HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP - Annual Report: 2009 (Form 10-K)

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

FORM 10-K

Commission file number 000-23877

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

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

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

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

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or I5(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý

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

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o    No o

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

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

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

         The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based upon the closing price of its common stock as of June 30, 2009 $3.73 per share, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was approximately $38 million.

         As of March 10, 2010, there were 11,820,509 shares of the Registrant's common stock (no par value) outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         Portions of the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the 2010 Annual Meeting to be held on May 27, 2010 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report. The proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the Registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

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HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP

INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

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Our ability to attract new deposits and loans;



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Local, regional, and national economic conditions and events and the impact they may have on us and our customers;



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Risks associated with concentrations in real estate related loans;



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Increasing levels of classified assets, including nonperforming assets, which could adversely affect our earnings and liquidity;



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Market interest rate volatility;



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Stability of funding sources and continued availability of borrowings;



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Changes in legal or regulatory requirements or the results of regulatory examinations that could restrict growth and constrain our activities, including the terms of our written agreement entered into by the Company and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the California Department of Financial Institutions;



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Changes in accounting standards and interpretations;



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Significant decline in the market value of the Company that could result in an impairment of goodwill;



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Our ability to raise capital or incur debt on reasonable terms;



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Regulatory limits on Heritage Bank of Commerce's ability to pay dividends to the Company;



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Effectiveness of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and other legislative and regulatory efforts to help stabilize the U.S. financial markets;



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Future legislative or administrative changes to the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program enacted under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008;



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The impact of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and related rules and regulations on our business operations and competitiveness, including the impact of executive compensation restrictions, which may affect our ability to retain and recruit executives in competition with other firms who do not operate under those restrictions; and

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Our success in managing the risks involved in the foregoing items.

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

PART I

ITEM 1 — BUSINESS

General

        Heritage Commerce Corp ("HCC") is registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as a Bank Holding Company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. HCC was organized in 1997 to be the holding company for Heritage Bank of Commerce ("HBC"). Subsequent to 1997, HCC became the holding company for Heritage Bank East Bay, Heritage Bank South Valley, and Bank of Los Altos. On January 1, 2003, these banks were merged into HBC and now operate as branch offices serving their local markets. In June 2007, HCC acquired Diablo Valley Bank which merged into HBC.

        HCC'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 accounting guidance on variable interest entities, the Subsidiary Trusts are not reflected on a consolidated basis in the financial statements of HCC.

        HCC's principal source of income is dividends from HBC. The expenditures of HCC, 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 HCC by HBC.

        At December 31, 2009, HCC had consolidated assets of $1.36 billion, deposits of $1.09 billion and shareholders' equity of $172.3 million. HCC's liabilities include $23.7 million in debt obligations due to the Subsidiary Trusts related to capital trust pass-through securities issued by those entities.

        References herein to the "Company" "we", "us", and "our" refer to HCC and its consolidated subsidiary, unless the context indicates otherwise.

        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.

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, and Contra Costa counties in California. We operate ten full service branch offices throughout this geographic footprint. The locations of HBC's current offices are:

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        HBC's gross loan balances, excluding loans held-for-sale at the end of 2009 totaled $1.07 billion. HBC's lending activities are diversified and include commercial, real estate, construction 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 twenty-five years and a balloon payment due at maturity); however, SBA and certain real estate loans that can be sold in the secondary market may be granted for longer maturities.

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        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.

        HBC also actively engages in Small Business Administration ("SBA") lending. HBC have been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender since 1999.

        As of December 31, 2009, 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 37%, (iii) land and construction loans 17%, and (iv) consumer (including home equity) 6%. 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, HBC offers 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. HBC attracts deposits from throughout our market area with a customer-oriented product mix, competitive pricing, and convenient locations. At December 31, 2009, HBC had approximately 15,700 deposit accounts totaling $1.09 billion, including brokered deposits, compared to 17,200 deposit accounts totaling approximately $1.15 billion as of December 31, 2008.

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

Diablo Valley Bank

        In June 2007, the Company acquired Diablo Valley Bank. The transaction was valued at approximately $65 million, 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 million 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 $6.7 million in cash (including dividend payments).

U.S Treasury Capital Purchase Program

        On November 21, 2008, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement Standard Terms with the U.S. Treasury pursuant to the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program authorized under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. In accordance with the Purchase Agreement the Company sold to the U.S. Treasury for an aggregate purchase price of $40 million, Series A Preferred Stock and a warrant to purchase 462,963 shares of our common stock. Under the terms of the Capital Purchase Program, the Company is prohibited from increasing dividends above $0.08 per share on its common stock, and from

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making certain repurchases of equity securities, including its common stock, without the U.S. Treasury's consent. Furthermore, as long as the preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury is outstanding, dividend payments and repurchases or redemptions relating to certain equity securities, including the Company's common stock, are prohibited until all accrued and unpaid dividends are paid on the Series A Preferred Stock. In November 2009, the Company announced that it had suspended the payment of dividends on its Series A Preferred Stock.

Recent Regulatory Action

        On February 17, 2010 HCC and HBC entered into a written agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, and the California Department of Financial Institutions ("DFI"). Under the terms of the written agreement, the Company must obtain the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve and DFI before it may (i) declare or pay any dividends, (ii) make any distributions of principal or interest on the Company's outstanding trust preferred securities and related subordinated debt, (iii) incur, increase or guarantee any debt, (iv) redeem any outstanding stock, or (v) take dividends or any other form of payment that represents a reduction in capital from HBC. The written agreement also requires the Company to (i) submit a written plan to strengthen credit risk management practices, (ii) submit a written capital plan for sufficient capitalization of both HCC and HBC , (iii) submit a written business plan for 2010 to improve the Company's earnings and overall financial condition, (iv) comply with notice and approval requirements related to the appointment of directors and senior executive officers or change in the responsibility of any current senior executive officer, (v) comply with restrictions on paying or agreeing to pay certain indemnification and severance payments without prior written approval, (vi) submit a written plan to improve management of the Company's liquidity position and funds management practices, (vii) notify the Federal Reserve and DFI no more than 30 days after the end of any quarter in which the capital ratios of HCC or HBC fall below approved capital plan's minimum ratios, together with an acceptable plan to increase capital ratios above the approved capital plan's minimum levels, (viii) comply with specified procedures for board (or a committee of the board) approval for the extension, renewal or restructure of any "criticized loan", (ix) submit plans to improve the Company's position on outstanding past due and other problem loans in excess of $2 million, (x) maintain policies and procedures and submit a plan for the maintenance of an adequate allocation for loan and lease losses, and (xi) provide quarterly progress reports to the Federal Reserve and DFI.

        Prior to entering into the written agreement in February 2010, the Company had already ceased paying dividends on its common stock (in the second quarter of 2009), suspended interest payments on its trust preferred securities and related subordinated debt (in the fourth quarter of 2009), and suspended dividend payments on its preferred stock (also in the fourth quarter of 2009).

        The Company is addressing the requirements of the written agreement, including efforts and plans to improve asset quality and credit risk management, improve profitability and liquidity management, and maintain capital at a level sufficient for the respective risk profiles of HCC (on a consolidated basis) and HBC. A committee of outside directors has been formed to monitor and coordinate compliance with the written agreement.

        Failure to comply with the written agreement may subject HCC and HBC to additional supervisory actions and orders.

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Correspondent Banks

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

Competition

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

        With respect to commercial bank competitors, the business is dominated by a relatively small number of major banks that operate a large number of offices within our geographic footprint. For the combined Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa county region, the three counties within which the Company operates, the top three institutions are all multi-billion dollar entities with an aggregate of 377 offices that control a combined 52.37% of deposit market share based on June 30, 2009 FDIC market share data. HBC ranks fourteenth with 1.06% share of total deposits based on June 30, 2009 market share data. These banks have, among other advantages, the ability to finance wide-ranging advertising campaigns and to allocate their resources to regions of highest yield and demand. They can also offer certain services that we do not offer directly, but may offer indirectly through correspondent institutions. By virtue of their greater total capitalization, these banks also have substantially higher lending limits than we do. For customers whose needs exceed our legal lending limit, we arrange for the sale, or "participation," of some of the balances to financial institutions that are not within our geographic footprint.

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

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

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financial companies, and has also intensified competitive conditions. See Item 1 — "Business — Supervision and Regulation — Heritage Commerce Corp — The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999".

        In order to compete with the other financial service providers, the Company principally relies upon community-oriented, personalized service, local promotional activities, personal relationships established by officers, directors, and employees with its customers, and specialized services tailored to meet its customers' needs. Our "preferred lender" status with the Small Business Administration allows us to approve SBA loans faster than many of our competitors. In those instances where the Company is unable to accommodate a customer's needs, the Company seeks to arrange for such loans on a participation basis with other financial institutions or to have those services provided in whole or in part by its correspondent banks. See Item 1 — "Business — Correspondent Banks."

Economic Conditions, Government Policies, Legislation, and Regulation

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

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

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

        On October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 was enacted to restore confidence and stabilize the volatility in the U.S. banking system and to encourage financial institutions to increase their lending to customers and to each other. Initially introduced as the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act authorized the U.S. Treasury to purchase from financial institutions and their holding companies up to $700 billion in mortgage loans, mortgage-related securities and certain other financial instruments, including debt and equity securities issued by financial institutions and their holding companies in a troubled asset relief program. Initially, $350 billion or half of

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the $700 billion was made immediately available to the U.S. Treasury. On January 15, 2009, the remaining $350 billion was released to the U.S. Treasury.

        On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced its intention to inject capital into nine large U.S. financial institutions under the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program, and since has injected capital into many other financial institutions, including the Company. On November 21, 2008, the Company entered into a Letter Agreement and Securities Purchase Agreement — Standard Terms, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold preferred stock and a common stock warrant for $40 million.

        On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into law. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes various programs intended to stimulate the economy. In addition, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act imposes certain new executive compensation and corporate governance requirements on all current and future Capital Purchase Program recipients, including the Company, until the institution has repaid the U.S. Treasury, which is permitted under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act without penalty and without the need to raise new capital, subject to the U.S. Treasury's consultation with the recipient's appropriate regulatory agency.

        See Item 1 — "Business — Supervision and Regulation — U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program" for further discussion of the requirement under the Capital Purchase Program.

