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof; (ii) required by
reason of the lawful order of any regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction
over the Bank; or (iii) required in order for the Bank to properly comply with
any and all applicable state and federal laws, including, but not limited to,
income, employment and disability income tax laws (e.g., FICA, FUTA,
SDI).
1.11
Plan
Year
. The term “Plan Year” shall mean the Bank’s fiscal
year.
1.12
Retirement
. The
term “Retirement” or “Retires” shall refer to the date which the Director
acknowledges in writing to the Bank to be the last day of service as a member of
the Board of Directors of the Bank.
1.13
Surviving
Spouse
. The term “Surviving Spouse” shall mean the person, if
any, who shall be legally married to the Director on the date of the Director’s
death.
1.14
Removal
for Cause
. The term “removal for cause” shall mean termination
of a Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank by
reason of any of the following:
(a)
The
willful breach or habitual neglect by the Director of his responsibilities and
duties;
(b)
The
Director’s deliberate violation of (i) any state or federal banking or
securities laws, or of the Bylaws, rules, policies or resolutions of the Bank,
or (ii) the rules or regulations of the California Commissioner of Financial
Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other regulatory
agency or governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, which has a
material adverse effect upon the Bank;
(c)
The
determination by a state or federal court, banking agency or other governmental
authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, that the Director (i) is of unsound
mind, or (ii) has committed a gross abuse of authority or discretion with
reference to the Bank, or (iii) otherwise is not suitable to continue to serve
as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank;
(d)
The
Director’s conviction of any felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or a
fraudulent or dishonest act; or
(e)
The
Director’s disclosure without authority of any secret or confidential
information not otherwise publicly available concerning the Bank or taking any
action which the Bank’s Board of Directors determines, in its sole discretion
and subject to good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, constitutes unfair
competition with or inducement of any customer to breach any contract with the
Bank.
2.
Scope,
Purpose and Effect
.
2.1
Contract
of Employment
. Although this Agreement is intended to provide
the Director with an additional incentive to continue to serve as a member of
the Board of Directors of the Bank, this Agreement shall not be deemed to
constitute a contract of employment between the Director and the Bank nor shall
any provision of this Agreement restrict the right of the Bank to remove or
cause the removal of the Director including, without limitation, by (i) refusal
to nominate the Director for election for any successive term of office as a
member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, or (ii) complying with an order or
other directive from a court of competent jurisdiction or any regulatory
authority having jurisdiction over the Bank which requires the Bank to take
action to remove the Director.
2.2
Fringe
Benefit
. The benefits provided by this Agreement are granted
by the Bank as a fringe benefit to the Director and are not a part of any salary
reduction plan or any arrangement deferring a bonus or a salary
increase. The Director has no option to take any current payments or
bonus in lieu of the benefits provided by this Agreement.
3.
Payments
Upon Early Retirement or Retirement and After Retirement
.
3.1
Payments
Upon Early Retirement
. The Director shall have the right to
Retire from the Board of Directors on a date which constitutes an Early
Retirement Date as defined in subparagraph 1.7 above. In the event
the Director elects to Retire on a date which constitutes an Early Retirement
Date, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the Early
Retirement Date occurs or upon such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by
the Director and the Bank in advance of said Early Retirement Date, payable (i)
for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the
Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the case of the Index
Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
3.2
Payments
Upon Retirement
. If the Director shall continue to serve as a
member of the Board of Directors until attaining sixty-two (62) years of age,
the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director Retires or upon such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by the
Director and the Employer in advance of said Retirement date, payable (i) for
the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the Benefit
Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the case of the Index Benefit
defined in Schedule “B”. At the Bank’s sole and absolute discretion,
the Bank may increase the Director Benefits as and when the Bank determines the
same to be appropriate.
3.3
Payments
in the Event of Death After Retirement
. The Bank agrees that
if the Director Retires, but shall die before receiving all of the Director
Benefits Payments specified in Schedule “B”, the Bank agrees to pay the
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits to the Director’s designated
beneficiary in lump sum. If a valid Beneficiary Designation is not in
effect, then the remaining amounts due to the Director under the terms of this
Agreement shall be paid to the Director’s Surviving Spouse. If the
Director leaves no Surviving Spouse, the remaining amounts due to the Director
under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid to the duly qualified personal
representative, executor or administrator of the Director’s estate.
4.
Payments
in the Event Death or Disability Occurs Prior to Retirement
.
4.1
Payments
in the Event of Death Prior to Retirement
. If the Director
dies at any time after the Effective Date of this Agreement, but prior to
Retirement, the Bank agrees to pay the Applicable Percentage of the Director
Benefits to the Director’s designated beneficiary in lump sum. If a
valid Beneficiary Designation is not in effect, then the remaining amounts due
to the Director under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid to the
Director’s Surviving Spouse. If the Director leaves no Surviving
Spouse, the remaining amounts due to the Director under the terms of this
Agreement shall be paid to the duly qualified personal representative, executor
or administrator of the Director’s estate.
4.2
Payments
in the Event of Disability Prior to Retirement
.
In the event the
Director becomes Disabled at any time after the Effective Date of this
Agreement, but prior to Retirement, the Director shall be entitled to the
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly
installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following
the month in which the Director becomes Disabled, payable (i) for the period
designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the Benefit Account and
(ii) until the Director’s death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in
Schedule “B”.
5.
Payments
in the Event Employment Is Terminated Prior to
Retirement
. As indicated in subparagraph 2.1 above, the
Bank reserves the right to remove or cause the removal of the Director under
certain circumstances, at any time prior to the Director’s
Retirement. In the event that the service of the Director shall be
terminated, other than by reason of death, Disability or Retirement, prior to
the Director’s attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, then this Agreement shall
terminate upon the date of such termination; provided, however, that the
Director shall be entitled to the following benefits as may be applicable
depending upon the circumstances surrounding the Director’s
termination:
5.1
Termination
Without Cause
. If the Director’s service as a member of the
Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated for reasons other than as specified
in paragraph 5.3 below, and such termination is not subject to the provisions of
subparagraph 5.4 below, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable
Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments
on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following the month in
which the Director attains fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter,
as requested in writing by the Director and delivered to the Employer or its
successor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of installment payments;
provided, however, that in the event the Director does not request a
commencement date as specified, such installments shall be paid on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director attains sixty-two (62) years of age. The installments shall
be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the
balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the case
of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
5.2
Voluntary
Termination by the Director
. If the Director’s service as a
member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated by voluntary
resignation, and such resignation is not subject to the provisions of
subparagraphs 5.3 or 5.4 below, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly
installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following
the month in which the Director attains fifty-five (55) years of age or any
month thereafter, as requested in writing by the Director and delivered to the
Employer or its successor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of
installment payments; provided, however, that in the event the Director does not
request a commencement date as specified, such installments shall be paid on the
first day of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which
the Director attains sixty-two (62) years of age. The installments
shall be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of
the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the
case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
5.3
Termination
by Removal for Cause
. The Director agrees that if the
Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is
terminated by “removal for cause,” as defined in subparagraph 1.14 of this
Agreement, the Director shall forfeit any and all rights and benefits the
Director may have under the terms of this Agreement and shall have no right to
be paid any of the amounts which would otherwise be due or paid to the Director
by the Bank pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
5.4
Termination
by the Bank on Account of or After a Change in Control
. In the
event that the Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the
Bank is terminated in conjunction with, or by reason of, a “Change in Control”,
the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director attains fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter, as
requested in writing by the Director and delivered to the Employer or its
successor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of installment payments;
provided, however, that in the event the Director does not request a
commencement date as specified, such installments shall be paid on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director attains sixty-two (62) years of age. The installments shall
be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the
balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the case
of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
6.
Section 280G
Benefits Reduction
. The Director acknowledges and agrees that
the parties have entered into this Agreement based upon certain financial and
tax accounting assumptions. Accordingly, with full knowledge of the
potential consequences the Director agrees that, notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary, in the event that any payment or benefit
received or to be received by the Director, whether payable pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the
Bank (together with the Director Benefits, the “Total Payments”), will not be
deductible (in whole or in part) as a result of Code Section 280G or other
applicable provisions of the Code, the Total Payments shall be reduced until no
portion of the Total Payments is nondeductible as a result of Section 280G
or such other applicable provisions of the Code. For purposes of this
limitation:
(a)
No
portion of the Total Payments, the receipt or enjoyment of which the Director
shall have effectively waived in writing prior to the date of payment of any
future Director Benefits payments, shall be taken into account;
(b)
No
portion of the Total Payments shall be taken into account, which in the opinion
of the tax counsel selected by the Bank and acceptable to the Director, does not
constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the
Code;
(c)
Any
reduction of the Total Payments shall be applied to reduce any payment or
benefit received or to be received by the Director pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement and any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Bank in the
order determined by mutual agreement of the Bank and the Director,
(d)
Future
payments shall be reduced only to the extent necessary so that the Total
Payments (other than those referred to in clauses (a) or (b) above in their
entirety) constitute reasonable compensation for services actually rendered
within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, in the opinion of tax
counsel referred to in clause (b) above; and
(e)
The value
of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Total
Payments shall be determined by independent auditors selected by the Bank and
acceptable to the Director in accordance with the principles of
Section 280G of the Code.
7.
Right To
Determine Funding Methods
. The Bank reserves the right to
determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether, to what extent and by
what method, if any, to provide for the payment of the amounts which may be
payable to the Director, the Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiaries
under the terms of this Agreement. In the event that the Bank elects
to fund this Agreement, in whole or in part, through the use of life insurance
or annuities, or both, the Bank shall determine the ownership and beneficial
interests of any such policy of life insurance or annuity. The Bank
further reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to terminate
any such policy, and any other device used to fund its obligations under this
Agreement, at any time, in whole or in part. Consistent with
Paragraph 9 below, neither the Director, the Director’s spouse nor the
Director’s beneficiaries shall have any right, title or interest in or to any
funding source or amount utilized by the Bank pursuant to this Agreement, and
any such funding source or amount shall not constitute security for the
performance of the Bank’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement. In
connection with the foregoing, the Director agrees to execute such documents and
undergo such medical examinations or tests which the Bank may request and which
may be reasonably necessary to facilitate any funding for this Agreement
including, without limitation, the Bank’s acquisition of any policy of insurance
or annuity. Furthermore, a refusal by the Director to consent to,
participate in and undergo any such medical examinations or tests shall result
in the immediate termination of this Agreement and the immediate forfeiture by
the Director, the Director’s spouse and the Director’s beneficiaries of any and
all rights to payment hereunder.
8.
Claims
Procedure
. The Bank shall, but only to the extent necessary to
comply with ERISA, be designated as the named fiduciary under this Agreement and
shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of
this Agreement. Consistent therewith, the Bank shall make all
determinations as to the rights to benefits under this Agreement. Any
decision by the Bank denying a claim by the Director, the Director’s spouse, or
the Director’s beneficiary for benefits under this Agreement shall be stated in
writing and delivered or mailed, via registered or certified mail, to the
Director, the Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiary, as the case may
be. Such decision shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial
of a claim. In addition, the Bank shall provide the Director, the
Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiary with a reasonable opportunity
for a full and fair review of the decision denying such claim.
9.
Status as
an Unsecured General Creditor
. Notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary: (i) neither the Director, the
Director’s spouse or the Director’s designated beneficiaries shall have any
legal or equitable rights, interests or claims in or to any specific property or
assets of the Bank as a result of this Agreement; (ii) none of the Bank’s assets
shall be held in or under any trust for the benefit of the Director, the
Director’s spouse or the Director’s designated beneficiaries or held in any way
as security for the fulfillment of the obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement; (iii) all of the Bank’s assets shall be and remain the general
unpledged and unrestricted assets of the Bank; (iv) the Bank’s obligation under
this Agreement shall be that of an unfunded and unsecured promise by the Bank to
pay money in the future; and (v) the Director, the Director’s spouse and the
Director’s designated beneficiaries shall be unsecured general creditors with
respect to any benefits which may be payable under the terms of this
Agreement.
Notwithstanding
subparagraphs (i) through (v) above, the Bank and the Director acknowledge and
agree that upon request of the Director at any time during the term of this
Agreement, a Rabbi Trust (the “Trust”) shall be established upon such terms and
conditions as may be mutually agreeable between the Bank and the Director and
that it is the intention of the Bank to make contributions and/or transfer
assets to the Trust in order to discharge its obligations pursuant to this
Agreement. The principal of the Trust and any earnings thereon shall
be held separate and apart from other funds of the Bank to be used exclusively
for discharge of the Bank’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement and shall
continue to be subject to the claims of the Bank’s general creditors until paid
to the Director or its beneficiaries in such manner and at such times as
specified in this Agreement.
10.
Discretion
of Board to Accelerate Payout
. Notwithstanding any of the
other provisions of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Bank may, if
determined in its sole and absolute discretion to be appropriate, accelerate the
payment of the amounts due under the terms of this Agreement, provided that
Director (or Director’s spouse or designated beneficiaries): (i)
consents to the revised payout terms determined appropriate by the Bank’s Board
of Directors; and (ii) does not negotiate or in anyway influence the terms of
proposed altered/accelerated payout (said decision to be made solely by the
Bank’s Board of Directors and offered to the Director [or Director’s spouse or
designated beneficiaries] on a “take it or leave it basis”).
11.
Miscellaneous
.
11.1
Opportunity
To Consult With Independent Advisors
. The Director
acknowledges that he has been afforded the opportunity to consult with
independent advisors of his choosing including, without limitation, accountants
or tax advisors and counsel regarding both the benefits granted to him under the
terms of this Agreement and the (i) terms and conditions which may affect the
Director’s right to these benefits and (ii) personal tax effects of such
benefits including, without limitation, the effects of any federal or state
taxes, Section 280G of the Code, and any other taxes, costs, expenses or
liabilities whatsoever related to such benefits, which in any of the foregoing
instances the Director acknowledges and agrees shall be the sole responsibility
of the Director notwithstanding any other term or provision of this
Agreement. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that the Bank
shall have no liability whatsoever related to any such personal tax effects or
other personal costs, expenses, or liabilities applicable to the Director and
further specifically waives any right for himself or herself, and his or her
heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns to
claim or assert liability on the part of the Bank related to the matters
described above in this subparagraph 11.1. The Director further
acknowledges that he has read, understands and consents to all of the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, and that he enters into this Agreement with a full
understanding of its terms and conditions.
11.2
Arbitration
of Disputes
. All claims, disputes and other matters in
question arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach or
interpretation thereof, other than those matters which are to be determined by
the Bank in its sole and absolute discretion, shall be resolved by binding
arbitration before a representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of
the parties, of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services,
Inc. (“JAMS”), located in San Francisco, California. In
the event JAMS is unable or unwilling to conduct the arbitration provided for
under the terms of this Paragraph, or has discontinued its business, the parties
agree that a representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of the
parties, of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), located in San
Francisco, California, shall conduct the binding arbitration referred to in this
Paragraph. Notice of the demand for arbitration shall be filed in
writing with the other party to this Agreement and with JAMS (or AAA, if
necessary). In no event shall the demand for arbitration be made
after the date when institution of legal or equitable proceedings based on such
claim, dispute or other matter in question would be barred by the applicable
statute of limitations. The arbitration shall be subject to such
rules of procedure used or established by JAMS, or if there are none, the rules
of procedure used or established by AAA. Any award rendered by JAMS
or AAA shall be final and binding upon the parties, and as applicable, their
respective heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successors and
assigns, and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. The obligation of the parties to arbitrate pursuant to this
clause shall be specifically enforceable in accordance with, and shall be
conducted consistently with, the provisions of Title 9 of Part 3 of the
California Code of Civil Procedure. Any arbitration hereunder shall
be conducted in San Jose, California, unless otherwise agreed to by the
parties.
11.3
Attorneys’
Fees
. In the event of any arbitration or litigation concerning
any controversy, claim or dispute between the parties hereto, arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or the breach hereof, or the interpretation hereof,
the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party
reasonable expenses, attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection therewith
or in the enforcement or collection of any judgment or award rendered
therein. The “prevailing party” means the party determined by the
arbitrator(s) or court, as the case may be, to have most nearly prevailed, even
if such party did not prevail in all matters, not necessarily the one in whose
favor a judgment is rendered.
11.4
Notice
. Any
notice required or permitted of either the Director or the Bank under this
Agreement shall be deemed to have been duly given, if by personal delivery, upon
the date received by the party or its authorized representative; if by
facsimile, upon transmission to a telephone number previously provided by the
party to whom the facsimile is transmitted as reflected in the records of the
party transmitting the facsimile and upon reasonable confirmation of such
transmission; and if by mail, on the third day after mailing via U.S. first
class mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid and return receipt
requested, and addressed to the party at the address given below for the receipt
of notices, or such changed address as may be requested in writing by a
party.
|
If
to the Bank:
|
Heritage
Bank of Commerce
|
|
San Jose, California 95113
|
|
Attn: Chairman of the Board
|
|
If
to the Director:
|
11
Forrester Ct.
|
11.5
Assignment
. Neither
the Director, the Director’s spouse, nor any other beneficiary under this
Agreement shall have any power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate,
hypothecate, modify or otherwise encumber any part or all of the amounts payable
hereunder, nor, prior to payment in accordance with the terns of this Agreement,
shall any portion of such amounts be: (i) subject to seizure by any
creditor of any such beneficiary, by a proceeding at law or in equity, for the
payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance obligations
which may be owed by the Director, the Director’s spouse, or any designated
beneficiary; or (ii) transferable by operation of law in the event of
bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise. Any such attempted assignment or
transfer shall be void and unenforceable without the prior written consent of
the Bank. The Bank’s consent, if any, to one or more assignments or
transfers shall not obligate the Bank to consent to or be construed as the
Bank’s consent to any other or subsequent assignment or transfer.
11.6
Binding
Effect/Merger or Reorganization
. This Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Director and the Bank and, as
applicable, their respective heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives,
agents, successors and assigns. Accordingly, the Bank shall not merge
or consolidate into or with another corporation, or reorganize or sell
substantially all of its assets to another corporation, firm or person, unless
and until such succeeding or continuing corporation, firm or person agrees to
assume and discharge the obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement. Upon the occurrence of such event, the term “Bank” as used
in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer to such surviving or successor firm,
person, entity or corporation.
11.7
Nonwaiver
. The
failure of either party to enforce at any time or for any period of time any one
or more of the terns or conditions of this Agreement shall not be a waiver of
such term(s) or condition(s) or of that party’s right thereafter to enforce each
and every term and condition of this Agreement.
11.8
Partial
Invalidity
. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of
this Agreement is determined by an arbitrator or a court, as the case may be, to
be invalid, void, or unenforceable, such determination shall not render any
other term, provision, covenant or condition invalid, void or unenforceable, and
the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such partial
invalidity.
11.9
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement supersedes any and all other
agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement and contains all of the covenants and
agreements between the parties with respect thereto. Each party to
this Agreement acknowledges that no other representations, inducements,
promises, or agreements, oral or otherwise, have been made by any party, or
anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not set forth herein, and that
no other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this Agreement shall
be valid or binding on either party.
11.10
Modifications
. Any
modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and
signed by each party or such party’s authorized representative.
11.11
Paragraph
Headings
. The paragraph headings used in this Agreement are
included solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not affect or be
used in connection with the interpretation of this Agreement.
11.12
No Strict
Construction
. The language used in this Agreement shall be
deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual
intent, and no rule of strict construction will be applied against any
person.
11.13
Governing
Law
. The laws of the State of California, other than those
laws denominated choice of law rules, and, where applicable, the rules and
regulations of the California Commissioner of Financial Institutions and the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, shall govern the validity,
interpretation, construction and effect of this Agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Director have executed this Agreement on the
date first above-written in the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County,
California.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Director have executed this Agreement on the
date first above-written in the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County,
California.
BANK
DIRECTOR
Heritage Bank of Commerce
By: ____________________________
_____________________________
William J.
Del Biaggio, Jr.
James R. Blair
Chairman of the Board of
Directors
SCHEDULE
A
CALENDAR
YEAR
|
APPLICABLE
PERCENTAGE
|
|
|
June
8, 1994 to June 7, 1997
|
0.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1997 to June 7, 1998
|
36.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1998 to June 7, 1999
|
48.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1999 to June 7, 2000
|
60.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2000 to June 7, 2001
|
72.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2001 to June 7, 2002
|
84.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2002 and Thereafter
|
100.00%
|
See
subparagraph 1.2 of the Agreement for a definition and discussion of the
Applicable Percentage.
SCHEDULE
B
DIRECTOR
BENEFITS
1.
Director Benefits
Determination
.
The
Director Benefits shall be determined based upon the following:
a.
Benefit
Account
:
A Benefit
Account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books of the
Bank for the benefit of the Director. Prior to the date on which the
Director becomes eligible to receive payments under the Agreement, such Benefit
Account shall be increased or decreased each Plan Year (including the Plan Year
in which the Director ceases to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of
the Bank) by an amount equal to the annual earnings or loss for that Plan Year
determined by the Index (described in subparagraph c below), less the
Opportunity Cost (described in subparagraph d below) for that Plan
Year.
b.
Index
Benefit
:
After the
date on which the Director becomes eligible to receive payments under the
Agreement, the Index Benefit for the Director for any Plan Year shall be
determined by subtracting the Opportunity Cost for that Plan Year from the
earnings, if any, established by the Index.
c.
Index
:
The Index
for any Plan Year shall be the aggregate annual after-tax income from the life
insurance contracts described hereinafter as defined by FASB Technical Bulletin
85-4. This Index shall be applied as if such insurance contracts were
purchased on the Effective Date.
Insurance
Company: Canada Life Assurance Company/US2650640 American General
Life Insurance Company/CM0000764L
If such
contracts of life insurance are actually purchased by the Bank, then the actual
policies as of the dates purchased shall be used in calculations to determine
the Index and Opportunity Cost. If such contracts of life insurance
are not purchased or are subsequently surrendered or lapsed, then the Bank shall
receive and use annual policy illustrations that assume the above described
policies were purchased from the above named insurance company(ies) on the
Effective Date to calculate the amount of the Index and Opportunity
Cost.
d.
Opportunity
Cost
:
The
Opportunity Cost for any Plan Year shall be calculated by multiplying (a) the
sum of (i) the total amount of premiums set forth in the insurance policies
described above, (ii) the amount of any Index Benefit (described at subparagraph
b above), and (iii) the amount of all previous years after-tax Opportunity
Costs; by (b) the average annualized after-tax cost of funds calculated using a
one-year U.S. Treasury Bill as published in the
Wall Street
Journal
. The applicable tax rate used to calculate the
Opportunity Cost shall be the Bank’s marginal tax rate until the Director’s
Retirement, or other termination of service (including a Change in
Control). Thereafter, the Opportunity Cost shall be calculated with
the assumption of a marginal forty-two percent (42%) corporate tax rate each
year regardless of whether the actual marginal tax rate of the Bank is higher or
lower.
EXAMPLE
INDEX
BENEFITS
[n]
End of
Year
|
[A]
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance
Policy
|
[B]
Index
[Annual
Policy Income]
A
n
-A
n-1
|
[C]
Opportunity Cost
A
o
=
premium
A
o
+C
n-1
x 0.5x (1-42%)
|
[D]
Annual
Benefit
B-C
|
Cumulative Benefit
D+D
n-1
|
0
|
$1,000,000
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
1
|
$1,050,000
|
$50,000
|
$29,000
|
$21,000
|
$21,000
|
2
|
$1,102,500
|
$52,500
|
$29,841
|
$22,659
|
$43,659
|
3
|
$1,157,625
|
$55,125
|
$30,706
|
$24,419
|
$68,078
|
.
.
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumptions: Initial
Insurance = $1,000,000
Effective
Tax Rate = 42%
One Year
US Treasury Yield = 5%
2.
Director Benefits
Payments
.
The
Director shall be entitled to payment of the Applicable Percentage of (i) the
balance in the Benefit Account in installments upon the terms as specified in
the Agreement, and (ii) the Index Benefit for each Plan Year payable in
installments until the Director’s death.
SCHEDULE
C
BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION
To the
Administrator of the Heritage Bank of Commerce Director Indexed Compensation
Benefits Agreement:
Pursuant
to the Provisions of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement with
Heritage Bank of Commerce, permitting the designation of a beneficiary or
beneficiaries by a participant, I hereby designate the following persons and
entities as primary and secondary beneficiaries of any benefit under said
Agreement payable by reason of my death:
The Blair Family
Trust
u/a/d 12/22/94
111 Forrester Ct., Los Gatos, CA
95032
__________________
Name
Address
Relationship
Secondary
(Contingent) Beneficiary
:
______________________
______________________________
___________________
Name
Address
Relationship
THE
RIGHT TO REVOKE OR CHANCE ANY BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION IS HEREBY
RESERVED. ALL PRIOR DESIGNATIONS, IF ANY, OF PRIMARY BENEFICIARIES
AND SECONDARY BENEFICIARIES ARE HEREBY REVOKED.
The
Administrator shall pay all sums payable under the Agreement by reason of my
death to the Primary Beneficiary, if he or she survives me, and if no Primary
Beneficiary shall survive me, then to the Secondary Beneficiary, and if no named
beneficiary survives me, then the Administrator shall pay all amounts in
accordance with the terms of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits
Agreement. In the event that a named beneficiary survives me and dies
prior to receiving the entire benefit payable under said Agreement, then and in
that event, the remaining unpaid benefit payable according to the terms of my
Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement shall be payable to the
personal representatives of the estate of said beneficiary who survived me but
died prior to receiving the total benefit provided by my Director Indexed
Compensation Benefits Agreement.
Dated:
June ___,
1997
_______________________
CONSENT
OF THE DIRECTOR’S SPOUSE
TO THE ABOVE BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION
:
I, ,
being the spouse of James R. Blair, after being afforded the
opportunity to consult with independent counsel of my choosing, do hereby
acknowledge that I have read, agree and consent to the foregoing Beneficiary
Designation which relates to the Director Indexed Compensation Benefits
Agreement entered into by my spouse effective as of June 19, 1997. I
understand that the above Beneficiary Designation may affect certain rights
which I may have in the benefits provided for under the terms of the Director
Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement and in which I may have a marital
property interest.
Dated: June___,
1997.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Type/Print
Name
SCHEDULE
D
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTION
Pursuant
to the Provisions of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement with
Heritage Bank of Commerce, I hereby elect to have any distribution of the
balance in my Benefit Account paid to me in installments as designated
below:
|
____
|
thirty-six
(36) monthly installments with the amount of each installment determined
as of each installment date by dividing the entire amount in my Benefit
Account by the number of installments then remaining to be paid, with the
final installment to be the entire remaining balance in the Benefit
Account.
|
|
____
|
sixty
(60) monthly installments with the amount of each installment determined
as of each installment date by dividing the entire amount in my Benefit
Account by the number of installments then remaining to be paid, with the
final installment to be the entire remaining balance in the Benefit
Account.
|
|
____
|
one
hundred twenty (120) monthly installments with the amount of each
installment determined as of each installment date by dividing the entire
amount in my Benefit Account by the number of installments then remaining
to be paid, with the final installment to be the entire remaining balance
in the Benefit Account.
|
|
____
|
one
hundred eighty (180) monthly installments with the amount of each
installment determined as of each installment date by dividing the entire
amount in my Benefit Account by the number of installments then remaining
to be paid, with the final installment to be the entire remaining balance
in the Benefit Account.
|
Dated: June
___, 1997
Signed:________________________
James R. Blair
Exhibit 10.24
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Agreement is made and entered into effective as of May 24, 2007 by and
between Heritage Commerce Corporation ("the Bank"), and Jack W. Conner, an
individual residing in the State of California (the "Director").
R E C I T A L
S
WHEREAS,
the Director is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank (hereinafter the
"Board") and has served in such capacity since September 2004;
WHEREAS,
the Bank desires to establish a compensation benefit program for directors who
are not also officers or employees of the Bank in order to attract and retain
individuals with extensive and valuable experience as directors;
and
WHEREAS,
the Director and the Bank wish to specify in writing the terms and conditions
upon which this additional compensatory incentive will be provided to the
Director;
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by the Director in
the future, as well as the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the
Director and the Bank agree as follows:
A G R E E M E N
T
1.
Terms and
Definitions
.
1.1
Administrator
. The
Bank shall be the "Administrator" and, solely for the purposes of ERISA as
defined in subparagraph 1.9 below, the Named Fiduciary of this Agreement
where a fiduciary is required by ERISA.
1.2
Applicable
Percentage
. The term "Applicable Percentage" shall mean that
percentage which corresponds with number of "Years of Service" completed as of
the date the Director Separates from Service, or it shall be One Hundred Percent
(100%), as stipulated herein for certain described events, including but not
limited to: (i) a Termination Pursuant to a Change in Control (as defined
herein), provided payments have not yet begun hereunder or (ii) upon the
Director becoming Disabled while serving on the Board.
The
Applicable Percentage shall remain in effect until an adjustment occurs upon the
completion of each Year of Service (as defined herein), and until Director has
reached the maximum Applicable Percentage of One-Hundred Percent (100%) after
Nine (9) Years of Service, Subject to the forgoing, the Applicable Percentage
shall be determined in accordance with the following schedule:
Completed
Years of Service
|
Applicable
Percentage
|
Less
Than One
|
10%
|
One
|
20%
|
Two
|
30%
|
Three
|
40%
|
Four
|
50%
|
Five
|
60%
|
Six
|
70%
|
Seven
|
80%
|
Eight
|
90%
|
Nine
|
100%
|
|
|
1.3
Change in
Control
. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term "Change
in Control" shall be defined as follows:
(A)
|
The
acquisition of more than fifty percent (50%) o£ the value or voting power
of the Bank's stock by a person or
group;
|
(B)
|
The
acquisition in a period of twelve (12) months or less of at least
thirty
-
five
percent (35°/0) of the Bank's stock by a person or
group;
|
(C)
|
The
replacement of a majority of the Bank's board in a period of twelve (12)
months or less by Directors who were not endorsed by a majority of the
current board members; or
|
(D)
|
The
acquisition in a period of twelve (12) months or less of forty percent
(40%) or more of the Bank's assets by an unrelated
entity.
|
For the
purpose of this Agreement, transfers made on account of deaths or gifts,
transfers between family members or transfers to a qualified retirement plan
maintained by the Bank shall not be considered in determining whether there has
been a Change in Control.
1.4
The
Code
. The "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code").
1.5
Director
Benefit
. The term "Director Benefit" shall mean the annual
benefit paid out to the Director pursuant to this Agreement. unless specified
otherwise by the terms of this Agreement and according to the circumstances
giving rise to the Separation from Service, the Director Benefit shall be
calculated by multiplying the following: (Director's Years of
Service) X (One Thousand Dollars) X (Applicable percentage). The
Director Benefit shall continue to increase as each Year of Service is
completed. In addition, the annual amount of Director Benefits payable under
this Agreement shall be increased at the rate o£ two percent (2%) each year from
the date of commencement of payments until the death of the
Director.
As
previously stated, the actual amount of the Director Benefit to be paid shall be
determined at the time Director Separates from Service as a Director, and shall
be determined according to the circumstances giving rise to the Separation from
Service and the relevant Applicable Percentage schedule. Furthermore, the
benefit shall be reduced to the extent: (i) required under the other
provisions of this Agreement; (ii) required by reason of the lawful order of any
regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction over the Bank; or (iii) required
in order for the Bank to properly comply with any and all applicable state and
federal laws, including, but not limited to, income, employment and disability
income tax laws (e.g., FICA, FUTA, SDI).
1.6
Disability/Disabled
. For
the purposes o£ this Agreement, a Director will be considered Disabled
if:
(A)
|
He
is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any
medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected
to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of
not less than twelve (12) months,
or
|
(B)
|
He
is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment
which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a
continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income
replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under
an accident and health plan covering directors of the
Bank.
|
1.7
Early
Retirement
. The term "Early Retirement" shall mean. the
Director's Separation from Service as a member of the Board of Directors for any
reason other than a Removal for Cause, as a result of a Disability or Pursuant
to a Change in Control, and a date which occurs prior to the Director attaining
sixty-two (62) years of age, but after the Director has attained fifty-five (55)
years of age.
1.8
Effective
Date
. The term "Effective Date" shall mean the date first
written above.
1.9
ERISA
. The
term "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
1.10
Normal
Retirement Date and Normal Retirement Age
. The terms "'Normal
Retirement" and/or "Normal Retirement Date" shall refer to the date which the
Director Separates from Service as a member of the Board of Directors for any
reason other than a Removal for Cause, as a result of a Disability or Pursuant
to a Change in Control, and a date on or after which Director attains the age of
Sixty-Two (62) (the "Normal Retirement Age").
1.11
Plan
Year
. The term "Plan Year" shall mean the Bank's fiscal
year.
1.12
Removal
for Cause
. The term "Removal for Cause" or "Removed for Cause"
shall mean termination of the Director's service as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Sank by reason of any of the following:
(A)
|
The
willful, intentional and material breach or the habitual and continued
neglect by the Director of his
duties;
|
(B)
|
The
Director's willful and intentional violation of (i) any State or Federal
banking or securities laws, or of the Bylaws, rules, policies or
resolutions of Bank, or the rules or regulations of the California
Commissioner of Financial Institutions, Board of Governors or the Federal
Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or other regulatory
agency or governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, which
has a material adverse effect upon the
Bank;
|
(C)
|
The
Director's conviction of (i) any felony or (ii) a crime involving moral
turpitude, or the Director's willful and intentional commission a
fraudulent or dishonest act; or
|
(D)
|
The
Director's willful and intentional disclosure, without authority, o£ any
secret or confidential information concerning Bank or taking any action
which the Bank's Board of Directors determines, in its sole discretion and
subject to good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, constitutes unfair
competition with or induces any customer to breach any contract with the
Bank.
|
1.13
Separates
From Service or Termination of Service
. The terms "Separates
from Service" or a "Termination" of service shall refer to the Director ceasing
to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for any reason.
1.14
Termination
Pursuant to a Change in Control
. A Termination shall be deemed
to be "Pursuant to a Change in Control" it; within two (2) years following the
occurrence of a Change in Control, the Director is remove from the Board for
reasons other than a Removal for Cause.
1.15
Termination
Without Cause
. A Termination shall be deemed to be "Without
Cause" if, prior Normal Retirement Age, the Director is terminated by the Bank
for reasons other than a Termination for Cause, a Disability, or Pursuant to a
Change in Control.
1.16
Years of
Service
. The term "Years of Service" shall mean the twelve
(12) consecutive month period beginning on the date on which Director becomes a
member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, and any twelve (12) month
anniversary thereof, during which time Director has consecutively served on the
Board.
2.
Scope,
Purpose and Effect
.
2.1
Contract
of Employment
. Although this Agreement is intended to provide
the Director with an additional incentive to continue to serve as a member of
the Board of Directors, this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a
contract of employment between the Director and the Bank nor shall any provision
of this Agreement restrict the right of the Bank to remove or cause the removal
of the Director including, without limitation, by (i) refusal to nominate the
Director for election for any successive term of office as a member of the Board
of Directors of the Bank, or (ii) complying with an order or other directive
from a court of competent jurisdiction or any regulatory authority having
jurisdiction over the Bank which requires the Bank to take action to remove the
Director.
2.2
Fringe
Benefit
. The benefits provided by this Agreement are granted
by the Bank as a fringe benefit to the Director and are not a part of any salary
reduction plan or any arrangement deferring a bonus or a salary
increase. The Director has no option to take any current payments or
bonus in lieu of the benefits provided by this Agreement.
3.