Supervision and Regulation

Introduction

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

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

        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 cannot necessarily be predicted, but they may have a material effect on the business and earnings of the Company.

Heritage Commerce Corp

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

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        The Company is also a bank holding company within the meaning of Section 3700 of the California Financial Code. Consequently, HCC 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.

        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 Board's position that bank holding companies should stand ready to use their available resources to provide adequate capital to their subsidiary banks during periods of financial stress or adversity. Bank holding companies must also maintain the financial flexibility and capital raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting their subsidiary bank.

        HCC's stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, and as such the Company is subject to 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"). HCC is subject to additional regulations including, but not limited to, the proxy and tender offer rules promulgated by the SEC under Sections 13 and 14 of the Exchange Act, the reporting requirements of directors, executive officers and principal shareholders regarding transactions in the HCC's common stock and short swing profits rules promulgated by the SEC under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and certain additional reporting requirements by principal shareholders of the Company promulgated by the SEC under Section 13 of the Exchange Act.

        Bank Holding Company Liquidity.    HCC is a legal entity, separate and distinct from HBC. HCC 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 HCC.

        HCC 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.

        Transactions With Affiliates.    HCC 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 Federal Reserve Board'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

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borrowing from a banking subsidiary of the bank holding company, unless the loans are secured by marketable collateral of designated amounts. HCC 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 Federal Reserve Board'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; or (iii) merging or consolidating with another bank holding company.

        Bank holding companies may own subsidiaries engaged in certain businesses that the Federal Reserve Board has determined to be "so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto." HCC, therefore, is permitted to engage in a variety of banking-related businesses. Some of the activities that the Federal Reserve Board 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 Federal Reserve Board 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.

        Additionally, under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, qualifying bank holding companies making an appropriate election to the Federal Reserve Board may engage in a full range of financial activities, including insurance, securities and merchant banking. The Company has not elected to qualify for these financial activities.

        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 Federal Reserve Board 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 applicable 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 state law authorization. However, states were given the ability to prohibit interstate mergers with banks in their own

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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 company 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 the Interstate Banking Act and California laws have increased competition in the environment in which the Company operates to the extent that out of state financial institutions directly or indirectly enter the Company's market areas. It appears that the Interstate Banking Act has contributed to accelerated consolidation within the banking industry.

        Capital Adequacy.    Bank holding companies must maintain minimum levels of capital under the Federal Reserve Board'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 Federal Reserve Board'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-weighted assets. Under the terms of the guidelines, bank holding companies are expected to meet capital adequacy guidelines based both on total risk-weighted 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 Federal Reserve Board'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 HCC 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 HCC'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 credits) and the current assets of HCC 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 Federal Reserve Board'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.

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        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 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 Federal Reserve Board 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" and "well-managed." Further, each bank subsidiary of the holding company must have received at least a satisfactory Community Reinvestment 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 Federal Reserve Board 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 the safe-guarding of 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.

        HCC 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 HCC and HBC face from larger institutions and other types of companies offering financial products, many of which may have substantially more financial resources than HCC 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.

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        SOX's provisions are significant to all companies that have a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, or are otherwise reporting to the SEC (or the appropriate federal banking agency) pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including HCC (collectively, "public companies"). In addition to SEC rulemaking to implement SOX, the NASDAQ Stock Market has adopted corporate governance rules intended to allow shareholders to more easily and effectively monitor the performance of companies and directors. The principal provisions of SOX, provide for and include, among other things: (i) the creation of an independent accounting oversight board; (ii) auditor independence provisions that restrict non-audit services that accountants may provide to their audit clients; (iii) additional corporate governance and responsibility measures, including the requirement that the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of a public company certify financial statements; (iv) the forfeiture of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of a public company's securities by directors and senior officers in the twelve month period following initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement; (v) an increase in the oversight of, and enhancement of certain requirements relating to, audit committees of public companies and how they interact with the public company's independent auditors; (vi) requirements that audit committee members must be independent and are barred from accepting consulting, advisory or other compensatory fees from the public company; (vii) requirements that public companies disclose whether at least one member of the audit committee is a "financial expert' (as such term is defined by the SEC) and if not discuss, why the audit committee does not have a financial expert; (viii) expanded disclosure requirements for corporate insiders, including accelerated reporting of stock transactions by insiders and a prohibition on insider trading during pension blackout periods; (ix) a prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers, except certain loans made by insured financial institutions on non-preferential terms and in compliance with other bank regulatory requirements; (x) disclosure of a code of ethics and filing a Form 8-K for a change or waiver of such code; (xi) a range of enhanced penalties for fraud and other violations; and (xii) expanded disclosure and certification relating to a public company's disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting.

        The Company has not experienced any significant difficulties in complying with SOX.

Heritage Bank of Commerce

        General.    As a California chartered bank, HBC is subject to supervision, periodic examination, and regulation by the DFI and by the Federal Reserve Board, as HBC's primary federal regulator. As a member bank, HBC is a stockholder of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. If, as a result of an examination, the DFI or the Federal Reserve Board should determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, or other aspects of HBC's operations are unsatisfactory or that HBC or its management is violating or has violated any law or regulation, the DFI and the Federal Reserve Board, and separately the FDIC as insurer of HBC's deposits, have residual authority to: (i) require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice; (ii) direct an increase in capital; (iii) restrict HBC's growth geographically, by products and services or by mergers and acquisitions; (iv) enter into informal nonpublic or formal public memoranda of understanding or written agreements; (v) enjoin unsafe and unsound practices and issue cease and desist orders to take corrective action; (vi) remove officers and directors and assess civil monetary penalties; and (vii) take possession and close and liquidate HBC.

        California law permits state chartered commercial banks to engage in any activity permissible for national banks. Therefore, HBC may form subsidiaries to engage in the many so-called "closely related to banking" or "nonbanking" activities commonly conducted by national banks in operating subsidiaries, and further, pursuant to the Financial Services Modernization Act, HBC may conduct certain "financial" activities in a subsidiary to the same extent as may a national bank, provided HBC is and remains "well-capitalized," "well-managed" and in satisfactory compliance with the CRA.

        HBC is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") of San Francisco. Among other benefits, each FHLB serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region and

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makes available loans or advances to its members. Each FHLB is financed primarily from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB system. As an FHLB member, HBC is required to own a certain amount of capital stock in the FHLB. At December 31, 2009, HBC was in compliance with the FHLB's stock ownership requirement.

        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, 2009:

        As of December 31, 2009, the Company's capital levels met all minimum regulatory requirements and HBC was considered "well capitalized" under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. Except for terms of the written agreement with the FRB and DFI, there are no conditions or events since December 31, 2009 that management believes has changed HBC's category. However, as discussed under "Recent Regulatory Action," the written agreement signed in February 2010 requires the Company to submit a written plan to the FRB and DFI for sufficient capitalization of both HCC (on a consolidated basis) and HBC, based on their respective risk profiles.

        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 1 capital for purposes of determining the Company's Tier 1 and total risk-based capital ratios. The Federal Reserve Board has promulgated a modification of the capital regulations affecting trust preferred securities. Under this modification, effective March 31, 2011, 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 1 capital. When the new regulations become effective, the Company may include in Tier 1 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 excluding accumulated other comprehensive income/loss, less goodwill and other intangible assets and any related deferred income tax liability. The regulations currently in effect through March 31, 2011, limit the amount of trust preferred securities that can be included in Tier 1 capital to 25% of the sum of core capital elements without a deduction for goodwill. Management has determined that the Company's Tier 1 capital ratios would be substantially the same had the modification of the capital regulations been in effect at December 31, 2009.

        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,"

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"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, and 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. For information on the Company's recent regulatory action see "Business — Recent Regulatory Action."

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        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. If an institution fails to meet these standards, the appropriate federal banking agency may require the institution to submit a compliance plan and institute enforcement proceedings if an acceptable compliance plan is not submitted.

        FDIC Insurance and Insurance Assessments.    The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures deposits, up to prescribed statutory limits, of federally insured banks and savings institutions and safeguards the safety and soundness of the banking and savings industries. The FDIC insures HBC's customer deposits through the Deposit Insurance Fund ("DIF") up to prescribed limits to each depositor. Pursuant to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, the maximum deposit insurance was increased from $100,000 to $250,000. The amount of FDIC assessments paid by each DIF member institution is based on its relative risk of default as measured by regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory factors. Pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005, the FDIC is authorized to set the reserve ratio for the DIF annually at between 1.15% and 1.50% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC may increase or decrease the assessment rate schedule on a semi-annual basis. In an effort to restore capitalization levels and to ensure the DIF will adequately cover projected losses from future bank failures, the FDIC, in October 2008, proposed a rule to alter the way in which it differentiates for risk in the risk-based assessment system and to revise deposit insurance assessment rates, including base assessment rates. First quarter 2009 assessment rates were increased to between 12 and 50 cents for every $100 of domestic deposits, with most banks paying between 12 and 14 cents.

        On May 22, 2009, the FDIC approved the final rule to establish a special assessment of five basis points on each FDIC-insured depository institution's assets minus Tier 1 capital, as of June 30, 2009. As a result, the FDIC levied a special assessment of $652,000, which was paid by HBC on September 30, 2009.

        On September 29, 2009, the FDIC adopted an Amended Restoration Plan to allow the DIF to return to a reserve ratio of 1.15 percent within eight years, as mandated by statute. While the Amended Restoration Plan and higher assessment rates address the need to return the DIF reserve ratio to 1.15 percent, the FDIC must also consider its need for cash to pay for projected bank failures. On November 17, 2009, the FDIC amended its regulation requiring insured institutions to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012. The FDIC waived these requirements for HBC.

        If the DIF's reserves exceed the designated reserve ratio, the FDIC is required to pay out all or, if the reserve ratio is less than 1.5%, a portion of the excess as a dividend to insured depository institutions based on the percentage of insured deposits held on December 31, 1996 adjusted for subsequently paid premiums. Insured depository institutions that were in existence on December 31, 1996 and paid assessments prior to that date (or their successors) were entitled to a one-time credit against future assessments based on their past contributions to the predecessor to the DIF.

        Additionally, by participating in the FDIC's Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program, banks temporarily become subject to an additional assessment on deposits in excess of $250,000 in certain transaction accounts and additionally for assessments from 50 basis points to 100 basis points per annum depending on the initial maturity of the debt. Further, all FDIC-insured institutions are required to pay assessments to the FDIC to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation ("FICO"), an agency of the Federal government established to recapitalize the predecessor to the DIF. These assessments will continue until the FICO bonds mature in 2017.

        The FDIC may terminate a depository institution's deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution's financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or

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unsound practices that pose a risk to the DIF or that may prejudice the interest of depositors. The termination of deposit insurance for a bank would also result in the revocation of the bank's charter by the DFI.

        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, 2009.

        Safeguarding of Customer Information and Privacy.    The Federal Reserve Board 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

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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 a 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.

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

        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.

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U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program

        On November 21, 2008, HCC entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement Standard Terms with the U.S. Treasury pursuant to the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program authorized under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. In accordance with the Purchase Agreement HCC sold to the U.S. Treasury, for an aggregate purchase price of $40 million, Series A Preferred Stock and a warrant to purchase 462,963 shares of our common stock. Under the terms of the Capital Purchase Program, HCC is prohibited from increasing dividends on its common stock, and from making certain repurchases of equity securities, including its common stock, without the U.S. Treasury's consent. Furthermore, as long as the preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury is outstanding, dividend payments and repurchases or redemptions relating to certain equity securities, including HCC's common stock, are prohibited until all accrued and unpaid dividends are paid on such preferred stock. In order to participate in the Capital Purchase Program, financial institutions were required to adopt certain standards for executive compensation and corporate governance. These standards generally apply to the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and the three next most highly compensated senior executive officers. The standards include (1) ensuring that incentive compensation for senior executives does not encourage unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of the financial institution; (2) required clawback of any bonus or incentive compensation paid to a senior executive based on statements of earnings, gains or other criteria that are later proven to be materially inaccurate; (3) prohibition on making golden parachute payments to senior executives; and (4) agreement not to deduct for tax purposes executive compensation in excess of $500,000 for each senior executive.

        The bank regulatory agencies, U.S. Treasury and the Office of Special Inspector General, also created by the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, have issued guidance and requests to the financial institutions that participate in the Capital Purchase Program to document their plans and use of the proceeds from the sale of the preferred stock and their plans for addressing the executive compensation requirements associated with the Capital Purchase Program.

        In addition, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act imposes certain new executive compensation and corporate expenditure limits on all current and future Capital Purchase Program recipients, including the Company, until the institution has repaid the U.S. Treasury, which is permitted under the American Recovery Reinvestment Act without penalty and without the need to raise new capital, subject to the U.S. Treasury's consultation with the recipient's appropriate regulatory agency. The executive compensation standards are more stringent than those in effect under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. The new standards include (but are not limited to) (i) prohibitions on bonuses, retention awards and other incentive compensation, other than restricted stock grants which do not fully vest until the preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury is no longer outstanding up to one-third of an employee's total annual compensation, (ii) prohibitions on golden parachute payments for departure from a company, (iii) an expanded clawback of bonuses, retention awards, and incentive compensation if payment is based on materially inaccurate statements of earnings, revenues, gains or other criteria, (iv) prohibitions on compensation plans that encourage manipulation of reported earnings, (v) retroactive review of bonuses, retention awards and other compensation previously provided by Capital Purchase Program recipients if found by the U.S. Treasury to be inconsistent with the purposes of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act or otherwise contrary to public interest, (vi) required establishment of a company-wide policy regarding "excessive or luxury expenditures," and (vii) inclusion in a participant's proxy statements for annual shareholder meetings of a nonbinding "say on pay" shareholder vote on the compensation of executives.

Other Pending and Proposed Legislation

        Other legislative and regulatory initiatives which could affect HCC, 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

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enacted, may further alter the structure, regulation and competitive relationship among financial institutions, and may subject HCC or HBC to increased regulation, disclosure and reporting requirements. In addition, the various banking regulatory agencies often adopt new rules and regulations to implement and enforce existing legislation. It cannot be predicted whether, or in what form, any such legislation or regulations may be enacted or the extent to which the business of HCC or HBC would be affected thereby.

Employees

        At December 31, 2009, the Company had 206 full-time equivalent employees. The Company's employees are not represented by any union or collective bargaining agreement and the Company believes its employee relations are satisfactory.

ITEM 1A — RISK FACTORS

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

Risks Relating to Recent Economic Conditions and Governmental Response Efforts

Difficult economic and market conditions have adversely affected our industry.

        The global and U.S. economies continue to experience a protracted slowdown in business activity. Dramatic declines in the housing market, with decreasing home prices and increasing delinquencies and foreclosures, have negatively impacted the credit performance of mortgage, land development and construction loans and resulted in significant write-downs of assets by many financial institutions. General downward economic trends, reduced availability of commercial credit and increasing unemployment have negatively impacted the credit performance of commercial and consumer credit, resulting in additional write-downs. Negative economic trends have led to increased commercial and consumer loan deficiencies, lack of customer confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction in general business activity. The resulting economic pressure on consumers and businesses may continue to adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price. We do not expect that the difficult conditions in the financial and real estate markets are likely to improve in the near future. Moreover, the commercial real estate market may continue to decline, which could adversely affect a substantial portion of our loan portfolio. A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of these difficult market conditions on us and others in the financial institutions industry. In particular, we may face the following risks in connection with these events:

•

We potentially face increased regulation of our industry which may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities. Compliance with such regulation may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities.



•

The process we use to estimate losses inherent in our credit exposure requires difficult, subjective and complex judgments, including assessments of economic conditions. The level of uncertainty concerning economic conditions may adversely affect the accuracy of our estimates which may, in turn, impact the reliability of the process.



•

Our borrowers may be unable to make timely repayments of their loans, and the decrease in value of real estate collateral securing the payment of such loans could result in significant credit losses, increased delinquencies, foreclosures and customer bankruptcies, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.



•

The value of our securities portfolio may be adversely affected.



•

Changes and volatility in interest rates may negatively impact yields on earning assets and may increase the costs of interest-bearing liabilities.

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•

Monetary and fiscal policies of the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Government and other government initiatives taken in response to economic conditions may adversely affect our profitability.



•

We have been and may be required to pay significantly higher FDIC premiums because market developments have significantly depleted the insurance fund of the FDIC and reduced the ratio of reserves to insured deposits.

        If current negative economic trends continue or worsen, there can be no assurance that we will not experience an adverse effect, which may be material, on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Recent legislative and regulatory initiatives may not be successful.

        Recent legislative and regulatory initiatives to address difficult market and economic conditions may not stabilize the U.S. banking system. On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, or the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, in response to the crisis in the financial sector in 2008. The U.S. Treasury and banking regulators have implemented a number of programs under this legislation to address capital and liquidity issues in the banking system. On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. There can be no assurance, however, as to the actual impact that the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will have on the financial markets, including the levels of volatility and limited credit availability currently being experienced. The failure of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act or American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help stabilize the financial markets and a continuation or worsening of current financial market conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, access to credit or the value of our securities.

The FDIC has increased insurance premiums to rebuild and maintain the federal deposit insurance fund.

        The FDIC has adopted a final rule revising its risk-based assessment system, effective April 1, 2009. The changes to the assessment system involve adjustments to the risk-based calculation of an institution's unsecured debt, secured liabilities and brokered deposits. The revisions effectively result in a range of possible assessments under the risk-based system of 7 to 77.5 basis points. As a result of the recent revisions, we anticipate paying higher FDIC insurance premiums, which will add to our cost of operations and, thus, adversely affect our results of operations. Depending on any future losses that the FDIC insurance fund may suffer due to failed institutions, there can be no assurance that there will not be additional premium increases in order to replenish the fund.

        The FDIC has imposed a special Deposit Insurance assessment of 5 basis points on all insured institutions. This emergency assessment was calculated based on each insured institution's total assets minus Tier 1 capital at June 30, 2009, and was collected on September 30, 2009. Future special assessments imposed by the FDIC will further increase our cost of operations and, as a result, could have a significant impact on us.

U.S. and international financial markets and economic conditions could adversely affect our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.

        The turmoil and downward economic trends in 2009 were particularly acute in the financial sector and these trends may continue in 2010. Although we have not suffered any significant liquidity issues as a result of these recent events, the cost and availability of funds may be adversely affected by illiquid credit markets and the demand for our products and services may decline as our borrowers and customers realize the impact of an economic slowdown and recession. In view of the concentration of our operations and the collateral securing our loan portfolio in California, we may be particularly susceptible to the adverse

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economic conditions in California and, particularly, the San Francisco Bay area where our business is concentrated. In addition, the severity and duration of these adverse conditions is unknown and may exacerbate our exposure to credit risk and adversely affect the ability of borrowers to perform under the terms of their lending arrangements with us.

Risks Related to Our Market and Business

We are subject to a written agreement with the Federal Reserve and the California Department of Financial Institutions, and in the future may become subject to additional supervisory actions and/or enhanced regulation that could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating flexibility, financial condition and the value of our common stock.

        Under federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the safety and soundness of insured depository institutions, various state regulators (for state chartered-banks), the Federal Reserve (for bank holding companies and state member banks), the California Department of Financial Institutions (for California state-chartered banks) ("DFI") and separately the FDIC as the insurer of bank deposits, each have the authority to compel or restrict certain actions on our part if they determine that we have insufficient capital or are otherwise operating in a manner that may be deemed to be inconsistent with safe and sound banking practices. Under their respective authority, our bank regulators can require us to enter into informal or formal enforcement orders, including board resolutions, memoranda of understanding, written agreements and consent or cease and desist orders, pursuant to which we may be required to take identified corrective actions to address cited concerns and to refrain from taking certain actions.