Payments
Upon Early or Normal Retirement
. In the event the Director
continues to serve as a member of the Board o£ Directors until qualifying for
Early or Normal Retirement pursuant to the terms of Paragraphs 1.7 and 1.10
above, then (excluding a termination under the provisions of paragraph 4 or
5.4 herein), upon a Separation from Service, Director shall be entitled to be
paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefit based on his Years of
Service. Payments shall be made in substantially equal monthly
installments on the first day of each month, commencing the later of the
Director's attainment of Age Sixty-Two (62) or the month following the month in
which the Director Separates from Service and shall continue monthly until
Director's death.
4.
Payments
in the Event of Disability
. In the event the Director becomes
Disabled at any time after the Effective Date of this Agreement and while
serving as a Director, then the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits
shall be One Hundred Percent (100%). The Director Benefit shall be paid in
substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
commencing the later of the Director's attainment of Age Sixty-Two (62) or the
month following the month in which the Director Separates from
Service. Payments shall then continue monthly until Director's
death.
5.
Payments
in the Event Service is Terminated Prior to Retirement
. As
indicated in subparagraph 2.1 above, the Bank reserves the right to remove
or cause the removal of the Director under certain circumstances, at any time
prior to the Director's Retirement. In the event that the service of
the Director shall be Terminated, other than by reason of death, Disability or
Retirement, prior to the Director qualifying for Early or Normal Retirement,
then this Agreement shall terminate upon the date of such termination; provided,
however, that the Director shall be entitled to the following benefits as may be
applicable depending upon the circumstances surrounding the Director's
termination:
5.1
Termination
Without Cause
. If the Director is Terminated Without Cause at
any time, then he shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day
of each month, commencing the later of the Director's attainment of Age
Sixty-Two (62) or the month following the month in which the Director
Terminates. Payments shall then continue until Director's
death.
5.2
Voluntary
Termination by the Director
. If the Director's service is
terminated by voluntary resignation and such resignation is not subject to the
provisions of subparagraph 5.4 below, the Director shall be entitled to be
paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal
monthly installments on the first day of each month, commencing the later of the
Director's attainment of Age Sixty-Two (62) or the month following the month in
which the Director terminates. Payments shall then continue until
Director's death.
5.3
Removal
for Cause
. The Director agrees that if the Director's service
as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated as a result of a
"Removal for Cause", as defined in subparagraph 1.12 of this Agreement, the
Director shall forfeit any and all rights. and benefits the Director may have
under the terms of this Agreement and shall have no right to be paid any of the
amounts which would otherwise be due or paid to the Director by the Bank
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
5.4
Termination
Pursuant to a Change in Control
. In the event the Director's
service as a member of the Board of Directors f the Bank is Terminated Pursuant
to a Change in Control, then the Director shall be entitled to be paid a One
Hundred Percent (100%) Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in
substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
commencing the later of the Director's attainment of Age Sixty-Two (62) or the
month following the month in which the Director terminates. Payments
shall then continue until Director's death.
6.
Section
280G Benefits Redaction
. If all or any portion of the amounts
payable to the Director under this Agreement, either alone or together with
other payments which the Director has the right to receive from the Bank,
constitute "excess parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), that are subject
to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or similar tax
and/or assessment), Director shall be responsible for the payment of such excise
tax and Bank (and its successor) shall be responsible for any loss of
deductibility related thereto; provided, however, that Bank and Director shall
cooperate with each other and use all reasonable efforts to minimize to the
fullest extent possible the amount of excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of
the Code. If; at a later date, it is determined (pursuant to final
regulations or published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service, final judgment
of a court of competent jurisdiction, or otherwise) that the amount of excise
taxes payable by the Director is greater than the amount initially so
determined, then the Director shall pay an amount equal to the sum of such
additional excise taxes and any interest, fines and penalties resulting from
such underpayment. The determination of the amount of any such excise
taxes shall be made by the independent accounting firm employed by the Bank
immediately prior to the change in control or such other independent accounting
firm or advisor as may be mutually agreeable to Bank and Director in the
exercise of their reasonable good faith judgment.
7.
Right To
Determine Funding Methods
. The Bank reserves the right to
determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether, to what extent and by
what method, if any, to provide for the payment of the amounts which may be
payable to the Director under the terms of this Agreement. In the
event that the Bank elects to fund this Agreement, in whole or in part, through
the use of life insurance or annuities, or both, the Bank shall determine the
ownership and beneficial interests of any such policy of life insurance or
annuity. The Bank further reserves the right, in its sole and
absolute discretion, to terminate any such policy, and any other device used to
fund its obligations under this Agreement, at any time, in whole or in
part. Consistent with Paragraph 9 below, the Director shall have
no right, title or interest in or to any funding source or amount utilized by
the Bank pursuant to this Agreement, and any such funding source or amount shall
not constitute security for the performance of the Bank's obligations pursuant
to this Agreement. In connection with the foregoing, the Director agrees to
execute such documents and undergo such medical examinations or tests which the
Bank may request and which may be reasonably necessary to facilitate any funding
for this Agreement including, without limitation, the Bank's acquisition of any
policy of insurance or annuity. Furthermore, a refusal by the Director to
consent to, participate in and undergo any such medical examinations or tests
shall result in the immediate termination of this Agreement and the immediate
forfeiture by the Director of any and all rights to payment
hereunder.
8.
Claims
Procedure
. The Bank shall, but only to the extent necessary to
comply with ERISA, be designated as the named fiduciary under this Agreement and
shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of
this Agreement. In the event a dispute arises over benefits under
this Agreement and benefits are not paid to the Director and Director feels he
is entitled to receive such benefits, then a written claim must be made to the
Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator named above within forty-five (45) days
from the date payments are refused. The Named Fiduciary and Plan
Administrator shall review the written claim and if the claim is denied, in
whole or in part, they shall provide in writing within forty-five (45) days of
receipt of such claim the specific reasons for such denial, reference to the
provisions of this Agreement upon which the denial is based and any additional
material or information necessary to perfect the claim. Such written notice
shall further indicate the additional steps to be taken by claimants if a
further review of the claim denial is desired. A claim shall be
deemed denied if the Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator fail to take any
action within the aforesaid forty-five (45) day period.
If
claimants desire a second review they shall notify the Named Fiduciary and Plan
Administrator in writing within forty-five (45) days of the first claim
denial. Claimants may review this Agreement or any documents relating
thereto and submit any written issues and comments it may feel
appropriate. In their sole discretion, the Named Fiduciary and Plan
Administrator shall then review the second claim and provide a written decision
within forty-five (45) days of receipt of such claim. This decision
shall likewise state the specific reasons for the decision and shall include
reference to specific provisions of the Agreement upon which the decision is
based.
9.
Status as
an Unsecured General Creditor
. Notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary: (i) Director shall have no legal or equitable
rights, interests or claims in or to any specific property or assets of the Bank
as a result of this Agreement; (ii) none of the Bank's assets shall be held in
or under any trust for the benefit of the Director or held in any way as
security for the fulfillment of the obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement; (iii) all of the Bank's assets shall be and remain the general
unpledged and unrestricted assets of the Bank; (iv) the Bank's obligation under
this Agreement shall be that of an unfunded and unsecured promise by the Bank to
pay money in the future; and (v) the Director shall be unsecured general
creditors with respect to any benefits which may be payable under the terms of
this Agreement.
Notwithstanding
subparagraphs (i) through (v) above, the Bank and the Director acknowledge and
agree that upon request of the Director at any time during the term of this
Agreement, a Rabbi Trust (the "Trust") shall be established upon such terms and
conditions as may be mutually agreeable between the Bank and the Director in
order to permit the Bank to make contributions and/or transfer assets to the
Trust to discharge its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. The
principal of the Trust and any earnings thereon shall be held separate and apart
from other funds of the Bank to be used exclusively for discharge of the Bank's
obligations pursuant to this Agreement and shall continue to be subject to the
claims of the Bank's general creditors until paid to the Director in such manner
and at such tithes as specified in this Agreement.
10.
Miscellaneous
.
10.1
Opportunity
To Consult With Independent Advisors
. The Director
acknowledges that he has been afforded the opportunity to consult with
independent advisors of his choosing including, without limitation, accountants
or tax advisors and counsel regarding both the benefits granted to him under the
terms of this Agreement and the (i) terms and conditions which may affect the
Director's right to these benefits and (ii) personal tax effects of such
benefits including, without limitation, the effects of any federal or state
taxes, Section 280G of the Code, and any other taxes, costs, expenses or
liabilities whatsoever related to such benefits, which in any of the foregoing
instances the Director acknowledges and agrees shall be the sole responsibility
of the Director notwithstanding any other term or provision of this
Agreement. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that the Bank
shall have no liability whatsoever related to any such personal tax effects or
other personal costs, expenses, or liabilities applicable to the Director and
further specifically waives any right for the Director, himself, and his heirs,
legal representatives, agents, successors, and assigns to claim or assert
liability on the part of the Bank related to the matters described above in this
subparagraph 10.1. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that he has
read, understands and consents to all of the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, and that he enters into this Agreement with a full understanding of
its terms and conditions.
10.2
Arbitration
of Disputes
. All claims, disputes and other matters in
question arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach or
interpretation thereof, other than those matters which are to be determined by
the Bank in its sole and absolute discretion, shall be resolved by binding
arbitration before a representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of
the parties, of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. ("JAMS"),
located in San Francisco, California. In the event JAMS is unable or
unwilling to conduct the arbitration provided for under the terms of this
Paragraph, or has discontinued its business, the parties agree that a
representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of the parties, of the
American Arbitration Association ("AAA"), located in San Francisco, California,
shall conduct the binding arbitration referred to in this Paragraph. Notice of
the demand for arbitration shall be filed in writing with the other party to
this Agreement and with JAMS (or AAA, if necessary). In no event
shall the demand for arbitration be made after the date when institution of
legal or equitable proceedings based on such claim, dispute or other matter in
question would be barred by the applicable statute of
limitations. The arbitration shall be subject to such rules of
procedure used or established by JAMS, or if there are none, the rules of
procedure used or established by AAA. Any award rendered by JAMS or
AAA shall be final and binding upon the parties, and as applicable, their
respective heirs, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns, and
maybe entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The
obligation of the parties to arbitrate pursuant to this clause shall be
specifically enforceable in accordance with, and shall be conducted consistently
with, the provisions of Title 9 of Part 3 of the California Code of
Civil Procedure. Any arbitration hereunder shall be conducted in San
Jose, California, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.
10.3
Attorneys'
Fees
. In the event of any arbitration or litigation concerning
any controversy, claim or dispute between the parties hereto, arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or the breach hereof, or the interpretation hereof,
the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party
reasonable expenses, attorneys' fees and costs incurred in connection therewith
or in the enforcement or collection of any judgment or award rendered
therein. The "prevailing party" means the party determined by the
arbitrator(s) or court, as the case may be, to have most nearly prevailed, even
if such party did not prevail in all matters, not necessarily the one in whose
favor a judgment is rendered.
10.4
Notice
. Any
notice required or permitted of either the Director or the Bank under this
Agreement shall be deemed to have been duly given, if by personal delivery, upon
the date received by the party or its authorized representative; if by
facsimile, upon transmission to a telephone number previously provided by the
party to whom the facsimile is transmitted as reflected in the records of the
party transmitting the facsimile and upon reasonable confirmation of such
transmission; and if by mail, on the third day after mailing via U.S. first
class mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid and return receipt
requested, and addressed to the party at the address given below for the receipt
of notices, or such changed address as may be requested in writing by a
party.
If to the
Bank: Heritage
Commerce Corp
150 Almaden
Boulevard
San Jose,
California 95113
Attn: President
If to the
Director: ____________________
___________________
___________________
10.5
Assignment
. The
Director shall have no power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate,
hypothecate, modify, or otherwise encumber any part or all of the amounts
payable hereunder, nor, prior to payment in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, shall any portion of such amounts be: (i) subject to seizure by any
creditor of the Director, by a proceeding at law or in equity, for the payment
of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance obligations which may
be owed by the Director, or (ii) transferable by operation of law in the event
of bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise. Any such attempted assignment
or transfer shall be void and unenforceable without the prior written consent of
the Bank The Bank's consent, if any, to one or more assignments or transfers
shall not obligate the Bank to consent to or be construed as the Bank's consent
to any other or subsequent assignment or transfer.
10.6
Binding
Effect/Merger or Reorganization
. This Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Director and the Bank and, as
applicable, their respective heirs, legal representatives, agents, successors,
and assigns. Accordingly, the Bank shall not merge or consolidate
into or with another corporation, or reorganize or sell substantially all of its
assets to another corporation, firm, or person, unless and until such succeeding
or continuing corporation, firm, or person agrees to assume and discharge the
obligations of the Bank under this Agreement. Upon the occurrence of
such event, the term "Bank" as used in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer
to such surviving or successor firm, person, entity or corporation.
10.7
Nonwaiver
. The
failure of either party to enforce at any time or for any period of time any one
or more of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be a waiver of
such term(s) or condition(s) or of that party's right thereafter to enforce each
and every term and condition of this Agreement.
10.8
Partial
Invalidity
. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of
this Agreement is determined by an arbitrator or a court, as the case may be, to
be invalid, void, or unenforceable, such determination shall not render any
other term, provision, covenant, or condition invalid, void or unenforceable,
and the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such
partial invalidity.
10.9
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement supersedes any and all other
agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement and contains all of the covenants and
agreements between the parties with respect thereto. Each party to
this Agreement acknowledges that no other representations, inducements,
promises, or agreements, oral or otherwise, have been made by any party, or
anyone acting on behalf of any parry, which are not set forth herein, and that
no other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this Agreement shall
be valid or binding on either party.
10.10
Modifications
. Any
modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and
signed by each party or such party's authorized representative.
10.11
Paragraph
Headings
. The paragraph headings used in this Agreement are
included solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not affect. Or be
used in connection with the interpretation of this Agreement.
10.12
No Strict
Construction
. The language used in this Agreement shall be
deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual
intent, and no rule of strict construction will be applied against any
person.
10.13
Governing
Law
. The laws of the State of California, other than those
laws denominated choice of law rules, and, where applicable, the rules and
regulations of the California Commissioner of Financial Institutions and the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall govern the validity, interpretation,
construction and effect of this Agreement.
10.14
Gender
. Whenever
in this Agreement words are used in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender,
they shall be read and construed as in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender,
whenever they should so apply.
11.
Internal
Revenue Code Section 409A Compliance
. Notwithstanding any
provision existing in this Agreement or any amendment thereto, it is the intent
of the Bank and the Director that any payment or benefit provided pursuant to
this Agreement shall be made and paid in a manner, at a time and in a form which
complies with the applicable requirements of IRC Section 409A, in order to
avoid any unfavorable tax consequences resulting from any such failure to
comply. Furthermore, for the purposes of this Agreement, IRC
Section 409A shall be read to include any related or relevant IRS Notices
(including but not limited to Notice 2006-79) and the currently proposed
regulations.
In
accordance with the current restrictions on payouts of deferred compensation,
and with respect to any plan amendment or election in 2006, such amendment or
election may not act as to accelerate any payments or cause any payment to be
made in 2006 that would not otherwise be payable in
2006. Furthermore, and in accordance with IRS Notice 2006-79,
this restriction also applies to payments following a separation from service,
and similarly applies to elections/amendments and payments made and to be made
in 2007. In the event of any modification or amendment in 2006 (or
2007) regarding a payment to be made in 2006 (or 2007), such payment shall not
be made or commence until January 1, 2007 (or January 1, 2008, as
applicable).
The
parties reserve the right to amend this agreement as necessary in order to
comply with IRC Section 409A. Furthermore, this Agreement shall
be administered in compliance with IRC Section 409A and the related rules,
regulations and notices. Any section of this Agreement which violates
IRC Section 409A and the related rules, regulations and notices shall be
void and without effect.
12.
Intentional
Act by Director which Precludes Recovery
. Notwithstanding any
other provision in this Agreement or anything contained in this Agreement to the
contrary, in the event the Director takes any intentional action which prevents
the Bank from collecting the proceeds of any life insurance policy which the
Bank may happen to own at the time of the Director's death and of which the Bank
is the designated beneficiary, then: (1) the Director's estate or
designated beneficiary(ies) shall no longer be entitled to receive any of the
amounts payable under the terms of this Agreement, and (2) the Bank shall have
the right to recover from the Director's estate all of the amounts paid to the
Director, the designated Beneficiary(ies) or to the Director's estate (with
respect to amounts paid prior to the Directors death or paid to the Director's
estate) or designated beneficiary (with respect to amounts paid to the
designated beneficiary) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement prior to and
after the Director's death.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Director and a duty authorized Bank officer have signed
this Agreement as of the written date.
HERITAGE
COMMERCE CORPORATION
______________________________________
Date:_________________________
By:
Lawrence D. McGovern
Executive
Vice President & CFO
______________________________________
Date:_________________________
Director
______________________________________
_____________________________
Witness
Witness
Exhibit 10.25
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
DIRECTOR INDEXED
COMPENSATION BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Amendment, made and entered into by and between Heritage Bank of Commerce, a
bank chartered under the laws of the State of California (the “Bank”), and
William J. Del Biaggio, Jr., an individual residing in the State of California
(the “Director”), amends certain provisions of the Director Indexed Compensation
Benefits Agreement dated June 19, 1997 between the Bank and the Director (the
Agreement) for the purposes set forth hereinafter.
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
the Bank’s accountants, Deloitte & Touche LLP, have notified the Bank of a
change in the accounting treatment accorded to the Index Benefits under the
Agreement, which increases the benefits expense to the Bank;
WHEREAS,
the Bank and the Director have agreed to delete the Index Benefits and
substitute a defined benefit payable during the Directors life in order to (a)
reduce the benefit expense increase caused by the change in accounting
treatment, and (b) maintain, to the extent feasible, a benefit entitlement which
is substantially equivalent, but not in excess of the projected Index Benefits
under the Agreement; and
WHEREAS,
it is the intent of the Bank and the Director that this Amendment be effective
as of October 21, 1999, and except as amended herein, the terms and conditions
of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by the Director in
the future, as well as the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the
Bank and the Director agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1.
The
Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
a.
The
terms “Index”, “Indexed” and “Index Benefit”, whether plural or singular, and
all references to payments related thereto as set forth in the Agreement and
Schedules thereto, are hereby deleted.
b.
All
provisions in the Agreement which refer in any manner to payment or distribution
of Director Benefits following the Directors death to a “beneficiary” or
“designated beneficiary”, “Surviving Spouse” or “spouse”, “qualified personal
representative”, “executor”, “administrator”, or “Director's estate”, along with
any definitions of such terms, and Schedule C, are hereby deleted.
c.
The
portion of subparagraphs 3.1, 3.2, and 4.2 which reads as follows: “...payable
(i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case o£ the balance in the
Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director's death in the case of the Index
Benefit defined in Schedule “B”, is hereby deleted from each such subparagraph
and a period inserted in lieu of the comma at the end of the text remaining
after such deletions.
d.
The
term “Employer” used in subparagraphs 3.2, 5.1, 5.2 and 5.4 is amended to read
“Bank”.
e.
The
last sentence of subparagraphs 5.1, 5.2, and 5.4 which reads as follows: “The
installments shall be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in
the case of the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Executive's
death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”, is hereby
deleted from each such subparagraph.
f.
Subparagraphs
3.3 and 4.1 are hereby deleted and subparagraph 4.2 is substituted in lieu of
Paragraph 4.
g.
An
amended Schedule B in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and incorporated
herein by this reference replaces and supersedes the prior Schedule B in the
Agreement.
h.
Schedule
D is hereby deleted.
i.
All
references to provisions of the Agreement which have been amended hereby are
themselves hereby amended to conform to such amended provisions.
2.
Except
as amended hereby, the Agreement remains in full force and effect as of the date
thereof.
HERITAGE
BANK OF
COMMERCE DIRECTOR
By:____________________________
____________________________
John E. Rossell
III William
J. Del Biaggio, Jr.
President and CEO
Dated: _____________, 2000
Dated: _______________, 2000
SPOUSAL
CONSENT
I, Helen
Del Biaggio, being the spouse of William J. Del Biaggio, Jr., after being
afforded the opportunity to consult with independent counsel of my choosing, do
hereby acknowledge that I have read, agree and consent to the foregoing
Amendment No. 1 to the Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement between
the Bank and my spouse. I understand that Amendment No. I to the Agreement may
affect certain rights which I may have in the benefits provided for under the
terms of the Agreement and in which I may have a marital property
interest.
Dated: ______________, 2000
_______________________________
Helen Del Biaggio
SCHEDULE
B
DIRECTOR
BENEFITS
A benefit
account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books of the
Bank for the benefit of the Director. The Director Benefits shall be credited to
the benefit account in an amount equal to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per
year for each year of service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank.
The amount of Director Benefits payable under the Agreement shall be increased
at the rate of two percent (2°10) each year from the date of commencement of
payments of the Director Benefits until the death of the Director.
DIRECTOR INDEXED
COMPENSATION BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Agreement is made and entered into effective as of June 19, 1997 by and between
Heritage Bank of Commerce, a bank chartered under the laws of the State of
California (the “Bank”), and William J. Del Biaggio, Jr., an individual residing
in the State of California (the “Director”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
the Director is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and has served in
such capacity since June 8, 1994, the approximate date of the Bank’s
organization;
WHEREAS,
the Bank desires to establish a compensation benefit for directors who are not
also officers or employees of the Bank in order to attract and retain
individuals with extensive and valuable experience as directors;
and
WHEREAS,
the Director and the Bank wish to specify in writing the terms and conditions
upon which this additional compensatory incentive will be provided to the
Director, or to the Director’s spouse or designated beneficiaries, as the case
may be.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by the Director in
the future, as well as the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the
Director and the Bank agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1.
Terms and
Definitions
.
1.1
Administrator
. The
Bank shall be the “Administrator” and, solely for the purposes of ERISA as
defined in subparagraph 1.9 below, the “fiduciary” of this Agreement where a
fiduciary is required by ERISA.
1.2
Applicable
Percentage
. The term “Applicable Percentage” shall mean that
percentage adjacent to a calendar period listed on Schedule “A” attached hereto,
which percentage shall remain in effect until an adjustment occurs on each
succeeding calendar period during the term of service as a member of the Board
of Directors of the Bank. Notwithstanding the foregoing or the
percentages set forth on Schedule “A,” but subject to all other terms and
conditions set forth herein, the “Applicable Percentage” shall
be: (i) provided payments have not yet begun hereunder, one
hundred percent (100%) upon termination of service described in subparagraph 5.4
pursuant to a “Change in Control” as defined in subparagraph 1.4 below, or the
Director’s death, or Disability as defined in subparagraph 1.6 below, which
death or Disability occurs prior to termination of service; and
(ii) notwithstanding subclause (i) of this subparagraph 1.2, zero
percent (0%) in the event the Director takes any intentional action which
prevents the Bank from collecting the proceeds of any life insurance policy
which the Bank may happen to own at the time of the Director’s death and of
which the Bank is the designated beneficiary. Furthermore,
notwithstanding the foregoing, or anything contained in this Agreement to the
contrary, in the event the Director takes any intentional action which prevents
the Bank from collecting the proceeds of any life insurance policy which the
Bank may happen to own at the time of the Director’s death and of which the Bank
is the designated beneficiary: (1) the Director’s estate or
designated beneficiary shall no longer be entitled to receive any of the amounts
payable under the terms of this Agreement, and (2) the Bank shall have the
right to recover from the Director’s estate all of the amounts paid to the
Director’s estate (with respect to amounts paid prior to the Director’s death or
paid to the Director’s estate) or designated beneficiary (with respect to
amounts paid to the designated beneficiary) pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement prior to and after the Director’s death.
1.3
Beneficiary
. The
term “beneficiary” or “designated beneficiary” shall mean the person or persons
whom the Director shall designate in a valid Beneficiary Designation, a copy of
which is attached hereto as Schedule “C,” to receive the benefits provided
hereunder. A Beneficiary Designation shall be valid only if it is in
the form attached hereto and made a part hereof, completed and signed by the
Director and is received by the Administrator prior to the Director’s
death.
1.4
Change in
Control
. The terra “Change in Control” shall mean the
occurrence of any of the following events with respect to the Bank (with the
term “Bank” being defined for purposes of determining whether a “Change in
Control” has occurred to include any parent bank holding company organized at
the direction of the Bank to own 100% of the Bank’s outstanding common
stock): (i) a change in control of a nature that would be
required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation
14A promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
“Exchange Act”), or in response to any other form or report to the regulatory
agencies or governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the Bank or any
stock exchange on which the Bank’s shares are listed which requires the
reporting of a change in control; (ii) any merger, consolidation or
reorganization of the Bank in which the Bank does not survive; (iii) any
sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one
transaction or a series of transactions) of any assets of the Bank having an
aggregate fair market value of fifty percent (50%) of the total value of the
assets of the Bank, reflected in the most recent balance sheet of the Bank;
(iv) a transaction whereby any “person” (as such term is used in the
Exchange Act) or any individual, corporation, partnership, trust or any other
entity becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of
the Bank representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined voting
power of the Bank’s then outstanding securities; or (v) a situation where,
in any one-year period, individuals who at the beginning of such period
constitute the Board of Directors of the Bank cease for any reason to constitute
at least a majority thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election
by the Bank’s shareholders, of each new director is approved by a vote of at
least three-quarters (3/4) of the directors then still in office who were
directors at the beginning of the period.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing or anything else contained herein to the contrary, there shall not
be a “Change of Control” for purposes of this Agreement if the event which would
otherwise come within the meaning of the term “Change of Control” involves
(i) a reorganization at the direction of the Bank solely to form a parent
bank holding company which owns 100% of the Bank’s common stock following the
reorganization, or (ii) an Employee Stock Ownership Plan sponsored by the
Bank or its parent holding company which is the party that acquires “control” or
is the principal participant in the transaction constituting a “Change in
Control,” as described above.
1.5
The
Code
. The “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the “Code”).
1.6
Disability/Disabled
. The
tern “Disability” or “Disabled” shall mean bodily injury or disease (mental or
physical) which wholly and continuously prevents the performance of duty for at
least three months including, without limitation, the total irrecoverable loss
of the sight in both eyes or the loss by severance of both hands at or above the
wrist or of both feet at or above the ankle or of one hand at or above the wrist
and one foot at or above the ankle.
1.7
Early
Retirement Date
. The term “Early Retirement Date” shall mean
the Retirement, as defined below, of the Director on a date which occurs prior
to the Director attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, but after the Director
has attained fifty-five (55) years of age.
1.8
Effective
Date
. The term “Effective Date” shall mean the date fast
written above.
1.9
ERISA
. The
term “ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
1.10
Director
Benefits
. The term “Director Benefits” shall mean the benefits
determined in accordance with Schedule “B”, and reduced to the
extent: (i) required under the other provisions of this
Agreement, including, but not limited to, Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof;
(ii) required by reason of the lawful order of any regulatory agency or
body having jurisdiction over the Bank; or (iii) required in order for the
Bank to properly comply with any and all applicable state and federal laws,
including, but not limited to, income, employment and disability income tax laws
(e.g., FICA, FUTA, SDI).
1.11
Plan
Year
. The term “Plan Year” shall mean the Bank’s fiscal
year.
1.12
Retirement
. The
term “Retirement” or “Retires” shall refer to the date which the Director
acknowledges in writing to the Bank to be the last day of service as a member of
the Board of Directors of the Bank.
1.13
Surviving
Spouse
. The term “Surviving Spouse” shall mean the person, if
any, who shall be legally married to the Director on the date of the Director’s
death.
1.14
Removal
for Cause
. The term “removal for cause” shall mean termination
of a Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank by
reason of any of the following:
(a)
The
willful breach or habitual neglect by the Director of his responsibilities and
duties;
(b)
The
Director’s deliberate violation of (i) any state or federal banking or
securities laws, or of the Bylaws, rules, policies or resolutions of the Bank,
or (ii) the rules or regulations of the California Commissioner of
Financial Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
regulatory agency or governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Bank,
which has a material adverse effect upon the Bank;
(c)
The
determination by a state or federal court, banking agency or other governmental
authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, that the Director (i) is of
unsound mind, or (u) has committed a gross abuse of authority or discretion
with reference to the Bank, or (iii) otherwise is not suitable to continue
to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank;
(d)
The
Director’s conviction of any felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or a
fraudulent or dishonest act; or
(e)
The
Director’s disclosure without authority of any secret or confidential
information not otherwise publicly available concerning the Bank or taking any
action which the Bank’s Board of Directors determines, in its sole discretion
and subject to good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, constitutes unfair
competition with or inducement of any customer to breach any contract with the
Bank.
2.
Scope, Purpose an
Effect
2.1
Contract
of Employment
. Although this Agreement is intended to provide
the Director with an additional incentive to continue to serve as a member of
the Board of Directors of the Bank, this Agreement shall not be deemed to
constitute a contract of employment between the Director and the Bank nor shall
any provision of this Agreement restrict the right of the Bank to remove or
cause the removal of the Director including, without limitation, by
(i) refusal to nominate the Director for election for any successive term
of office as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, or
(ii) complying with an order or other directive from a court of competent
jurisdiction or any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Bank which
requires the Bank to take action to remove the Director.
2.2
Fringe
Benefit
. The benefits provided by this Agreement are granted
by the Bank as a fringe benefit to the Director and are not a part of any salary
reduction plan or any arrangement deferring a bonus or a salary
increase. The Director has no option to take any current payments or
bonus in lieu of the benefits provided by this Agreement.
3.
Payments
Upon Early Retirement or Retirement and After Retirement
.
3.1
Payments
Upon Early Retirement
. The Director shall have the right to
Retire from the Board of Directors on a date which constitutes an Early
Retirement Date as defined in subparagraph 1.7 above. In the event
the Director elects to Retire on a date which constitutes an Early Retirement
Date, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the Early
Retirement Date occurs or upon such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by
the Director and the Bank in advance of said Early Retirement Date, payable
(i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in
the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the case of the
Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
3.2
Payments
Upon Retirement
. If the Director shall continue to serve as a
member of the Board of Directors until attaining sixty-two (62) years of age,
the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director Retires or upon such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by the
Director and the Employer in advance of said Retirement date, payable
(i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in
the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the case of the
Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”. At the Bank’s sole and
absolute discretion, the Bank may increase the Director Benefits as and when the
Bank determines the same to be appropriate.
3.3
Payments
in the Event of Death After Retirement
. The Bank agrees that
if the Director Retires, but shall die before receiving all of the Director
Benefits Payments specified in Schedule “B”, the Bank agrees to pay the
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits to the Director’s designated
beneficiary in lump sum. If a valid Beneficiary Designation is not in
effect, then the remaining amounts due to the Director under the terms of this
Agreement shall be paid to the Director’s Surviving Spouse. If the
Director leaves no Surviving Spouse, the remaining amounts due to the Director
under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid to the duly qualified personal
representative, executor or administrator of the Director’s estate.
4.
Payments in the Event Death
or Disability Occurs Prior to Retitrement
4.1
Payments
in the Event of Death Prior to Retirement
. If the Director
dies at any time after the Effective Date of this Agreement, but prior to
Retirement, the Bank agrees to pay the Applicable Percentage of the Director
Benefits to the Director’s designated beneficiary in lump sum. If a
valid Beneficiary Designation is not in effect, then the remaining amounts due
to the Director under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid to the
Director’s Surviving Spouse. If the Director leaves no Surviving
Spouse, the remaining amounts due to the Director under the terms of this
Agreement shall be paid to the duty qualified personal representative, executor
or administrator of the Director’s estate.
4.2
Payments
in the Event of Disability Prior to Retirement
. In the event
the Director becomes Disabled at any time after the Effective Date of this
Agreement, but prior to Retirement, the Director shall be entitled to the
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly
installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following
the month in which the Director becomes Disabled, payable (i) for the
period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the Benefit
Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the case of the Index
Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
5.
Payments
in the Event Employment Is Terminated Prior to Retirement
. As
indicated in subparagraph 2.1 above, the Bank reserves the right to remove or
cause the removal of the Director under certain circumstances, at any time prior
to the Director’s Retirement. In the event that the service of the
Director shall be terminated, other than by reason of death, Disability or
Retirement, prior to the Director’s attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, then
this Agreement shall terminate upon the date of such termination; provided,
however, that the Director shall be entitled to the following benefits as may be
applicable depending upon the circumstances surrounding the Director’s
termination.
5.1
Termination
Without Cause
. If the Director’s service as a member of the
Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated for reasons other than as specified
in paragraph 5.3 below, and such termination is not subject to the provisions of
subparagraph 5.4 below, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable
Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments
on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following the month in
which the Director attains fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter,
as requested in writing by the Director and delivered to the Employer or its
successor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of installment payments;
provided, however, that in the event the Director does not request a
commencement date as specified, such installments shall be paid on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director attains sixty-two (62) years of age. The installments shall
be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the
balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the
case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
5.2
Voluntary
Termination by the Director
. If the Director’s service as a
member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated by voluntary
resignation, and such resignation is not subject to the provisions of
subparagraphs 5.3 or 5.4 below, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly
installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following
the month in which the Director attains fifty-five (55) years of age or any
month thereafter, as requested in writing by the Director and delivered to the
Employer or its successor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of
installment payments; provided, however, that in the event the Director does not
request a commencement date as specified, such installments shall be paid on the
first day of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which
the Director attains sixty-two (62) years of age. The installments
shall be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case
of the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death
in the case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
5.3
Termination
by Removal for Cause
. The Director agrees that if the
Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is
terminated by “removal for cause,” as defined in subparagraph 1.14 of this
Agreement, the Director shall forfeit any and all rights and benefits the
Director may have under the terms of this Agreement and shall have no right to
be paid any of the amounts which would otherwise be due or paid to the Director
by the Bank pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
5.4
Termination
by the Bank on Account of or After a Change in Control
. In the
event that the Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the
Bank is terminated in conjunction with, or by reason of, a “Change in Control”,
the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director attains fifty-five (55) year: of age or any month
thereafter, as requested in writing by the Director and delivered to the
Employer or its successor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of
installment payments; provided, however, that in the event the Director does not
request a commencement date as specified, such installments shall be paid on the
fist day of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which
the Director attains sixty-two (62) years of age. The installments
shall be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case
of the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death
in the case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
6.
Section
280G Benefits Reduction
. The Director acknowledges and agrees
that the parties have entered into this Agreement based upon certain financial
and tax accounting assumptions. Accordingly, with full knowledge of
the potential consequences the Director agrees that, notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary, in the event that any payment or benefit
received or to be received by the Director, whether payable pursuant to the
temps of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the
Bank (together with the Director Benefits, the “Total Payments”), will not be
deductible (in whole or in part) as a result of Code Section 280G or other
applicable provisions of the Code, the Total Payments shall be reduced until no
portion of the Total Payments is nondeductible as a result of Section 280G
or such other applicable provisions of the Code. For purposes of this
limitation:
(a)
No
portion of the Total Payments, the receipt or enjoyment of which the Director
shall have effectively waived in writing prior to the date of payment of any
future Director Benefits payments, shall be taken into account;
(b)
No
portion of the Total Payments shall be taken into account, which in the opinion
of the tax counsel selected by the Bank and acceptable to the Director, does not
constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the
Code;
(c)
Any
reduction of the Total Payments shall be applied to reduce any payment or
benefit received or to be received by the Director pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement and any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Bank in the
order determined by mutual agreement of the Bank and the Director;
(d)
Future
payments shall be reduced only to the extent necessary so that the Total
Payments (other than those referred to in clauses (a) or (b) above in their
entirety) constitute reasonable compensation for services actually rendered
within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, in the opinion of tax
counsel referred to in clause (b) above; and
(e)
The value
of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Total
Payments shall be determined by independent auditors selected by the Bank and
acceptable to the Director in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of
the Code.