        As a result of the Company's losses in 2009, primarily due to higher provisions for loan losses because of credit quality deterioration, the Company entered into a written agreement on February 17, 2010 with the Federal Reserve and DFI. Among other things, the written agreement provides that the Company and HBC shall submit to the Federal Reserve and the DFI their continuing plans to enhance credit risk and administration functions, to maintain policies and procedures for the maintenance of an adequate allowance for loan and lease losses, to improve earnings for 2010, to improve HBC's liquidity position and funds management practices, and to update the Company's capital plan in order to maintain capital at or above sufficient levels based on the respective risk profiles of the consolidated Company and HBC. The written agreement also restricts the payment of dividends and any payments on trust preferred securities and related subordinated debt, or any reduction in capital or the purchase or redemption of stock without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve and the DFI. The written agreement requires the Company to comply with restrictions on indemnification and golden parachute payments, and to comply with notice and approval requirements related to the appointment of directors and senior executive officers. Progress reports detailing the form and manner of all actions taken to secure compliance with the written agreement must be submitted to the Federal Reserve and DFI at least quarterly. See Item 1 — "Business — Recent Regulatory Action."

        If we are unable to comply with the terms of the written agreement with the Federal Reserve and DFI, or if we are unable to comply with the terms of any future regulatory orders to which we may become subject, then we could become subject to additional supervisory actions and orders, including cease and desist orders, prompt corrective action and/or other regulatory enforcement actions. If our regulators were to take such additional supervisory actions, then we could, among other things, become subject to significant restrictions on our ability to develop any new business, as well as restrictions on our existing business, and we could be required to raise additional capital, dispose of certain assets and liabilities within a prescribed period of time, or both. Failure to implement the measures in the time frames provided, or at all, could result in additional orders or penalties from the Federal Reserve and the State of California, which could include further restrictions on the Company's business, assessment of civil money penalties on the Company, as well as its directors, officers and other affiliated parties, termination of deposit insurance, removal of one or more officers and/or directors and the liquidation or other closure of the Company. The terms of any such supervisory action and the consequences associated with any failure to comply therewith

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could have a material negative effect on our business, operating flexibility, financial condition and the value of our common stock.

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

        We maintain an allowance for loan losses for probable incurred losses in the portfolio. The allowance is established through a provision for loan losses based on our management's evaluation of the risks inherent in our loan portfolio and the general economy. The allowance is also appropriately increased for new loan growth. The allowance is based upon a number of factors, including the size of the loan portfolio, asset classifications, economic trends, industry experience and trends, industry and geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, management's assessment of the credit risk inherent in the portfolio, historical loan loss experience and loan underwriting policies.

        In addition, we evaluate all loans identified as problem loans and allocate an allowance based upon our estimation of the potential loss associated with those problem loans. While we strive to carefully manage and monitor credit quality and to identify loans that may be deteriorating, at any time there are loans included in the portfolio that may result in losses, but that have not yet been identified as potential problem loans. Through established credit practices, we attempt to identify deteriorating loans and adjust the allowance for loan losses accordingly. However, because future events are uncertain and because we may not successfully identify all deteriorating loans in a timely manner, there may be loans that deteriorate in an accelerated time frame. As a result, future additions to the allowance may be necessary. Further, because the loan portfolio contains a number of commercial real estate, construction, and land development loans with relatively large balances, a deterioration in the credit quality of one or more of these loans may require a significant increase to the allowance for loan losses. Future additions to the allowance may also be required based on changes in the financial condition of borrowers, such as changes resulting from the current, and potentially worsening, economic conditions or as a result of incorrect assumptions by management in determining the allowance for loan losses. Additionally, federal and state banking regulators, as an integral part of their supervisory function, periodically review our allowance for loan losses. These regulatory agencies may require us to recognize further loan loss provisions or charge-offs based upon their judgments, which may be different from ours.

        Loan losses in excess of our allowance for loan losses could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

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

        At December 31, 2009, nonperforming loans were 5.83% of the loan portfolio. At December 31, 2009, nonperforming assets were 4.74% of total assets. Nonperforming assets adversely affect our earnings in various ways. Until economic and market conditions improve, we expect to continue to incur losses relating to an increase in nonperforming assets. We do not record interest income on nonaccrual loans or other real estate owned, thereby adversely affecting our income, and increasing our loan administration costs. Upon foreclosure or similar proceedings, we record the repossessed asset at the estimated fair value, less costs to sell, which may result in a loss. An increase in the level of nonperforming assets increases our risk profile and may impact the capital levels our regulators believe are appropriate in light of the increased risk profile. While we reduce problem assets through collection efforts, asset sales, workouts, restructurings and otherwise, decreases in the value of the underlying collateral, or in these borrowers' performance or financial condition, whether or not due to economic and market conditions beyond our control, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

        In addition, the resolution of nonperforming assets requires significant commitments of time from management and our directors, which can be detrimental to the performance of their other

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responsibilities. If the current economic and market conditions persist or worsen, it is likely that we will experience future increases in nonperforming assets, particularly if we are unsuccessful in our efforts to reduce our classified assets, which would have a significant adverse effect on our business.

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

        For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded a $33.9 million provision for loan losses, charged-off $31.5 million of loans, and recovered $1.4 million of loans. There has been a significant slowdown in the real estate markets in portions of counties in California where a majority of our loan customers, including our largest borrowing relationships, are based. This slowdown reflects declining prices in real estate, excess inventories of homes and increasing vacancies in commercial and industrial properties, all of which have contributed to financial strain on real estate developers and suppliers. At December 31, 2009, we had $400.7 million in real estate loans and $182.9 million in construction and land development loans, of which $43.3 million are greater than 90 days past due at December 31, 2009. Construction loans and commercial real estate loans comprise a substantial portion of our non-performing assets. Continuing deterioration in the real estate market could affect the ability of our loan customers to service their debt, which could result in additional loan charge-offs and provisions for loan losses in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and capital.

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

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

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

        Our profitability depends in part on our success in attracting and retaining a stable base of low-cost deposits. At December 31, 2009, 24% of our deposit base was comprised of noninterest-bearing deposits. While we generally do not believe these core deposits are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, the competition for these deposits in our markets is strong and customers are increasingly seeking investments that are safe, including the purchase of U.S. Treasury securities and other government-guaranteed obligations, as well as the establishment of accounts at the largest, most-well capitalized banks. If we were to lose a significant portion of our low-cost deposits, it would negatively impact our liquidity and profitability.

        HBC is a participant in the FDIC's Transaction Account Guarantee Program ("TAGP"), which provides HBC's depositors with unlimited FDIC insurance coverage for certain noninterest-bearing transaction accounts. Unless extended by the FDIC, the TAGP will expire on June 30, 2010, at which time the amount of coverage for each depositor will be limited to $250,000. The impact of the TAGP expiration in June 2010 could have an adverse effect on HBC's deposit base.

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

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

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

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

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

        We may need to raise additional capital in the future to provide us with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control, and our financial performance. The ongoing liquidity crisis and the loss of confidence in financial institutions may increase our cost of funding and limit our access to some of our customary sources of capital, including, but not limited to, inter-bank borrowings, repurchase agreements and borrowings from the discount window of the Federal Reserve Bank.

        We cannot assure you that such capital will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. Any occurrence that may limit our access to the capital markets, such as a decline in the confidence of debt purchasers, depositors of HBC or counterparties participating in the capital markets may adversely affect our capital costs and our ability to raise capital and, in turn, our liquidity. An inability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms when needed could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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

        Changes in interest rates affect interest income, the primary component of our gross revenue, as well as interest expense. Our earnings depend largely on the relationship between the cost of funds, primarily deposits and borrowings, and the yield on earning assets, primarily loans and securities. This relationship, known as the interest rate spread, is subject to fluctuation and is affected by the monetary policies of the Federal Reserve, the shape of the yield curve, and the international interest rate environment, as well as by economic, regulatory and competitive factors which influence interest rates, the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the level of nonperforming assets. Many of these factors are beyond our control. In addition, loan origination volumes are affected by market interest rates.

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Higher interest rates, generally, are associated with a lower volume of loan originations while lower interest rates are usually associated with higher loan originations. Conversely, in rising interest rate environments, loan repayment rates may decline and in falling interest rate environments, loan repayment rates may increase. In addition, in a rising interest rate environment, we may need to accelerate the pace of rate increases on our deposit accounts as compared to the pace of future increases in short-term market rates. Accordingly, changes in levels of market interest rates could materially and adversely affect our net interest spread, asset quality and loan origination volume. 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 in a rising rate environment, and decrease in a declining interest rate scenario. However, there are scenarios where fluctuations in interest rates in either direction could have a negative effect on our profitability. For example, if funding rates rise faster than asset yields in a rising rate environment, or if we do not actively manage certain loan rates in a declining rate environment, our profitability would be negatively impacted.

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

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

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

        A further downturn in our real estate markets could adversely affect our business because many of our loans are secured by real estate. Real estate lending (including commercial, land development and construction) is a large portion of our loan portfolio. At December 31, 2009, approximately $635.0 million, or 59% of our loan portfolio, was secured by various forms of real estate, including residential and commercial real estate. The real estate securing our loan portfolio is concentrated in California which has experienced a significant decline in real estate values. There have been adverse developments affecting real estate values in one or more of our markets that could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio. The market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time as a result of market conditions in the geographic area in which the real estate is located. Real estate values and real estate markets are generally affected by changes in national, regional or local economic conditions, fluctuations in interest rates and the availability of loans to potential purchasers, changes in tax laws and other governmental statutes, regulations and policies and acts of nature, such as earthquakes and natural disasters particular to California. Additionally, commercial real estate lending typically involves larger loan principal amounts and the repayment of the loans generally is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the properties securing the loans to cover operating expenses and debt service. If real estate values, including values of land held for development, continue to decline, the value of real estate collateral securing our loans could be significantly reduced. Our ability to recover on defaulted loans by foreclosing and selling the real estate collateral would then be diminished and we would be more likely to suffer losses on defaulted loans.

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

        At December 31, 2009, land and construction loans, including land acquisition and development total $182.9 million or 17% of our loan portfolio. This amount was comprised of 21% owner-occupied and 79% non-owner occupied construction and land loans. Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon whether our initial estimate of the property's value at completion of construction equals or exceeds the cost of the property construction (including interest) and the availability of permanent take-out financing. During the construction phase, a number of factors can result in delays and cost overruns. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, as well as the market value of the completed project, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. As a result, construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent primarily on the completion of the project and the ability of the borrower to sell the property, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If estimates of value are inaccurate or if actual construction costs exceed estimates, the value of the property securing the loan may be insufficient to ensure full repayment. If our appraisal of the value of the completed project proves to be overstated, our collateral may be inadequate for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project. If we are forced to foreclose on a project prior to or at completion due to a default, there can be no assurance that we will be able to recover all of the unpaid balance of, and accrued interest on, the loan as well as related foreclosure and holding costs. In addition, we may be required to fund additional amounts to complete the project and may have to hold the property for an unspecified period of time.

We must effectively manage our growth strategy.

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

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

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities computed using enacted tax rates. We regularly assess available positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that our net deferred tax asset will be recovered. At December 31, 2009, we had a net deferred tax asset of $22.4 million. We did not establish a valuation allowance as it is more likely than not that we will have sufficient future earnings to utilize this asset to offset future income tax liabilities. Realization of a deferred tax asset requires us to apply significant judgment and is inherently speculative because it requires estimates that cannot be made with certainty. If we were to determine at some point in the future that we will not achieve sufficient future taxable income to realize our net deferred tax asset, we would be required under generally accepted accounting principles to establish a full or partial valuation allowance. If we determine that a valuation allowance is necessary, it would require us to incur a charge to operations.

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If the goodwill we have recorded in connection with acquisitions becomes impaired, our earnings and capital could be adversely affected.

        Accounting standards require that we account for acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. Under the purchase method of accounting, if the purchase price of an acquired company exceeds the fair value of its net assets, the excess is carried on the acquirer's balance sheet as goodwill. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, our goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that a potential impairment exists. Such evaluation is based on a variety of factors, including the quoted price of our common stock, market prices of common stock of other banking organizations, common stock trading multiples, discounted cash flows and, when appropriate, data from control sale transactions. There can be no assurance that future evaluations of goodwill will not result in impairment and ensuing write-downs, which could be material, resulting in an adverse impact on our earnings and shareholders' equity.

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

        We face substantial competition in all phases of our operations from a variety of different competitors. Our competitors, including larger commercial banks, community banks, savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, credit unions, consumer finance companies, insurance companies, securities dealers, brokers, mortgage bankers, investment advisors, money market mutual funds and other financial institutions, compete with lending and deposit-gathering services offered by us. Increased competition in our markets may result in reduced loans and deposits.

        Many of these competing institutions have much greater financial and marketing resources than we have. Due to their size, many competitors can achieve larger economies of scale and may offer a broader range of products and services than we can. If we are unable to offer competitive products and services, our business may be negatively affected.

        Some of the financial services organizations with which we compete are not subject to the same degree of regulation as is imposed on bank holding companies and federally insured financial institutions or are not subject to increased supervisory oversight arising from regulatory examinations. As a result, these non-bank competitors have certain advantages over us in accessing funding and in providing various services. The banking business in our primary market areas is very competitive, and the level of competition facing us may increase further, which may limit our asset growth and financial results.

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

        We operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to supervision and regulation by a number of governmental regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, the DFI and the FDIC. Regulations adopted by these agencies, which are generally intended to provide protection for depositors and customers rather than for the benefit of shareholders, govern a comprehensive range of matters relating to ownership and control of our shares, our acquisition of other companies and businesses, permissible activities for us to engage in, maintenance of adequate capital levels, and other aspects of our operations. These bank regulators possess broad authority to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of law. The laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry could change at any time and we cannot predict the effects of these changes on our business and profitability. Increased regulation could increase our cost of compliance and adversely affect profitability. Moreover, certain of these regulations contain significant punitive sanctions for violations, including monetary penalties and limitations on a bank's ability to implement components of its business plan, such as expansion through mergers and acquisitions or the opening of new branch offices. In addition, changes in regulatory requirements may add costs associated with compliance efforts. Furthermore, government policy and regulation, particularly as implemented through the Federal Reserve System, significantly affect credit

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conditions. As a result of the negative financial market and general economic trends, there is a potential for new federal or state laws and regulation regarding lending and funding practices and liquidity standards, and bank regulatory agencies have been and are expected to be aggressive in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the expected issuance of many formal enforcement orders. Negative developments in the financial industry and the impact of new legislation and regulation in response to those developments could negatively impact our business operations and adversely impact our financial performance. We are also subject to supervision, regulation and investigation by the U.S. Treasury and the Office of the Special Inspector General under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by virtue of our participation in the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

        Operational risk represents the risk of loss resulting from our operations, including but not limited to, the risk of fraud by employees or persons outside the Company, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, transaction processing errors and breaches of the internal control system and compliance requirements. This risk of loss also includes the potential legal actions that could arise as a result of an operational deficiency or as a result of noncompliance with applicable regulatory standards, adverse business decisions or their implementation and customer attrition due to potential negative publicity. Operational risk is inherent in all business activities and the management of this risk is important to the achievement of our business objectives. In the event of a breakdown in our internal control system, improper operation of systems or improper employee actions, we could suffer financial loss, face regulatory action and suffer damage to our reputation. We have policies and procedures in place to protect our reputation and promote ethical conduct, but these policies and procedures may not be fully effective. Negative publicity regarding our business, employees, or customers, with or without merit, may result in the loss of customers, investors and employees, costly litigation, a decline in revenues and increased governmental regulation.

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

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

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

        Competition for qualified employees and personnel in the banking industry is intense and there are a limited number of qualified persons with knowledge of, and experience in, the California community banking industry. The process of recruiting personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to carry out our strategies is often lengthy. In addition, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act have imposed significant limitations on executive compensation for recipients, such as us, of funds under the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program, which may make it more difficult for us to retain and recruit key personnel. Our success depends to a significant degree upon our ability to attract and retain qualified management, loan origination, finance, administrative, marketing and technical personnel and upon the continued contributions of our management and personnel. In particular, our success has been and continues to be highly dependent upon the abilities of key executives, including our Chief Executive Officer and certain other key employees.

The terms of our Series A Preferred Stock limit our ability to pay dividends on and repurchase our common stock.

        The Purchase Agreement between us and the U.S. Treasury, pursuant to which we sold $40 million of our Series A Preferred Stock and issued a warrant to purchase up to 462,963 shares of our common stock, provides that prior to the earlier of (1) November 21, 2011 and (2) the date on which all of the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock have been redeemed by us or transferred by the U.S. Treasury to third parties, we may not, without the consent of the U.S. Treasury, (a) increase our quarterly cash dividend on our common stock above $0.08 per share, the amount of the last quarterly cash dividend per share declared prior to October 14, 2008 or (b) subject to limited exceptions, redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire shares of our common stock or preferred stock other than the Series A Preferred Stock. In addition, we are unable to pay any dividends on our common stock unless we are current in our dividend payments on the Series A Preferred Stock. In November 2009, we suspended the payment of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, and until the accumulated unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are paid, we are not permitted to pay any dividends on our common stock. These restrictions, together with the potentially dilutive impact of the warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury, could have a negative effect on the value of our common stock.

Our outstanding Series A Preferred Stock impacts net income allocable to our common shareholders and earnings per common share, and the warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury may be dilutive to holders of our common stock.

        The dividends declared and the accretion on our Series A Preferred Stock reduce the net income available to common shareholders and our earnings per common share. Our Series A Preferred Stock will also receive preferential treatment in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Additionally, the ownership interest of the existing holders of our common stock will be diluted to the extent the warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury is exercised. The shares of common stock underlying the warrant represent approximately 4% of the shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2009. Although the U.S. Treasury has agreed to not vote any of the common shares it receives upon exercise of the warrant, a transferee of any portion of the warrant or of any common shares acquired upon exercise of the warrant is not bound by this restriction. The terms of the warrant include an anti-dilution adjustment which provides that, if we issue common shares or securities convertible or exercisable into, or exchangeable for, common shares at a price that is less than 90% of the market price of such shares on the last trading day preceding the date of the agreement to sell such shares, the number of common shares to be issued would increase and the per share price of common shares to be purchased pursuant to the warrant would decrease.

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Because of our participation in the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program, we are subject to various restrictions, including restrictions on compensation paid to our executives.

        Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement we entered into with the U.S. Treasury, we adopted certain standards for executive compensation and corporate governance for the period during which the U.S. Treasury holds the equity issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. These standards generally apply to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and the three next most highly compensated senior executive officers. The standards include (1) ensuring that incentive compensation for senior executives does not encourage unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of the financial institution; (2) required clawback of any bonus or incentive compensation paid to a senior executive based on statements of earnings, gains or other criteria that are later proven to be materially inaccurate; (3) prohibition on making golden parachute payments to senior executives; and (4) agreement not to deduct for tax purposes executive compensation in excess of $500,000 for each senior executive. In addition, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act imposes certain new executive compensation and corporate governance requirements on all current and future Capital Purchase Program recipients, including the Company. The executive compensation standards are more stringent than those in effect under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. The new standards include (but are not limited to) (i) prohibitions on bonuses, retention awards and other incentive compensation, other than restricted stock grants which do not fully vest until the preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury is no longer outstanding up to one-third of an employee's total annual compensation, (ii) prohibitions on golden parachute payments for departure from a company, (iii) an expanded clawback of bonuses, retention awards, and incentive compensation if payment is based on materially inaccurate statements of earnings, revenues, gains or other criteria, (iv) prohibitions on compensation plans that encourage manipulation of reported earnings, (v) retroactive review of bonuses, retention awards and other compensation previously provided by Capital Purchase Program recipients if found by the U.S. Treasury to be inconsistent with the purposes of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act or otherwise contrary to public interest, (vi) required establishment of a company-wide policy regarding "excessive or luxury expenditures," and (vii) inclusion in a participant's proxy statements for annual shareholder meetings of a nonbinding "say on pay" shareholder vote on the compensation of executives. Such restrictions and any future restrictions on executive compensation, which may be adopted, could adversely affect our ability to hire and retain senior executive officers and other key employees.

Until we are able to repurchase the Series A Preferred Stock we are required to operate under the restrictions imposed by the U.S. Treasury under the Capital Purchase Program, and such restrictions may have unforeseen and unintended adverse effects on our business.

        Until such time as we repurchase the Series A Preferred Stock, we will remain subject to the respective terms and conditions set forth in the agreements we entered into with the U.S. Treasury under the Capital Purchase Program. The continued existence of the Capital Purchase Program investment subjects us to increased regulatory and legislative oversight. Future legal requirements and implementing standards under the Capital Purchase Program may apply retroactively and may have unforeseen or unintended adverse effects on Capital Purchase Program participants and on the financial services industry as a whole. They may require us to expend significant time, effort and resources to ensure compliance, and the evolving regulations concerning executive compensation may impose limitations on us that affect our ability to compete successfully for executive and management talent.