7.
Right To
Determine Funding Methods
. The Bank reserves the right to
determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether, to what extent and by
what method, if any, to provide for the payment of the amounts which may be
payable to the Director, the Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiaries
under the terms of this Agreement. In the event that the Bank elects
to fund this Agreement, in whole or in part, through the use of life insurance
or annuities, or both, the Bank shall determine the ownership and beneficial
interests of any such policy of life insurance or annuity. The Bank
further reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to terminate
any such policy, and any other device used to fund its obligations under this
Agreement, at any time, in whole or in part. Consistent with
Paragraph 9 below, neither the Director, the Director’s spouse nor the
Director’s beneficiaries shall have any right, title or interest in or to any
funding source or amount utilized by the Bank pursuant to this Agreement, and
any such funding source or amount shall not constitute security for the
performance of the Bank’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement. In
connection with the foregoing, the Director agrees to execute such documents and
undergo such medical examinations or tests which the Bank may request and which
may be reasonably necessary to facilitate any funding for this Agreement
including, without limitation, the Bank’s acquisition of any policy of insurance
or annuity. Furthermore, a refusal by the Director to consent to,
participate in and undergo any such medical examinations or tests shall result
in the immediate termination of this Agreement and the immediate forfeiture by
the Director, the Director’s spouse and the Director’s beneficiaries of any and
all rights to payment hereunder.
8.
Claims
Procedure
. The Bank shall, but only to the extent necessary to
comply with ERISA, be designated as the named fiduciary under this Agreement and
shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of
this Agreement. Consistent therewith, the Bank shall make all
determinations as to the rights to benefits under this Agreement. Any
decision by the Bank denying a claim by the Director, the Director’s spouse, or
the Director’s beneficiary for benefits under this Agreement shall be stated in
writing and delivered or mailed, via registered or certified mail, to the
Director, the Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiary, as the case may
be. Such decision shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial
of a claim. In addition, the Bank shall provide the Director, the
Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiary with a reasonable opportunity
for a full and fair review of the decision denying such claim.
9.
Status as
an Unsecured General Creditor
. Notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary: (i) neither the Director, the
Director’s spouse or the Director’s designated beneficiaries shall have any
legal or equitable rights, interests or claims in or to any specific property or
assets of the Bank as a result of this Agreement; (ii) none of the Bank’s
assets shall be held in or under any trust for the benefit of the Director, the
Director’s spouse or the Director’s designated beneficiaries or held in any way
as security for the fulfillment of the obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement; (iii) all of the Bank’s assets shall be and remain the general
unpledged and unrestricted assets of the Bank; (iv) the Bank’s obligation
under this Agreement shall be that of an unfunded and unsecured promise by the
Bank to pay money in the future; and (v) the Director, the Director’s
spouse and the Director’s designated beneficiaries shall be unsecured general
creditors with respect to any benefits which may be payable under the terms of
this Agreement.
Notwithstanding
subparagraphs (i) through (v) above, the Bank and the Director acknowledge and
agree that upon request of the Director at any time during the term of this
Agreement, a Rabbi Trust (the “Trust”) shall be established upon such terms and
conditions as may be mutually agreeable between the Bank and the Director and
that it is the intention of the Bank to make contributions and/or transfer
assets to the Trust in order to discharge its obligations pursuant to this
Agreement. The principal of the Trust and any earnings thereon shall
be held separate and apart from other funds of the Bank to be used exclusively
for discharge of the Bank’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement and shall
continue to be subject to the claims of the Bank’s general creditors until paid
to the Director or its beneficiaries in such manner and at such times as
specified in this Agreement.
10.
Discretion
of Board to Accelerate Payout
. Notwithstanding any of the
other provisions of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Bank may, if
determined in its sole and absolute discretion to be appropriate, accelerate the
payment of the amounts due under the terms of this Agreement, provided that
Director (or Director’s spouse or designated
beneficiaries): (i) consents to the revised payout terms
determined appropriate by the Bank’s Board of Directors; and (ii) does not
negotiate or in anyway influence the terms of proposed altered/accelerated
payout (said decision to be made solely by the Bank’s Board of Directors and
offered to the Director (or Director’s spouse or designated beneficiaries] on a
“take it or leave it basis”).
11.
Miscellaneous
.
11.1
Opportunity
To Consult With Independent Advisors
. The Director
acknowledges that he has been afforded the opportunity to consult with
independent advisors of his choosing including, without limitation, accountants
or tax advisors and counsel regarding both the benefits granted to him under the
terms of this Agreement and the (i) terms and conditions which may affect
the Director’s right to these benefits and (ii) personal tax effects of
such benefits including, without limitation, the effects of any federal or state
taxes, Section 280G of the Code, and any other taxes, costs, expenses or
liabilities whatsoever related to such benefits, which in any of the foregoing
instances the Director acknowledges and agrees shall be the sole responsibility
of the Director notwithstanding any other term or provision of this
Agreement. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that the Bank
shall have no liability whatsoever related to any such personal tax effects or
other personal costs, expenses, or liabilities applicable to the Director and
further specifically waives any right for himself or herself, and his or her
heal, beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns to
claim or assert liability on the part of the Bank related to the matters
described above in this subparagraph 11.1. The Director further
acknowledges that he has read, understands and consents to all of the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, and that be enters into this Agreement with a full
understanding of its terms and conditions.
11.2
Arbitration
of Disputes
. All claims, disputes and other matters in
question arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach or
interpretation thereof, other than those matters which are to be determined by
the Bank in its sole and absolute discretion, shall be resolved by binding
arbitration before a representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of
the parties, of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services,
Inc. (“JAMS”), located in San Francisco, California. In
the event JAMS is unable or unwilling to conduct the arbitration provided for
under the terms of this Paragraph, or has discontinued its business, the parties
agree that a representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of the
parties, of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), located in San
Francisco, California, shall conduct the binding arbitration referred to in this
Paragraph. Notice of the demand for arbitration shall be filed in
writing with the other party to this Agreement and with JAMS (or AAA, if
necessary). In no event shall the demand for arbitration be made
after the date when institution of legal or equitable proceedings based on such
claim, dispute or other matter in question would be barred by the applicable
statute of limitations. The arbitration shall be subject to such
rules of procedure used or established by JAMS, or if there are none, the rules
of procedure used or established by AAA. Any award rendered by JAMS
or AAA shall be final and binding upon the parties, and as applicable, their
respective heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successors and
assigns, and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. The obligation of the parties to arbitrate pursuant to this
clause shall be specifically enforceable in accordance with, and shall be
conducted consistently with, the provisions of Title 9 of Part 3 of the
California Code of Civil Procedure. Any arbitration hereunder shall
be conducted in San Jose, California, unless otherwise agreed to by the
parties.
11.3
Attorneys’
Fees
. In the event of any arbitration or litigation concerning
any controversy, claim or dispute between the parties hereto, arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or the breach hereof, or the interpretation hereof,
the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party
reasonable expenses, attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection therewith
or in the enforcement or collection of any judgment or award rendered
therein. The “prevailing party” means the party determined by the
arbitrator(s) or court, as the case may be, to have most nearly prevailed, even
if such party did not prevail in all matters, not necessarily the one in whose
favor a judgment is rendered.
11.4
Notice
. Any
notice required or permitted of either the Director or the Bank under this
Agreement shall be deemed to have been duty given, if by personal delivery, upon
the date received by the party or its authorized representative; if by
facsimile, upon transmission to a telephone number previously provided by the
party to whom the facsimile is transmitted as reflected in the records of the
party transmitting the facsimile and upon reasonable confirmation of such
transmission; and if by mail, on the third day after mailing via
U.S. first class mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid and
return receipt requested, and addressed to the party at the address given below
for the receipt of notices, or such changed address as may be requested in
writing by a party.
If to the
Bank: Heritage
Commerce Corp
150 Almaden
Boulevard
San Jose,
California 95113
Attn: President
If to the
Director: ____________________
___________________
___________________
11.5
Assignment
. Neither
the Director, the Director’s spouse, nor any other beneficiary under this
Agreement shall have any power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate,
hypothecate, modify or otherwise encumber any part or all of the amounts payable
hereunder, nor, prior to payment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement,
shall any portion of such amounts be: (i) subject to seizure by
any creditor of any such beneficiary, by a proceeding at law or in equity, for
the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance obligations
which may be owed by the Director, the Director’s spouse, or any designated
beneficiary; or (ii) transferable by operation of law in the event of
bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise. Any such attempted assignment or
transfer shall be void and unenforceable without the prior written consent of
the Bank. The Bank’s consent, if any, to one or more assignments or
transfers shall not obligate the Bank to consent to or be construed as the
Bank’s consent to any other or subsequent assignment or transfer.
11.6
Binding
Effect/Merger or Reorganization
. This Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Director and the Bank and, as
applicable, their respective heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives,
agents, successors and assigns. Accordingly, the Bank shall not merge
or consolidate into or with another corporation, or reorganize or sell
substantially all of its assets to another corporation, firm or person, unless
and until such succeeding or continuing corporation, firm or person agrees to
assume and discharge the obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement. Upon the occurrence of such event, the term “Bank” as used
in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer to such surviving or successor fpm,
person, entity or corporation.
11.7
Nonwaiver
. The
failure of either party to enforce at any time or for any period of time any one
or more of the terns or conditions of this Agreement shall not be a waiver of
such term(s) or condition(s) or of that party’s right thereafter to enforce each
and every term and condition of this Agreement.
11.8
Partial
Invalidity
. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of
thus Agreement is determined by an arbitrator or a court, as the case may be, to
be invalid, void, or unenforceable, such determination shall not render any
other term, provision, covenant or condition invalid, void or unenforceable, and
the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such partial
invalidity.
11.9
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement supersedes any and all other
agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement and contains all of the covenants and
agreements between the parties with respect thereto. Each party to
this Agreement acknowledges that no other representations, inducements,
promises, or agreements, oral or otherwise, have been made by any party, or
anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not set forth herein, and that
no other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this Agreement shall
be valid or binding on either party.
11.10
Modifications
. Any
modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and
signed by each party or such party’s authorized representative.
11.11
Paragraph
Headings
. The paragraph headings used in this Agreement are
included solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not affect or be
used in connection with the interpretation of this Agreement.
11.12
No Strict
Construction
. The language used in this Agreement shall be
deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual
intent, and no rule of strict construction will be applied against any
person.
11.13
Governing
Law
. The laws of the State of California, other than those
laws denominated choice of law rules, and, where applicable, the rules and
regulations of the California Commissioner of Financial Institutions and the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, shall govern the validity,
interpretation, construction and effect of this Agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Director have executed this Agreement on the
date first above-written in the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County,
California.
BANK
DIRECTOR
Heritage Bank of Commerce
By: ____________________________
____________________________
_____________________________
Name and
Title
William J. Del Biaggio, Jr.
SCHEDULE
A
CALENDAR
YEAR
|
APPLICABLE
PERCENTAGE
|
|
|
June
8, 1994 to June 7, 1997
|
0.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1997 to June 7, 1998
|
36.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1998 to June 7, 1999
|
48.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1999 to June 7, 2000
|
60.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2000 to June 7, 2001
|
72.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2001 to June 7, 2002
|
84.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2002 and Thereafter
|
100.00%
|
See
subparagraph 1.2 of the Agreement for a definition and discussion of the
Applicable Percentage.
SCHEDULE
B
DIRECTOR
BENEFITS
1.
|
Director Benefits
Determination
.
|
The
Director Benefits shall be determined based upon the following:
A Benefit
Account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books of the
Bank for the benefit of the Director. Prior to the date on which the
Director becomes eligible to receive payments under the Agreement, such Benefit
Account shall be increased or decreased each Plan Year (including the Plan Year
in which the Director ceases to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of
the Bank) by an amount equal to the annual earnings or loss for that Plan Year
determined by the Index (described in subparagraph c below), less the
Opportunity Cost (described in subparagraph d below) for that Plan
Year.
After the
date on which the Director becomes eligible to receive payments under the
Agreement, the Index Benefit for the Director for any Plan Year shall be
determined by subtracting the Opportunity Cost for that Plan Year from the
earnings, if any, established by the Index.
The Index
for any Plan Year shall be the aggregate annual after-tax income from the life
insurance contracts described hereinafter as defined by FASB Technical Bulletin
85-4. This Index shall be applied as if such insurance contracts were
purchased on the Effective Date.
Insurance
Company: Canada Life Assurance Company/US2650638
American
General Life Insurance Company/CM0000762L
If such
contracts of life insurance are actually purchased by the Bank, then the actual
policies as of the dates purchased shall be used in calculations to determine
the Index and Opportunity Cost. If such contracts of life insurance
are not purchased or are subsequently surrendered or lapsed, then the Bank shall
receive and use annual policy illustrations that assume the above described
policies were purchased from the above named insurance company(ies) on the
Effective Date to calculate the amount of the Index and Opportunity
Cost.
The
Opportunity Cost for any Plan Year shall be calculated by multiplying
(a) the sum of (i) the total amount of premiums set forth in the
insurance policies described above, (ii) the amount of any Index Benefit
(described at subparagraph b above), and (iii) the amount of all previous
years after-tax Opportunity Costs; by (b) the average annualized after-tax
cost of funds calculated using a one-year U.S. Treasury Bill as published in the
Wall Street
Journal
. The applicable tax rate used to calculate the
Opportunity Cost shall be the Bank’s marginal tax rate until the Director’s
Retirement, or other termination of service (including a Change in
Control). Thereafter, the Opportunity Cost shall be calculated with
the assumption of a marginal forty-two percent (42%) corporate tax rate each
year regardless of whether the actual marginal tax rate of the Bank is higher or
lower.
EXAMPLE
INDEX
BENEFITS
[n]
|
[A]
|
[B]
|
[C]
|
[D]
|
|
End of Year
|
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance
Policy
|
Index
[Annual Policy
Income]
A
n
-A
n-1
|
Opportunity Cost
A
0
=premium
A
0
+C
n-1
x.05x
(1-42%)
|
Annual Benefit
B-C
|
Cumulative Benefit
D+D
n-1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
$1,000,000
|
--
|
--
|
--
|
--
|
1
|
$1,050,000
|
$50,000
|
$29,000
|
$21,000
|
$21,000
|
2
|
$1,102,500
|
$52,500
|
$29,841
|
$22,659
|
$43,659
|
3
|
$1,157,625
|
$55,125
|
$30,706
|
$24,419
|
$68,078
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumptions:
|
Initial
Insurance = $1,000,000
|
|
One
Year US Treasury Yield = 5%
|
2.
|
Director Benefits
Payments
.
|
The
Director shall be entitled to payment of the Applicable Percentage of
(i) the balance in the Benefit Account in installments upon the terms as
specified in the Agreement, and (ii) the Index Benefit for each Plan Year
payable in installments until the Director’s death.
SCHEDULE
C
BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION
To the
Administrator of the Heritage Bank of Commerce Director Indexed Compensation
Benefits Agreement:
Pursuant
to the Provisions of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement with
Heritage Bank of Commerce, permitting the designation of a beneficiary or
beneficiaries by a participant, I hereby designate the following persons and
entities as primary and secondary beneficiaries of any benefit under said
Agreement payable by reason of my death:
Primary
Beneficiary
:
_________________________
_____________________________
____________________
Name
Address
Relationship
Secondary
(Contingent) Beneficiary
:
_________________________
______________________________
______________________
Name
Address
Relationship
THE
RIGHT TO REVOKE OR CHANGE ANY BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION IS HEREBY
RESERVED. ALL PRIOR DESIGNATIONS, IF ANY, OF PRIMARY BENEFICIARIES
AND SECONDARY BENEFICIARIES ARE HEREBY REVOKED.
The
Administrator shall pay all sums payable under the Agreement by reason of my
death to the Primary Beneficiary, if he or she survives me, and if no Primary
Beneficiary shall survive me, then to the Secondary Beneficiary, and if no named
beneficiary survives me, then the Administrator shall pay all amounts in
accordance with the terms of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits
Agreement. In the event that a named beneficiary survives me and dies
prior to receiving the entire benefit payable under said Agreement, then and in
that event, the remaining unpaid benefit payable according to the terms of my
Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement shall be payable to the
personal representatives of the estate of said beneficiary who survived me but
died prior to receiving the total benefit provided by my Director Indexed
Compensation Benefits Agreement.
Dated: June ___,
1997
______________________________
William J. Del Biaggio, Jr.
CONSENT
OF THE DIRECTOR’S SPOUSE
TO THE ABOVE BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION
:
I, ______________________,
being the spouse of William J. Del Biaggio, Jr., after being afforded the
opportunity to consult with independent counsel of my choosing, do hereby
acknowledge that I have read, agree and consent to the foregoing Beneficiary
Designation which relates to the Director Indexed Compensation Benefits
Agreement entered into by my spouse effective as of June 19, 1997. I
understand that the above Beneficiary Designation may affect certain rights
which I may have in the benefits provided for under the terms of the Director
Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement and in which I may have a marital
property interest.
Dated: June
___, 1997.
|
|
|
|
____________________________
|
|
____________________________
|
Type/Print
Name
|
SCHEDULE
D
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTION
Pursuant
to the Provisions of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement with
Heritage Bank of Commerce, I hereby elect to have any distribution of the
balance in my Benefit Account paid to me in installments as designated
below:
|
X
|
thirty-six
(36) monthly installments with the amount of each installment determined
as of each installment date by dividing the entire amount in my Benefit
Account by the number of installments then remaining to be paid, with the
final installment to be the entire remaining balance in the Benefit
Account.
|
|
____
|
sixty
(60) monthly installments with the amount of each installment determined
as of each installment date by dividing the entire amount in my Benefit
Account by the number of installments then remaining to be paid, with the
final installment to be the entire remaining balance in the Benefit
Account.
|
|
____
|
one
hundred twenty (120) monthly installments with the amount of each
installment determined as of each installment date by dividing the entire
amount in my Benefit Account by the number of installments then remaining
to be paid, with the final installment to be the entire remaining balance
in the Benefit Account.
|
|
____
|
one
hundred eighty (180) monthly installments with the amount of each
installment determined as of each installment date by dividing the entire
amount in my Benefit Account by the number of installments then remaining
to be paid, with the final installment to be the entire remaining balance
in the Benefit Account.
|
Dated: June
___, 1997
Signed:
________________________
William J. Del Biaggio,
Jr.
Exhibit 10.26
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Agreement is made and entered into effective as of September 29, 2004 by
and between Heritage Commerce Corporation (“the Bank”), and Robert T.
Moles, an individual residing in the State of California (the
“Director”).
R E C I T A L
S
WHEREAS,
the Director is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank (hereinafter the
“Board”) and has served in such capacity since September 2004;
WHEREAS,
the Bank desires to establish a compensation benefit program for directors who
are not also officers or employees of the Bank in order to attract and retain
individuals with extensive and valuable experience as directors;
and
WHEREAS,
the Director and the Bank wish to specify in writing the terms and conditions
upon which this additional compensatory incentive will be provided to the
Director;
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by the Director in
the future, as well as the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the
Director and the Bank agree as follows:
A G R E E M E N
T
1.
Terms and
Definitions
.
1.1
Administrator
. The
Bank shall be the “Administrator’ and, solely for the purposes of ERISA as
defined in subparagraph 1.9 below, the Named Fiduciary of this Agreement where a
fiduciary is required by ERISA.
1.2
Applicable
Percentage
. The term “Applicable Percentage” shall mean that percentage
which corresponds with number of “Years of Service” completed as of the date the
Director Separates from Service, or it shall be One Hundred Percent (100%), as
stipulated herein for certain described events, including but not limited to:
(i) a Termination Pursuant to a Change in Control (as defined herein), provided
payments have not yet begun hereunder or (ii) upon the Director becoming
Disabled while serving on the Board.
The
Applicable Percentage shall remain in effect until an adjustment occurs upon the
completion of each Year of Service (as defined herein), and until Director has
reached the maximum Applicable Percentage of One-Hundred Percent (100%) after
Nine (9) Years of Service. Subject to the forgoing, the Applicable Percentage
shall be determined in accordance with the following schedule:
Completed
Years of Service
|
Applicable
Percentage
|
Less
Than One
|
10%
|
One
|
20%
|
Two
|
30%
|
Three
|
40%
|
Four
|
50%
|
Five
|
60%
|
Six
|
70%
|
Seven
|
80%
|
Eight
|
90%
|
Nine
|
100%
|
1.3
Change in Control
.
For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Change in Control” shall be
defined as follows:
(A)
|
The
acquisition of more than fifty percent (50%) of the value or voting power
of the Bank’s stock by a person or
group;
|
(B)
|
The
acquisition in a period of twelve (12) months or less of at least thirty-
five percent (35%) of the Bank’s stock by a person or
group;
|
(C)
|
The
replacement of a majority of the Bank’s board in a period of twelve (12)
months or less by Directors who were not endorsed by a majority of the
current board members: or
|
(D)
|
The
acquisition in a period of twelve (12) months or less of forty percent
(40%) or more of the Bank’s assets by an unrelated
entity.
|
For the
purpose of this Agreement, transfers made on account of deaths or gifts,
transfers between family members or transfers to a qualified retirement plan
maintained by the Bank shall not be considered in determining whether there has
been a Change in Control.
1.4
The Code
. The “Code’
shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”).
1.5
Director Benefit
. The
term “Director Benefit” shall mean the annual benefit paid out to the Director
pursuant to this Agreement. Unless specified otherwise by the terms of this
Agreement and according to the circumstances giving rise to the Separation from
Service, the Director Benefit shall be calculated by multiplying [he following:
(Director’s Years of Service) X (One Thousand Dollars) X (Applicable
Percentage). The Director Benefit shall continue to increase as each Year of
Service is completed. In addition. The annual amount of Director Benefits
payable under this Agreement shall be increased at the rate of two percent (2%)
each year from the date of commencement of payments until the death of the
Director.
As
previously stated, the actual amount of the Director Benefit to be paid shall be
determined at the time Director Separates from Service as a Director, and shall
be determined according to the circumstances giving rise to the Separation from
Service and the relevant Applicable Percentage schedule. Furthermore, the
benefit shall be reduced to the extent: (i) required under the other provisions
of this Agreement; (ii) required by reason of the lawful order of any regulatory
agency or body having jurisdiction over the Bank; or (iii) required in order for
the Bank to properly comply with any and all applicable state and federal laws,
including, but not limited to, income, employment and disability income tax laws
(e.g., FICA, FUTA, SDI).
1.6
Disability/Disabled
.
For the purposes of this Agreement, a Director will be considered Disabled
if:
(A)
|
He
is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any
medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected
to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of
not less than twelve (12) months,
or
|
(B)
|
He
is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment
which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a
continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income
replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under
an accident and health plan covering directors of the
Bank.
|
1.7
Early Retirement
. The
term “Early Retirement” shall mean the Director’s Separation from Service as a
member of the Board of Directors for any reason other than a Removal for Cause,
as a result of a Disability or Pursuant to a Change in Control, and a date which
occurs prior to the Director attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, but after
the Director has attained fifty-five (55) years of age.
1.8
Effective Date
. The
term “Effective Date” shall mean the date first written above.
1.9
ERISA
. The term
“ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
1.10
Normal Retirement Date and
Normal Retirement Ate
. The terms “Normal Retirement” and/or “Normal
Retirement Date” shall refer to the date which the Director Separates from
Service as a member of the Board of Directors for any reason other than a
Removal for Cause, as a result of a Disability or Pursuant to a Change in
Control, and a date on or after which Director attains the age of Sixty-Two (62)
(the “Normal Retirement Age”).
1.11
Plan Year
. The term
“Plan Year” shall mean the Bank’s fiscal year.
1.12
Removal for Cause
.
The term “Removal for Cause or “Removed for Cause” shall mean termination of the
Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank by reason
of any of the following:
(A)
|
The
willful, intentional and material breach or the habitual and continued
neglect by the Director of his
duties;
|
(B)
|
The
Director’s willful and intentional violation of (1) any State or Federal
banking or securities Laws, or of the Bylaws, rules, policies or
resolutions of Bank, or the rules or regulations of the California
Commissioner of Financial Institutions, Board of Governors or the Federal
Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or other regulatory
agency or governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, which
has a material adverse effect upon the
Bank;
|
(C)
|
The
Director’s conviction of (i) any felony or (ii) a crime involving moral
turpitude, or the Director’s willful and intentional commission a
fraudulent or dishonest act; or
|
(D)
|
The
Director’s willful and intentional disclosure, without authority, of any
secret or confidential information concerning Bank or taking any action
which the Bank’s Board of Directors determines, in its sole discretion and
subject to good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness. Constitutes unfair
competition with or induces any customer to breach any contract with the
Bank.
|
1.13
Separates From Service or
Termination of Service
. The terms “Separates from Service” or a
“Termination” of service shall refer to the Director ceasing to serve as a
member of the Board of Directors for any reason.
1.14
Termination Pursuant to a
Change in Control
. A Termination shall be deemed to be “Pursuant to a
Change in Control” if, within two (2) years following the occurrence of a Change
in Control, the Director is removed from the Board for reasons other than a
Removal for Cause.
1.15
Termination Without
Cause
. A Termination shall be deemed to be “Without Cause” if, prior
Normal Retirement Age, the Director is terminated by the Bank for reasons other
than a Termination for Cause, a Disability, or Pursuant to a Change in
Control.
1.16
Years of Service
. The
term “Years of Service” shall mean the twelve (12) consecutive month period
beginning on the date on which Director becomes a member of the Board of
Directors of the Bank. and any twelve (12) month anniversary thereof, during
which time Director has consecutively served on the Board.
2.
Scope, Purpose and
Effect
.
2.1
Contract of
Employment
. Although this Agreement is intended to provide the Director
with an additional incentive to continue to serve as a member of the Board of
Directors, this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a contract of
employment between the Director and the Bank nor shall any provision of this
Agreement restrict the right of the Bank to remove or cause the removal of the
Director including, without limitation, by (i) refusal to nominate the Director
for election for any successive term of office as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Bank, or (ii) complying with an order or other directive from a
court of competent jurisdiction or any regulatory authority having jurisdiction
over the Bank which requires the Bank to take action to remove the
Director.
2.2
Fringe Benefit
. The
benefits provided by this Agreement are granted by the Bank as a fringe benefit
to the Director and are not a part of any salary reduction plan or any
arrangement deferring a bonus or a salary increase. The Director has no option
to take any current payments or bonus in lieu of the benefits provided by this
Agreement.
3.
Payments Upon Early or
Normal Retirement
. In the event the Director continues to serve as a
member of the Board of Directors until qualifying for Early or Normal Retirement
pursuant to the terms of Paragraphs 1.7 and 1.10 above, then (excluding a
termination under the provisions of paragraph 4, 5.3 or 5.4 herein), upon a
Separation from Service, Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable
Percentage of the Director Benefit based on his Years of Service. Payments shall
be made in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each
month, commencing the later of the Director’s attainment of Age Sixty-Two (62)
or the month following the month in which the Director Separates from Service
and shall continue monthly until Director’s death.
4.
Payments in the Event of
Disability
. In the event the Director becomes disabled at any time after
the Effective Date of this Agreement and while serving as a Director, then the
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits shall be One Hundred Percent
(100%). The Director Benefit shall be paid in substantially equal monthly
installments on the first day of each month, commencing the later of the
Director’s attainment of Age Sixty-Two (62) or the month following the month in
which the Director Separates from Service. Payments shall then continue monthly
until Director’s death.
5.
Payments in the Event
Service is Terminated Prior to Retirement
. As indicated in subparagraph
2.1 above, the Bank reserves the right to remove or cause the removal of the
Director under certain circumstances, at any time prior to the Director’s
Retirement. In the event that the service of the Director shall be Terminated,
other than by reason of death, Disability or Retirement, prior to the Director
qualifying for Early or Normal Retirement, then this Agreement shall terminate
upon the date of such termination; provided, however, that the Director shall be
entitled to the following benefits as may be applicable depending upon the
circumstances surrounding the Director’s termination:
5.1
Termination Without
Cause
. If the Director is Terminated Without Cause at any time, then he
shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits,
in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
commencing the later of the Director’s attainment of Age Sixty-Two (62) or the
month following the month in which the Director Terminates. Payments shall then
continue until Director’s death.
5.2
Voluntary Termination by the
Director
. If the Director’s service is terminated by voluntary
resignation and such resignation is not subject to the provisions of
subparagraph 5.4 below, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable
Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments
on the first day of each month, commencing the later of the Director’s
attainment of Age Sixty-Two (62) or the month following the month in which the
Director terminates, Payments shall then continue until Director’s
death.
5.3
Removal for Cause
.
The Director agrees that if the Director’s service as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Bank is terminated as a result of a “Removal for Cause, as
defined in subparagraph 1.12 of this Agreement, the Director shall forfeit any
and all rights and benefits the Director may have under the terms of this
Agreement and shall have no right to be paid any of the amounts which would
otherwise be due or paid to the Director by the Bank pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement.
5.4
Termination Pursuant to a
Change in Control
. In the event the Directors service as a member of the
Board of Directors of the Bank is Terminated Pursuant to a Change in Control,
then the Director shall be entitled to be paid a One Hundred Percent (100%)
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly
installments on the first day of each month, commencing the later of the
Director’s attainment of Age Sixty-Two (62) or the month following the month in
which the Director terminates. Payments shall then continue until Director’s
death.
6.
Section 280G Benefits
Reduction
. If all or any portion of the amounts payable to the Director
under this Agreement, either alone or together with other payments which the
Director has the right to receive from the Bank. constitute “excess parachute
payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the “Code”), that are subject to the excise tax imposed by
Section 4999 of the Code (or similar tax and/or assessment), Director shall be
responsible for the payment of such excise tax and Bank (and its successor)
shall be responsible for any loss of deductibility related thereto; provided,
however, that Bank and Director shall cooperate with each other and use all
reasonable efforts to minimize to the fullest extent possible the amount of
excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code. If, at a later date, it is
determined (pursuant to final regulations or published rulings of the Internal
Revenue Service, final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, or
otherwise) that the amount of excise taxes payable by the Director is greater
than the amount initially so determined, then the Director shall pay an amount
equal to the sum of such additional excise taxes and any interest, fines and
penalties resulting from such underpayment. The determination of the amount of
any such excise taxes shall be made by the independent accounting firm employed
by the Bank immediately prior to the change in control or such other independent
accounting firm or advisor as may be mutually agreeable to Bank and Director in
the exercise of their reasonable good faith judgment.
7.
Right To Determine Funding
Methods
. The Bank reserves the right to determine, in its sole and
absolute discretion, whether, to what extent and by what method, if any, to
provide for the payment of the amounts which may be payable to the Director
under the terms of this Agreement. In the event that the Bank elects to fund
this Agreement, in whole or in part, through the use of life insurance or
annuities, or both, the Bank shall determine the ownership and beneficial
interests of any such policy of life insurance or annuity. The Bank further
reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to terminate any such
policy, and any other device used to fund its obligations under this Agreement,
at any time, in whole or in part. Consistent with Paragraph 9 below, the
Director shall have no right, title or interest in or to any funding source or
amount utilized by the Bank pursuant to this Agreement, and any such funding
source or amount shall not constitute security for the performance of the Bank’s
obligations pursuant to this Agreement. In connection with the foregoing, the
Director agrees to execute such documents and undergo such medical examinations
or tests which the Bank may request and which may be reasonably necessary to
facilitate any funding for this Agreement including, without limitation, the
Bank’s acquisition of any policy of insurance or annuity. Furthermore, a refusal
by the Director to consent to, participate in and undergo any such medical
examinations or tests shall result in the immediate termination of this
Agreement and the immediate forfeiture by the Director of any and all rights to
payment hereunder.
8.
Claims Procedure
. The
Bank shall, but only to the extent necessary to comply with ERISA, be designated
as the named fiduciary under this Agreement and shall have authority to control
and manage the operation and administration of this Agreement. In the event a
dispute arises over benefits under this Agreement and benefits are not paid to
the Director and Director feels he is entitled to receive such benefits, then a
written claim must be made to the Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator named
above within forty-five (45) days from the date payments are refused. The Named
Fiduciary and Plan Administrator shall review the written claim and if the claim
is denied, in whole or in part, they shall provide in writing within forty- five
(45) days of receipt of such claim the specific reasons for such denial,
reference to the provisions of this Agreement upon which the denial is based and
any additional material or information necessary to perfect the claim. Such
written notice shall further indicate the additional steps to be taken by
claimants if a further review of the claim denial is desired. A claim shall be
deemed denied if the Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator fail to take any
action within the aforesaid forty-five (45) day period.
If
claimants desire a second review they shall notify the Named Fiduciary and Plan
Administrator in writing within forty-five (45) days of the first claim denial.
Claimants may review this Agreement or any documents relating thereto and submit
any written issues and comments it may feel appropriate. In their sole
discretion, the Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator shall then review the
second claim and provide a written decision within forty-five (45) days of
receipt of such claim. This decision shall likewise state the specific reasons
for the decision and shall include reference to specific provisions of the
Agreement upon which the decision is based.
9.
Status as an Unsecured
General Creditor
. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the
contrary: (i) Director shall have no legal or equitable rights, interests or
claims in or to any specific property or assets of the Bank as a result of this
Agreement; (ii) none of the Bank’s assets shall be held in or under any trust
for the benefit of the Director or held in any way as security for the
fulfillment of the obligations of the Bank under this Agreement; (iii) all of
the Bank’s assets shall be and remain the general unpledged and unrestricted
assets of the Bank; (iv) the Bank’s obligation under this Agreement shall be
that of an unfunded and unsecured promise by the Bank to pay money in the
future; and (v) the Director shall be unsecured general creditors with respect
to any benefits which may be payable under the terms of this
Agreement.
Notwithstanding
subparagraphs (i) through (v) above, the Bank and the Director acknowledge and
agree that upon request of the Director at any time during the term of this
Agreement, a Rabbi Trust (the “Trust”) shall be established upon such terms and
conditions as may be mutually agreeable between the Bank and the Director in
order to permit the Bank to make contributions and/or transfer assets to the
Trust to discharge its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. The
principal of the Trust and any earnings thereon shall be held separate and apart
from other funds of the Bank to be used exclusively for discharge of the Bank’s
obligations pursuant to this Agreement and shall continue to be subject to the
claims of the Bank’s general creditors until paid to the Director in such manner
and at such times as specified in this Agreement.
10.
Miscellaneous
.