        We can make no assurance as to when or if we will be in a position to repurchase the Series A Preferred Stock and the warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury. Furthermore, the repurchase of the Series A Preferred Stock and warrant is subject to regulatory approval.

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

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

        Under the California Financial Code, no person shall, directly or indirectly, acquire control of a California state bank or its holding company unless the DFI has approved such acquisition of control. A person would be deemed to have acquired control of HBC if such person, directly or indirectly, has the power (1) to vote 25% or more of the voting power of HBC, or (2) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of HBC. For purposes of this law, a person who directly or indirectly owns or controls 10% or more of our outstanding common stock would be presumed to control HBC.

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

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

An investment in our common stock is not an insured deposit.

        Our common stock is not a bank deposit, is not insured by the FDIC or any other deposit insurance fund, and is subject to investment risk, including the loss of some or all of your investment. Our common stock is subject to the same market forces that affect the price of common stock in any company.

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

        We frequently evaluate opportunities to access the capital markets taking into account our regulatory capital ratios, financial condition and other relevant considerations, and subject to market conditions, we may take further capital actions. Such actions could include, among other things, the issuance of additional shares of common stock in public or private transactions in order to further increase our capital levels above the requirements for a well-capitalized institution established by the federal bank regulatory agencies as well as other regulatory targets.

        In addition, we face significant regulatory and other governmental risk as a financial institution and a participant in the Capital Purchase Program, and it is possible that capital requirements and directives could in the future require us to change the amount or composition of our current capital, including common equity. In this regard, we were not one of the 19 institutions required to conduct a forward-looking capital assessment, or "stress test," in conjunction with the Federal Reserve and other federal bank supervisors, pursuant to the Supervisory Capital Assessment Program, a complement to the U.S. Treasury's Capital Assistance Program, which makes capital available to financial institutions as a bridge to private capital in the future. However, the stress assessment requirements under the Capital Assistance Program

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or similar requirement could be extended or otherwise impact financial institutions beyond the 19 participating institutions, including us. As a result, we could determine, or our regulators could require us, to raise additional capital. There could also be market perceptions regarding the need to raise additional capital, whether as a result of public disclosures that were made regarding the Capital Assistance Program stress test methodology or otherwise, and, regardless of the outcome of the stress tests or other stress case analysis, such perceptions could have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock.

        The issuance of any additional shares of common stock as a result of the warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock or that represent the right to receive common stock, or the exercise of such securities (including the exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock issued under our Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan), could be substantially dilutive to shareholders of our common stock. Holders of our shares of common stock have no preemptive rights that entitle holders to purchase their pro rata share of any offering of shares of any class or series and, therefore, such sales or offerings could result in increased dilution to our shareholders. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, our shareholders bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of our common stock and diluting their stock holdings in us.

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

        The stock market and, in particular, the market for financial institution stocks, has experienced significant volatility. In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices for certain issuers without regard to those issuers' underlying financial strength. As a result, the trading volume in our common stock may fluctuate more than usual and cause significant price variations to occur. This may make it difficult for you to resell shares of common stock owned by you at times or at prices you find attractive.

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

•

actual or anticipated quarterly fluctuations in our operating results and financial condition;



•

changes in financial estimates or publication of research reports and recommendations by financial analysts or actions taken by rating agencies with respect to our common stock or those of other financial institutions;



•

failure to meet analysts' revenue or earnings estimates;



•

speculation in the press or investment community generally relating to our reputation, our market area, our competitors or the financial services industry in general;



•

strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions, restructurings, dispositions or financings;



•

actions by our current shareholders, including sales of common stock by existing shareholders and/or directors and executive officers;



•

trends in our nonperforming assets;

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•

the costs and effectiveness of our efforts to reduce our classified assets;



•

fluctuations in the stock price and operating results of our competitors;



•

future sales of our equity, equity-related or debt securities;



•

proposed or adopted regulatory changes or developments;



•

anticipated or pending investigations, proceedings, or litigation that involve or affect us;



•

trading activities in our common stock, including short-selling;



•

domestic and international economic factors unrelated to our performance; and



•

general market conditions and, in particular, developments related to market conditions for the financial services industry.

        A significant decline in our stock price could result in substantial losses for individual shareholders and could lead to costly and disruptive securities litigation.

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

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

We are a holding company and depend on our subsidiaries for dividends, distributions and other payments.

        We are a company separate and apart from HBC that must provide for our own liquidity. Substantially all of our revenues are obtained from dividends declared and paid by HBC. There are statutory and regulatory provisions that could limit the ability of HBC to pay dividends to us. Under applicable California law, HBC cannot make any distribution (including a cash dividend) to its shareholder, us, in an amount which exceeds the lesser of: (1) the retained earnings of HBC and (2) the net income of HBC for its last three fiscal years, less the amount of any distributions made by HBC to its shareholder during such period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with the prior approval of the California Commissioner of Financial Institutions, HBC may make a distribution (including a cash dividend) to us in an amount not exceeding the greatest of: (1) its retained earnings; (2) its net income for its last fiscal year; and (3) its net income for its current fiscal year.

        In addition, if in the opinion of the applicable regulatory authority, a bank under its jurisdiction is engaged in or is about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice, such authority may require, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, that such bank cease and desist from such practice. Depending on the financial condition of HBC, the applicable regulatory authority might deem us to be engaged in an unsafe or unsound practice if HBC were to pay dividends. The Federal Reserve has issued policy statements generally requiring insured banks and bank holding companies to pay dividends only out of current operating earnings.

        In addition, if HBC becomes insolvent, the direct creditors of HBC will have a prior claim on its assets, as discussed further below. Our rights and the rights of our creditors will be subject to that prior claim, unless we are also a direct creditor of that subsidiary.

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        As discussed above, we have entered into a written agreement with the Federal Reserve and DFI that will require HBC to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve and the DFI to make any dividend payment to the Company.

Our common stock is equity and therefore is subordinate to our and HBC's indebtedness and our Series A Preferred Stock, and our ability to declare dividends on our common stock may be limited.

        Shares of the common stock are equity interests in us and do not constitute indebtedness. As such, shares of the common stock will rank junior to all current and future indebtedness and other non-equity claims on us with respect to assets available to satisfy claims on us, including in a liquidation of us.

        We have supported our growth through the issuance of trust preferred securities from special purpose trusts and accompanying sales of junior subordinated debentures to these trusts. The accompanying subordinated debt had a principle amount totaling $23.7 million at December 31, 2009. Payments of the principal and interest on the trust preferred securities of these trusts are conditionally guaranteed by us. Further, the accompanying subordinated debt that we issued to the trusts is senior to our shares of common stock and Series A Preferred Stock. As a result, we must make payments on the subordinated debt before any dividends can be paid on our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock. Under the terms of the subordinated debt, we may defer interest payments for up to five years. In November 2009, we exercised our right to defer interest payments and we will continue to defer interest payments until further notice. Because we have deferred such interest payments, we may not declare or pay any cash dividends on any shares of our common stock or Series A Preferred Stock during the deferral period. In the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation, the holders of the subordinated debt must be satisfied before any distributions can be made on our common stock or Series A Preferred Stock.

        We may, and HBC may also, incur additional indebtedness from time to time and may increase our aggregate level of outstanding indebtedness.

        Additionally, holders of our common stock are subject to the prior dividend and liquidation rights of any holders of our preferred stock then outstanding. Under the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, our ability to declare or pay dividends on or repurchase our common stock or other equity or capital securities will be subject to restrictions in the event that we fail to declare and pay (or set aside for payment) full dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock. In November 2009, we announced that we have suspended the payment of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock until further notice. In addition, prior to November 21, 2011, unless we have redeemed all of the Series A Preferred Stock or the U.S. Treasury has transferred all of the Series A Preferred Stock to third parties, the consent of the U.S. Treasury will be required for us to, among other things, increase our quarterly common stock dividend above $0.08 per share.

        Our board of directors is authorized to cause us to issue additional classes or series of preferred stock without any action on the part of the shareholders. If we issue preferred shares in the future that have a preference over our common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, or if we issue preferred shares with voting rights that dilute the voting power of the common stock, then the rights of holders of our common stock or the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected.

        Holders of our common stock are only entitled to receive such dividends as our board of directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments.

        We are also subject to various regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain adequate capital above regulatory minimums. The Federal Reserve Board is authorized to determine, under certain circumstances relating to the financial condition of a bank holding company, such as us, that the payment of dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice and prohibit payment (or require prior approval) of common stock dividends. As discussed above, we have entered into a written agreement with the Federal Reserve and DFI that will require us to obtain

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the prior approval of the Federal Reserve and DFI to make any interest payments on our outstanding trust preferred securities and the accompanying junior subordinated debentures, or to pay any dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock or common stock.

An entity holding as little as a 5% interest in our outstanding common stock could, under certain circumstances, be subject to regulation as a "bank holding company."

        Any entity (including a "group" composed of natural persons) owning or controlling with the power to vote 25% or more of our outstanding common stock, or 5% or more if such holder otherwise exercises a "controlling influence" over us, may be subject to regulation as a "bank holding company" in accordance with the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. In addition, (1) any bank holding company or foreign bank with a U.S. presence may be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act to acquire or retain 5% or more of our outstanding common stock and (2) any person not otherwise defined as a company by the Bank Holding Company Act and its implementing regulations may be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve under the Change in Bank Control Act to acquire or retain 10% or more of our outstanding common stock. Becoming a bank holding company imposes certain statutory and regulatory restrictions and obligations, such as providing managerial and financial strength for its bank subsidiaries. Regulation as a bank holding company could require the holder to divest all or a portion of the holder's investment in our common stock or such nonbanking investments that may be deemed impermissible or incompatible with bank holding company status, such as a material investment in a company unrelated to banking.

ITEM 1B — UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

        None.