10.1
Opportunity To Consult With
Independent Advisors
. The Director acknowledges that he has been afforded
the opportunity to consult with independent advisors of his choosing including,
without limitation, accountants or tax advisors and counsel regarding both the
benefits granted to him under the terms of this Agreement and the (i) terms and
conditions which may affect the Director’s right to these benefits and (ii)
personal tax effects of such benefits including, without limitation, the effects
of any federal or state taxes, Section 280G of the Code, and any other taxes,
costs, expenses or liabilities whatsoever related to such benefits, which in any
of the foregoing instances the Director acknowledges and agrees shall be the
sole responsibility of the Director notwithstanding any other term or provision
of this Agreement. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that the Bank
shall have no liability whatsoever related to any such personal tax effects or
other personal costs, expenses, or liabilities applicable to the Director and
further specifically waives any right for the Director, himself, and his heirs,
legal representatives, agents, successors, and assigns to claim or assert
liability on the part of the Bank related to the matters described above in this
subparagraph 10.1. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that he has
read, understands and consents to all of the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, and that he enters into this Agreement with a full understanding of
its terms and conditions
10.2
Arbitration of
Disputes
. All claims, disputes and other matters in question arising out
of or relating to this Agreement or the breach or interpretation thereof, other
than those matters which are to be determined by the Bank in its sole and
absolute discretion, shall be resolved by binding arbitration before a
representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of the parties. Of the
Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”), located in San
Francisco. California. In the event JAMS is unable or unwilling to conduct the
arbitration provided for under the terms of this Paragraph, or has discontinued
its business, the parties agree that a representative member, selected by the
mutual agreement of the parties, of the American Arbitration Association
(“AAA”), located in San Francisco, California, shall conduct the binding
arbitration referred to in this Paragraph. Notice of the demand for arbitration
shall be filed in writing with the other party to this Agreement and with JAMS
(or AAA, if necessary). In no event shall the demand for arbitration be made
after the date when institution of legal or equitable proceedings based on such
claim, dispute or other matter in question would be barred by the applicable
statute of limitations. The arbitration shall be subject to such rules of
procedure used or established by JAMS, or if there are none, the rules of
procedure used or established by AAA. Any award rendered by JAMS or AAA shall be
final and binding upon the parties, and as applicable, their respective heirs,
legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns, and may be entered in any
court having jurisdiction thereof. The obligation of the parties to arbitrate
pursuant to this clause shall be specifically enforceable in accordance with,
and shall be conducted consistently with, the provisions of Title 9 of Part 3 of
the California Code of Civil Procedure. Any arbitration hereunder shall be
conducted in San Jose. California, unless otherwise agreed to by the
parties.
10.3
Attorneys’ Fees
. In
the event of any arbitration or litigation concerning any controversy, claim or
dispute between the parties hereto, arising out of or relating to this Agreement
or the breach hereof, or the interpretation hereof, the prevailing party shall
be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party reasonable expenses,
attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection therewith or in the enforcement
or collection of any judgment or award rendered therein. The “prevailing party”
means the party determined by the arbitrator(s) or court, as the case may be, to
have most nearly prevailed, even if such party did not prevail in all matters,
not necessarily the one in whose favor a judgment is rendered.
10.4
Notice
. Any notice
required or permitted of either the Director or the Bank under this Agreement
shall be deemed to have been duly given, if by personal delivery, upon the date
received by the party or its authorized representative; if by facsimile, upon
transmission to a telephone number previously provided by the party to whom the
facsimile is transmitted as reflected in the records of the party transmitting
the facsimile and upon reasonable confirmation of such transmission; and if by
mail, on the third day after mailing via U.S first class mail, registered or
certified, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, and addressed to the
party at the address given below for the receipt of notices, or such changed
address as may be requested in writing by a party.
If to the
Bank: Heritage
Commerce Corp
150 Almaden
Boulevard
San Jose,
California 95113
Attn: President
If to the
Director: ____________________
___________________
___________________
10.5
Assignment
. The
Director shall have no power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate,
hypothecate, modify, or otherwise encumber any part or all of the amounts
payable hereunder, nor, prior to payment in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, shall any portion of such amounts be: (I) subject to seizure by any
creditor of the Director, by a proceeding at law or in equity, for the payment
of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance obligations which may
be owed by the Director; or (ii) transferable by operation of law in the event
of bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise. Any such attempted assignment or
transfer shall be void and unenforceable without the prior written consent of
the Bank. The Bank’s consent, if any, to one or more assignments or transfers
shall not obligate the Bank to consent to or be construed as the Banks consent
to any other or subsequent assignment or transfer.
10.6
Binding Effect/Merger or
Reorganization
. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the Director and the Bank and, as applicable, their respective heirs,
legal representatives, agents, successors, and assigns. Accordingly, the Bank
shall not merge or consolidate into or with another corporation, or reorganize
or sell substantially all of its assets to another corporation, firm, or person,
unless and until such succeeding or continuing corporation, firm, or person
agrees to assume and discharge the obligations of the Bank under this Agreement.
Upon the occurrence of such event, the term “Bank” as used in this Agreement
shall be deemed to refer to such surviving or successor firm, person, entity or
corporation.
10.7
Nonwaiver
. The
failure of either party to enforce at any time or for any period of time any one
or more of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be a waiver of
such term(s) or condition(s) or of that party’s right thereafter to enforce each
and every term and condition of this Agreement.
10.8
Partial Invalidity
.
If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of this Agreement is determined
by an arbitrator or a court, as the case may be, to be invalid, void, or
unenforceable, such determination shall not render any other term, provision,
covenant, or condition invalid, void or unenforceable, and the Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such partial
invalidity.
10.9
Entire Agreement
.
This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in
writing, between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this
Agreement and contains all of the covenants and agreements between the parties
with respect thereto. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no other
representations, inducements, promises, or agreements, oral or otherwise, have
been made by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not
set forth herein, and that no other agreement, statement, or promise not
contained in this Agreement shall be valid or binding on either
party.
10.10
Modifications
. Any
modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and
signed by each party or such party’s authorized representative.
10.11
Paragraph Headings
.
The paragraph headings used in this Agreement are included solely for the
convenience of the parties and shall not affect or be used in connection with
the interpretation of this Agreement.
10.12
No Strict
Construction
. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be
the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no
rule of strict construction will be applied against any person.
10.13
Governing Law
. The
laws of the State of California, other than those laws denominated choice of law
rules, and, where applicable, the rules and regulations of the California
Commissioner of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation shall govern the validity, interpretation, construction and effect
of this Agreement.
10.14
Gender
. Whenever in
this Agreement words are used in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender, they
shall be read and construed as in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender,
whenever they should so apply.
11.
Internal Revenue Code
Section 409A Compliance
. Notwithstanding any provision existing in this
Agreement or any amendment thereto, it is the intent of the Bank and the
Director that any payment or benefit provided pursuant to this Agreement shall
be made and paid in a manner, at a time and in a form which complies with the
applicable requirements of IRC Section 409A, in order to avoid any unfavorable
tax consequences resulting from any such failure to comply. Furthermore, for the
purposes of this Agreement, IRC Section 409A shall be read to include any
related or relevant IRS Notices (including but not limited to Notice 2006- 79)
and the currently proposed regulations.
In
accordance with the current restrictions on payouts of deferred compensation,
and with respect to any plan amendment or election in 2006, such amendment or
election may not act as to accelerate any payments or cause any payment to be
made in 2006 that would not otherwise be payable in 2006. Furthermore, and in
accordance with IRS Notice 2006-79, this restriction also applies to payments
following a separation from service, and similarly applies to
elections/amendments and payments made and to be made in 2007. In the event of
any modification or amendment in 2006 (or 2007) regarding a payment to be made
in 2006 (or 2007), such payment shall not be made or commence until January I,
2007 (or January 1, 2008, as applicable).
The
parties reserve the right to amend this agreement as necessary in order to
comply with IRC Section 409A. Furthermore, this Agreement shall be administered
in compliance with IRC Section 409A and the related rules, regulations and
notices. Any section of this Agreement which violates IRC Section 409A and the
related rules, regulations and notices shall be void and without
effect.
12.
Intentional Act by Director
which Precludes Recovery
. Notwithstanding any other provision in this
Agreement or anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event
the Director takes any intentional action which prevents the Bank from
collecting the proceeds of any life insurance policy which the Bank may happen
to own at the time of the Director’s death and of which the Bank is the
designated beneficiary, then: (I) the Director’s estate or designated
beneficiary(ies) shall no longer be entitled to receive any of the amounts
payable under the terms of this Agreement. and (2) the Bank shall have the right
to recover from the Director’s estate all of the amounts paid to the Director,
the designated Beneficiary(ies) or to the Director’s estate (with respect to
amounts paid prior to the Director’s death or paid to the Directors estate) or
designated beneficiary (with respect to amounts paid to the designated
beneficiary) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement prior to and after the
Director’s death.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Director and a duly authorized Bank officer have signed
this Agreement as of the written date.
HERITAGE
COMMERCE CORPORATION
______________________________________
Date:_________________________
By:
Lawrence D. McGovern
Executive
Vice President & CFO
______________________________________
Date:_________________________
Director
______________________________________
_____________________________
Witness
Witness
Exhibit
10.27
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
DIRECTOR INDEXED
COMPENSATION BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Amendment, made and entered into by and between Heritage Bank of Commerce, a
bank chartered under the laws of the State of California (the “Bank”), and Louis
O. Normandin, an individual residing in the State of California (the
“Director”), amends certain provisions of the Director Indexed Compensation
Benefits Agreement dated June 19, 1997 between the Bank and the Director (the
Agreement) for the purposes set forth hereinafter.
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
the Bank’s accountants, Deloitte & Touche LLP, have notified the Bank of a
change in the accounting treatment accorded to the Index Benefits under the
Agreement, which increases the benefits expense to the Bank;
WHEREAS,
the Bank and the Director have agreed to delete the Index Benefits and
substitute a defined benefit payable during the Directors life in order to (a)
reduce the benefit expense increase caused by the change in accounting
treatment, and (b) maintain, to the extent feasible, a benefit entitlement which
is substantially equivalent, but mot in excess of the projected Index Benefits
under the Agreement; and
WHEREAS,
it is the intent of the Bank and the Director that this Amendment be effective
as of October 21, 1999, and except as amended herein, the terms and conditions
of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by the Director in
the future, as well as the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the
Bank and the Director agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1.
The
Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
a.
The terms
“Index”, “Indexed” and “Index Benefit”, whether plural or singular, and all
references to payments related thereto as set forth in the Agreement and
Schedules thereto, are hereby deleted.
b.
All
provisions in the Agreement which refer in any manner to payment or distribution
of Director Benefits following the Directors death to a “beneficiary” or
“designated beneficiary”, “Surviving Spouse' or “spouse”, “qualified personal
representative”, “executor”, “administrator”, or “Director's estate”, along with
any definitions of such terms, and Schedule C, are hereby deleted.
c.
The
portion of subparagraphs 3.1, 3.2, and 4.2 which reads as follows: “...payable
(i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the
Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director's death in the case of the Index
Benefit defined in Schedule “B”, is hereby deleted from each such subparagraph
and a period inserted in lieu of the comma at the end of the text remaining
after such deletions.
d.
The term
“Employer” used in subparagraphs 3.2, 5.1, 5.2 and 5.4 is amended to read
“Bank”.
e.
The last
sentence of subparagraphs 5.1, 5,2, and 5.4 which reads as follows: “The
installments shall be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in
the case of the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Executive's
death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”, is hereby
deleted from each such subparagraph.
f.
Subparagraphs
3.3 and 4.1 are hereby deleted and subparagraph 4.2 is substituted in lieu of
Paragraph 4.
g.
An
amended Schedule B in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and incorporated
herein by this reference replaces and supersedes the prior Schedule B in the
Agreement.
h.
Schedule
D is hereby deleted.
i.
All
references to provisions of the Agreement which have been amended hereby are
themselves hereby amended to conform to such amended provisions.
j.
Except as
amended hereby, the Agreement remains in full force and effect as of the date
thereof.
BANK
DIRECTOR
HERITAGE
BANK OF
COMMERCE
By:____________________________
____________________________
John E.
Rossell
Louis O. Normandin
President and CEO
Dated: _____________, 2000
Dated: _______________,
2000
SPOUSAL
CONSENT
I,
Margaret M. Normandin, being the spouse of Louis O. Normandin, after being
afforded the opportunity to consult with independent counsel of my choosing, do
hereby acknowledge that I have read, agree and consent to the foregoing
Amendment No. I to the Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement between
the Bank and my spouse. I understand that Amendment No. I to the Agreement may
affect certain rights which I may have in the benefits provided for under the
terms of the Agreement and in which I may have a marital property
interest.
Dated: ______________, 2000
_______________________________
Margaret M.
Normandin
SCHEDULE
B
DIRECTOR
BENEFITS
A benefit
account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books of the
Bank for the benefit of the Director. The Director Benefits shall be credited to
the benefit account in an amount equal to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per
year for each year of service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank.
The amount of Director Benefits payable under the Agreement shall be increased
at the rate of two percent (2%) each year from the date of commencement of
payments of the Director Benefits until t
DIRECTOR INDEXED
COMPENSATION BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Agreement is made and entered into effective as of June 19, 1997 by and between
Heritage Bank of Commerce, a bank chartered under the laws of the State of
California (the “Bank”), and Louis O. Normandin, an individual residing in the
State of California (the “Director”).
R E C I T A L S
WHEREAS,
the Director is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and has served in
such capacity since June 8, 1994, the approximate date of the Bank’s
organization;
WHEREAS,
the Bank desires to establish a compensation benefit for directors who are not
also officers or employees of the Bank in order to attract and retain
individuals with extensive and valuable experience as directors;
and
WHEREAS,
the Director and the Bank wish to specify in writing the terms and conditions
upon which this additional compensatory incentive will be provided to the
Director, or to the Director’s spouse or designated beneficiaries, as the case
may be.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by the Director in
the future, as well as the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the
Director and the Bank agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1.
Terms and
Definitions
.
1.1
Administrator
. The
Bank shall be the “Administrator” and, solely for the purposes of ERISA as
defined in subparagraph 1.9 below, the “fiduciary” of this Agreement where a
fiduciary is required by ERISA.
1.2
Applicable
Percentage
. The term “Applicable Percentage” shall mean that
percentage adjacent to a calendar period listed on Schedule “A” attached hereto,
which percentage shall remain in effect until an adjustment occurs on each
succeeding calendar period during the term of service as a member of the Board
of Directors of the Bank. Notwithstanding the foregoing or the
percentages set forth on Schedule “A,” but subject to all other terms and
conditions set forth herein, the “Applicable Percentage” shall be: (i) provided
payments have not yet begun hereunder, one hundred percent (100%) upon
termination of service described in subparagraph 5.4 pursuant to a “Change in
Control” as defined in subparagraph 1.4 below, or the Director’s death, or
Disability as defined in subparagraph 1.6 below, which death or Disability
occurs prior to termination of service; and (ii) notwithstanding subclause (i)
of this subparagraph 1.2, zero percent (0%) in the event the Director takes any
intentional action which prevents the Bank from collecting the proceeds of any
life insurance policy which the Bank may happen to own at the time of the
Director’s death and of which the Bank is the designated
beneficiary. Furthermore, notwithstanding the foregoing, or anything
contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event the Director takes any
intentional action which prevents the Bank from collecting the proceeds of any
life insurance policy which the Bank may happen to own at the time of the
Director’s death and of which the Bank is the designated beneficiary: (1) the
Director’s estate or designated beneficiary shall no longer be entitled to
receive any of the amounts payable under the terms of this Agreement, and (2)
the Bank shall have the right to recover from the Director’s estate all of the
amounts paid to the Director’s estate (with respect to amounts paid prior to the
Director’s death or paid to the Director’s estate) or designated beneficiary
(with respect to amounts paid to the designated beneficiary) pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement prior to and after the Director’s death.
1.3
Beneficiary
. The
term “beneficiary” or “designated beneficiary” shall mean the person or persons
whom the Director shall designate in a valid Beneficiary Designation, a copy of
which is attached hereto as Schedule “C,” to receive the benefits provided
hereunder. A Beneficiary Designation shall be valid only if it is in
the form attached hereto and made a part hereof, completed and signed by the
Director and is received by the Administrator prior to the Director’s
death.
1.4
Change in
Control
. The term “Change in Control” shall mean the
occurrence of any of the following events with respect to the Bank (with the
term “Bank” being defined for purposes of determining whether a “Change in
Control” has occurred to include any parent bank holding company organized at
the direction of the Bank to own 100% of the Bank’s outstanding common stock):
(i) a change in control of a nature that would be required to be reported in
response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or in response
to any other form or report to the regulatory agencies or governmental
authorities having jurisdiction over the Bank or any stock exchange on which the
Bank’s shares are listed which requires the reporting of a change in control;
(ii) any merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Bank in which the Bank
does not survive; (iii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or
other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of any assets
of the Bank having an aggregate fair market value of fifty percent (50%) of the
total value of the assets of the Bank, reflected in the most recent balance
sheet of the Bank; (iv) a transaction whereby any “person” (as such term is used
in the Exchange Act) or any individual, corporation, partnership, trust or any
other entity becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities
of the Bank representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined
voting power of the Bank’s then outstanding securities; or (v) a situation
where, in any one-year period, individuals who at the beginning of such period
constitute the Board of Directors of the Bank cease for any reason to constitute
at least a majority thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election
by the Bank’s shareholders, of each new director is approved by a vote of at
least three-quarters (3/4) of the directors then still in office who were
directors at the beginning of the period.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing or anything else contained herein to the contrary, there shall not
be a “Change of Control” for purposes of this Agreement if the event which would
otherwise come within the meaning of the term “Change of Control” involves (i) a
reorganization at the direction of the Bank solely to form a parent bank holding
company which owns 100% of the Bank’s common stock following the reorganization,
or (ii) an Employee Stock Ownership Plan sponsored by the Bank or its parent
holding company which is the party that acquires “control” or is the principal
participant in the transaction constituting a “Change in Control,” as described
above.
1.5
The
Code
. The “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the “Code”).
1.6
Disability/Disabled
. The
term “Disability” or “Disabled” shall mean bodily injury or disease (mental or
physical) which wholly and continuously prevents the performance of duty for at
least three months including, without limitation, the total irrecoverable loss
of the sight in both eyes or the loss by severance of both hands at or above the
wrist or of both feet at or above the ankle or of one hand at or above the wrist
and one foot at or above the ankle.
1.7
Early
Retirement Date
. The term “Early Retirement Date” shall mean
the Retirement, as defined below, of the Director on a date which occurs prior
to the Director attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, but after the Director
has attained fifty-five (55) years of age.
1.8
Effective
Date
. The term “Effective Date” shall mean the date first
written above.
1.9
ERISA
. The
term “ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
1.10
Director
Benefits
. The term “Director Benefits” shall mean the benefits
determined in accordance with Schedule “B”, and reduced to the extent (i)
required under the other provisions of this Agreement, including, but not
limited to, Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof; (ii) required by reason of the lawful
order of any regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction over the Bank; or
(iii) required in order for the Bank to properly comply with any and all
applicable state and federal laws, including, but not limited to, income,
employment and disability income tax laws (e.g., FICA, FUTA, SDI).
1.11
Plan
Year
. The term “Plan Year” shall mean the Bank’s fiscal
year.
1.12
Retirement
. The
term “Retirement” or “Retires” shall refer to the date which the Director
acknowledges in writing to the Bank to be the last day of service as a member of
the Board of Directors of the Bank.
1.13
Surviving Spouse
. The
term “Surviving Spouse” shall mean the person, if any, who shall be legally
married to the Director on the date of the Director’s death.
1.14
Removal
for Cause
. The term “removal for cause” shall mean termination
of a Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank by
reason of any of the following:
(a)
The
willful breach or habitual neglect by the Director of his responsibilities and
duties;
(b)
The
Director’s deliberate violation of (i) any state or federal banking or
securities laws, or of the Bylaws, rules, policies or resolutions of the Bank,
or (ii) the rules or regulations of the California Commissioner of Financial
Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other regulatory
agency or governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, which has a
material adverse effect upon the Bank;
(c)
The
determination by a state or federal court, banking agency or other governmental
authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, that the Director (i) is of unsound
mind, or (ii) has committed a gross abuse of authority or discretion with
reference to the Bank or (iii) otherwise is not suitable to continue to serve as
a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank;
(d)
The
Director’s conviction of any felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or a
fraudulent or dishonest act; or
(e)
The
Director’s disclosure without authority of any secret or confidential
information not otherwise publicly available concerning the Bank or taking any
action which the Bank’s Board of Directors determines, in its sole discretion
and subject to good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, constitutes unfair
competition with or inducement of any customer to breach any contract with the
Bank.
2.
Scope, Purpose and
Effect
2.1
Contract
of Employment
. Although this Agreement is intended to
provide the Director with an additional incentive to continue to serve as a
member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, this Agreement shall not be deemed
to constitute a contract of employment between the Director and the Bank nor
shall any provision of this Agreement restrict the right of the Bank to remove
or cause the removal of the Director including, without limitation, by (i)
refusal to nominate the Director for election for any successive term of office
as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, or (ii) complying with an
order or other directive from a court of competent jurisdiction or any
regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Bank which requires the Bank
to take action to remove the Director.
2.2
Fringe
Benefit
. The benefits provided by this Agreement are granted
by the Bank as a fringe benefit to the Director and are not a part of any salary
reduction plan or any arrangement deferring a bonus or a salary
increase. The Director has no option to take any current payments or
bonus in lieu of the benefits provided by this Agreement.
3.
Payments
Upon Early Retirement or Retirement and After Retirement
.
3.1
Payments
Upon Early Retirement
. The Director shall have the right to
Retire from the Board of Directors on a date which constitutes an Early
Retirement Date as defined in subparagraph 1.7 above. In the event
the Director elects to Retire on a date which constitutes an Early Retirement
Date, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the Early
Retirement Date occurs or upon such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by
the Director and the Bank in advance of said Early Retirement Date, payable (i)
for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the
Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the case of the Index
Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
3.2
Payments
Upon Retirement
. If the Director shall continue to serve
as a member of the Board of Directors until attaining sixty-two (62) years of
age, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director Retires or upon such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by the
Director and the Employer in advance of said Retirement date, payable (i) for
the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the Benefit
Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the case of the Index Benefit
defined in Schedule “B”. At the Bank’s sole and absolute discretion,
the Bank may increase the Director Benefits as and when the Bank determines the
same to be appropriate.
3.3
Payments
In the Event of Death After Retirement
. The Bank agrees that
if the Director Retires, but shall die before receiving all of the Director
Benefits Payments specified in Schedule “B”, the Bank agrees to pay the
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits to the Director’s designated
beneficiary in lump sum. If a valid Beneficiary Designation is not in
effect, then the remaining amounts due to the Director under the terms of this
Agreement shall be paid to the Director’s Surviving Spouse. If the
Director leaves no Surviving Spouse, the remaining amounts due to the Director
under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid to the duly qualified personal
representative, executor or administrator of the Director’s estate.
4.
Payments In the Event Death
or Disability Occurs Prior to Retirement
4.1
Payments
in the Event of Death Prior to Retirement
. If the Director
dies at any time after the Effective Date of this Agreement, but prior to
Retirement, the Bank agrees to pay the Applicable Percentage of the Director
Benefits to the Director’s designated beneficiary in lump sum. If a
valid Beneficiary Designation is not in effect, then the remaining amounts due
to the Director under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid to the
Director’s Surviving Spouse. If the Director leaves no Surviving
Spouse, the remaining amounts due to the Director under the terms of this
Agreement shall be paid to the duly qualified personal representative, executor
or administrator of the Director’s estate.
4.2
Payments
in the Event of Disability Prior to Retirement
. In the event
the Director becomes Disabled at any time after the Effective Date of this
Agreement, but prior to Retirement, the Director shall be entitled to the
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly
installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following
the month in which the Director becomes Disabled, payable (i) for the period
designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the Benefit Account and
(ii) until the Director’s death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in
Schedule “B”.
5.
Payments
in the Event Employment Is Terminated Prior to Retirement
. As
indicated in subparagraph 2.1 above, the Bank reserves the right to remove or
cause the removal of the Director under certain circumstances, at any time prior
to the Director’s Retirement. In the event that the service of the
Director shall be terminated, other than by reason of death, Disability or
Retirement, prior to the Director’s attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, then
this Agreement shall terminate upon the date of such termination; provided,
however, that the Director shall be entitled to the following benefits as may be
applicable depending upon the circumstances surrounding the Director’s
termination:
5.1
Termination
Without Cause
. If the Director’s service as a member of the
Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated for reasons other than as specified
in paragraph 5.3 below, and such termination is not subject to the provisions of
subparagraph 5.4 below, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable
Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments
on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following the month in
which the Director attains fifty-five (55) yew-s of age or any month thereafter,
as requested in writing by the Director and delivered to the Employer or its
successor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of installment payments;
provided, however, that in the event the Director does not request a
commencement date as specified, such installments shall be paid on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which .the
Director attains sixty-two (62) years of age. The installments shall
be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the
balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the case
of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
5.2
Voluntary
Termination by the Director
. If the Director’s service as a
member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated by voluntary
resignation, and such resignation is not subject to the provisions of
subparagraphs 5.3 or 5.4 below, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly
installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following
the month in which the Director attains fifty-five (55) years of age or any
month thereafter, as requested in writing by the Director and delivered to the
Employer or its successor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of
installment payments; provided, however, that in the event the Director does not
request a commencement date as specified, such installments shall be paid on the
first day of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which
the Director attains sixty-two (62) years of age. The installments
shall be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D’ in the case of
the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the
case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
5.3
Termination
by Removal for Cause
. The Director agrees that if the
Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is
terminated by “removal for cause,” as defined in subparagraph 1.14 of this
Agreement, the Director shall forfeit any and all rights and benefits the
Director may have under the terms of this Agreement and shall have no right to
be paid any of the amounts which would otherwise be due or paid to the Director
by the Bank pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
5.4
Termination
by the Bank on Account of or After a Change in Control
. In the
event that the Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the
Bank is terminated in conjunction with, or by reason of; a “Change in Control”,
the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director attains fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter, as
requested in writing by the Director and delivered to the Employer or its
successor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of installment payments;
provided, however, that in the event the Director does not request a
commencement date as specified, such installments shall be paid on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director attains sixty-two (62) years of age. The installments shall
be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the
balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director’s death in the case
of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
6.
Section
280G Benefits Reduction
. The Director acknowledges and agrees
that the parties have entered into this Agreement based upon certain financial
and tax accounting assumptions. Accordingly, with fill knowledge of
the potential consequences the Director agrees that, notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary, in the event that any payment or benefit
received or to be received by the Director, whether payable pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the
Bank (together with the Director Benefits, the “Total Payments”), will not be
deductible (in whole or in part) as a result of Code Section 280G or other
applicable provisions of the Code, the Total Payments shall be reduced until no
portion of the Total Payments is nondeductible as a result of Section 280G or
such other applicable provisions of the Code. For purposes of this
limitation:
(a)
No
portion of the Total Payments, the receipt or enjoyment of which the Director
shall have effectively waived in writing prior to the date of payment of any
fixture Director Benefits payments, shall be taken into account;
(b)
No
portion of the Total Payments shall be taken into account, which in the opinion
of the tax counsel selected by the Bank and acceptable to the Director, does not
constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the
Code;
(c)
Any
reduction of the Total Payments shall be applied to reduce any payment or
benefit received or to be received by the Director pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement and any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Bank in the
order determined by mutual agreement of the Bank and the Director;
(d)
Future
payments shall be reduced only to the extent necessary so that the Total
Payments (other than those referred to in clauses (a) or (b) above in their
entirety) constitute reasonable compensation for services actually rendered
within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, in the opinion of tax counsel
referred to in clause (b) above; and
(e)
The value
of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Total
Payments shall be determined by independent auditors selected by the Bank and
acceptable to the Director in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of
the Code.
7.
Right To
Determine Funding Methods
. The Bank reserves the right to
determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether, to what extent and by
what method, if any, to provide for the payment of the amounts which may be
payable to the Director, the Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiaries
under the terms of this Agreement. In the event that the Bank elects
to hind this Agreement, in whole or in part, through the use of life insurance
or annuities, or both, the Bank shall determine the ownership and beneficial
interests of any such policy of life insurance or annuity. The Bank
further reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to terminate
any such policy, and any other device used to fund its obligations under this
Agreement, at any time, in whole or in part. Consistent with
Paragraph 9 below, neither the Director, the Director’s spouse nor the
Director’s beneficiaries shall have any right, title or interest in or to any
funding source or amount utilized by the Bank pursuant to this Agreement, and
any such funding source or amount shall not constitute security for the
performance of the Bank’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement. In
connection with the foregoing, the Director agrees to execute such documents and
undergo such medical examinations or tests which the Bank may request and which
may be reasonably necessary to facilitate any funding for this Agreement
including, without limitation, the Bank’s acquisition of any policy of insurance
or annuity. Furthermore, a refusal by the Director to consent to,
participate in and undergo any such medical examinations or tests shall result
in the immediate termination of this Agreement and the immediate forfeiture by
the Director, the Director’s spouse and the Director’s beneficiaries of any and
all rights to payment hereunder.
8.
Claims
Procedure
. The Bank shall, but only to the extent necessary to
comply with ERISA, be designated as the named fiduciary under this Agreement and
shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of
this Agreement. Consistent therewith, the Bank shall make all
determinations as to the rights to benefits under this Agreement. My
decision by the Bank denying a claim by the Director, the Director’s spouse, or
the Director’s beneficiary for benefits under this Agreement shall be stated in
writing and delivered or mailed, via registered or certified mail, to the
Director, the Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiary, as the case may
be. Such decision shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial
of a claim. In addition, the Bank shall provide the Director, the
Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiary with a reasonable opportunity
for a full and fair review of the decision denying such claim.
9.
Status as
an Unsecured General Creditor
. Notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary: (i) neither the Director, the Director’s
spouse or the Director’s designated beneficiaries shall have any legal or
equitable rights, interests or claims in or to any specific property or assets
of the Bank as a result of this Agreement; (ii) none of the Bank’s assets shall
be held in or under any trust for the benefit of the Director, the Director’s
spouse or the Director’s designated beneficiaries or held in any way as security
for the fulfillment of the obligations of the Bank under this Agreement; (iii)
all of the Bank’s assets shall be and remain the general unpledged and
unrestricted assets of the Bank; (iv) the Bank’s obligation under this Agreement
shall be that of an unfunded and unsecured promise by the Bank to pay money in
the future; and (v) the Director, the Director’s spouse and the Director’s
designated beneficiaries shall be unsecured general creditors with respect to
any benefits which may be payable under the terms of this
Agreement.
Notwithstanding
subparagraphs (i) through (v) above, the Bank and the Director acknowledge and
agree that upon request of the Director at any time during the term of this
Agreement, a Rabbi Trust (the “Trust”) shall be established upon such terms and
conditions as may be mutually agreeable between the Bank and the Director and
that it is the intention of the Bank to make contributions and/or transfer
assets to the Trust in order to discharge its obligations pursuant to this
Agreement. The principal of the Trust and any earnings thereon shall
be held separate and apart from other funds of the Bank to be used exclusively
for discharge of the Bank’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement and shall
continue to be subject to the claims of the Bank’s general creditors until paid
to the Director or its beneficiaries in such manner and at such times as
specified in this Agreement.
10.
Discretion
of Board to Accelerate Payout
. Notwithstanding any of the
other provisions of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Bank may, if
determined in its sole and absolute discretion to be appropriate, accelerate the
payment of the amounts due under the terms of this Agreement, provided that
Director (or Director’s spouse or designated beneficiaries): (i) consents to the
revised payout terms determined appropriate by the Bank’s Board of Directors;
and (ii) does not negotiate or in anyway influence the terms of proposed
altered/accelerated payout (said decision to be made solely by the Bank’s Board
of Directors and offered to the Director [or Director’s spouse or designated
beneficiaries] on a “take it or leave it basis”).
11.
Miscellaneous
.
11.1
Opportunity
To Consult With Independent Advisors
. The Director
acknowledges that he has been afforded the opportunity to consult with
independent advisors of’ his choosing including, without limitation, accountants
or tax advisors and counsel regarding both the benefits granted to him under the
terms of this Agreement and the (i) terms and conditions which may affect the
Director’s right to these benefits and (ii) personal tax effects of such
benefits including, without limitation, the effects of any federal or state
taxes, Section 280G of the Code, and any other taxes, costs, expenses or
liabilities whatsoever related to such benefits, which in any of the foregoing
instances the Director acknowledges and agrees shall be the sole responsibility
of the Director notwithstanding any other term or provision of this
Agreement. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that the Bank
shall have no liability whatsoever related to any such personal tax effects or
other personal costs, expenses, or liabilities applicable to the Director and
further specifically waives any right for himself or herself, and his or her
heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns to
claim or assert liability on the part of the Bank related to the matters
described above in this subparagraph 11.1. The Director further
acknowledges that he has read, understands and consents to all of the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, and that he enters into this Agreement with a fill
understanding of its terms and conditions.
11.2
Arbitration
of Disputes
. All claims, disputes and other matters in
question arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach or
interpretation thereof, other than those matters which are to be determined by
the Bank in its sole and absolute discretion, shall be resolved by binding
arbitration before a representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of
the parties, of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services,
Inc. (“JAMS”), located in San Francisco, California. In
the event JAMS is unable or unwilling to conduct the arbitration provided for
under the terms of this Paragraph, or has discontinued its business, the parties
agree that a representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of the
parties, of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), located in San
Francisco, California, shall conduct the binding arbitration referred to in this
Paragraph. Notice of the demand for arbitration shall be filed in
writing with the other party to this Agreement and with JAMS (or AAA, if
necessary). In no event shall the demand for arbitration be made
after the date when institution of legal or equitable proceedings based on such
claim, dispute or other matter in question would be barred by the applicable
statute of limitations. The arbitration shall be subject to such
rules of procedure used or established by JAMS, or if there are none, the rules
of procedure used or established by AAA. Any award rendered by JAMS
or AAA shall be final and binding upon the parties, and as applicable, their
respective heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successors and
assigns, and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. The obligation of the parties to arbitrate pursuant to this
clause shall be specifically enforceable in accordance with, and shall be
conducted consistently with, the provisions of Title 9 of Part 3 of the
California Code of Civil Procedure. Any arbitration hereunder shall
be conducted in San Jose, California, unless otherwise agreed to by the
parties.
11.3
Attorneys’
Fees
. In the event of any arbitration or litigation concerning
any controversy, claim or dispute between the parties hereto, arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or the breach hereof, or the interpretation hereof,
the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party
reasonable expenses, attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection therewith
or in the enforcement or collection of any judgment or award rendered
therein. The “prevailing party” means the party determined by the
arbitrator(s) or court, as the case may be, to have most nearly prevailed, even
if such party did not prevail in all matters, not necessarily the one in whose
favor a judgment is rendered.
11.4
Notice
. Any
notice required or permitted of either the Director or the Bank under this
Agreement shall be deemed to have been duly given, if by personal delivery, upon
the date received by the party or its authorized representative; if by
facsimile, upon transmission to a telephone number previously provided by the
party to whom the facsimile is transmitted as reflected in the records of the
party transmitting the facsimile and upon reasonable confirmation of such
transmission; and if by mail, on the third day after mailing via U.S. first
class mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid and return receipt
requested, and addressed to the party at the address given below for the receipt
of notices, or such changed address as may be requested in writing by a
party.
|
If
to the Bank:
|
Heritage
Bank of Commerce
|
|
San Jose, California 95113
|
|
Attn: Chairman of the Board
|
|
If
to the Director:
|
Louis
O. Normandin
|
|
16016
Greenwood Rd.
|
|
|
|
Monte Sereno, CA 93030
|
11.5
Assignment
. Neither
the Director, the Director’s spouse, nor any other beneficiary under this
Agreement shall have any power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate,
hypothecate, modify or otherwise encumber any part or all of the amounts payable
hereunder, nor, prior to payment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement,
shall any portion of such amounts be: (i) subject to seizure by any creditor of
any such beneficiary, by a proceeding at law or in equity, for the payment of
any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance obligations which may be
owed by the Director, the Director’s spouse, or any designated beneficiary; or
(ii) transferable by operation of law in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency or
otherwise. Any such attempted assignment or transfer shall be void
and unenforceable without the prior written consent of the Bank. The
Bank’s consent, if any, to one or more assignments or transfers shall not
obligate the Bank to consent to or be construed as the Bank’s consent to any
other or subsequent assignment or transfer.
11.6
Binding
Effect/Merger or Reorganization
. This Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Director and the Bank and, as
applicable, their respective heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives,
agents, successors and assigns. Accordingly, the Bank shall not merge
or consolidate into or with another corporation, or reorganize or sell
substantially all of its assets to another corporation, firm or person, unless
and until such succeeding or continuing corporation, firm or person agrees to
assume and discharge the obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement. Upon the occurrence of such event, the term Bank as used
in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer to such surviving or successor firm,
person, entity or corporation.
11.7
Nonwaiver
. The
failure of either party to enforce at any time or for any period of time any one
or more of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be a waiver of
such term(s) or condition(s) or of that party’s right thereafter to enforce each
and every term and condition of this Agreement
11.8
Partial
Invalidity
. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of
this Agreement is determined by an arbitrator or a court, as the case may be, to
be invalid, void, or unenforceable, such determination shall not render any
other term, provision, covenant or condition invalid, void or unenforceable, and
the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such partial
invalidity.
11.9
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement supersedes any and all other
agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement and contains all of the covenants and
agreements between the parties with respect thereto. Each party to this
Agreement acknowledges that no other representations, inducements, promises, or
agreements, oral or otherwise, have been made by any party, or anyone acting on
behalf of any party, which are not set forth herein, and that no other
agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this Agreement shall be valid
or binding on either party.
11.10
Modifications
. Any
modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and
signed by each party or such party’s authorized representative.
11.11
Paragraph
Headings
. The paragraph headings used in this Agreement are
included solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not affect or be
used in connection with the interpretation of this Agreement.
11.12
No Strict
Construction
. The language used in this Agreement shall be
deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual
intent, and no rule of strict construction will be applied against any
person.
11.13
Governing
Law
. The laws of the State of California, other than those
laws denominated choice of law rules, and, where applicable, the rules and
regulations of the California Commissioner of Financial Institutions and the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, shall govern the validity,
interpretation, construction and effect of this Agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Director have executed this Agreement on the
date first above-written in the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County,
California.
BANK
DIRECTOR
Heritage Bank Of Commerce
By:____________________________
____________________________
William J. Del
Biaggio
Louis O. Normandin
Chairman of the
Board of Directors
SCHEDULE
A
CALENDAR
YEAR
|
APPLICABLE
PERCENTAGE
|
|
|
June
8, 1994 to June 7, 1997
|
0.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1997 to June 7, 1998
|
36.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1998 to June 7, 1999
|
48.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1999 to June 7, 2000
|
60.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2000 to June 7, 2001
|
72.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2001 to June 7, 2002
|
84.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2002 and Thereafter
|
100.00%
|
See
subparagraph 1.2 of the Agreement for a definition and discussion of the
Applicable Percent age.
SCHEDULE
B
DIRECTOR
BENEFITS
1.
Director Benefits
Determination
.
The
Director Benefits shall be determined based upon the following:
a.
Benefit
Account:
A Benefit
Account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books of the
Bank for the benefit of the Director. Prior to the date on which the
Director becomes eligible to receive payments under the Agreement, such Benefit
Account shall be increased or decreased each Plan Year (including the Plan Year
in which the Director ceases to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of
the Bank) by an amount equal to the annual earnings or loss for that Plan Year
determined by the Index (described in subparagraph c below), less the
Opportunity Cost (described in subparagraph d below) for that Plan
Year.
b.
Index
Benefit
:
After the
date on which the Director becomes eligible to receive payments under the
Agreement, the Index Benefit for the Director for any Plan Year shall be
determined by subtracting the Opportunity Cost for that Plan Year from the
earnings, if any, established by the Index.
c.
Index:
The Index
for any Plan Year shall be the aggregate annual after-tax income from the life
insurance contracts described hereinafter as defined by FASB Technical Bulletin
85-4. This Index shall be applied as if such insurance contracts were
purchased on the Effective Date.
Insurance
Company: Canada Life Assurance Company/US2650634
American
General Life Insurance Company/CM000075SL
If such
contracts of life insurance are actually purchased by the Bank, then the actual
policies as of the dates purchased shall be used in calculations to determine
the Index and Opportunity Cost. If such contracts of life insurance
are not purchased or are subsequently surrendered or lapsed, then the Bank shall
receive and use annual policy illustrations that assume the above described
policies were purchased from the above named insurance company(ies) on the
Effective Date to calculate the amount of the Index and Opportunity
Cost.
d.
Opportunity
Cost
:
The
Opportunity Cost for any Plan Year shall be calculated by multiplying (a) the
sum of (i) the total amount of premiums set forth in the insurance policies
described above, (ii) the amount of any Index Benefit (described at subparagraph
b above), and (iii) the amount of all previous years after-tax Opportunity
Costs; by (b) the average annualized after-tax cost of funds calculated using a
one-year U.S. Treasury Bill as published in the Wall Street
Journal. The applicable tax rate used to calculate the Opportunity
Cost shall be the Bank’s marginal tax rate until the Director’s Retirement, or
other termination of service (including a Change in
Control). Thereafter, the Opportunity Cost shall be calculated with
the assumption of a marginal forty-two percent (42%) corporate tax rate each
year regardless of whether the actual marginal tax rate of the Bank is higher or
lower.
EXAMPLE
INDEX
BENEFITS
[n]
End
of
Year
|
[A]
Cash
Surrender
Value
of Life
Insurance
Policy
|
[B]
Index
[Annual
Policy IncomeA
n
-A
n-1
]
|
[C]
Opportunity
Cost
A
0
=
premium
A
0
+C
n-1
x.05x
(1-42%)
|
[D]
Annual
Benefit
B-C
|
Cumulative
Benefit
D+D
n-1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
$1,000,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
$1,050,000
|
$50,000
|
$29,000
|
$21,000
|
$21,000
|
2
|
$1,102,500
|
$52,500
|
$29,841
|
$22,659
|
$43,659
|
3
|
$1,157,625
|
$55,125
|
$30,706
|
$24,419
|
$68,078
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumptions: Initial
Insurance = $1,000,000
Effective Tax Rate =
42%
One Year US Treasury Yield =
5%
|
2.
D
irector Benefits
Payments
.
The
Director shall be entitled to payment of the Applicable Percentage of (i) the
balance in the Benefit Account in installments upon the terms as specified in
the Agreement, and (ii) the Index Benefit for each Plan Year payable in
installments until the Director’s death.
SCHEDULE
C
BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION
To the
Administrator of the Heritage Bank of Commerce Director Indexed Compensation
Benefits Agreement:
Pursuant
to the Provisions of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement with
Heritage Bank of Commerce, permitting the designation of a beneficiary or
beneficiaries by a participant, I hereby designate the following persons and
entities as primary and secondary beneficiaries of any benefit under said
Agreement payable by reason of my death:
Primary
Beneficiary
:
_________________________
_____________________________
____________________
Name
Address
Relationship
Secondary
(Contingent) Beneficiary
:
_________________________
______________________________
______________________
Name
Address
Relationship
THE
RIGHT TO REVOKE OR CHANGE ANY BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION IS HEREBY
RESERVED. ALL PRIOR DESIGNATIONS, IF ANY, OF PRIMARY BENEFICIARIES
AND SECONDARY BENEFICIARIES ARE HEREBY REVOKED.
The
Administrator shall pay all sums payable under the Agreement by reason of my
death to the Primary Beneficiary, if he or she survives me, and if no Primary
Beneficiary shall survive me, then to the Secondary Beneficiary, and if no named
beneficiary survives me, then the Administrator shall pay all amounts in
accordance with the terms of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits
Agreement. In the event that a named beneficiary survives me and dies
prior to receiving the entire benefit payable under said Agreement, then and in
that event, the remaining unpaid benefit payable according to the terms of my
Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement shall be payable to the
personal representatives of the estate of said beneficiary who survived me but
died prior to receiving the total benefit provided by my Director Indexed
Compensation Benefits Agreement.
Dated: June ___,
1997
______________________________
Louis O. Normandin
CONSENT
OF THE DIRECTOR’S SPOUSE
TO
THE ABOVE BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION:
I,
______________ being the spouse of Louis O. Normandin, after being afforded the
opportunity to consult with independent counsel of my choosing, do hereby
acknowledge that I have read, agree and consent to the foregoing Beneficiary
Designation which relates to the Director Indexed Compensation Benefits
Agreement entered into by my spouse effective as of June 19, 1997. I
understand that the above Beneficiary Designation may affect certain rights
which I may have in the benefits provided for under the terms of the Director
Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement and in which I may have a marital
property interest.
Dated:
June 30, 1997.
|
|
|
|
____________________________
|
|
____________________________
|
Type/Print
Name
|
SCHEDULE
D
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTION
Pursuant
to the Provisions of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement with
Heritage Bank of Commerce, I hereby elect to have any distribution of the
balance in my Benefit Account paid to me in installments as designated
below:
|
______
|
thirty-six
(36) monthly installments with the amount of each installment determined
as of each installment date by dividing the entire amount in my Benefit
Account by the number of installments then remaining to be paid, with the
final installment to be the entire remaining balance in the Benefit
Account.
|
|
______
|
sixty
(60) monthly installments with the amount of each installment determined
as of each installment date by dividing the entire amount in my Benefit
Account by the number of installments then remaining to be paid, with the
final installment to be the entire remaining balance in the Benefit
Account.
|
|
______
|
one
hundred twenty (120) monthly installments with the amount of each
installment determined as of each installment date by dividing the entire
amount in my Benefit Account by the number of installments then remaining
to be paid, with the final installment to be the entire remaining balance
in the Benefit Account.
|
|
______
|
one
hundred eighty (180) monthly installments with the amount of each
installment determined as of each installment date by dividing the entire
amount in my Benefit Account by the number of installments then remaining
to be paid, with the final installment to be the entire remaining balance
in the Benefit Account.
|
Dated:
June _____, 1997
Signed:_____________________________
Louis O.
Normandin
Exhibit 10.28
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
DIRECTOR INDEXED
COMPENSATION BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Amendment, made and entered into by and between Heritage Bank of Commerce, a
bank chartered under the laws of the State of California (the “Bank”), and Jack
L. Peckham, an individual residing in the State of California (the “Director”),
amends certain provisions of the Director Indexed Compensation Benefits
Agreement dated June 19, 1997 between the Bank and the Director (the Agreement)
for the purposes set forth hereinafter.
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
the Bank’s accountants, Deloitte & Touche LLP, have notified the Bank of a
change in the accounting treatment accorded to the Index Benefits under the
Agreement, which increases the benefits expense to the Bank;
WHEREAS,
the Bank and the Director have agreed to delete the Index Benefits and
substitute a defined benefit payable during the Directors life in order to (a)
reduce the benefit expense increase caused by the change in accounting
treatment, and (b) maintain, to the extent feasible, a benefit entitlement which
is substantially equivalent, but mot in excess of the projected Index Benefits
under the Agreement; and
WHEREAS,
it is the intent of the Bank and the Director that this Amendment be effective
as of October 21, 1999, and except as amended herein, the terms and conditions
of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by the Director in
the future, as well as the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the
Bank and the Director agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1.
The
Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
a.
The terms
“Index”, “Indexed” and “Index Benefit”, whether plural or singular, and all
references to payments related thereto as set forth in the Agreement and
Schedules thereto, are hereby deleted.
b.
All
provisions in the Agreement which refer in any manner to payment or distribution
of Director Benefits following the Directors death to a “beneficiary” or
“designated beneficiary”, “Surviving Spouse' or “spouse”, “qualified personal
representative”, “executor”, “administrator”, or “Director's estate”, along with
any definitions of such terms, and Schedule C, are hereby deleted.
c.
The
portion of subparagraphs 3.1, 3.2, and 4.2 which reads as follows: “...payable
(i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the
Benefit Account and (ii) until the Director's death in the case of the Index
Benefit defined in Schedule “B”, is hereby deleted from each such subparagraph
and a period inserted in lieu of the comma at the end of the text remaining
after such deletions.
d.
The term
“Employer” used in subparagraphs 3.2, 5.1, 5.2 and 5.4 is amended to read
“Bank”.
e.
The last
sentence of subparagraphs 5.1, 5,2, and 5.4 which reads as follows: “The
installments shall be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in
the case of the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the Executive's
death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”, is hereby
deleted from each such subparagraph.
f.
Subparagraphs
3.3 and 4.1 are hereby deleted and subparagraph 4.2 is substituted in lieu of
Paragraph 4.
g.
An
amended Schedule B in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and incorporated
herein by this reference replaces and supersedes the prior Schedule B in the
Agreement.
h.
Schedule
D is hereby deleted.
i.
All
references to provisions of the Agreement which have been amended hereby are
themselves hereby amended to conform to such amended provisions.
j.
Except as
amended hereby, the Agreement remains in full force and effect as of the date
thereof.
BANK
DIRECTOR
HERITAGE
BANK OF
COMMERCE
By:____________________________
____________________________
John E.
Rossell III Jack
L. Peckham
President and CEO
Dated: _____________, 2003
Dated: _______________, 2003
SPOUSAL
CONSENT
I,
Gayanne T. Peckham, being the spouse of Jack L. Peckham, after being afforded
the opportunity to consult with independent counsel of my choosing, do hereby
acknowledge that I have read, agree and consent to the foregoing Amendment No. I
to the Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement between the Bank and my
spouse. I understand that Amendment No. I to the Agreement may affect certain
rights which I may have in the benefits provided for under the terms of the
Agreement and in which I may have a marital property interest.
Dated: ______________, 2000
_______________________________
Gayanne T.
Peckham
SCHEDULE
B
DIRECTOR
BENEFITS
a. A
benefit account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books
of the Bank for the benefit of the Director. The Director Benefits shall be
credited to the benefit account in an amount equal to One Thousand Dollars
($1,000.00) per year for each year of service as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Bank. The amount of Director Benefits payable under the
Agreement shall be increased at the rate of two percent (2%) each year from the
date of commencement of payments of the Director Benefits until the death of the
Director.
b. If
the Director elects Early Retirement, the Applicable Percentage of the Director
Benefits shall be decreased by a percentage calculated by subtracting the
Director's age at Early Retirement from the normal Retirement age of 62, and
multiplying the result by a factor of five, For example, assuming the Applicable
Percentage is 100%, a 35% reduction of the Director Benefits would occur if the
Director's Early Retirement age is 55, based on the following calculation:
62-55=7x5=35%.
DIRECTOR INDEXED
COMPENSATION BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Agreement is made and entered into effective as of June 19, 1997 by and
between Heritage Bank of Commerce, a bank chartered under the laws of the State
of California (the “Bank”), and Jack L. Peckham, an individual residing in
the State of California (the “Director”).
R E C I T A L
S
WHEREAS,
the Director is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and has served in
such capacity since June 8, 1994, the approximate date of the Banks
organization;
WHEREAS,
the Bank desires to establish a compensation benefit for directors who are not
also officers or employees of the Bank in order to attract and retain
individuals with extensive and valuable experience as directors;
and
WHEREAS,
the Director and the Bank wish to specify in writing the terms and conditions
upon which this additional compensatory incentive will be provided to the
Director, or to the Director’s spouse or designated beneficiaries, as the case
may be.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by the Director in
the future, as well as the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the
Director and the Bank agree as follows:
A G R E E M E N
T
1.
Terms and
Definitions
.
1.1
Administrator
. The
Bank shall be the “Administrator” and, solely for the purposes of ERISA as
defined in subparagraph 1.10 below, the “fiduciary’ of this Agreement where
a fiduciary is required by ERISA.
1.2
Applicable
Percentage
. The term “Applicable Percentage” shall mean that percentage
adjacent to a calendar period listed on Schedule “A” attached hereto, which
percentage shall remain in effect until an adjustment occurs on each succeeding
calendar period during the term of service as a member of the Board of Directors
of the Bank, Notwithstanding the foregoing or the percentages set forth on
Schedule “A,” but subject to all other terms and conditions set forth herein,
the “Applicable Percentage” shall be: (i) provided payments have not yet begun
hereunder, one hundred percent (100%) upon termination of service described in
subparagraph 5.4 pursuant to a “Change in Control” as defined in subparagraph
1.4 below, or the Director’s death, or Disability as defined in subparagraph 1.6
below, which death or Disability occurs prior to termination of service; and
(ii) notwithstanding subclause (i) of this subparagraph 1.2, zero percent
(0%) in the event the Director takes any intentional action which prevents the
Bank from collecting the proceeds of any life insurance policy which the Bank
may happen to own at the time of the Surrogate’s death and of which the Bank is
the designated beneficiary. Furthermore, notwithstanding the foregoing or
anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event the Director
takes any intentional action which prevents the Bank from collecting the
proceeds of any life insurance policy which the Bank may happen to own at the
time of the Surrogate’s death and of which the Bank is the designated
beneficiary: (1) the Director’s estate or designated beneficiary shall no longer
be entitled to receive any of the amounts payable under the terms of this
Agreement, and (2) the Bank shall have the right to recover from the Director’s
estate all of the amounts paid to the Director’s estate (with respect to amounts
paid prior to the Surrogate’s death or paid to the Director’s estate) or
designated beneficiary (with respect to amounts paid to the designated
beneficiary) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement prior to and after the
Surrogates death.
1.3
Beneficiary
. The term
“beneficiary” or “designated beneficiary” shall mean the person or persons whom
the Director shall designate in a valid Beneficiary Designation, a copy of which
is attached hereto as Schedule “C,” to receive the benefits provided hereunder.
A Beneficiary Designation shall be valid only if it is in the form attached
hereto and made a part hereof, completed and signed by the Director and is
received by the Administrator prior to the Director’s death.
1.4
Change in Control
.
The term “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following
events with respect to the Bank (with the term “Bank” being defined for purposes
of determining whether a “Change in Control” has occurred to include any parent
bank holding company organized at the direction of the Bank to own 100% of the
Bank’s outstanding common stock): (i) a change in control of a nature that would
be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of
Regulation I 4A promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the “Exchange Act”), or in response to any other form or report to the
regulatory agencies or governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the
Bank or any stock exchange on which the Bank’s shares are listed which requires
the reporting of a change in control; (ii) any merger, consolidation or
reorganization of the Bank in which the Bank does not survive; (iii) any sale,
lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one
transaction or a series of transactions) of any assets of the Bank having an
aggregate fair market value of fifty percent (50%) of the total value of the
assets of the Bank, reflected in the most recent balance sheet of the Bank; (iv)
a transaction whereby any “person” (as such term is used in the Exchange Act) or
any individual, corporation, partnership, trust or any other entity becomes the
beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Bank representing
twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined voting power of the Bank’s
then outstanding securities; or (v) a situation where, in any one-year period,
individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of
Directors of the Bank cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority
thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election by the Bank’s
shareholders, of each new director is approved by a vote of at least
three-quarters (3/4) of the directors then still in office who were directors at
the beginning of the period.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing or anything else contained herein to the contrary, there shall not
be a ‘Change of Control” for purposes of this Agreement if the event which would
otherwise come within the meaning of the term “Change of Control” involves (i) a
reorganization at the direction of the Bank solely to Loan a parent bank holding
company which owns 100% of the Bank’s common stock following the reorganization,
or (ii) an Employee Stock Ownership Plan sponsored by the Bank or its parent
holding company which is the party that acquires “control” or is the principal
participant in the transaction constituting a “Change in Control,” as described
above.
1.5
The Code
. The “Code”
shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code’).
1.6
Disability/Disabled
.
The term “Disability” or “Disabled” shall mean bodily injury or disease (mental
or physical) which wholly and continuously prevents the performance of duty for
at least three months including, without limitation, the total irrecoverable
loss of the sight in both eyes or the loss by severance of both hands at or
above the wrist or of both feet at or above the ankle or of one hand at or above
the wrist and one foot at or above the ankle.
1.7
Director Benefits
.
The term “Director Benefits” shall mean the benefits determined in accordance
with Schedule “B”, and reduced to the extent: (i) required under the other
provisions of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, Paragraphs 5, 6 and
7 hereof; (ii) required by reason of the lawful order of any regulatory agency
or body having jurisdiction over the Bank; or (iii) required in order for the
Bank to properly comply with any and all applicable state and federal laws,
including, but not limited to, income, employment and disability income tax laws
(e.g., RCA, FUTA, SDI).
1.8
Early Retirement
Date
. The term “Early Retirement Date” shall mean the
Retirement, as defined below, of the Director on a date which occurs prior to
the Director attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, but after the Director has
attained fifty-five (55) years of age.
1.9
Effective Date
. The
term ‘Effective Date” shall mean the date first written above.
1.10
ERISA
. The term
“ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
1.11
Plan Year
. The term
“Plan Year” shall mean the Bank’s fiscal year.
1.12
Removal for Cause
.
The term “removal for cause” shall mean termination of a Director’s service as a
member of the Board of Directors of the Bank by reason of any of the
following:
(a)
The
willful breach or habitual neglect by the Director of his responsibilities and
duties;
(b)
The
Director’s deliberate violation of (i) any state or federal banking or
securities laws, or of the Bylaws, rules, policies or resolutions of the Bank,
or (ii) the rules or regulations of the California Commissioner of Financial
Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other regulatory
agency or governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, which has a
material adverse effect upon the Bank;
(c)
The
determination by a state or federal court, banking agency or other governmental
authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, that the Director (1) is of unsound
mind, or (ii) has committed a gross abuse of authority or discretion with
reference to the Bank, or (iii) otherwise is not suitable to continue to serve
as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank;
(d)
The
Director’s conviction of any felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or a
fraudulent or dishonest act; or
(e)
The
Director’s disclosure without authority of any secret or confidential
information not otherwise publicly available concerning the Bank or taking any
action which the Bank’s Board of Directors determines, in its sole discretion
and subject to good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, constitutes unfair
competition with or inducement of any customer to breach any contract with the
Bank.
1.13
Retirement
. The
term “Retirement’ or “Retires” shall refer to the date which the Director
acknowledges in writing to the Bank to be the last day of service as a member of
the Board of Directors of the Bank.
1.14
Surrogate
. The term
“Surrogate” shall mean the individual selected as a substitute insured for
purposes related to any insurance policy applicable to this
Agreement.
1.15
Surviving Spouse
. The
term “Surviving Spouse” shall mean the person, if any, who shall be legally
married to the Director on the date of the Director’s death.
2.
Scope, Purpose and
Effect
.
2.1
Contract of
Employment
. Although this Agreement is intended to provide the Director
with an additional incentive to continue to serve as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Bank, this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a
contract of employment between the Director and the Bank nor shall any provision
of this Agreement restrict the right of the Bank to remove or cause the removal
of the Director including, without limitation, by (i) refusal to nominate the
Director for election for any successive tem of office as a member of the Board
of Directors of the Bank, or (ii) complying with an order or other directive
from a court of competent jurisdiction or any regulatory authority having
jurisdiction over the Bank which requires the Bank to take action to remove the
Director.
2.2
Fringe
Benefit
. The benefits provided by this Agreement are granted
by the Bank as a fringe benefit to the Director and are not a part of any salary
reduction plan or any arrangement deferring a bonus or a salary increase. The
Director has no option to take any current payments or bonus in lieu of the
benefits provided by this Agreement.
3.
Payments Upon Early
Retirement or Retirement and After Retirement
.
3.1
Payments Upon Early
Retirement
. The Director shall have the right to Retire from the Board of
Directors on a date which constitutes an Early Retirement Date as defined in
subparagraph 1.8 above. In the event the Director elects to Retire on a date
which constitutes an Early Retirement Date, the Director shall be entitled to be
paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal
monthly installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month
following the month in which the Early Retirement Date occurs or upon such later
date as may be mutually agreed upon by the Director and the Bank in advance of
said Early Retirement Date, payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D
in the case of the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until death in the
case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
3.2
Payments Upon
Retirement
. If the Director shall continue to serve as a member of the
Board of Directors until attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, the Director
shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits,
in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
beginning with the month following the month in which the Director Retires or
upon such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by the Director and the
Employer in advance of said Retirement date, payable (i) for the period
designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the Benefit Account and
(ii) until death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”. At
the Bank’s sole and absolute discretion, the Bank may increase the Director
Benefits as and when the Bank determines the same to be
appropriate.
3.3
Payments In the Event of
Death Alter Retirement
.
(a)
The Bank
agrees that if the Director Retires, but shall die before receiving all of the
Director Benefits Payments to which he may be entitled specified in Schedule
“B”, and provided that the Surrogate is alive at the date of the Director’s
death, the Bank will pay to the Director’s designated beneficiary the balance,
if any, of the Benefit Account and up to fifteen (15) Index Benefit installment
payments in the amounts which would otherwise be paid to the Director if still
alive, minus the number of Index Benefit installment payments made to the
Director after Retirement and prior to his death. Upon the death of the
Surrogate, such installment payments shall cease whether or not any unpaid
portion of the fifteen (15) installment payments shall remain
unpaid.
(b)
If a
valid Beneficiary Designation is not in effect, then all payments described
above in subparagraph 3.3 (a) shall be paid to the Director’s Surviving Spouse.
If the Director leaves no Surviving Spouse, the remaining amounts due to the
Director under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid to the duly qualified
personal representative, executor or administrator of the Director’s
estate.
4.
Payments in the Event Death
or Disability Occurs Prior to Retirement
.
4.1
Payments in the Event of
Death Prior to Retirement
.
(a)
The Bank
agrees that if the Director shall die before Retirement and provided that the
Surrogate is alive at the date of the Director’s death, the Bank will pay to the
Director’s designated beneficiary the balance, if any, of the Benefit Account
and up to fifteen (15) Index Benefit installment payments in the amounts which
would otherwise be paid to the Director if alive following Retirement. Upon the
death of the Surrogate, such installment payments shall cease whether or not any
unpaid, portion of such fifteen (15) installment payments shall remain
unpaid.
(b)
If a
valid Beneficiary Designation is not in effect, then all payments described
above in subparagraph 4.1(a) shall be paid to the Director’s Surviving Spouse.
If the Director leaves no Surviving Spouse, the remaining amounts due to the
Director under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid to the duly qualified
personal representative, executor or administrator of the Director’s
estate.
4.2
Payments in the Event of
Disability Prior to Retirement
. In the event the Director becomes
Disabled at any time after the Effective Date of this Agreement but prior to
Retirement, the Director shall be entitled to the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director becomes Disabled, payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D”
in the case of the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until the earlier of
the death of the Surrogate or the Director in the case of the Index Benefit
defined in Schedule “B”.
5.
Payments in the Event
Employment Is Terminated Prior to Retirement
. As indicated in
subparagraph 2.1 above, the Bank reserves the right to remove or cause the
removal of the Director under certain circumstances, at any time prior to the
Director’s Retirement. In the event that the service of the Director shall be
terminated, other than by reason of death, Disability or Retirement, prior to
the Director’s attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, then this Agreement shall
terminate upon the date of such termination; provided, however, that the
Director shall be entitled to the following benefits as may be applicable
depending upon the circumstances surrounding the Director’s
termination;
5.1
Termination Without
Cause
. If the Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of
the Bank is terminated for reasons other than as specified in paragraph 5.3
below, and such termination is not subject to the provisions of subparagraph 5.4
below, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of
the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first
day of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director attains fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter, as
requested in writing by the Director and delivered to the Employer or its
successor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of installment payments;
provided, however, that in the event the Director does not request a
commencement date as specified, such installments shall be paid on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director attains sixty-two (62) years of age. The installments shall be payable
(i) for the period designated in Schedule ‘V” in the case of the balance in the
Benefit Account and (ii) until death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in
Schedule “B”.
5.2
Voluntary Termination by the
Director
. If the Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors
of the Bank is terminated by voluntary resignation, and such resignation is not
subject to the provisions of subparagraphs 5.3 or 5.4 below, the Director shall
be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in
substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
beginning with the month following the month in which the Director attains
fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter, as requested in writing by
the Director and delivered to the Employer or its successor thirty (30) days
prior to the commencement of installment payments; provided, however, that in
the event the Director does not request a commencement date as specified, such
installments shall be paid on the first day of each month, beginning with the
month following the month in which the Director attains sixty-two (62) years of
age. The installments shall be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule
“D” in the case of the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until death in
the case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
5.3
Termination by Removal for
Cause
. The Director agrees that if his service as a member of the Board
of Directors of the Bank is terminated by “removal for cause,” as defined in
subparagraph 1.12 of this Agreement, the Director shall forfeit any and all
rights and benefits the Director may have under the terms of this Agreement and
shall have no right to be paid any of the amounts which would otherwise be due
or paid to the Director by the Bank pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement.
5.4
Termination by the Bank on
Account of or After a Change in Control
. In the event that the Director’s
service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated in
conjunction with, or by reason of, a “Change in Control”, the Director shall be
entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in
substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
beginning with the month following the month in which the Director attains
fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter, as requested in writing by
the Director and delivered to the Employer or its successor thirty (30) days
prior to the commencement of installment payments; provided, however, that in
the event the Director does not request a commencement date as specified, such
installments shall be paid on the first day of each month, beginning with the
month following the month in which the Director attains sixty-two (62) years of
age. The installments shall be payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule
“0” in the case f the balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until death in the
case of the Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”.
6.
Section 280G Benefits
Reduction
. The Director acknowledges and agrees that the parties have
entered into this Agreement based upon certain financial and tax accounting
assumptions. Accordingly, with full knowledge of the potential consequences the
Director agrees that notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary,
in the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by the
Director, whether payable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other
plan, arrangement or agreement with the Bank (together with the Director
Benefits, the “Total Payments’), will not be deductible (in whole or in part) as
a result of Code Section 280G or other applicable provisions of the Code, the
Total Payments shall be reduced until no portion of the Total Payments is
nondeductible as a result of Section 280G or such other applicable provisions of
the Code. For purposes of this limitation:
(a)
No
portion of the Total Payments, the receipt or enjoyment of which the Director
shall have effectively waived in writing prior to the date of payment of any
future Director Benefits payments, shall be taken into account;
(b)
No
portion of the Total Payments shall be taken into account, which in the opinion
of the tax counsel selected by the Bank and acceptable to the Director, does not
constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the
Code;
(c)
Any
reduction of the Total Payments shall be applied to reduce any payment or
benefit received or to be received by the Director pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement and any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Bank in the
order determined by mutual agreement of the Bank and the Director;
(d)
Future
payments shall be reduced only to the extent necessary so that the Total
Payments (other than those referred to in clauses (a) or (b) above in their
entirety) constitute reasonable compensation for services actually rendered
within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, in the opinion of tax counsel
referred to in clause (b) above; and
(e)
The value
of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Total
Payments shall be determined by independent auditors selected by the Bank and
acceptable to the Director in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of
the Code.
7.
Right To Determine Funding
Methods
. The Bank reserves the right to determine, in its sole and
absolute discretion, whether, to what extent and by what method, if any, to
provide for the payment of the amounts which may be payable to the Director, the
Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiaries under the terms of this
Agreement. In the event that the Bank elects to fluid this Agreement, in whole
or in part, through the use of life insurance or annuities, or both, the Bank
shall determine the ownership and beneficial interests of any such policy of
life insurance or annuity. The Bank further reserves the right, in its sole and
absolute discretion, to terminate any such policy, and any other device used to
fluid its obligations under this Agreement, at any time, in whole or in part.
Consistent with Paragraph 9 below, neither the Director, the Director’s spouse
nor the Director’s beneficiaries shall have any right, title or interest in or
to any finding source or amount utilized by the Bank pursuant to this Agreement,
and any such funding source or amount shall not constitute security for the
performance of the Bank’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement. In connection
with the foregoing, the Director agrees to execute such documents and undergo
such medical examinations or tests which the Bank may request and which may be
reasonably necessary to facilitate any funding for this Agreement including,
without limitation, the Bank’s acquisition of any policy of insurance or
annuity. Furthermore, a refusal by the Director to consent to, participate in
and undergo any such medical examinations or tests shall result in the immediate
termination of this Agreement and the immediate forfeiture by the Director, the
Director’s spouse and the Director’s beneficiaries of any and all rights to
payment hereunder.
8.
Claims Procedure
. The
Bank shall, but only to the extent necessary to comply with ERISA, be designated
as the named fiduciary under this Agreement and shall have authority to control
and manage the operation and administration of this Agreement. Consistent
therewith, the Bank shall make all determinations as to the rights to benefits
under this Agreement. Any decision by the Bank denying a claim by the Director,
the Director’s spouse, or the Director’s beneficiary for benefits under this
Agreement shall be stated in writing and delivered or mailed, via registered or
certified mail, to the Director, the Director’s spouse or the Director’s
beneficiary, as the ease may be. Such decision shall set forth the specific
reasons for the denial of a claim. In addition, the Bank shall provide the
Director, the Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiary with a reasonable
opportunity for a hill and fair review of the decision denying such
claim.
9.
Status as an Unsecured
General Creditor
. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the
contrary: (i) neither the Director, the Director’s spouse or the Director’s
designated beneficiaries shall have any legal or equitable rights, interests or
claims in or to any specific property or assets of the Bank as a result of this
Agreement; (ii) none of the Bank’s assets shall be held in or under any trust
for the benefit of the Director, the Director’s spouse or the Director’s
designated beneficiaries or held in any way as security for the fulfillment of
the obligations of the Bank under this Agreement; (iii) all of the Bank’s assets
shall be and remain the general unpledged and unrestricted assets of the Bank;
(iv) the Bank’s obligation under this Agreement shall be that of an unfunded and
unsecured promise by the Bank to pay money in the future; and (v) the Director,
the Director’s spouse and the Director’s designated beneficiaries shall be
unsecured general creditors with respect to any benefits which may be payable
under the terms of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding
subparagraphs (i) through (v) above, the Bank and the Director acknowledge and
agree that upon request of the Director at anytime during the term of this
Agreement, a Rabbi Trust (the “Trust”) shall be established upon such terms and
conditions as may be mutually agreeable between the Bank and the Director and
that it is the intention of the Bank to make contributions and/or transfer
assets to the Trust in order to discharge its obligations pursuant to this
Agreement. The principal of the Trust and any earnings thereon shall be held
separate and apart from other funds of the Bank to be used exclusively for
discharge of the Bank’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement and shall
continue to be subject to the claims of the Bank’s general creditors until paid
to the Director or its beneficiaries in such manner and at such times as
specified in this Agreement.
10.
Discretion of Board to
Accelerate Payout
. Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of this
Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Bank may, if determined in its sole and
absolute discretion to be appropriate, accelerate the payment of the amounts due
under the terms of this Agreement, provided that Director (or Director’s spouse
or designated beneficiaries): (i) consents to the revised payout terms
determined appropriate by the Bank’s Board of Directors; and (ii) does not
negotiate or in anyway influence the terms of proposed altered/accelerated
payout (said decision to be made solely by the Bank’s Board of Directors and
offered to the Director [or Director’s spouse or designated beneficiaries] on a
“take it or leave it basis”).
11.
Miscellaneous
.
11.1
Opportunity To Consult With
Independent Advisors
. The Director acknowledges that he has been afforded
the opportunity to consult with independent advisors of his choosing including,
without limitation, accountants or tax advisors and counsel regarding both the
benefits granted to him under the terms of this Agreement and the (i) terms and
conditions which may affect the Director’s right to these benefits and (ii)
personal tax effects of such benefits including, without limitation, the effects
of any federal or state taxes, Section 2800 of the Code, and any other taxes,
costs, expenses or liabilities whatsoever related to such benefits, which in any
of the foregoing instances the Director acknowledges and agrees shall be the
sole responsibility of the Director notwithstanding any other tent or provision
of this Agreement. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that the Bank
shall have no liability whatsoever related to any such personal tax effects or
other personal costs, expenses, or liabilities applicable to the Director and
further specifically waives any right for himself or herself, and his or her
heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns to
claim or assert liability on the part of the Bank related to the matters
described above in this subparagraph 11.1. The Director further acknowledges
that he has read, understands and consents to all of the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, and that he enters into this Agreement with a full understanding
of its tents and conditions.