ITEM 2 — PROPERTIES

        The main and executive offices of HCC and HBC are located at 150 Almaden Boulevard in San Jose, California 95113, with branch offices located at 15575 Los Gatos Boulevard in Los Gatos, California 95032, at 387 Diablo Road in Danville, California 94526, at 3077 Stevenson Boulevard in Fremont, California 94538, at 300 Main Street in Pleasanton, California 94566, at 101 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek, California 94596, at 18625 Sutter Boulevard in Morgan Hill, California 95037, at 7598 Monterey Street in Gilroy, California 95020, at 419 S. San Antonio Road in Los Altos, California 94022, and at 175 E. El Camino Real in Mountain View, California 94040.

Main Offices

        The main offices of HBC are located at 150 Almaden Boulevard in San Jose, California on the first three floors in a fifteen-story Class-A type office building. All three floors, consisting of approximately 35,547 square feet, are subject to a direct lease dated April 13, 2000, as amended, which expires on May 31, 2015. The current monthly rent payment for the first two floors, consisting of approximately 22,723 square feet, is $56,808 and is subject to 3% annual increases until the lease expires. The current monthly rent payment for the third floor, which consists of approximately 12,824 square feet, is $53,861 until the lease expires. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for two additional periods of five years each.

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

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Branch Offices

        In March of 1999, the Company leased approximately 7,260 square feet in a one-story multi-tenant office building located at 18625 Sutter Boulevard in Morgan Hill, California. The current monthly rent payment is $12,183 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 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 $4,785 and is subject to annual increases of 2% until the lease expires on September 30, 2016. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for two additional periods of five years each.

        In April of 2007, the Company leased approximately 3,850 square feet on the first floor in a four-story multi-tenant office building located at 101 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek, California. The current monthly rent payment is $13,479 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on August 15, 2014. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years.

        In June of 2007, as part of the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank the Company took ownership of an 8,300 square foot one-story commercial building, including the land, located at 387 Diablo Road in Danville, California. The Company also assumed a lease for approximately 4,096 square feet in a one-story stand-alone office building located at 300 Main Street in Pleasanton, California. The current monthly rent payment is $15,895 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 one-story stand-alone office building located at 3077 Stevenson Boulevard in Fremont, California. The current monthly rent payment is $13,983 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on February 28, 2013. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years.

        In February 2008, the Company extended its lease for approximately 4,840 square feet in a one-story multi-tenant shopping center located at 175 E. El Camino Real in Mountain View, California. The current monthly rent payment is $14,405 and is subject to annual increases, based on the Consumer Price Index of the Bureau of Labor Statistics as defined in the lease agreement. The lease expires on May 31, 2013; however, the Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years.

        In June of 2008, the Company entered into a sublease agreement for approximately 5,213 square feet on the first floor in a two-story multi-tenant office building located at 419 S. San Antonio Road in Los Altos, California. The current monthly rent payment is $17,182 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the sublease expires on April 30, 2012. After the sublease has expired, occupancy will continue under a direct lease, also entered into in June of 2008. The monthly rent payment beginning on May 1, 2012 will be $24,501 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on April 30, 2018. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for two additional periods of five years each.

        In December of 2008, the Company extended its lease for approximately 1,920 square feet in a one-story stand-alone building located in an office complex at 15575 Los Gatos Boulevard in Los Gatos, California. The current monthly rent payment is $5,438 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on November 30, 2013. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years.

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Loan Production Offices

        In November of 2008, the Company extended its lease on a month-to-month basis for approximately 243 square feet of office space located at 1440 Broadway in Oakland, California 94612. The current monthly rent payment is $535.

        In January of 2009, the Company extended its lease on a month-to-month basis for approximately 225 square feet of office space located at 8788 Elk Grove Boulevard in Elk Grove, California. The current monthly rent payment is $675.

        In October of 2009, the Company renewed its lease for approximately 250 square feet of office space located at 740 Fourth Street in Santa Rosa, California. The current monthly rent payment is $1,287 until the lease expires on October 8, 2010.

        For additional information on operating leases and rent expense, refer to Footnote 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements following "Item 15 — Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules."

ITEM 3 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

ITEM 4 — RESERVED

PART II

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

Market Information

        The Company's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "HTBK." Management is aware of the following securities dealers which make a market in the Company's common stock: Credit Suisse Securities, UBS Securities, Goldman Sachs & Company, Citadel Derivatives Group, Morgan Stanley & Company, Knight Equity Markets, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Barclays Capital Inc., Howes Barnes Investments, Timber Hill, Susquehanna Capital Group, Susquehanna Financial Group, Merrill Lynch, Cantor Fitzgerald & Company, Fig Partners, D.A. Davidson, Natixis Bleichroeder, Automated Trading Desk Financial Services, Bloomberg Tradebook, Domestic Securities Inc., E*Trade Capital Markets, Hudson Securities, Nasdaq Execution Services, Sandler, O'Neill & Partners, and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company. 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.

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        The information in the following table for 2009 and 2008 indicates the high and low closing prices for the common stock, based upon information provided by the NASDAQ Global Select Market and cash dividend payment for each quarter presented.

        The closing price of our common stock on March 10, 2010 was $3.99 per share as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

        As of March 10, 2010, there were approximately 700 holders of record of common stock. There are no other classes of common equity outstanding.

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Dividend Policy

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

        As discussed above, we have entered into a written agreement with the Federal Reserve and the DFI that will require us to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve and DFI to make any interest payments on our outstanding trust preferred debt, or to pay any dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock or common stock. Dividends from HBC constitute the principal source of income to HCC. HBC is subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends to us, which determines our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders.

        Under the terms of the Capital Purchase Program, for so long as any preferred stock issued under the Capital Purchase Program remains outstanding, we are prohibited from increasing quarterly dividends on our common stock in excess of $0.08 per share, and from making certain repurchases of equity securities, including our common stock, without the U.S. Treasury's consent until the third anniversary of the U.S. Treasury investment or until the U.S. Treasury has transferred all of the preferred stock it purchased under the Capital Purchase Program to third parties. As long as the preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury is outstanding, dividend payments and repurchases or redemptions relating to certain equity securities, including our common stock, are also prohibited until all accrued and unpaid dividends are paid on such preferred stock, subject to certain limited exceptions. We have not paid or declared any dividends on our common stock since the first quarter of 2009. In November 2009, we suspended the payment of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock until further notice.

        We have supported our growth through the issuance of trust preferred securities from special purpose trusts and accompanying sales of subordinated debt to these trusts. The subordinated debt that we issued to the trusts is senior to our shares of common stock and Series A Preferred Stock. As a result, we must make payments on the subordinated debt before any dividends can be paid on our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock. Under the terms of the subordinated debt, we may defer interest payments for up to five years. In November 2009, we exercised our right to defer interest payments and we will continue to defer interest payments until further notice. Because we have deferred such interest payments, we may not declare or pay any cash dividends on any shares of our common stock or Series A Preferred Stock during the deferral period. In the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation, the holders of the subordinated debt must be satisfied before any distributions can be made on our common stock or Series A Preferred Stock.

        At such time as we become current with the dividends payable on the Series A Preferred Stock and interest payments on our junior subordinated debentures, the decision whether to pay dividends will be made by our board of directors in light of conditions then existing, including factors such as our results of operations, financial condition, business conditions, regulatory capital requirements and covenants under any applicable contractual arrangements, including agreements with regulatory authorities.

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        For regulatory restrictions on payment of dividends by the Company, see Item 1 — "BUSINESS — Supervision and Regulation — Heritage Commerce Corp — Limitations on Dividend Payments."

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

        The following table provides information as of December 31, 2009 regarding equity compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company were authorized for issuance:

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Performance Graph

        The following graph compares the stock performance of the Company from December 31, 2004 to December 31, 2009, 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, 2004 to December 31, 2009, 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.

*

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 an additional $30 million of its common stock, which represented approximately 1.48 million shares, or 11%, of its outstanding shares at the current market price on the date of authorization. From August 2007 through May 2008, the Company repurchased 1,645,607 shares of common stock for a total of $29.8 million completing the repurchase program. The Company financed the repurchase of shares from its available cash.

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ITEM 6 — SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table presents a summary of selected financial information that should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included under Item 8 — "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA."

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

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

        The following discussion provides information about the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and capital resources of HCC and its wholly-owned subsidiary, HBC. This information is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to our financial condition and the results of operations. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this report.

Executive Summary

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

        The primary activity of the Company is commercial banking. The Company's operations are located 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

        Comparison of 2009 operating results to 2008 and 2007 includes the effects of acquiring Diablo Valley Bank on June 20, 2007. In the Diablo Valley Bank transaction, the Company acquired $269.0 million of tangible assets, including $203.8 million of net loans, and assumed $249.0 million of deposits.

        For the year ended December 31, 2009, the net loss was $12.0 million. Net loss allocable to common shareholders was $14.4 million, or $(1.21) per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2009, which included a $33.9 million provision for loan losses and $2.4 million for dividends and discount accretion on preferred stock. For the year ended December 31, 2008, net income allocable to common shareholders was $1.5 million, or $0.13 per diluted common share, including a provision for loan losses of $15.5 million and $255,000 for dividends or discount accretion on preferred stock. For the year ended December 31, 2007, net income allocable to common shareholders was $14.1 million, or $1.12 per diluted common share, including a credit provision for loan losses of $11,000 and no dividends or discount accretion on preferred stock.

        The annualized returns on average assets and average equity for the year ended December 31, 2009 was -0.83% and -6.68%, respectively, compared to 0.12% and 1.15%, respectively, for 2008, and 1.18% and 9.47%, respectively, for 2007. The annualized returns on average tangible assets and average tangible equity for the year ended December 31, 2009 was -0.86% and -9.06%, respectively, compared to 0.13% and 1.67%, respectively, for 2008, and 1.21% and 11.43%, respectively, for 2007.

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

•

Net interest income decreased 11% to $46.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $51.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to compression of the net interest margin. Net interest income was relatively flat in 2008 compared to 2007, primarily due to a lower net interest margin, mostly offset by an increase in the volume of interest-earning assets as a result of the merger with Diablo Valley Bank and significant new loan production.



•

The net interest margin decreased 41 basis points to 3.53% for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared with 3.94% for the year ended December 31, 2008. The decrease in the net interest margin for 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily due to the 325 basis points decline in short-term interest rates from January 22, 2008 through December 16, 2008, with the prime rate remaining at a historically low level of 3.25% for all of 2009. The net interest margin also declined in 2009 due to an increase in nonaccrual loans. The net interest margin for 2008 was 3.94%, a decrease of 92 basis points from 4.86% for 2007, primarily due to the decline in short-term interest rates.