11.2
Arbitration of
Disputes
. All claims, disputes and other matters in question arising out
of or relating to this Agreement or the breach or interpretation thereof, other
than those matters which are to be determined by the Bank in its sole and
absolute discretion, shall be resolved by binding arbitration before a
representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of the parties, of the
Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”), located in San
Francisco, California. In the event JAMS is unable or unwilling to conduct the
arbitration provided for under the terms of this Paragraph, pr has discontinued
its business, the parties agree that a representative member, selected by the
mutual agreement of the parties, of the American Arbitration Association
(“AAA”), located in San Francisco, California, shall conduct the binding
arbitration referred to in this Paragraph. Notice of the demand for arbitration
shall be filed in writing with the other party to this Agreement and with JAMS
(or AAA, if necessary). In no event shall the demand for arbitration be made
after the date when institution of legal or equitable proceedings based on such
claim, dispute or other matter in question would be barred by the applicable
statute of limitations. The arbitration shall be subject to such rules of
procedure used or established by JAMS, or if there are none, the rules of
procedure used or established by AAA. Any award rendered by JAMS or AAA shall be
final and binding upon the parties, and as applicable, theft respective heirs
beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns, and may be
entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The obligation of the parties
to arbitrate pursuant to this clause shall be specifically enforceable in
accordance with, and shall be conducted consistently with, the provisions of
Title 9 of Part 3 of the California Code of Civil Procedure. Any arbitration
hereunder shall be conducted in San Jose, California, unless otherwise agreed to
by the parties.
11.3
Attorneys’ Fees
. In
the event of any arbitration or litigation concerning any controversy, claim or
dispute between the parties hereto, arising out of or relating to this Agreement
or the breach hereof, or the interpretation hereof, the prevailing party shall
be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party reasonable expenses,
attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection therewith or in the enforcement
or collection of any judgment or award rendered therein. The “prevailing party”
means the party determined by the arbitrator(s) or court, as the case may be, to
have most nearly prevailed, even if such party did not prevail in all matters,
not necessarily the one in whose favor a judgment is rendered.
11.4
Notice
. Any notice
required or permitted of either the Director or the Bank under this Agreement
shall be deemed to have been duly given, if by personal delivery, upon the date
received by the party or its authorized representative; if by facsimile, upon
transmission to a telephone number previously provided by the party to whom the
facsimile is transmitted as reflected in the records of the party transmitting
the facsimile and upon reasonable confirmation of such transmission; and if by
mail, on the third day after mailing via U.S. first class mail, registered or
certified, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, and addressed to the
party at the address given below for the receipt of notices, or such changed
address as may be requested in writing by a party.
If to the
Bank: Heritage
Commerce Corp
150 Almaden
Boulevard
San Jose,
California 95113
Attn: President
If to the
Director: ____________________
___________________
___________________
11.5
Assignment
. Neither
the Director, the Directors spouse, nor any other beneficiary under this
Agreement shall have any power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate,
hypothecate, modify or otherwise encumber any part or all of the amounts payable
hereunder, nor,, prior to payment in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, shall any portion of such amounts be: (i) subject to seizure by any
creditor of any such beneficiary, by a proceeding at law or in equity, for the
payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance obligations
which may be owed by the Director, the Director’s spouse, or any designated
beneficiary; or (ii) transferable by operation of law in the event of
bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise. Any such attempted assignment or transfer
shall be void and unenforceable without the prior written consent of the Bank.
The Bank’s consent, if any, to one or more assignments or transfers shall not
obligate the Bank to consent to or be construed as the Bank’s consent to any
other or subsequent assignment or transfer.
11.6
Binding Effect/Merger or
Reorganization
. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
to the benefit of the Director and the Bank and, as applicable, their respective
heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns.
Accordingly, the Bank shall not merge or consolidate into or with another
corporation, or reorganize or sell substantially all of its assets to another
corporation, firm or person, unless and until such succeeding or continuing
corporation, firm or person agrees to assume and discharge the obligations of
the Bank under this Agreement. Upon the occurrence of such event, the term
“Bank” as used in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer to such surviving or
successor firm, person, entity or corporation.
11.7
Nonwaiver
. The
failure of either party to enforce at any time or for any period of time any one
or more of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be a waiver of
such term(s) or condition(s) or of that party’s right thereafter to enforce each
and every term and condition of this Agreement
11.8
Partial Invalidity
.
If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of this Agreement is determined
by an arbitrator or a court, as the case may be, to be invalid, void, or
unenforceable, such determination shall not render any other term; provision,
covenant or condition invalid, void or unenforceable, and the Agreement shall
remain in ±1111 force and effect notwithstanding such partial
invalidity.
11.9
Entire Agreement
.
This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in
writing, between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this
Agreement and contains all of the covenants and agreements between the parties
with respect thereto. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no other
representations, inducements, promises, or agreements, oral or otherwise, have
been made by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not
set forth herein, and that no other agreement, statement, or promise not
contained in this Agreement shall be valid or binding on either
party.
11.10
Modifications
. Any
modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and
signed by each party or such party’s authorized representative.
11.11
Paragraph Headings
.
The paragraph headings used in this Agreement are included solely for the
convenience of the parties and shall not affect or be used in connection with
the interpretation of this Agreement.
11.12
No Strict
Construction
. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be
the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no
rule of strict construction will be applied against any person.
11.13
Governing Law
. The
laws of the State of California, other than those laws denominated choice of law
rules, and, where applicable, the rules and regulations of the California
Commissioner of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, shall govern the validity, interpretation, construction and effect
of this Agreement.
11.14
No Strict
Construction
. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be
the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no
rule of strict construction will be applied against any person.
11.15
Governing Law
. The
laws of the State of California, other than those laws denominated choice of law
rules, and, where applicable, the rules and regulations of the California
Commissioner of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, shall govern the validity, interpretation, construction and effect
of this Agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Director have executed this Agreement on the
date first above-written in the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County,
California.
BANK
DIRECTOR
Heritage Bank Of Commerce
By: ____________________________
_____________________________
William J. Del Biaggio, Jr.
Jack L. Peckham
Chairman of the Board of
Directors
SCHEDULE
A
CALENDAR
YEAR
|
APPLICABLE
PERCENTAGE
|
|
|
June
8, 1994 to June 7, 1997
|
0.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1997 to June 7, 1998
|
36.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1998 to June 7, 1999
|
48.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1999 to June 7, 2000
|
60.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2000 to June 7, 2001
|
72.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2001 to June 7, 2002
|
84.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2002 and Thereafter
|
100.00%
|
See
subparagraph 1.2 of the Agreement for a definition and discussion of the
Applicable Percentage.
SCHEDULE
B
DIRECTOR
BENEFITS
1.
Director Benefits
Determination
.
The
Director Benefits shall be determined based upon the following:
a. Benefit
Account:
A Benefit
Account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books of the
Bank for the benefit of the Director. Prior to the date on which the
Director becomes eligible to receive payments under the Agreement, such Benefit
Account shall be increased or decreased each Plan Year (including the Plan Year
in which the Director ceases to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of
the Bank) by an amount equal to the annual earnings or loss for that Plan Year
determined by the Index (described in subparagraph c below), less the
Opportunity Cost (described in subparagraph d below) for that Plan
Year.
b.
Index
Benefit
:
After the
date on which the Director becomes eligible to receive payments under the
Agreement, the Index Benefit for the Director for any Plan Year shall be
determined by subtracting the Opportunity Cost for that Plan Year from the
earnings, if any, established by the Index.
c.
Index
:
The Index
for any Plan Year shall be the aggregate annual after-tax income from the life
insurance contracts described hereinafter as defined by FASB Technical Bulletin
85-4. This Index shall be applied as if such insurance contracts were purchased
on the Effective Date.
Insurance Company: American General
Life Insurance Company/CM0000769L
If such
contracts of life insurance are actually purchased by the Bank, then the actual
policies as of the dates purchased shall be used in calculations to determine
the Index and Opportunity Cost. If such contracts of life insurance are not
purchased or are subsequently surrendered or lapsed, then the Bank shall receive
and use annual policy illustrations that assume the above described policies
were purchased from the above named insurance company(ies) on the Effective Date
to calculate the amount of the Index and Opportunity Cost.
d.
Opportunity
Cost
:
The
Opportunity Cost for any Plan Year shall be calculated by multiplying (a) the
sum of (i) the total amount of premiums set forth in the insurance policies
described above, (ii) the amount of any Index Benefit (described at subparagraph
b above), and (iii) the amount of all previous years after-tax Opportunity
Costs; by (b) the average annualized after-tax cost of hinds calculated using a
one-year U.S. Treasury Bill as published in the
Wall Street Journal
.
The applicable tax rate used to calculate the Opportunity Cost shall be the
Bank’s marginal tax rate until the Director’s Retirement, or other termination
of service (including a Change in Control), Thereafter, the Opportunity Cost
shall be calculated with the assumption of a marginal forty-two percent (42%)
corporate tax rate each year regardless of whether the actual marginal tax rate
of the Bank is higher or lower.
EXAMPLE
INDEX
BENEFITS
|
[n]
|
[A]
|
[B]
|
[C]
|
[D]
|
|
End
of
Year
|
Cash
Surrender
Value
of Life
Insurance
Policy
|
Index
[Annual
Policy
A
“-A”]
|
Opportunity
Cost
A
◦
=premium
A
◦+C
n1
x.05x
(1-42%)
|
Annual
Benefit
B-C
|
Cumulative
Benefit
D+D
n-1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
$1,050,000
|
$50,000
|
$29,000
|
$21,000
|
$21,000
|
2
|
$1,102,500
|
$52,500
|
$29,841
|
$22,659
|
$43,659
|
3
|
$1,157,625
|
$55,125
|
$30,706
|
$24,419
|
$68,078
|
.
.
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumptions:
|
Initial
Insurance = $1,000,000
|
|
Effective
Tax Rate = 42%
|
|
One
Year US Treasury Yield = 5%
|
2.
Director Benefits
Payments
.
The
Director shall be entitled to payment of the Applicable Percentage of (i) the
balance in the Benefit Account in installments upon the tents as specified in
the Agreement, and (ii) the Index Benefit for each Plan Year payable in
installments until the Director’s death or as applicable, the Surrogate’s death,
as specified in the Agreement.
SCHEDULE
C
BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION
To the
Administrator of the Heritage Bank of Commerce Director Indexed Compensation
Benefits Agreement:
Pursuant
to the Provisions of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement with
Heritage Bank of Commerce, permitting the designation of a beneficiary or
beneficiaries by a participant, I hereby designate the following persons and
entities as primary and secondary beneficiaries of any benefit under said
Agreement payable by reason of my death;
Primary
Beneficiary
:
_________________________
_____________________________
____________________
Name
Address
Relationship
Secondary
(Contingent) Beneficiary
:
_________________________
______________________________
______________________
Name
Address
Relationship
THE
RIGHT TO REVOKE OR CHANGE ANY BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION IS HEREBY RESERVED. ALL
PRIOR DESIGNATIONS, IF ANY, OF PRIMARY BENEFICIARIES AND SECONDARY BENEFICIARIES
ARE HEREBY REVOKED.
The
Administrator shall pay all sums payable under the Agreement by reason of my
death to the Primary Beneficiary, if he or she survives me, and if no Primary
Beneficiary shall survive me, then to the Secondary Beneficiary, and if no named
beneficiary survives me, then the Administrator shall pay all amounts in
accordance with the terms of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits
Agreement. In the event that a named beneficiary survives me and dies prior to
receiving the entire benefit payable under said Agreement, then and in that
event, the remaining unpaid benefit payable according to the terms of my
Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement shall be payable to the
personal representatives of the estate of said beneficiary who survived me but
died prior to receiving the total benefit provided by my Director Indexed
Compensation Benefits Agreement.
Dated: June ___,
1997
______________________________
Jack L. Peckham
CONSENT
OF THE DIRECTOR’S SPOUSE
TO THE ABOVE BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION
:
I,
____________________, being the spouse of Jack L. Peckham, after being
afforded the opportunity to consult with independent counsel of my choosing, do
hereby acknowledge that I have read, agree and consent to the foregoing
Beneficiary Designation which relates to the Director Indexed Compensation
Benefits Agreement entered into by my spouse effective as of June 19, 1997.
I understand that the above Beneficiary Designation may affect certain rights
which I may have in the benefits provided for under the terms of the Director
Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement and in which I may have a marital
property interest.
Dated: June __,
1997.
|
|
|
|
____________________________
|
|
____________________________
|
Type/Print
Name
|
SCHEDULE
D
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTION
Pursuant
to the Provisions of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement with
Heritage Bank of Commerce, I hereby elect to have any distribution of the
balance in my Benefit Account paid to me in installments as designated
below:
_____
|
thirty-six
(36) monthly installments with the amount of each installment determined
as of each installment date by dividing the entire amount in my Benefit
Account by the number of installments then remaining to be paid, with the
final installment to be the entire remaining balance in the Benefit
Account.
|
_____
|
sixty
(60) monthly installments with the amount of each installment determined
as of each installment date by dividing the entire amount in my Benefit
Account by the number of installments then remaining to be paid, with the
final installment to be the entire remaining balance in the Benefit
Account.
|
_____
|
one
hundred twenty (120) monthly installments with the amount of each
installment determined as of each installment date by dividing the entire
amount in my Benefit Account by the number of installments then remaining
to be paid, with the final installment to be the entire remaining balance
in the Benefit Account.
|
_____
|
one
hundred eighty (180) monthly installments with the amount of each
installment determined as of each installment date by dividing the entire
amount in my Benefit Account by the number of installments then remaining
to be paid, with the final installment to be the entire remaining balance
in the Benefit Account.
|
Dated: June __,
1997
Signed: _________________________
Jack L. Peckham
Exhibit
10.29
DIRECTOR
INDEXED COMPENSATION BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Agreement is made and entered into effective as of June 19, 1997 by and
between Heritage Bank of Commerce, a bank chartered under the laws of the State
of California (the “Bank”), and Humphrey P. Polanen, an individual residing in
the State of California (the “Director”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
the Director is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and has served in
such capacity since June 8, 1994, the approximate date of the Bank’s
organization;
WHEREAS,
the Bank desires to establish a compensation benefit for directors who are not
also officers or employees of the Bank in order to attract and retain
individuals with extensive and valuable experience as directors;
WHEREAS,
the Director and the Bank wish to specify m writing the terms and conditions
upon which this additional compensatory incentive will be provided to the
Director, or to the Director’s spouse or designated beneficiaries, as the case
may be;
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by the Director in
the figure, as well as the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the
Director and the Bank agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1.
Terms and
Definitions
.
1.1
Administrator
. The
Bank shall be the “Administrator” and, solely for the purposes of ERISA as
defined in subparagraph 1.9 below, the “fiduciary” of this Agreement where
a fiduciary is required by ERISA.
1.2
Applicable
Percentage
. The term “Applicable Percentage” shall mean that
percentage listed on Schedule “A” attached hereto which is adjacent to the
number of calendar years which have elapsed from the date of the Director’s
commencement of service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and
ending on the date payments are to first begin under the terms of this
Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or the percentages set forth
on Schedule “A,” but subject to all other terms and conditions set forth herein,
the “Applicable Percentage” shall be: (i) provided payments have not yet
begun hereunder, one hundred percent (100%) upon the occurrence of a “Change in
Control” as defined in subparagraph 1.4 below, or the Director’s death, or
Disability as defined in subparagraph 1.6 below; and (ii) notwithstanding
subclause (i) of this subparagraph 1.2, zero percent (0%) in the event
the Director takes any intentional action which prevents the Bank from
collecting the proceeds of any life insurance policy which the Bank may happen
to own at the time of the Director’s death and of which the Bank is the
designated beneficiary. Furthermore, notwithstanding the foregoing,
or anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event the
Director takes any intentional action which prevents the Bank from collecting
the proceeds of any life insurance policy which the Bank may happen to own at
the time of the Director’s death and of which the Bank is the designated
beneficiary (1) the Director’s estate or designated beneficiary shall no
longer be entitled to receive any of the amounts payable under the terms of this
Agreement and (2) the Bank shall have the right to recover from Director’s
estate all of the amounts paid to the Director’s estate (with respect to amounts
paid prior to Director’s death or paid to Director’s estate) or designated
beneficiary (with respect to amounts paid to the designated beneficiary)
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement prior to and after Director’s
death.
1.3
Beneficiary
. The
term “beneficiary” or “designated beneficiary” shall mean the person or persons
whom the Director shall designate in a valid Beneficiary Designation, a copy of
which is attached hereto as Exhibit “C” to receive the benefits provided
hereunder. A Beneficiary Designation shall be valid only if it is in
the form attached hereto and made a part hereof and is received by the
Administrator prior to the Director’s death.
1.4
Change in
Control
. The term “Change in Control” shall mean the
occurrence of any of the following events with respect to the Bank (with the
term “Bank” being defined for purposes of determining whether a “Change in
Control” has occurred to include any parent bank holding company organized at
the direction of the Bank to own 100% of the Bank’s outstanding common stock)
(i) a change in control of a nature that would be required to be reported
in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”), or in response to any other form or report to the regulatory agencies or
governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the Bank or any stock exchange
on winch the Bank’s shares are listed which requires the reporting of a change
in control, (ii) any merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Bank in
which the Bank does not survive, (iii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage,
pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of
transactions) of any assets of the Bank having an aggregate fair market value of
fifty percent (50%) of the total value of the assets of the Bank, reflected in
the most recent balance sheet of the Bank, (iv) a transaction whereby any
“person” (as such term is used in the Exchange Act) or any individual,
corporation, partnership, trust or any other entity becomes the beneficial
owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Bank representing
twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined voting power of the Bank’s
then outstanding securities, or (v) a situation where, in any one-year
period, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of
Directors of the Bank cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority
thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election by the Bank’s
shareholders, of each new director is approved by a vote of at least
three-quarters (3/4) of the directors then still in office who were directors at
the beginning of the period. Notwithstanding the foregoing or
anything else contained herein to the contrary, there shall not be a “Change of
Control” for purposes of this Agreement if the event which would otherwise come
within the meaning of the term “Change of Control” involves (i) a
reorganization at the direction of the Bank solely to form a parent bank holding
company which owns 100% of the Bank’s common stock following the reorganization,
or (ii) an Employee Stock Ownership Plan sponsored by the Bank or its
parent holding company which is the party that acquires “control” or is the
principal participant in the transaction constituting a “Change in Control,” as
described above.
1.5
The
Code
. The “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the “Code”).
1.6
Disability/Disabled
. The
term “Disability” or “Disabled” shall mean bodily injury or disease (mental or
physical) which wholly and continuously prevents the performance of duty for at
least three months including without limitation, the total irrecoverable loss of
the sight in both eyes or the loss by severance of both hands at or above the
wrist or of both feet at or above the ankle or of one hand at or above the wrist
and one foot at or above the ankle.
1.7
Early
Retirement Date
. The term “Early Retirement Date” shall mean
the Retirement, as defined below, of the Director on a date which occurs prior
to the Director attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, but after the Director
has attained fifty-five (55) years of age.
1.8
Effective
Date
. The term “Effective Date” shall mean the date first
written above.
1.9
ERISA
. The
term “ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
1.10
Director
Benefits
. The term “Director Benefits” shall mean the benefits
determined in accordance with Schedule “B”, and reduced to the extent
(i) required under the other provisions of this Agreement, including, but
not limited to, Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof; (ii) required by reason of
the lawful order of any regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction over the
Bank; or (iii) required in order for the Bank to properly comply with any
and all applicable state and federal laws, including, but not limited to,
income, employment and disability income tax laws (e.g., FICA, FUTA,
SDI).
1.11
Plan
Year
. The term “Plan Year” shall mean the Bank’s fiscal
year.
1.12
Retirement
. The
term “Retirement” or “Retires” shall refer to the date which the Director
acknowledges in writing to the Bank to be the last day of service as a member of
the Board of Directors of the Bank.
1.13
Surviving
Spouse
. The term “Surviving Spouse” shall mean the person, if
any, who shall be legally married to the Director on the date of the Director’s
death.
1.14
Removal
for Cause
. The term “removal for cause” shall mean termination
of a Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank by
reason of any of the following:
(a)
The
willful breach or habitual neglect by the Director of his responsibilities and
duties;
(b)
The
Director’s deliberate violation of (i) any state a federal banking or
securities laws, or of the Bylaws, rules, policies or resolutions of the Bank,
or (ii) the rules or regulations of the California Commissioner of
Financial Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
regulatory agency or governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Bank,
which has a material adverse effect upon the Bank,
(c)
The
determination by a state or federal court, banking agency or other governmental
authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, that the Director (i) is of
unsound mind, or (ii) has committed a gross abuse of authority or
discretion with reference to the Bank, or (iii) otherwise is not suitable
to continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the
Bank;
(d)
The
Director’s conviction of any felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or a
fraudulent or dishonest act; or
(e)
The
Director’s disclosure without authority of any secret or confidential
information not otherwise publicly available concerning the Bank or taking any
action which the Bank’s Board of Directors determines, in its sole discretion
and subject to good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, constitutes unfair
competition with or inducement of any customer to breach any contract with the
Bank.
2.
Scope, Purpose and
Effect
.
2.1
Contract
of Employment
. Although this Agreement is intended to provide
the Director with an additional incentive to continue to serve as a member of
the Board of Directors of the Bank, this Agreement shall not be deemed to
constitute a contract of employment between the Director and the Bank nor shall
any provision of this Agreement restrict the right of the Bank to remove or
cause the removal of the Director including, without limitation, by
(i) refusal to nominate the Director for election for any successive term
of office as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, or
(ii) complying with an order or other directive from a court of competent
jurisdiction or any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Bank which
requires the Bank to take action to remove the Director.
2.2
Fringe
Benefit
. The benefits provided by this Agreement are granted
by the Bank as a fringe benefit to the Director and are not a part of any salary
reduction plan or any arrangement deferring a bonus or a salary
increase. The Director has no option to take any current payments or
bonus in lieu of the benefits provided by this Agreement.
3.
Payments
Upon Early Retirement or Retirement and After Retirement
.
3.1
Payments
Upon Early Retirement
. The Director shall have the right to
Retire from the Board of Directors on a date which constitutes an Early
Retirement Date as defined in subparagraph 1.7 above. In the
event the Director elects to Retire on a date which constitutes an Early
Retirement Date, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable
Percentage of the Director Benefits, as defined above in substantially equal
monthly installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month
following the month in which the Early Retirement Date occurs, payable
(i) for the period designated in Schedule “D in the case of the balance in
the Benefit Account and (ii) until death in the case of the Index Benefit
defined in Schedule “B”.
3.2
Payments
Union Retirement
. If the Director shall continue to serve as a
member of the Board of Directors until attaining sixty-two (62) years of age,
the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, as defined above, in substantially equal monthly installments
on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following the month in
which the Director Retires or upon such later date as may be mutually agreed
upon by the Director and the Employer in advance of said Retirement date,
payable (i) for the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the
balance in the Benefit Account and (ii) until death in the case of the
Index Benefit defined in Schedule “B”. At the Bank’s sole and
absolute discretion, the Bank may increase the Director Benefits as and when the
Bank determines the same to be appropriate.
3.3
Payments
in the Event of Death After Retirement
. The Bank agrees that
if the Director Retires, but shall die before receiving all of the Director
Benefits Payments specified in Schedule “B”, the Bank will make such payments to
which the Director may be entitled, to the Director’s designated
beneficiary. If a valid Beneficiary Designation is not in effect,
then the remaining amounts due to the Director under the terms of this Agreement
shall be paid to the Director’s Surviving Spouse. If the Director
leaves no Surviving Spouse, the remaining amounts due to the Director under the
terms of this Agreement shall be paid to the duly qualified personal
representative, executor or administrator of the Director’s estate.
4.
Payments in the Event Death
or Disability Occurs Prior to Retirement
4.1
Payments
in the Event of Death Prior to Retirement
. If the Director
dies while serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank at any time
after the Effective Date of this Agreement, but prior to Retirement, the Bank
agrees to pay the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits to the
Director’s designated beneficiary in lump sum. If a valid Beneficiary
Designation is not in effect, then the remaining amounts due to the Director
under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid to the Director’s Surviving
Spouse. If the Director leaves no Surviving Spouse, the remaining
amounts due to the Director under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid to
the duly qualified personal representative, executor or administrator of the
Director’s estate.
4.2
Payments
in the Event of Disability Prior to Retirement
. In the event
the Director becomes Disabled while serving as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Bank at any tune after the Effective Date of this Agreement,
but prior to Retirement, the Director shall be entitled to the Applicable
Percentage of the Director Benefits, as defined above, in substantially equal
monthly installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month
following the month in which the Director becomes Disabled, payable (i) for
the period designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the Benefit
Account and (ii) until death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in
Schedule “B”.
5.
Payments
in the Event Employment is Terminated Prior to Retirement
. As
indicated in subparagraph 2.1 above, the Bank reserves the right to remove
or cause the removal of the Director under certain circumstances, at any time
prior to the Director’s Retirement. In the event that the service of
the Director shall be terminated, other than by reason of death, Disability or
Retirement, prior to the Director’s attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, then
this Agreement shall terminate upon the date of such termination, provided,
however, that the Director shall be entitled to the following benefits as may be
applicable depending upon the circumstances surrounding the Director’s
termination:
5.1
Termination
Without Cause
. If the Director’s service as a member of the
Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated for reasons other than as specified
in paragraph 5.3 below, and such termination is not subject to the
provisions of subparagraph 5.4 below, the Director shall be entitled to be
paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, as defined above, in
substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
beginning with the month following the month in which the Director attains
fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter, as requested in writing by
the Director and delivered to the Employer or its successor thirty (30) days
prior to the commencement of installment payments; provided, however, that in
the event the Director does not request a commencement date as specified, such
installments shall be paid on the first day of each month, beginning with the
month following the month in which the Director attains sixty-two (62) years of
age. The installments shall be payable (i) for the period
designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the Benefit
Account and (ii) until death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in
Schedule “B”.
5.2
Voluntary
Termination by the Directors
. If the Director’s service as a
member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated by voluntary
resignation, and such resignation is not subject to the provisions of
subparagraphs 5.3 or 5.4 below, the Director shaft be entitled to be paid
the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, as defined above in
substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
beginning with the month following the month in which the Director attains
fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter, as requested in writing by
the Director and delivered to the Employer or its successor thirty (30) days
prior to the commencement of installment payments, provided, however, that in
the event the Director does not request a commencement date as specified, such
installments shall be paid on the first day of each month, beginning with the
month following the month in which the Director attains sixty-two (62) years of
age. The installments shall be payable (i) for the period
designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the Benefit
Account and (ii) until death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in
Schedule “B”.
5.3
Termination
by Removal for Cause
. The Director agrees that if his service
as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated by “removal for
cause” as defined in subparagraph 1.14 of this Agreement he shall forfeit
any and all rights and benefits he may have under the terms of this Agreement
and shall have no right to be paid any of the amounts which would otherwise be
due or paid to the Director by the Bank pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement.
5.4
Termination
by the Bank on Account of or After a Change in Control
. In the
event that the Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the
Bank is terminated in conjunction with, or by reason of a “Change in Control”
(as defined in subparagraph 1.4 above), the Director shall be entitled to
be paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, as defined above, in
substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
beginning with the month following the month in which the Director attains
fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter, as requested in writing by
the Director and delivered to the Employer or its successor thirty (30) days
prior to the commencement of installment payments; provided, however, that in
the event the Director does not request a commencement date as specified, such
installments shall be paid on the first day of each month, beginning with the
month following the month in which the Director attains sixty-two (62) years of
age. The installments shall be payable (i) for the period
designated in Schedule “D” in the case of the balance in the Benefit
Account and (ii) until death in the case of the Index Benefit defined in
Schedule “B”.
6.
Section
280G Benefits Reduction
. The Director acknowledges and agrees
that the parties have entered into this Agreement based upon certain financial
and tax accounting assumptions. Accordingly, with full knowledge of
the potential consequences the Director agrees that, notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary, in the event that any payment or benefit
received or to be received by the Director, whether payable pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the
Bank (together with the Director Benefits, the “Total Payments”), will not be
deductible (in whole or in part) as a result of Code Section 280G or other
applicable provisions of the Code, the Total Payments shall be reduced until no
portion of the Total Payments is nondeductible as a result of Section 280G
or such other applicable provisions of the Code. For purposes of this
limitation:
(a)
No
portion of the Total Payments, the receipt or enjoyment of which the Director
shall have effectively waived in writing prior to the date of payment of any
future Director Benefits payments, shall be taken into account;
(b)
No
portion f the Total Payments shall be taken into account, which in the opinion
of the tax counsel selected by the Bank and acceptable to the Director, does not
constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the
Code;
(c)
Any
reduction of the Total Payments shall be applied to reduce any payment or
benefit received or to be received by the Director pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement and any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Bank in the
order determined by mutual agreement of the Bank and the Director;
(d)
Future
payments shall be reduced only to the extent necessary so that the Total
Payments (other than those referred to in clauses (a) or (b) above an their
entirety) constitute reasonable compensation for services actually rendered
within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, in the opinion of tax
counsel referred to in clause (b) above; and
(e)
The value
of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Total
Payments shall be determined by independent auditors selected by the Bank and
acceptable to the Director in accordance with the principles of
Section 280G of the Code.
7.
Right To
Determine Funding Methods
. The Bank reserves the right to
determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether, to what extent and by
what method, if any, to provide for the payment of the amounts which may be
payable to the Director, the Director’s spouse or the Director’s beneficiaries
under the terms of this Agreement. In the event that the Bank elects
to fund this Agreement in whole or in part, through the use of life insurance or
annuities, or both, the Bank shall determine the ownership and beneficial
interests of any such policy of life insurance or annuity. The Bank
further reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to terminate
any such policy, and any other device used to fund its obligations under this
Agreement, at any time, in whole or in part Consistent with Paragraph 9
below, neither the Director, the Director’s spouse nor the Director’s
beneficiaries shall have any right, title or interest in or to any funding
source or amount utilized by the Bank pursuant to this Agreement and any such
funding source or amount shall not constitute security for the performance of
the Bank’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement. In connection with
the foregoing, the Director agrees to execute such documents and undergo such
medical examinations or tests which the Bank may request and which may be
reasonably necessary to facilitate any funding for this Agreement including,
without limitation, the Bank’s acquisition of any policy of insurance or
annuity. Furthermore, a refusal by the Director to consent to
participate in and undergo any such medical examinations or tests shall result
in the immediate termination of this Agreement and the immediate forfeiture by
the Director, the Director’s spouse and the Director’s beneficiaries of any and
all rights to payment hereunder.
8.
Claims
Procedure
. The Bank shall, but only to the extent necessary to
comply with ERISA, be designated as the named fiduciary under this Agreement and
shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of
this Agreement Consistent therewith, the Bank shell make all determinations as
to the rights to benefits under this Agreement Any decision by the Bank denying
a claim by the Director, the Director’s spouse, or the director’s beneficiary
for benefits under this Agreement shall be stated in writing and delivered or
mailed, via registered or certified mail, to the Director, the Director’s spouse
or the Director’s beneficiary, as the case may be. Such decision
shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial of a claim. In
addition, the Bank shall provide the Director, the Director’s spouse or the
Director’s beneficiary with a reasonable opportunity for a full and fair review
of the decision denying such claim.
9.
Status as
an Unsecured General Creditor
. Notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary (i) neither the Director, the Director’s
spouse or the Director’s designated beneficiaries shall have any legal or
equitable rights, interests or claims in or to any specific property or assets
of the Bank as a result of this Agreement; (ii) none of the Bank’s assets
shall be held in or under any trust for the benefit of the Director, the
Director’s spouse or the Director’s designated beneficiaries or held in any way
as security for the fulfillment of the obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement; (iii) all of the Bank’s assets shall be and remain the general
unpledged and unrestricted assets of the Bank; (iv) the Bank’s obligation
under this Agreement shall be that of an unfunded and unsecured promise by the
Bank to pay money in the future; and (v) the Director, the Director’s
spouse and the Director’s designated beneficiaries shall be unsecured general
creditors with respect to any benefits which may be payable under the terms of
this Agreement.
Notwithstanding
subparagraphs (i) through (v) above, the Bank and the Director acknowledge
and agree that upon request of the Director at any time during the term of this
Agreement, a Rabbi Trust (the “Trust”) shall be established upon such terms and
conditions as may be mutually agreeable between the Bank and the Director and
that it is the intention of the Bank to make contributions and/or transfer
assets to the Trust an order to discharge its obligations pursuant to this
Agreement. The principal of the Trust and any earnings thereon shall
be held separate and apart from other funds of the Bank to be used exclusively
for discharge of the Bank’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement and shall
continue to be subject to the claims of the Bank’s general creditors until paid
to the Director or its beneficiaries in such manner and at such times as
specified in this Agreement.
10.
Discretion
of Board to Accelerate Payout
. Notwithstanding any of the
other provisions of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Bank may, if
determined in its sole and absolute discretion to be appropriate, accelerate the
payment of the amounts due under the terms of this Agreement, provided that
Director (or Director’s spouse or designated beneficiaries): (i) consents
to the revised payout terms determined appropriate by the Bank’s Board of
Directors, and (ii) does not negotiate or in any way influence the terms of
proposed altered/accelerated payout (said decision to be made solely by the
Bank’s Board of Directors and offered to the Director [or Director’s spouse or
designated beneficiaries] on a “take it or leave it basis”).
11.
Miscellaneous
11.1
Opportunity
to Consult with Independent Advisors
. The Director
acknowledges that he has been afforded the opportunity to consult with
independent advisors of his choosing including, without limitation, accountants
or tax advisors and counsel regarding both the benefits granted to him wider the
terms of this Agreement and the (i) terms and conditions which may affect
the Director’s right to these benefits and (ii) personal tax effects of
such benefits including, without limitation, the effects of any federal or state
taxes, Section 280G of the Code, and any other taxes, costs, expenses or
liabilities whatsoever related to such benefits, which in any of the foregoing
instances the Director acknowledges and agrees shall be the sole responsibility
of the Director notwithstanding any other term or provision of this
Agreement. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that the Bank
shall have no liability whatsoever related to any such personal tax effects or
other personal costs, expenses, or liabilities applicable to the Director and
further specifically gives any right for himself or herself, and his or her
heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns to
claim or assert liability on the part of the Bank related to the matters
described above in this subparagraph 11.1. The Director further
acknowledges that he has read, understands and consents to all of the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, and that he enters into this Agreement with a full
understanding of its terms and conditions.
11.2
Arbitration
of Disputes
. All claims, disputes and other matters in
question arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach or
interpretation thereof, other than those matters which are to be determined by
the Bank in its sole and absolute discretion, shall be resolved by binding
arbitration before a representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of
the parties, of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”),
presently located at 111 Pine Street, Suite 710, in San Francisco,
California. In the event JAMS is unable or unwilling to conduct the
arbitration provided for under the terms of this Paragraph, or has discontinued
its business, the parties agree that a representative member, selected by the
mutual agreement of the parties, of the American Arbitration Association
(“AAA”), presently located at 417 Montgomery Street in San Francisco,
California, shall conduct the binding arbitration referred to in this
Paragraph. Notice of the demand for arbitration shall be filed in
writing with the other party to this Agreement and with JAMS (or AAA, if
necessary). In no event shall the demand for arbitration be made
after the date when institution of legal or equitable proceedings based on such
claim, dispute or other matter in question would be barred by the applicable
statute of limitations. The arbitration shall be subject to such
rules of procedure used or established by JAMS, or if there are none, the rules
of procedure used or established by AAA. Any award rendered by JAMS
or AAA shall be final and binding upon the parties, and as applicable, their
respective heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successors and
assigns, and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. The obligation of the parties to arbitrate pursuant to this
clause shall be specifically enforceable in accordance with, and shall be
conducted consistently with, the provisions of Title 9 of Part 3 of
the California Code of Civil Procedure. Any arbitration hereunder
shall be conducted in San Jose, California, unless otherwise agreed to by
the parties.
11.3
Attorneys’
Fees
. In the event of any arbitration or litigation concerning
any controversy, claim or dispute between the parties hereto, arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or the breach hereof, or the interpretation hereof,
the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the losing party
reasonable expenses, attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection therewith
or in the enforcement or collection of any judgment or award rendered
therein. The “prevailing party” means the party determined by the
arbitrator(s) or court; as the case may be, to have most nearly prevailed, even
if such party did not prevail in all matters, not necessarily the one in whose
favor a judgment is rendered.
11.4
Notice
. Any
notice required or permitted of either the Director or the Bank under this
Agreement shall be deemed to have been duly given, if by personal delivery, upon
the date received by the party or its authorized representative; if by
facsimile, upon transmission to a telephone number previously provided by the
party to whom the facsimile is transmitted as reflected in the records of the
party transmitting the facsimile and upon reasonable confirmation of such
transmission; and if by mail, on the third day after mailing via
U.S. first class mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid and
return receipt requested, and addressed to the party at the address given below
for the receipt of notices, or such changed address as may be requested in
writing by a party.
If to the
Bank: Heritage
Commerce Corp
150 Almaden
Boulevard
San Jose,
California 95113
Attn: Chairman
of the Board
If to the
Director: ____________________
___________________
___________________
11.5
Assignment
. Neither
the Director, the Director’s spouse, nor any other beneficiary under this
Agreement shall have any power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate,
hypothecate, modify or otherwise encumber any part or all of the amounts payable
hereunder, nor, prior to payment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
shall any portion of such amounts be: (i) subject to seizure by any
creditor of any such beneficiary, by a proceeding at law or in equity, for the
payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance obligations
which may be owed by the Director, the Director’s spouse, or any designated
beneficiary; or (ii) transferable by operation of law in the event of
bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise. Any such attempted assignment or
transfer shall be void and shall terminate this Agreement and the Bank shall
thereupon have no further liability hereunder.
11.6
Binding
Effect/Merger or Reorganization
. This Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Director and the Bank and, as
applicable, their respective heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives,
agents, successors and assigns. Accordingly, the Bank shall not merge
or consolidate into or with another corporation, or reorganize or sell
substantially all of its assets to another corporation, firm or person, unless
and until such succeeding or continuing corporation, firm or person agrees to
assume and discharge the obligation of the Bank under this
Agreement. Upon the occurrence of such event the term “Bank” as used
in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer to such surviving or successor firm,
person, entity or corporation.
11.7
Nonwaiver
. The
failure of either party to enforce at any time or for any period of time any one
or more of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be a waiver of
such term(s) or condition(s) or of that party’s right thereafter to enforce each
and every term and condition of this Agreement.
11.8
Partial
Invalidity
. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of
this Agreement is determined by an arbitrator or a court, as the case may be, to
be invalid, void, or unenforceable, such determination shall not render any
other term, provision, covenant or condition invalid, void or unenforceable, and
the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such partial
invalidity.
11.9
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement supersedes any and all other
agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement and contains all of the covenants and
agreements between the parties with respect thereto. Each party to
this Agreement acknowledges that no other representations, inducements,
promises, or agreements, oral or otherwise, have been made by any party, or
anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not set forth herein, and that
no other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this Agreement shall
be valid or binding on either party.
11.10
Modification
. Any
modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and
signed by each party or such party’s authorized representative.
11.11
Paragraph
Headings
. The paragraph headings used in this Agreement are
included solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not affect or be
used in connection with the interpretation of this Agreement.
11.12
No Strict
Construction
. The language used in this Agreement shall be
deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual
intent and no rule of strict construction will be applied against any
person.
11.13
Governing
Law
. The laws of the State of California, other than those
laws denominated choice of law rules, and, where applicable, the rules and
regulations of the California Commissioner of Financial Institutions and the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, shall govern the validity,
interpretation, construction and effect of this Agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Director have executed this Agreement on the
date first above-written in the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County,
California.
BANK
DIRECTOR
Heritage Bank of Commerce
By:____________________________
____________________________
William J. Del
Biaggio Humphrey
P. Polanen
Chairman
of the Board of Directors
SCHEDULE
A
CALENDAR
YEAR
|
APPLICABLE
PERCENTAGE
|
|
|
June
8, 1994 to June 8, 1997
|
36.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1998
|
48.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 1999
|
60.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2000
|
72.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2001
|
84.00%
|
|
|
June
8, 2002
|
100.00%
|
SCHEDULE
B
DIRECTOR
BENEFITS
1.
Director Benefits
Determination
.
The
Director Benefits shall be determined based upon the following:
a.
Benefit
Account
:
A Benefit
Account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books of the
Bank for the benefit of the Director. Prior to the Director’s
Retirement or other termination of service under the Agreement such Benefit
Account shall be increased or decreased each Plan Year (including the Plan Year
in which the director ceases to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of
the Bank) by an amount equal to the annual earnings or loss for that Plan Year
determined by the Index (described in subparagraph c below), less the
Opportunity Cost (described in subparagraph d below) for that Plan
Year.
b.
Index
Benefit
:
The Index
Benefit for the Director for any year shall be equal to the excess of the annual
earnings (if any) determined by the Index for that Plan Year over the
Opportunity Cost for that Plan Year.
c.
Index
:
The Index
for any Plan Year shall be the aggregate annual after-tax income from the life
insurance contracts described hereinafter as defined by FASB Technical Bulletin
85-4. This Index shall be applied as if such insurance contracts were purchased
on the Effective Date.
Insurance
Company: Canada
Life Assurance Company
Policy
Form:
Whole Life
Policy
Name:
CL/I
Insured’s
Age and
Sex: Male,
48
Riders:
None
Ratings:
None
Option:
Level
Face
Amount:
$221,872
Premiums
Paid:
$75,000
No. of
Premium
Payments: Single
Premium
Assumed
Purchase
Date:
September
16, 1997
Insurance
Company: American
General Life Insurance Co.
Policy
Form: Flexible
Premium Adjustable Life
Policy
Name: Corporate
America Bank
Insured’s
Age and
Sex: Male,
48
Riders:
None
Ratings:
None
Option:
Level
Face
Amount:
$200,821
Premiums
Paid: $75,000
No. of
Premium
Payments:
Single Premium
Assumed
Purchase
Date:
September 16, l997
If such
contracts of life insurance are actually purchased by the Bank, then the actual
policies as of the dates purchased shall be used in calculations to determine
the Index and Opportunity Cost. If such contracts of life insurance
are not purchased or are subsequently surrendered or lapsed, then the Bank shall
receive and use annual policy illustrations that assume the above described
policies were purchased from the above named insurance company(ies) on the
Effective Date to calculate the amount of the Index and Opportunity
Cost.
d.
Opportunity
Cost
:
The
Opportunity Cost for any Plan Year shall be calculated by multiplying (a) the
sum of (i) the total amount of premiums set forth in the insurance policies
described above, (ii) the amount of any Index Benefit (described at subparagraph
b above), and (iii) the amount of all previous years after-tax Opportunity
Costs; by (b) the average annualized after-tax cost of funds calculated using a
one-year U.S. Treasury Bill as published in the
Wall Street Journal
.
The applicable tax rate used to calculate the Opportunity Cost shall be the
Bank’s marginal tax rate until the Director’s Retirement, or other termination
of service (including a Change in Control), Thereafter, the Opportunity Cost
shall be calculated with the assumption of a marginal forty-two percent (42%)
corporate tax rate each year regardless of whether the actual marginal tax rate
of the Bank is higher or lower.
2.
Director Benefits
Payments
.
The
Director shall be entitled to payment of the Applicable Percentage of (i)
the balance in the Benefit Account in installments upon the terms as
specified in the Agreement, and (ii) the Index Benefit for each Plan Year
payable in installments until the Director’s death.
SCHEDULE
C
BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION
To the
Administrator of the Heritage Bank of Commerce Director Indexed Compensation
Benefits Agreement:
Pursuant
to the Provisions of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement with
Heritage Bank of Commerce, permitting the designation of a beneficiary or
beneficiaries by a participant, I hereby designate the following persons and
entities as primary and secondary beneficiaries of any benefit under said
Agreement payable by reason of my death:
Primary
Beneficiary
:
_________________________
_____________________________
____________________
Name
Address
Relationship
Secondary
(Contingent) Beneficiary
:
_________________________
______________________________
______________________
Name
Address
Relationship
THE
RIGHT TO REVOKE OR CHANGE ANY BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION IS HEREBY RESERVED. ALL
PRIOR DESIGNATIONS, IF ANY, OF PRIMARY BENEFICIARIES AND SECONDARY BENEFICIARIES
ARE HEREBY REVOKED.
The
Administrator shall pay all sums payable under the Agreement by reason of my
death to the Primary Beneficiary, if he or she survives me, and if no Primary
Beneficiary shall survive me, then to the Secondary Beneficiary, and if no named
beneficiary survives me, then the Administrator shall pay all amounts in
accordance with the terms of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits
Agreement. In the event that a named beneficiary survives me and dies prior to
receiving the entire benefit payable under said Agreement, then and in that
event, the remaining unpaid benefit payable according to the terms of my
Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement shall be payable to the
personal representatives of the estate of said beneficiary who survived me but
died prior to receiving the total benefit provided by my Director Indexed
Compensation Benefits Agreement.
Dated: June ___,
1997
______________________________
Humphrey P. Polanen
CONSENT
OF THE DIRECTOR’S SPOUSE
TO THE ABOVE BENEFICIARY
DESIGNATION
:
I,
____________________, being the spouse of Humphrey P. Polanen, after being
afforded the opportunity to consult with independent counsel of my choosing, do
hereby acknowledge that I have read, agree and consent to the foregoing
Beneficiary Designation which relates to the Director Indexed Compensation
Benefits Agreement entered into by my spouse effective as of June 19, 1997.
I understand that the above Beneficiary Designation may affect certain rights
which I may have in the benefits provided for under the terms of the Director
Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement and in which I may have a marital
property interest.
Dated: June __,
1997.
|
|
|
|
____________________________
|
|
____________________________
|
Type/Print
Name
|
SCHEDULE
D
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTION
Pursuant
to the Provisions of my Director Indexed Compensation Benefits Agreement with
Heritage Bank of Commerce, I hereby elect to have any distribution of the
balance in my Benefit Account paid to me in installments as designated
below:
_____
|
thirty-six
(36) monthly installments with the amount of each installment determined
as of each installment date by dividing the entire amount in my Benefit
Account by the number of installments then remaining to be paid, with the
final installment to be the entire remaining balance in the Benefit
Account.
|
_____
|
sixty
(60) monthly installments with the amount of each installment determined
as of each installment date by dividing the entire amount in my Benefit
Account by the number of installments then remaining to be paid, with the
final installment to be the entire remaining balance in the Benefit
Account.
|
_____
|
one
hundred twenty (120) monthly installments with the amount of each
installment determined as of each installment date by dividing the entire
amount in my Benefit Account by the number of installments then remaining
to be paid, with the final installment to be the entire remaining balance
in the Benefit Account.
|
_____
|
one
hundred eighty (180) monthly installments with the amount of each
installment determined as of each installment date by dividing the entire
amount in my Benefit Account by the number of installments then remaining
to be paid, with the final installment to be the entire remaining balance
in the Benefit Account.
|
Dated: June __,
1997
Signed: __________________________
Humphrey P. Polanen
Exhibit 10.30
SECOND
AMENDMENT
TO
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION BENEFITS AGREEMENT
BY
AND BETWEEN HERITAGE COMMERCE CORPORATION AND CHARLES J.
TOENISKOETTER
This
Second Amendment (“Second Amendment”) is made and entered into effective this
January 24, 2008, by and between Heritage Commerce Corporation (hereinafter “the
Bank”), and Charles J. Toeniskoetter, (hereinafter “the Director”). This Second
Amendment amends the “Director Compensation Benefits Agreement” (hereinafter
“Original Agreement”, effective as of May 23, 2002, by and between the Bank and
the Director, thereafter amended by virtue of “Amendment 1 To
Director Compensation Benefits Agreement by and Between Heritage Commerce
Corporation and Charles J. Toeniskoetter” (hereinafter the “First Amendment”),
as follows:
In an
effort to clarify an ambiguity with respect to vesting and employment dates, the
parties now hereby amend the Original Agreement and the First Amendment thereto
as follows:
To delete
the entire vesting schedule entitled “Schedule A”, incorporated into the
Original Agreement by virtue of the First Amendment thereto, and to
replace such “Schedule A” with the modified “Second Amended Schedule
A” attached hereto.
In
addition to the forgoing, the following three paragraphs shall be inserted as
under the heading of Paragraph 12.0 (immediately following the
existing Paragraph 11.13) of the Director Compensation Benefits
Agreement:
12.0
|
Internal
Revenue Code Section 409A Compliance
.
Notwithstanding
any provision existing in this Agreement or any amendment thereto, it is
the intent of the Bank and the Director that any payment or benefit
provided pursuant to this Agreement shall be made and paid in a manner, at
a time and in a form which complies with the applicable requirements of
IRC Section 409A, in order to avoid any unfavorable tax consequences
resulting from any such failure to comply. Furthermore, for the purposes
of this Agreement, IRC Section 409A shall be read to include any related
or relevant IRS Notices (including but not limited to Notice 2006-79,
2007-78) and any future guidance or clarification of such
statutes.
|
In
accordance with the current restrictions on payouts of deferred compensation,
and with respect to any plan amendment or election in 2008, such amendment or
election may not act as to accelerate any payments or cause any payment to be
made in 2008 that would not otherwise be payable in 2008. Furthermore, and in
accordance with IRS Notice 2007-78, this restriction also applies to payments
following a separation from service, and similarly applies to
elections/amendments
and
payments made and to be made in 20078. In the event of any modification or
amendment in 2008 regarding a payment to be made in 2008, such payment shall not
be made or commence until January 1, 2009.
The
parties reserve the right to amend this agreement as necessary in order to
comply with IRC Section 409A. Furthermore, this Agreement shall be administered
in compliance with IRC Section 409A and the related rules, regulations and
notices. Any section of this Agreement which violates IRC Section
409A and the related rules, regulations and notices shall be void and without
effect.
To the
extent that any paragraph, term, or provision of the Director Compensation
Benefits Agreement is not specifically amended herein, or in any other amendment
thereto, said paragraph, term, or provision shall remain in full force and
effect as set forth in said Agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Director and a duty authorized Bank officer have signed
this Agreement as of the written date.
HERITAGE
COMMERCE CORPORATION
______________________________________
Date:_________________________
By:
Lawrence D. McGovern
______________________________________
Date:_________________________
Charles
J. Toeniskoetter
______________________________________
_____________________________
Witness
Witness
SECOND AMENDED SCHEDULE
A
CALENDAR PERIOD
|
APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE
|
May
23, 2002 to May 22, 2003
|
10.00%
|
|
|
May
23, 2003 to May 22, 2004
|
20.00%
|
|
|
May
23, 2004 to May 22, 2005
|
30.00%
|
|
|
May
23, 2005 to May 22, 2006
|
40.00%
|
|
|
May
23, 2006 to May 22, 2007
|
50.00%
|
|
|
May
23, 2007 to May 22, 2008
|
60.00%
|
|
|
May
23, 2008 to May 22, 2009
|
70.00%
|
|
|
May
23, 2009 to May 22, 2010
|
80.00%
|
|
|
May
23, 2010 to May 22, 2011
|
90.00%
|
|
|
May
23, 2011 and Thereafter
|
100.00%
|
AMENDMENT
1
TO
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION BENEFITS AGREEMENT
BY
AND BETWEEN HERITAGE COMMERCE CORPORATION AND
CHARLES
J. TOENISKOETTER
This
Amendment (“Amendment”) is made and entered into effective this __________,
2004, by and between Heritage Commerce Corporation (hereinafter “the Bank”), and
Charles J. Toeniskoetter, (hereinafter “the Director”). This Amendment
amends the Director Compensation Benefits Agreement, effective as of
May 23, 2002, by and between the Bank and the Director, as
follows:
Because
of an inconsistency with respect to the one hundred percent vesting date
specified in the original “Schedule A” vesting schedule, the parties now hereby
amend the original Agreement as follows:
To delete
the entire vesting schedule attached and incorporated into the original
Agreement as “Schedule A” at page 11, and to replace such “Schedule A” with the
modified “Schedule A” attached hereto.
To the
extent that any paragraph, term, or provision of the Joint Beneficiary Agreement
is not specifically amended herein, or in any other amendment thereto, said
paragraph, term, or provision shall remain in full force and effect as set forth
in said Agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Insured and a duly authorized Bank officer have signed this
Agreement as of the written date.
HERITAGE
COMMERCE CORPORATION
______________________________________
Date:_________________________
By:
Richard L. Conniff
______________________________________
Date:_________________________
Charles
J. Toeniskoetter
______________________________________
_____________________________
Witness
Witness
SCHEDULE
A
CALENDAR PERIOD
|
APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE
|
May
1, 1997 to April 30, 2002
|
0.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2002 to April 30, 2003
|
10.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2003 to April 30, 2004
|
20.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2004 to April 30, 2005
|
30.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2005 to April 30, 2006
|
40.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2006 to April 30, 2007
|
50.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2007 to April 30, 2008
|
60.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2008 to April 30, 2009
|
70.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2009 to April 30, 2010
|
80.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2010 to April 30, 2011
|
90.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2011 and Thereafter
|
100.00%
|
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Agreement is made and entered into effective as of May 23, 2002, by and
between Heritage Commerce Corporation (“the Bank”), and Charles J.
Toeniskoetter, an individual residing in the State of California (the
“Director”).
R E C I T A L
S
WHEREAS,
the Director is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and has served in
such capacity since May 23, 2002;
WHEREAS,
the Bank desires to establish a compensation benefit program for directors who
are not also officers or employees of the Bank in order to attract and retain
individuals with extensive and valuable experience as directors;
and
WHEREAS,
the Director and the Bank wish to specify in writing the terms and conditions
upon which this additional compensatory incentive will be provided to the
Director; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by
the Director in the future, as well as the mutual promises and covenants
contained herein, the Director and the Bank agree as follows:
A G R E E M E N
T
1.
Terms and
Definitions
.
1.1
Administrator
. The
Bank shall be the “Administrator” and, solely for the purposes of ERISA as
defined in subparagraph 1.9 below, the “fiduciary” of this Agreement where a
fiduciary is required by ERISA.
1.2
Applicable
Percentage
. The term “Applicable Percentage” shall mean that
percentage adjacent to a calendar period listed on Schedule “A” attached
hereto, which percentage shall remain in effect until an adjustment occurs on
each succeeding calendar period during the term of service as a member of the
Board of Directors of the Bank. Notwithstanding the foregoing or the
percentages set forth on Schedule “A”, but subject to all other terms and
conditions set forth herein, the “Applicable Percentage” shall be: (i) provided
payments have mot yet begun hereunder, one hundred percent (100%) upon
termination of termination of service described in subparagraph 5.4
pursuant to a “Change in Control” as defined in subparagraph 1.3 below, or
the Director’s death, or Disability as defined in subparagraph 1.5 below,
which death or Disability occurs prior to the termination of service; and (ii)
notwithstanding subclause (i) of this subparagraph 1.2, zero percent
(0%) in the event the Director takes any intentional action which prevents the
Bank from collecting the proceeds of any life insurance policy which the Bank
may happen to own at the time of the Director’s death and of which the Bank is
the designated beneficiary. Furthermore, notwithstanding the
foregoing, or anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event
the Director takes any intentional action which prevents the Bank from
collecting the proceeds of any life insurance policy which the Bank may happen
to own at the time of the Director’s death and of which the Bank is the
designated beneficiary: (1) the Director’s estate or designated
beneficiary shall no longer be entitled to receive any of the amounts payable
under the terms of this Agreement, and (2) the Bank shall have the right to
recover from the Directors estate all of the amounts paid to the Director’s
estate (with respect to amounts paid prior to the Director’s death or paid to
the Director’s estate) or designated beneficiary (with respect to amounts paid
to the designated beneficiary) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement prior to
and after the Director’s death.
1.3
Change in
Control
. The term “Change in Control” shall mean the
occurrence of any of the following events with respect to the Bank (with the
term “Bank” being defined for purposes of determining whether a “Change in
Control” has occurred to include any parent bank holding company organized at
the direction of the Bank to own one hundred percent (100%) of the Bank’s
outstanding common stock): (i) a change in control of a mature that
would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of
Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or in response to any
other form or report to the regulatory agencies or governmental authorities
having jurisdiction over the Bank or any stock exchange on which the Bank’s
shares are listed which requires the reporting of a change in control; (ii) any
merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Bank in which the Bank does mot
survive; (iii) any sale, tease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other
disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of any assets of
the Bank having an aggregate fair market value of fifty percent (50%) of the
total value of the assets of the Bank, reflected in the most recent balance
sheet of the Bank; (iv) a transaction whereby any “person” (as such term is used
in the Exchange Act) or any individual, corporation, partnership, trust or any
other entity becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities
of the Bank representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined
voting power of the Bank’s then outstanding securities; or (v) a situation
where, in any one-year period, individuals who at the beginning of such period
constitute the Board of Directors of the Bank cease for any reason to constitute
at least a majority thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election
by the Bank’s shareholders, of each new director is approved by a vote of at
least three-quarters (3/4) of the directors then still in office who were
directors at the beginning of the period. Notwithstanding the
foregoing or anything else contained herein to the contrary, there shall not be
a “Change of Control” for purposes of this Agreement if the event which would
otherwise come within the meaning of the term “Change of Control” involves (i) a
reorganization at the direction of the Bank solely to form a parent bank holding
company which owns one hundred percent (100%) of the Bank’s common stock
following the reorganization, or (ii) am Employee Stock Ownership Plan sponsored
by the Bank or its parent holding company which is the party that acquires
“control” or is the principal participant in the transaction constituting a
“Change in Control”, as described above.
1.4
The
Code
. The “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the “Code”).
1.5
Disability/Disabled
. The
term “Disability” or “Disabled” shall mean bodily injury or disease (mental or
physical) which wholly and continuously prevents the performance of duty for at
least three months including without limitation, the total irrecoverable loss of
sight in both eyes or the loss by severance of both hands at or above the wrist
or of both feet at or above the ankle or of one hand at or above the wrist and
one foot at or above the ankle.
1.6
Early
Retirement Date
. The term “Early Retirement Date” shall mean
the Retirement as defined below, of the Director on a date which occurs prior to
the Director attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, but after the Director has
attained fifty-five (55) years of age.
1.7
Effective
Date
. The term “Effective Date” shall mean the date first
written above.
1.8
ERISA
. The
term “ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
1.9
Director
Benefits
. The term “Director Benefits” shall mean the benefits
determined in accordance with Schedule “B”, and reduced to the
extent: (i) required under the other provisions of this Agreement,
including, but not limited to, Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof,
(ii) required by reason of the lawful order of any regulatory agency or
body having jurisdiction over the Bank; or (iii) required in order for the Bank
to properly comply with any and all applicable state and federal laws,
including, but not limited to, income, employment and disability income tax laws
(e.g., FICA, FUTA, SDI).
1.10
Plan
Year
. The term “Plan Year” shall mean the Bank’s fiscal
year.
1.11
Retirement
. The
term “Retirement” or “Retires” shall refer to the date which the Director
acknowledges in writing to Bank to be the last day of service as a member of the
Board of Directors.
1.12
Removal
for Cause
. The term “removal for cause” shall mean termination
of the Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank by
reason of any of the following:
(a)
|
The
willful, intentional and material breach or the habitual and continued
neglect by the Director of his
duties;
|
(b)
|
The
Director’s willful and intentional violation of (i) any State or Federal
banking or securities laws, or of the Bylaws, rules, policies or
resolutions of Bank, or the rules or regulations of the California
Commissioner of Financial Institutions, Board of Governors or’ the Federal
Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or other regulatory
agency or governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, which
has a material adverse effect upon the
Bank;
|
(c)
|
The
Director’s conviction of (i) any felony or (ii) a crime involving moral
turpitude, or the Director’s willful and intentional commission a
fraudulent or dishonest act; or
|
(d)
|
The
Director’s willful and intentional disclosure, without authority, of any
secret or confidential information concerning Bank or taking any action
which the Bank’s Board of Directors determines, in its sole discretion and
subject to good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, constitutes unfair
competition with or induces any customer to breach any contract with the
Bank
|
2.
Scope,
Purpose and Effect
.
2.1
Contract
of Employment
. Although this Agreement is intended to provide
the Director with an additional incentive to continue to serve as a member of
the Board of Directors, this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a
contract of employment between the Director and the Bank nor shall any provision
of this Agreement restrict the right of the Bank to remove or cause the removal
of the Director including, without limitation, by (i) refusal to nominate the
Director for election for any successive term of office as a member of the Board
of Directors of the Bank, or (ii) complying with an order or other directive
from a court of competent jurisdiction or any regulatory authority having
jurisdiction over the Bank which requires the Bank to take action to remove the
Director.
2.2
Fringe
Benefit
. The benefits provided by this Agreement are granted
by the Bank as a fringe benefit to the Director and are not a part of any salary
reduction plan or any arrangement deferring a bonus or a salary increase. The
Director has no option to take any current payments or bonus in lieu of the
benefits provided by this Agreement.
3.
Payments
Upon Early Retirement or Retirement and After Retirement
.
3.1
Payments
Upon Early Retirement
. The Director shall have the right to
Retire from the Board of Directors on a date which constitutes an Early
Retirement Date as defined in subparagraph 1.6 above. In the
event the Director elects to Retire on a date which constitutes an Early
Retirement Date, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable
Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments
on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following the month in
which the Early Retirement Date occurs or upon such later date as may be
mutually agreed upon by the Director and the Bank in advance of said Early
Retirement Date.
3.2
Payments
Upon Retirement
. If the Director shall continue to serve as a
member of the Board of Directors until attaining sixty-two (62) years of age,
the Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director Retires or upon such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by the
Director and the Bank in advance of said Retirement date.
4.
Payments
in the Event of Disability Prior to Retirement
. In the event
the Director becomes Disabled at any time after the Effective Date of this
Agreement but prior to Retirement, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly
installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following
the month in which the Director becomes Disabled.
5.
Payments
in the Event Employment Is Terminated Prior to Retirement
. As
indicated in subparagraph 2.1 above, the Bank reserves the right to remove
or cause the removal of the Director under certain circumstances, at any time
prior to the Director’s Retirement. In the event that the service of
the Director shall be terminated, other than by reason of death, Disability or
Retirement, prior to the Director’s attaining sixty-two (62) years of age, then
this Agreement shall terminate upon the date of such termination of termination;
provided, however, that the Director shall be entitled to the following benefits
as may be applicable depending upon the circumstances surrounding the Director’s
termination:
5.1
Termination
Without Cause
. If the Director’s service as a member of the
Board of Directors is terminated for reasons other than as specified in
paragraph 5.3 below and such termination is not subject to the provisions
of subparagraph 5.4 below, the Director shall be entitled to be paid the
Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly
installments on the first day of each month, beginning with the month following
the month in which the Director attains fifty-five (55) years of age or any
month thereafter, as requested in writing by the Director and delivered to the
Bank or its successor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of installment
payments; provided, however, that in the event the Director does not request a
commencement date as specified, such installments shall be paid on the first day
of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which the
Director attains sixty-two (62) years of age.
5.2
Voluntary
Termination by the Director
. If the Director’s employment is
terminated by voluntary resignation and such resignation is not subject to the
provisions of subparagraphs 5.3 or 5.4 below, the Director shall be
entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in
substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
beginning with the month following the month in which the Director attains
fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter, as requested in writing by
the Director and delivered to the Bank or its successor thirty (30) days prior
to the commencement of installment payments; provided, however, that in the
event the Director does not request a commencement date as specified, such
installments shall be paid on the first day of each month, beginning with the
month following the month in which the Director attains sixty-two (62) years of
age.
6.
Termination
by Removal for Cause
. The Director agrees that if the
Director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is
terminated “removal for cause”, as defined in subparagraph 1.12 of this
Agreement, the Director shall forfeit any and all rights and benefits the
Director may have under the terms of this Agreement and shall have no right to
be paid any of the amounts which would otherwise be due or paid to the Director
by the Bank pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
6.1
Termination
by the Bank on Account of or After a Chance in Control
. In the
event: (i) the Director’s service as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Bank is terminated in conjunction with, or by reason of, a
“Change in Control” (as defined in subparagraph 1.3 above); then the
Director shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director
Benefits, as defined above, in substantially equal monthly installments on the
first day of each month, beginning with the month following the month in which
the Director attains fifty-five (55) years of age or any month thereafter, as
requested in writing by the Director and delivered to the Bank or its successor
thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of installment payments; provided,
however, that in the event the Director does not request a commencement date as
specified, such installments shall be paid on the first day of each month,
beginning with the month following the month in which the Director attains
sixty-two (62) years of age.
7.
Section
280G Benefits Reduction
. If all or any portion of the amounts
payable to the Director under this Agreement, either alone or together with
other payments which the Director has the right to receive from the Bank,
constitute “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), that arc subject
to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or similar tax
and/or assessment), Director shall be responsible for the payment of such excise
tax and Bank (and its successor) shall be responsible for any loss of
deductibility related thereto; provided, however, that Bank and Director shall
cooperate with each other and use all reasonable efforts to minimize to the
fullest extent possible the amount of excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of
the Code. If, at a later date, it is determined (pursuant to final
regulations or published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service, final judgment
of a court of competent jurisdiction, or otherwise) that the amount of excise
taxes payable by the Director is greater than the amount initially so
determined, then the Director shall pay an amount equal to the sum of such
additional excise taxes and any interest, fines and penalties resulting from
such underpayment. The determination of the amount of any such excise
taxes shall be made by the independent accounting firm employed by the Bank
immediately prior to the change in control or such other independent accounting
firm or advisor as may be mutually agreeable to Bank and Director in the
exercise of their reasonable good faith judgment.
8.
Right To
Determine Funding Methods
. The Bank reserves the right to
determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether, to what extent and by
what method, if any, to provide for the payment of the amounts which may be
payable to the Director under the terms of this Agreement. In the
event that the Bank elects to fund this Agreement, in whole or in part, through
the use of life insurance or annuities, or both, the Bank shall determine the
ownership and beneficial interests of any such policy of life insurance or
annuity. The Bank further reserves the right, in its sole and
absolute discretion, to terminate any such policy, and any other device used to
fund its obligations under this Agreement, at any time, in whole or in
part. Consistent with Paragraph 9 below, the Director shall have
no right, title or interest in or to any funding source or amount utilized by
the Bank pursuant to this Agreement, and any such funding source or amount shall
not constitute security for the performance of the Bank’s obligations pursuant
to this Agreement. In connection with the foregoing, the Director
agrees to execute such documents and undergo such medical examinations or tests
which the Bank may request and which may be reasonably necessary to facilitate
any funding for this Agreement including, without limitation, the Bank’s
acquisition of any policy of insurance or annuity. Furthermore, a
refusal by the Director to consent to, participate in and undergo any such
medical examinations or tests shall result in the immediate termination of this
Agreement and the immediate forfeiture by the Director of any and all rights to
payment hereunder.
9.
Claims
Procedure
. The Bank shall, but only to the extent necessary to
comply with ERISA, be designated as the named fiduciary under this Agreement and
shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of
this Agreement. Consistent therewith, the Bank shall make all
determinations as to the rights to benefits under this Agreement. Any
decision by the Bank denying a claim by the Director for benefits under this
Agreement shall be stated in writing and delivered or mailed, via registered or
certified mail, to the Director. Such decision shall set forth the
specific reasons for the denial of a claim. In addition, the Bank
shall provide the Director with a reasonable opportunity for a full and fair
review of the decision denying such claim.
10.
Status as
an Unsecured General Creditor
. Notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary: (i) Director shall have no legal or
equitable rights, interests or claims in or to any specific property or assets
of the Bank as a result of this Agreement; (ii) none of the Bank’s assets shall
be held in or under any trust for the benefit of the Director or held in any way
as security for the fulfillment of the obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement; (iii) all of the Bank’s assets shall be and remain the general
unpledged and unrestricted assets of the Bank; (iv) the Bank’s obligation under
this Agreement shall be that of an unfunded and unsecured promise by the Bank to
pay money in the future; and (v) the Director shall be unsecured general
creditors with respect to any benefits which may be payable under the terms of
this Agreement.
Notwithstanding
subparagraphs (i) through (v) above, the Bank and the Director acknowledge
and agree that upon request of the Director at any time during the term of this
Agreement, a Rabbi Trust (the “Trust”) shall be established upon such terms and
conditions as may be mutually agreeable between the Bank and the Director in
order to permit the Bank to make contributions and/or transfer assets to the
Trust to discharge its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. The
principal of the Trust and any earnings thereon shall be held separate and apart
from other funds of the Bank to be used exclusively for discharge of the Bank’s
obligations pursuant to this Agreement and shall continue to be subject to the
claims of the Bank’s general creditors until paid to the Director in such manner
and at such times as specified in this Agreement.
11.
Discretion
of Board to Accelerate Payout
. Notwithstanding any of the
other provisions of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Bank may, if
determined in its sole and absolute discretion to be appropriate, accelerate the
payment of the amounts due under the terms of this Agreement, provided
that: Director (i) consents to the revised payout terms determined
appropriate by the Bank’s Board of Directors; and (ii) does not negotiate or in
any way influence the terms of proposed altered/accelerated payout (said
decision to be made solely by the Bank’s Board of Directors and offered to the
Director on a “take it or leave it basis”).
12.
Miscellaneous
.
12.1
Opportunity
To Consult With Independent Advisors
. The Director
acknowledges that he has been afforded the opportunity to consult with
independent advisors of his choosing including, without limitation, accountants
or tax advisors and counsel regarding both the benefits granted to him under the
terms of this Agreement and the (i) terms and conditions which may affect the
Director’s right to these benefits and (ii) personal tax effects of such
benefits including, without limitation, the effects of any federal or state
taxes, Section 280G of the Code, and any other taxes, costs, expenses or
liabilities whatsoever related to such benefits, which in any of the foregoing
instances the Director acknowledges and agrees shall be the sole responsibility
of the Director notwithstanding any other term or provision of this
Agreement. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that the Bank
shall have no liability whatsoever related to any such personal tax effects or
other personal costs, expenses, or liabilities applicable to the Director and
further specifically waives any right for the Director, himself, and his heirs,
legal representatives, agents, successors, and assigns to claim or assert
liability on the part of the Bank related to the matters described above in this
subparagraph 11.1. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that he has
read, understands and consents to all of the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, and that he enters into this Agreement with a full understanding of
its terms and conditions.