•

The provision for loan losses was $33.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $15.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, and a credit provision for loan losses of $11,000 in 2007. The significant increase in provision for loan losses in 2009 reflects a higher volume of classified and nonperforming loans and an increase in loan charge-offs caused by challenging conditions in commercial lending and the residential housing market, turmoil in the financial markets, and the prolonged downturn in the overall economy.



•

Noninterest income increased 18% to $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The increase in noninterest income in 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily due to $1.3 million in gains on the sale of SBA loans in 2009. Noninterest income decreased by 16% in 2008 to $6.8 million, compared to $8.1 million in 2007, primarily a result of no gains on the sale of SBA loans in 2008.



•

Noninterest expense increased 6% to $44.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $42.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to higher FDIC deposit insurance costs. Operating expenses increased 13% in 2008 from $37.5 million in 2007 due to the full year impact of the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank on June 20, 2007, including an increase in amortization of intangible assets, the new office in Walnut Creek, the addition of experienced banking professionals, the write-off of leasehold improvements due to the consolidation of our two offices in Los Altos, higher FDIC insurance costs, and an increase in legal fees and OREO expense.



•

The efficiency ratio was 82.90% for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to 72.71% for the year ended December 31, 2008, and 62.81% for the year ended December 31, 2007. The efficiency ratio increased in 2009 and 2008 primarily due to lower net interest income, higher professional fees and increased FDIC deposit insurance premiums.



•

The income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $12.7 million, as compared to an income tax benefit of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, and income tax expense of $8.1 million in 2007. The effective income tax rate for 2009 was 51.5%. The negative effective income tax rate of 369.9% for 2008 was due to reduced pre-tax earnings. The effective tax rate for 2007 was 36.6%. The difference in the effective tax rate compared to the combined Federal and state statutory tax rate of 42% is primarily the result of the Company's investment in life insurance policies whose earnings are not subject to taxes, tax credits related to investments in low income housing limited partnerships, and interest income from tax-free loans and municipal securities.

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

•

Total assets decreased by $135.4 million, or 9%, to $1.36 billion at December 31, 2009 from $1.50 billion at December 31, 2008.



•

Total loans, excluding loans held-for-sale, decreased $178.5 million, or 14%, to $1.07 billion at December 31, 2009 compared to $1.25 billion at December 31, 2008. Land and construction loans decreased $73.7 million from $256.6 million at December 31, 2008 to $182.9 million at December 31, 2009.



•

The allowance for loan losses increased to $28.8 million, or 2.69% of total loans at December 31, 2009, compared to $25.0 million, or 2.00% of total loans at December 31, 2008.



•

Nonperforming assets increased $23.5 to $64.6 million, or 4.74% of total assets at December 31, 2009, from $41.1 million, or 2.74% of total assets at December 31, 2008.



•

Net loan charge-offs increased to $30.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.



•

Deposits decreased to $1.09 billion at December 31, 2009, compared to $1.15 billion at December 31, 2008.



•

The ratio of noncore funding (which consists of time deposits $100,000 and over, CDARS deposits, brokered deposits, securities under agreement to repurchase, notes payable and short-term borrowings) to total assets was 29% at December 31, 2009, compared to 32% at December 31, 2008.



•

The loan to deposit ratio was 98.24% at December 31, 2009, compared to 108.20% at December 31, 2008.



•

As of December 31, 2009, HBC had a leverage ratio of 9.9%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 11.4%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 12.7%.



•

As of December 31, 2009, HCC had a leverage ratio of 10.1%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 11.6%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 12.9%.

Deposits

        The composition and cost of the Company's deposit base are important in analyzing the Company's net interest margin and balance sheet liquidity characteristics. Except for brokered time deposits, the Company's depositors are generally located in its primary market area. Depending on loan demand and other funding requirements, the Company also obtains deposits from wholesale sources including deposit brokers. The Company had $178.0 million in brokered deposits at December 31, 2009, compared to $184.6 million at December 31, 2008. Deposits from title insurance companies, escrow accounts and real estate exchange facilitators decreased to $23.0 million at December 31, 2009, compared to $56.6 million at December 31, 2008. 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 deposit concentrations.

        HBC is a member of the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service ("CDARS") program. The CDARS program allows customers with deposits in excess of FDIC insured limits to obtain coverage on time deposits through a network of banks within the CDARS program. Deposits gathered through this program are considered brokered deposits under regulatory guidelines. Deposits in the CDARS program totaled $38.2 million at December 31, 2009, and $11.7 million at December 31, 2008.

        HBC is a participant in the FDIC's Transaction Account Guarantee Program ("TAGP"), which provides HBC's depositors with unlimited FDIC insurance coverage for certain noninterest-bearing transaction accounts. Unless extended by the FDIC, the TAGP will expire on June 30, 2010, at which time

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the amount of coverage for each depositor will be limited to $250,000. The impact of the TAGP expiration in June 2010 could have an adverse effect on HBC's deposit base.

Liquidity

        Our liquidity position refers to our ability to maintain cash flows sufficient to fund operations and to meet obligations and other commitments in a timely fashion. We believe that our liquidity position is more than sufficient to meet our operating expenses, borrowing needs and other obligations for 2010. At December 31, 2009, we had $45.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $191.1 million in available borrowing capacity from various sources including the FHLB, the Federal Reserve, and Federal funds facilities with several financial institutions. The Company also had $53.3 million in unpledged securities available at December 31, 2009. Our loan to deposit ratio decreased to 98.24% at December 31, 2009 compared to 108.20% at December 31, 2008, primarily due to a $178.5 million reduction in the loan portfolio.

Lending

        Our lending business originates primarily through our branch offices located in our primary market. The Company also has SBA loan production offices in Sacramento, Oakland and Santa Rosa, California. As a result of the weakened economy in our primary service area throughout 2008 and 2009 and loan payoffs, we have seen a contraction in our loan portfolio during 2009 and this trend may continue through 2010. In addition to managing the growth of our loan portfolio during 2009, we actively managed the mix of our loan portfolio. At December 31, 2009, commercial loans accounted for 40% of the total loan portfolio, and commercial real estate loans (of which 53% are owner occupied) accounted for 37% of the portfolio. We have actively lowered our exposure to land and construction loans and our overall credit risk on these portfolios has been reduced. Land and construction loans decreased $73.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to December 31, 2008, and accounted for 17% of our loan portfolio. We expect the decreasing trend in land and construction loans to continue through 2010.

Net Interest Income

        The management of interest income and expense is fundamental to the performance of the Company. Net interest income, the difference between interest income and interest expense, is the largest component of the Company's total revenue. Management closely monitors both total net interest income and the net interest margin (net interest income divided by average earning assets).

        Because of our focus on commercial lending to closely held businesses, the Company will continue to have a high percentage of floating rate loans and other assets. 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 environment.

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

        From January 22, 2008 through December 16, 2008, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System reduced short-term interest rates by 325 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 represents the Company's primary funding source,

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these deposits tend to price more slowly than floating rate loans. The rapid, substantial drop in short-term interest rates, including the prime rate, has significantly compressed the Company's net interest margin.

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

Management of Credit Risk

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

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

Noninterest Income

        While net interest income remains the largest single component of total revenues, noninterest income is an important component. Prior to the third quarter of 2007, a significant percentage of the Company's noninterest income was associated with its SBA lending activity, consisting of gains on the sale of loans sold in the secondary market and servicing income from loans sold with servicing retained. From the third quarter of 2007 through the second quarter of 2009, the Company retained its SBA production. In the third quarter of 2009, the Company began to again sell loans in the secondary market. During the third and fourth quarters of 2009, SBA loans were sold resulting in a net gain on sale of loans of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. We expect to continue to sell loans in the secondary market in 2010 to enhance liquidity and improve noninterest income. Other sources of noninterest income include loan servicing fees, service charges and fees, and cash surrender value from company owned life insurance policies.

Noninterest Expense

        Management considers the control of operating expenses to be a critical element of the Company's performance. During the last several quarters, the Company has undertaken several initiatives to reduce its noninterest expense and improve its efficiency. Nonetheless, noninterest expense increased for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, due to a substantial increase in FDIC deposit insurance premiums, increased professional fees, and loan workout expense resulting from

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the current credit cycle. The Company's efficiency ratio was 82.90% for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared with 72.71% for the year ended December 31, 2008. The efficiency ratio increased year to year primarily due to compression of the Company's net interest margin, and higher professional fees and increased FDIC insurance premiums.

Capital Management

        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.

        At December 31, 2009, HBC's total risk-based capital ratio was 12.7%, compared to the 10% regulatory requirement for well-capitalized banks under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective actions. HBC's Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 11.4% and our leverage ratio of 9.9% at December 31, 2009 also exceeded regulatory guidelines for well-capitalized banks under the prompt corrective actions framework. On a consolidated basis, the Company has a leverage ratio of 10.1%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 11.6%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 12.9% at December 31, 2009.

        On November 21, 2008, the Company issued to the U.S. Treasury under its Capital Purchase Program 40,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and a warrant to purchase 462,963 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $12.96 for $40 million. The terms of the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program could reduce investment returns to our shareholders by restricting dividends to common shareholders, diluting existing shareholders' interests, and restricting capital management practices.

        In April 2009, the Board of Directors suspended the quarterly dividend on our common stock, commencing with the second quarter of 2009, to build capital and further strengthen our balance sheet.

        In November 2009, we exercised our right to defer interest payments on our outstanding trust preferred subordinated debt and our right to suspend payment of dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock. We do not expect to resume paying cash dividends on our common stock or Series A Preferred Stock or interest on our trust preferred subordinated debt for the near term, and future dividends and interest payments will depend on sufficient earnings to support them and prior approval of the Federal Reserve. We believe these actions will further enhance our capital levels during the current economic challenges.

Results of Operations

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

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

        The level of net interest income depends on several factors in combination, including growth in earning assets, yields on earning assets, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, the relative volumes of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the mix of products that comprise the Company's earning assets, deposits, and other interest-bearing liabilities. To maintain its net interest margin, the Company must manage the relationship between interest earned and paid.

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

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

Distribution, Rate and Yield