12.2
Arbitration
of Disputes
. All claims, disputes and other matters in
question arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach or
interpretation thereof, other than those matters which are to be determined by
the Bank in its sole and absolute discretion, shall be resolved by binding
arbitration before a representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of
the parties, of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”),
located in San Francisco, California. In the event JAMS is unable or unwilling
to conduct the arbitration provided for under the terms of this Paragraph, or
has discontinued its business, the parties agree that a representative member,
selected by the mutual agreement of the parties, of the American Arbitration
Association (“AAA”), located in San Francisco, California, shall conduct the
binding arbitration referred to in this Paragraph. Notice of the
demand for arbitration shall be filed in writing with the other party to this
Agreement and with JAMS (or AAA, if necessary). In no event shall the
demand for arbitration be made after the date when institution of legal or
equitable proceedings based on such claim, dispute or other matter in question
would be barred by the applicable statute of limitations. The
arbitration shall be subject to such rules of procedure used or established by
JAMS, or if there are none, the rules of procedure used or established by
AAA. Any award rendered by JAMS or AAA shall be final and binding
upon the parties, and as applicable, their respective heirs, legal
representatives, agents, successors and assigns, and maybe entered in any court
having jurisdiction thereof. The obligation of the parties to
arbitrate pursuant to this clause shall be specifically enforceable in
accordance with, and shall be conducted consistently with, the provisions of
Title 9 of Part 3 of the California Code of Civil
Procedure. Any arbitration hereunder shall be conducted in San Jose,
California, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.
12.3
Attorneys’
Fees
. In the event of any arbitration or litigation concerning
any controversy, claim or dispute between the parties hereto, arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or the breach hereof, or the interpretation hereof,
the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party
reasonable expenses, attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection therewith
or in the enforcement or collection of any judgment or award rendered
therein. The “prevailing party” means the party determined by the
arbitrator(s) or court, as the case may be, to have most nearly prevailed, even
if such party did not prevail in all matters, not necessarily the one in whose
favor a judgment is rendered.
12.4
Notice
. Any
notice required or permitted of either the Director or the Bank under this
Agreement shall be deemed to have been duly given, if by personal delivery, upon
the date received by the party or its authorized representative; if by
facsimile, upon transmission to a telephone number previously provided by the
party to whom the facsimile is transmitted as reflected in the records of the
party transmitting the facsimile and upon reasonable confirmation of such
transmission; and if by mail, on the third day after mailing via U.S. first
class mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid and return receipt
requested, and addressed to the party at the address given below for the receipt
of notices, or such changed address as may be requested in writing by a
party.
|
If
to the Bank:
|
Heritage
Bank of Commerce
|
|
San Jose, California 95113
|
|
Attn: Chairman of the Board
|
|
If
to the Director:
|
Charles
J. Toeniskoetter
|
|
Toeniskoetter
& Breeding
|
|
|
|
1960 The Alameda
|
|
|
|
San Jose, CA 95126
|
12.5
Assignment
. The
Director shall have no power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate,
hypothecate, modify, or otherwise encumber any part or all of the amounts
payable hereunder, nor, prior to payment in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, shall any portion of such amounts be: (i) subject to
seizure by any creditor of the Director, by a proceeding at law or in equity,
for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance
obligations which may be owed by the Director; or (ii) transferable by operation
of law in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise. Any such
attempted assignment or transfer shall be void and unenforceable without the
prior written consent of the Bank. The Bank’s consent, if any, to one
or more assignments or transfers shall not obligate the Bank to consent to or be
construed as the Bank’s consent to any other or subsequent assignment or
transfer.
12.6
Binding
Effect/Merger or Reorganization
. This Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Director and the Bank and, as
applicable, their respective heirs, legal representatives, agents, successors,
and assigns. Accordingly, the Bank shall not merge or consolidate into or with
another corporation, or reorganize or sell substantially all of its assets to
another corporation, firm, or person, unless and until such succeeding or
continuing corporation, firm, or person agrees to assume and discharge the
obligations of the Bank under this Agreement. Upon the occurrence of
such event, the term “Bank” as used in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer
to such surviving or successor firm, person, entity or corporation.
12.7
Nonwaiver
. The
failure of either party to enforce at any time or for any period of time any one
or more of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be a waiver of
such term(s) or condition(s) or of that party’s right thereafter to enforce each
and every term and condition of this Agreement.
12.8
Partial
Invalidity
. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of
this Agreement is determined by an arbitrator or a court, as the case may be, to
be invalid, void, or unenforceable, such determination shall not render any
other term, provision, covenant, or condition invalid, void or unenforceable,
and the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such
partial invalidity.
12.9
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement supersedes any and all other
agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement and contains all of the covenants and
agreements between the parties with respect thereto. Each party to
this Agreement acknowledges that no other representations, inducements,
promises, or agreements, oral or otherwise, have been made by any party, or
anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not set forth herein, and that
no other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this Agreement shall
be valid or binding on either party.
12.10
Modifications
. Any
modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and
signed by each party or such party’s authorized representative.
12.11
Paragraph
Headings
. The paragraph headings used in this Agreement are
included solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not affect or be
used in connection with the interpretation of this Agreement.
12.12
No Strict
Construction
. The language used in this Agreement shall be
deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual
intent, and no rule of strict construction will be applied against any
person.
12.13
Governing
Law
. The laws of the State of California, other than those
laws denominated choice of law rules, and, where applicable, the rules and
regulations of the California Commissioner of Financial Institutions and the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall govern the validity, interpretation,
construction and effect of this Agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Sank and the Director have executed this Agreement on the
date first above-written in the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County,
California.
BANK
DIRECTOR
Heritage Bank of Commerce
By:____________________________
____________________________
Richard K.
Conniff
Charles J. Toeniskoetter
President
and Chief Operatiing Officer
SCHEDULE
A
CALENDAR PERIOD
|
APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE
|
May
1, 1997 to April 30, 2002
|
0.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2002 to April 30, 2003
|
10.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2003 to April 30, 2004
|
20.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2004 to April 30, 2005
|
30.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2005 to April 30, 2006
|
40.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2006 to April 30, 2007
|
50.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2007 to April 30, 2008
|
60.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2008 to April 30, 2009
|
70.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2009 to April 30, 2010
|
80.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2010 to April 30, 2011
|
90.00%
|
|
|
May
1, 2012 and Thereafter
|
100.00%
|
|
|
|
|
See
subparagraph 1.2 of the Agreement for a definition and discussion of the
Applicable Percentage.
SCHEDULE
B
DIRECTOR
BENEFITS
a. A
benefit account shall be established as a liability reserve account on the books
of the Bank for the benefit of the Director. The Director Benefits
shall be credited to the benefit account in an amount equal to One Thousand
Dollars ($1,000.00) per year for each year of service as a member of the Board
of Directors of the Bank. The amount of Director Benefits payable
under the Agreement shall be increased at the rate of two percent (2%) each year
from the date of commencement of payments of the Director Benefits until the
death of the Director.
b. If
the Director elects Early Retirement, the Director Benefits shall be decreased
by a percentage calculated by subtracting the Director’s age at Early Retirement
from the normal Retirement age of 62, and multiplying the result by a factor of
five. For example, a 35% reduction of the Director Benefits would
occur if the Director’s Early Retirement age is 55, based on the following
calculation: 62-55=7x5=35%.
Exhibit 10.31
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
BENEFITS AGREEMENT
This
Agreement is made and entered into effective as of May 27, 2004 by and
between Heritage Commerce Corporation (“the Bank”), and Ranson W. Webster,
an individual residing in the State of California (the “Director”).
R E C I T A L
S
WHEREAS,
the Director is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank (hereinafter the
“Board”) and has served in such capacity since April 2004;
WHEREAS,
the Back desires to establish a compensation benefit program for directors who
are not also officers or employees of the Bank in order to attract and retain
individuals with extensive and valuable experience as directors;
and
WHEREAS,
the Director and the Bank wish to specify in writing the terms and conditions
upon which this additional compensatory incentive will be provided to the
Director; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the services to be performed by
the Director in the future, as well as the mutual promises and covenants
contained herein, the Director and the Bank agree as follows:
A G R E E M E N
T
1.
Terms and
Definitions
.
1.1
Administrator
. The
Bank shall be the “Administrator” and, solely for the purposes of ERISA as
defined in subparagraph 1.9 below, the Named Fiduciary of this Agreement where a
fiduciary is required by ERISA.
1.2
Applicable
Percentage
. The term “Applicable Percentage” shall mean that
percentage which corresponds with number of “Years of Service” completed as of
the date the Director Separates from Service, or it shall be One Hundred Percent
(100%), as stipulated herein for certain described events, including but not
limited to: (i) a Termination Pursuant to a Change in Control (as defined
herein), provided payments have not yet begun hereunder or (ii) upon the
Director becoming Disabled while serving on the Board.
The
Applicable Percentage shall retrain in effect until an adjustment occurs upon
the completion of each Year of Service (as defined herein), and until Director
has reached the maximum Applicable Percentage of One-Hundred Percent (100%)
after Nine (9) Years of Service. Subject to the forgoing, the
Applicable Percentage shall be determined in accordance with the following
schedule:
Completed
Years of Service
|
Applicable
Percentage
|
Less
Than One
|
10%
|
One
|
20%
|
Two
|
30%
|
Three
|
40%
|
Four
|
50%
|
Five
|
60%
|
Six
|
70%
|
Seven
|
80%
|
Eight
|
90%
|
Nine
|
100%
|
|
|
1.3
Change in
Control
. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Change
in Control” shall be defined as follows:
(A)
|
The
acquisition of more than fifty percent (50%) of the value or voting power
of the Bank’s stock by a person or
group;
|
(B)
|
The
acquisition in a period of twelve (12) months or less of at least
thirty-five percent (35%) of the Bank’s stock by a person or
group;
|
(C)
|
The
replacement of a majority of the Bank’s board in a period of twelve (12)
months or less by Directors who were not endorsed by a majority of the
current board members; or
|
(D)
|
The
acquisition in a period of twelve (12) months or less of forty percent
(40%) or more of the Bank’s assets by an unrelated
entity.
|
For the
purpose of this Agreement, transfers made on account of deaths or gifts,
transfers between family members or transfers to a qualified retirement plan
maintained by the Bank shall not be considered in determining whether there has
been a Change in Control,
1.4
The
Code
. The “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the “Code”).
1.5
Director
Benefit
. The term “Director Benefit” shall mean the annual
benefit paid out to the Director pursuant to this Agreement. Unless
specified otherwise by the terms of this Agreement and according to the
circumstances giving rise to the Separation from Service, the Director Benefit
shall be calculated by multiplying the following: (Director’s Years of Service)
X (One Thousand Dollars) X (Applicable Percentage). The Director
Benefit shall continue to increase as each Year of Service is completed. In
addition, the annual amount of Director Benefits payable under this Agreement
shall be increased at the rate of two percent (2%) each year from the date of
commencement of payments until the death of the Director.
As
previously stated, the actual amount of the Director Benefit to be paid shall be
determined at the time Director Separates from Service as a Director, and shall
be determined according to the circumstances giving rise to the Separation from
Service and the relevant Applicable Percentage schedule. Furthermore,
the benefit shall be reduced to the extent: (i) required under the
other provisions of this Agreement; (ii) required by reason of the lawful order
of any regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction over the Bank; or (iii)
required in order for the Bank to properly comply with any and all applicable
state and federal laws, including, but not limited to, income, employment and
disability income tax laws (e.g., FICA, FUTA, SDI).
1.6
Disability/Disabled
. For
the purposes of this Agreement, a Director will be considered Disabled
if;
(A)
|
He
is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any
medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected
to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of
not less than twelve (12) months,
or
|
(B)
|
He
is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment
which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a
continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income
replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under
an accident and health plan covering directors of the
Bank.
|
1.7
Early
Retirement
. The term “Early Retirement” shall mean the
Director’s Separation from Service as a member of the Board of Directors for any
reason other than a Removal for Cause, as a result of a Disability or Pursuant
to a Change in Control, and a date which occurs prior to the Director attaining
sixty-two (62) years of age, but after the Director has attained fifty-five (55)
years of age.
1.8
Effective
Date
. The term “Effective Date” shall mean the date first
written above.
1.9
ERISA
. The
term “ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended,
1.10
Normal
Retirement Date and Normal Retirement Age
. The terms “Normal
Retirement” and/or “Normal Retirement Date” shall refer to the date which the
Director Separates from Service as a member of the Board of Directors for any
reason other than a Removal for Cause, as a result of a Disability or Pursuant
to a Change in Control, and a date on or after which Director attains the age of
Sixty-Two (62) (the “Normal Retirement Age”).
1.11
Plan
Year
. The term “Plan Year” shall mean the Bank’s fiscal
year.
1.12
Removal
for Cause
. The term “Removal for Cause” or “Removed for Cause”
shall mean termination of the Director’s service as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Bank by reason of any of the following:
(A)
|
The
willful, intentional and material breach or the habitual and continued
neglect by the Director of his
duties;
|
(B)
|
The
Director’s willful and intentional violation of (i) any State or Federal
banking or securities laws, or of the Bylaws, rules, policies or
resolutions of Bank, or the rules or regulations of the California
Commissioner of Financial Institutions, Board of Governors or the Federal
Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or other regulatory
agency or governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, which
has a material adverse effect upon the
Bank;
|
(C)
|
The
Director’s conviction of (i) any felony or (ii) a crime involving moral
turpitude, or the Director’s willful and intentional commission a
fraudulent or dishonest act; or
|
(D)
|
The
Director’s willful and intentional disclosure, without authority, of any
secret or confidential information concerning Bank or taking any action
which the Bank’s Board of Directors determines, in its sole discretion and
subject to good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, constitutes unfair
competition with or induces any customer to breach any contract with the
Bank.
|
1.13
Separates
From Service or Termination of Service
. The terms “Separates
from Service” or a “Termination” of service shall refer to the Director ceasing
to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for any reason.
1.14
Termination
Pursuant to a Change in Control
. A Termination shall be deemed
to be “Pursuant to a Change in Control” if, within two (2) years following the
occurrence of a Change in Control, the Director is removed from the Board for
reasons other than a Removal for Cause.
1.15
Termination
Without Cause
. A Termination shall be deemed to be “Without
Cause” if, prior Normal Retirement Age, the Director is terminated by the Bank
for reasons other than a Termination for Cause, a Disability, or Pursuant to a
Change in Control.
1.16
Years of
Service
. The term “Years of Service” shall mean the twelve
(12) consecutive month period beginning on the date on which Director becomes a
member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, and any twelve (12) month
anniversary thereof, during which time Director has consecutively served on the
Board.
2.
Scope,
Purpose and Effect
.
2.1
Contract
of Employment
. Although this Agreement is intended to provide
the Director with an additional incentive to continue to serve as a member of
the Board of Directors, this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a
contract of employment between the Director and the Bank nor shall any provision
of this Agreement restrict the right of the Bank to remove or cause the removal
of the Director including, without limitation, by (i) refusal to nominate the
Director for election for any successive term of office as a member of the Board
of Directors of the Bank, or (ii) complying with an order or other directive
from a court of competent jurisdiction or any regulatory authority having
jurisdiction over the Bank which requires the Bank to take action to remove the
Director.
2.2
Fringe
Benefit
. The benefits provided by this Agreement are granted
by the Bank as a fringe benefit to the Director and are not a part of any salary
reduction plan or any arrangement deferring a bonus or a salary increase. The
Director has no option to take any current payments or bonus in lieu of the
benefits provided by this Agreement.
3.
Payments
Upon Early or Normal Retirement
. In the event the Director
continues to serve as a member of the Board of Directors until qualifying for
Early or Normal Retirement pursuant to the terms of Paragraphs 1.7 and 1.10
above, then (excluding a termination under the provisions of paragraph 4,
5.3 or 5.4 herein), upon a Separation from Service, Director shall be entitled
to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefit based on his Years
of Service. Payments shall be made in substantially equal monthly installments
on the first day of each month, commencing the later of the Director’s
attainment of Age Sixty-Two (62) or the month following the month in which the
Director Separates from Service and shall continue monthly until Director’s
death.
4.
Payments
in the Event of Disability
. In the event the Director becomes
Disabled at any time after the Effective Date of this Agreement and while
serving as a Director, then the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits
shall be One Hundred Percent (100%). The Director Benefit shall be
paid in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
commencing the later of the Director’s attainment of Age Sixty-Two (62) or the
month following the month in which the Director Separates from Service. Payments
shall then continue monthly until Director’s death.
5.
Payments
in the Event Service is Terminated Prior to Retirement
. As
indicated in subparagraph 2.1 above, the Bank reserves the right to remove
or cause the removal of the Director under certain circumstances, at any time
prior to the Directors Retirement. In the event that the service of
the Director shall be Terminated, other than by reason of death, Disability or
Retirement, prior to the Director qualifying for Early or Normal Retirement,
then this Agreement shall terminate upon the date of such termination; provided,
however, that the Director shall be entitled to the following benefits as may be
applicable depending upon the circumstances surrounding the Director’s
termination:
5.1
Termination
Without Cause
. If the Director is Terminated Without Cause at
any time, then he shall be entitled to be paid the Applicable Percentage of the
Director Benefits, in substantially equal monthly installments on the first day
of each month, commencing the later of the Director’s attainment of Age
Sixty-Two (62) or the month following the month in which the Director
Terminates. Payments shall then continue until Director’s death.
5.2
Voluntary
Termination by the Director
. If the Director’s service is
terminated by voluntary resignation and such resignation is not subject to the
provisions of subparagraph 5.4 below, the Director shall be entitled to be
paid the Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in substantially equal
monthly installments on the first day of each month, commencing the later of the
Director’s attainment of Age Sixty-Two (62) or the month following the month in
which the Director terminates. Payments shall then continue until Director’s
death.
5.3
Removal
for Cause
. The Director agrees that if the Director’s service
as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is terminated as a result of a
“Removal for Cause”, as defined in subparagraph 1.12 of this Agreement, the
Director shall forfeit any and all rights and benefits the Director may have
under the terms of this Agreement and shall have no right to be paid any of the
amounts which would otherwise be due or paid to the Director by the Bank
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
5.4
Termination
Pursuant .to a Change in Control
. In the event the Director’s
service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank is Terminated Pursuant
to a Change in Control, then the Director shall be entitled to be paid a One
Hundred Percent (100%) Applicable Percentage of the Director Benefits, in
substantially equal monthly installments on the first day of each month,
commencing the later of the Director’s attainment of Age Sixty-Two (62) or the
month following the month in which the Director terminates. Payments
shall men continue until Director’s death.
6.
Section
280G Benefits Reduction
. If all or any portion of the amounts
payable to the Director under this Agreement, either alone or together with
other payments which the Director has the right to receive from the Bank,
constitute “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), that are subject
to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or similar tax
and/or assessment), Director shall be responsible for the payment of such excise
tax and Bank (and its successor) shall be responsible for any loss of
deductibility related thereto; provided, however, that Bank and Director shall
cooperate with each other and use all reasonable efforts to minimize to the
fullest extent possible the amount of excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the
Code. If, at a later date, it is determined (pursuant to final
regulations or published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service, final judgment
of a court of competent jurisdiction, or otherwise) that the amount of excise
taxes payable by the Director is greater than the amount initially so
determined, then the Director shall pay an amount equal to the sum of such
additional excise taxes and any interest, fines and penalties resulting from
such underpayment. The determination of the amount of any such excise
taxes shall be made by the independent accounting firm employed by the Bank
immediately prior to the change in control or such other independent accounting
firm or advisor as may be mutually agreeable to Bank and Director in the
exercise of their reasonable good faith judgment
7.
Right To
Determine Funding Methods
. The Bank reserves the right to
determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether, to what extent and by
what method, if any, to provide for the payment of the amounts which may be
payable to the Director under the terms of this Agreement. In the
event that the Bank elects to fund this Agreement, in whole or in part, through
the use of life insurance or annuities, or both, the Bank shall determine the
ownership and beneficial interests of any such policy of life insurance or
annuity. The Bank further reserves the right, in its sole and
absolute discretion to terminate any such policy, and any other device used to
fund its obligations under this Agreement, at any time, in whole or in
part. Consistent with Paragraph 9 below, the Director shall have
no right, title or interest in or to any funding source or amount utilized by
the Bank pursuant to this Agreement and any such funding source or amount shall
not constitute security for the performance of the Bank’s obligations pursuant
to this Agreement. In connection with the foregoing, the Director
agrees to execute such documents and undergo such medical examinations or tests
which the Bank may request and which may be reasonably necessary to facilitate
any funding for this Agreement including, without limitation, the Bank’s
acquisition of any policy of insurance or annuity, Furthermore, a refusal by the
Director to consent to, participate in and undergo any such medical examinations
or tests shall result in the immediate termination of this Agreement and the
immediate forfeiture by the Director of any and all rights to payment
hereunder.
8.
Claims
Procedure
. The Bank shall, but only to the extent necessary to
comply with ERISA, be designated as the named fiduciary under this Agreement and
shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of
this Agreement. In the event a dispute arises over benefits under
this Agreement and benefits are not paid to the Director and Director feels he
is entitled to receive such benefits, then a written claim must be made to the
Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator named above within forty-five (45) days
from the date payments are refused. The Named Fiduciary and Plan
Administrator shall review the written claim and if the claim is denied, in
whole or in part, they shall provide in writing within forty-five (45) days of
receipt of such claim the specific reasons for such denial, reference to the
provisions of this Agreement upon which the denial is based and any additional
material or information necessary to perfect the claim. Such written
notice shall further indicate the additional steps to be taken by claimants if a
further review of the claim denial is desired. A claim shall be
deemed denied if the Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator fail to take any
action within the aforesaid forty-five (45) day period.
If
claimants desire a second review they shall notify the Named Fiduciary and Plan
Administrator in writing within forty-five (45) days of the first claim denial.
Claimants may review this Agreement or any documents relating thereto and submit
any written issues and comments it may feel appropriate. In their
sole discretion, the Named Fiduciary and Plan Administrator shall then review
the second claim and provide a written decision within forty-five (45) days of
receipt of such claim. This decision shall likewise state the
specific reasons for the decision and shall include reference to specific
provisions of the Agreement upon which the decision is based.
9.
Status as
an Unsecured General Creditor
. Notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary: (i) Director shall have no legal or equitable
rights, interests or claims in or to any specific property or assets of the Bank
as a result of this Agreement; (ii) none of the Bank’s assets shall be held in
or under any trust for the benefit of the Director or held in any way as
security for the fulfillment of the obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement; (iii) all of the Bank’s assets shall be and remain the general
unpledged and unrestricted assets of the Bank; (iv) the Bank’s obligation under
this Agreement shall be that of an unfunded and unsecured promise by the Bank to
pay money in the future; and (v) the Director shall be unsecured general
creditors with respect to any benefits which may be payable under the terms of
this Agreement.
Notwithstanding
subparagraphs (i) through (v) above, the Bank and the Director acknowledge and
agree that upon request of the Director at any time during the term of this
Agreement, a Rabbi Trust (the “Trust”) shall be established upon such terms and
conditions as may be mutually agreeable between the Bank and the Director in
order to permit the Bank to make contributions and/or transfer assets to the
Trust to discharge its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. The
principal of the Taut and any earnings thereon shall be held separate and apart
from other funds of the Bank to be used exclusively for discharge of the Bank’s
obligations pursuant to this Agreement and shall continue to be subject to the
claims of the Bank’s general creditors until paid to the Director in such manner
and at such times as specified in this Agreement.
10.
Miscellaneous
.
10.1
Opportunity
To Consult With Independent Advisors
. The Director
acknowledges that he has been afforded the opportunity to consult with
independent advisors of his choosing including. without limitation, accountants
or tax advisors and counsel regarding both the benefits granted to hire under
the terms of this Agreement and the (i) terms and conditions which may affect
the Director’s right to these benefits and (ii) personal tax effects of such
benefits including, without limitation, the effects of any federal or state
taxes, Section 280G of the Code, and any other taxes, costs, expenses or
liabilities whatsoever related to such benefits, which in any of the foregoing
instances the Director acknowledges and agrees shall be the sole responsibility
of the Director notwithstanding any other term or provision of this
Agreement. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that the Bank
shall have no liability whatsoever related to any such personal tax effects or
other personal costs, expenses, or liabilities applicable to the Director and
further specifically waives any right for the Director, himself, and his heirs,
legal representatives, agents, successors, and assigns to claim or assert
liability on the part of the Bank related to the matters described above in this
subparagraph 10.1. The Director further acknowledges and agrees that he bas
read, understands and consents to all of the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, and that he enters into this Agreement with a full understanding of
its terms and conditions.
10.2
Arbitration
of Disputes
. All claims, disputes and other matters in
question arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach or
interpretation thereof, other than those matters which are to be determined by
the Bank in its sole and absolute discretion shall be resolved by binding
arbitration before a representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of
the parties, of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services. Inc. (“JAMS”),
located in San Francisco, California. In the event JAMS is unable or
unwilling to conduct the arbitration provided for under the terms of this
Paragraph, or has discontinued its business, the parties agree that a
representative member, selected by the mutual agreement of the parties, of the
American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), located in San Francisco, California,
shall conduct the binding arbitration referred to in this
Paragraph. Notice of the demand for arbitration shall be filed in
writing with the other party to this Agreement and with JAMS (or AAA, if
necessary). In no event shall the demand for arbitration be made
after the date when institution of legal or equitable proceedings based on such
claim, dispute or other matter in question would be barred by the applicable
statute of limitations. The arbitration shall be subject to such
rules of procedure used or established by JAMS or if there are none, the rules
of procedure used or established by AAA. Any award rendered by JAMS
or AAA shall be final and binding upon the parties, and as applicable, their
respective heirs, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns, and may
be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The obligation
of the parties to arbitrate pursuant to this clause shall be specifically
enforceable in accordance with, and shall be conducted consistently with, the
provisions of Title 9 of Part 3 of the California Code of Civil
Procedure. Any arbitration hereunder shall be conducted in San Jose,
California, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.
10.3
Attorneys’
Fees
. In the event of any arbitration or litigation concerning
any controversy, claim or dispute between the parties hereto, arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or the breach hereof, or the interpretation hereof,
the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party
reasonable expenses, attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection therewith
or in the enforcement or collection of any judgment or award rendered
therein. The “prevailing party” means the party determined by the
arbitrator(s) or court, as the case may be, to have most nearly prevailed, even
if such party did not prevail in all matters, not necessarily the one in whose
favor a judgment is rendered.
10.4
Notice
. Any
notice required or permitted of either the Director or the Bank under this
Agreement shall be deemed to have been duly given, if by personal delivery, upon
the date received by the party or its authorized representative; if by
facsimile, upon transmission to a telephone number previously provided by the
party to whom the facsimile is transmitted as reflected in the records of the
party transmitting the facsimile and upon reasonable confirmation of such
transmission; and if by mail, on the third day after mailing via U.S. first
class mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid and return receipt
requested, and addressed to the patty at the address given below for the receipt
of notices, or such changed address as may be requested in writing by a
party.
If to the
Bank: Heritage
Commerce Corp
150 Almaden
Boulevard
San Jose,
California 95113
Attn: Chairman
of the Board
If to the
Director: ____________________
___________________
___________________
10.5
Assignment
. The
Director shall have no power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate,
hypothecate, modify, or otherwise encumber any part or all of the amounts
payable hereunder, nor, prior to payment in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, shall any portion of such amounts be: (i) subject to seizure by any
creditor of the Director, by a proceeding at law or in equity, for the payment
of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance obligations which may
be owed by the Director, or (ii) transferable by operation of law in the event
of bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise. Any such attempted assignment
or transfer shall be void and unenforceable without the prior written consent of
the Back. The Bank’s consent, if any, to one or more assignments or
transfers shall not obligate the Bank to consent to or be construed as the
Bank’s consent to any other or subsequent assignment or transfer.
10.6
Binding
Effect/Merger or Reorganization
. This Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Director and the Bank and. as
applicable, their respective heirs, legal representatives, agents, successors,
and assigns. Accordingly, the Bank shall not merge or consolidate
into or with another corporation, or reorganize or sell substantially all of its
assets to another corporation, firm, or person, unless and until such succeeding
or continuing corporation, firm, or person agrees to assume and discharge the
obligations of the Bank under this Agreement. Upon the occurrence of
such event, the term “Bank” as used in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer
to such surviving or successor firm, person, entity or corporation.
10.7
Nonwaiver
. The
failure of either party to enforce at any time or for any period of time any one
or more of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be a waiver of
such term(s) or condition(s) or of that party’s right thereafter to enforce each
and every term and condition of this Agreement.
10.8
Partial
Invalidity
. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of
this Agreement is determined by an arbitrator or a court, as the case may be, to
be invalid, void, or unenforceable, such determination shall not render any
other term, provision, covenant, or condition invalid, void or unenforceable,
and the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such
partial invalidity.
10.9
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement supersedes any and all other
agreements either oral or in writing, between the parties with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement and contains all of the covenants and
agreements between the parties with respect thereto. Each party to
this Agreement acknowledges that no other representations, inducements,
promises, or agreements, oral or otherwise, have been made by any patty, or
anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not set forth herein, and that
no other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this Agreement shall
be valid or binding on either party.
10.10
Modifications
. Any
modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and
signed by each party or such party’s authorized representative.
10.11
Paragraph
Headings
. The paragraph headings used in this Agreement are
included solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not affect or be
used in connection with the interpretation of this Agreement.
10.12
No Strict
Construction
. The language used in this Agreement shall be
deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual
intent and no rule of strict construction will be applied against any
person.
10.13
Governing
Law
. The laws of the State of California, other than those
laws denominated choice of law rules, and, where applicable, the rules and
regulations of the California Commissioner of Financial Institutions and the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall govern the validity, interpretation,
construction and effect of this Agreement.
10.14
Gender
. Whenever
in this Agreement words are used in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender,
they shall be read and construed as in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender,
whenever they should so apply.
11.
Internal
Revenue Code Section 409A Compliance
. Notwithstanding any
provision existing in this Agreement or any amendment thereto, it is the intent
of the Bank and the Director that any payment or benefit provided pursuant to
this Agreement shall be made and paid in a manner, at a time and in a form which
complies with the applicable requirements of IRC Section 409A, in order to
avoid any unfavorable tax consequences resulting from any such failure to
comply. Furthermore, for the purposes of this Agreement. IRC
Section 409A shall be read to include nay related or relevant IRS Notices
(including but not limited to Notice 2006-79) and the currently proposed
regulations.
In
accordance with the current restrictions on payouts of deferred compensation,
and with respect to any plan amendment or election in 2006, such amendment or
election may not act as to accelerate any payments or cause any payment to be
made in 2006 that would not otherwise be payable in
2006. Furthermore, and in accordance with IRS Notice 2006-79, this
restriction also applies to payments following a separation from service, and
similarly applies to elections/amendments and payments made and to be made in
2007. In the event of any modification or amendment in 2006 (or 2007)
regarding a payment to be made in 2006 (or 2007), such payment shall not be made
or commence until January 1, 2007 (or January 1, 2008, as
applicable).
The
parties reserve the right to amend this agreement as necessary in order to
comply with IRC Section 409A. Furthermore, this Agreement shall
be administered in compliance with IRC Section 409A and the related rules,
regulations and notices. Any section of this Agreement which violates
IRC Section 409A and the related rules, regulations and notices shall be
void and without effect.
12.
Intentional
Act by Director which Precludes Recovery
. Notwithstanding any
other provision in this Agreement or anything contained in this Agreement to the
contrary, in the event the Director takes any intentional action which prevents
the Bank from collecting the proceeds of any life insurance policy which the
Bank may happen to own at the time of the Director’s death and of which the Bank
is the designated beneficiary, then: (1) the Director’s estate or
designated beneficiary(ies) shall no longer be Entitled to receive any of the
amounts payable under the terms of this Agreement, and (2) the Bank shall have
the right to recover from the Director’s estate all of the amounts paid to the
Director, the designated Beneficiary(ies) or to the Director’s estate (with
respect to amounts paid prior to the Director’s death or paid to the Director’s
estate) or designated beneficiary (with respect to amounts paid to the
designated beneficiary) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement prior to and
after the Director’s death.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Director and a duly authorized Bank officer have signed
this Agreement as of the written date.
HERITAGE
COMMERCE CORPORATION
By:
___________________________________
Date:_________________________
Lawrence D. McGovern
Executive Vice President &
CFO
______________________________________
Date:_________________________
Ranson W.
Webster
______________________________________
_____________________________
Witness
Witness
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
REGARDING
THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
I, Walter
T. Kaczmarek, certify that:
1.
|
I
have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December
31, 2007 of Heritage Commerce Corp;
|
2.
|
Based
on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
|
3.
|
Based
on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information
included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report;
|
4.
|
The
registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal
control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and
have:
|
|
(a)
|
Designed
such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
prepared;
|
|
(b)
|
Designed
such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal
control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;
|
|
(c)
|
Evaluated
the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures
and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of
the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period
covered by this report based on such evaluation;
and
|
|
(d)
|
Disclosed
in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fourth fiscal
quarter of 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
|
5.
|
The
registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to
the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s
board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
|
|
(a)
|
All
significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information;
and
|
|
(b)
|
Any
fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting.
|
Date:
March 17, 2008
/s/ Walter
T. Kaczmarek
Walter T. Kaczmarek
Chief
Executive Officer
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
REGARDING
THE ANNUAL REPROT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
I,
Lawrence D. McGovern, certify that:
1.
|
I
have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December
31, 2007 of Heritage Commerce Corp;
|
2.
|
Based
on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
|
3.
|
Based
on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information
included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report;
|
4.
|
The
registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal
control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and
have:
|
|
(a)
|
Designed
such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
prepared;
|
|
(b)
|
Designed
such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal
control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;
|
|
(c)
|
Evaluated
the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures
and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of
the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period
covered by this report based on such evaluation;
and
|
|
(d)
|
Disclosed
in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fourth fiscal
quarter of 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
|
5.
|
The
registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to
the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s
board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
|
|
(a)
|
All
significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information;
and
|
|
(b)
|
Any
fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting.
|
Date:
March 17, 2008
/s/ Lawrence D.
McGovern
Lawrence
D. McGovern
Chief
Financial Officer
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C.
SECTION 1350,
AS
ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION
906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
REGARDING
THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
In
connection with the Annual Report of Heritage Commerce Corp (the “Company”) on
Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Walter T. Kaczmarek,
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section
1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
that:
(1)
|
The
Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
and
|
(2)
|
The
information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.
|
March 17,
2008
/s/ Walter T.
Kaczmarek
Walter T. Kaczmarek
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C.
SECTION 1350,
AS
ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION
906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
REGARDING
THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
In
connection with the Annual Report of Heritage Commerce Corp (the “Company”) on
Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Lawrence D. McGovern,
Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section
1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
that:
(1)
|
The
Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
and
|
(2)
|
The
information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.
|
March 17,
2008
/s/ Lawrence D.
McGovern
Lawrence D. McGovern
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We
consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-59277, 333-95167, 333-65884, 333-117431, 333-40384, and 333-135400 on Form
S-8 of Heritage Commerce Corp of our report dated March 17, 2008 with respect to
the consolidated financial statements of Heritage Commerce Corp and on the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which report appears
in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Heritage Commerce Corp for the year ended
December 31, 2007.
/s/ Crowe Chizek and Company,
LLP
Oak
Brook, Illinois
March 17,
2008