# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000311094
**File Stem:** 0001174947-23-000394
**Filing Date:** 2023-3
**Character Count:** 248604
**Document Hash:** 5d59c1cf63668832f575b98a785ab325
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001174947-23-000394.hdr.sgml**: 20230321

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001174947-23-000394

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: ARS

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 1

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20221231

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230321

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230321

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20230321

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000311094
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS [6021]
- **IRS NUMBER:** 942156203
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** CA
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** ARS
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-09383
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23749345

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1108 FIFTH AVE
- **CITY:** SAN RAFAEL
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 94901
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** (707) 863-6000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 4550 MANGELS BLVD
- **STREET 2:** A-2Y
- **CITY:** FAIRFIELD
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 94585-1200

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** INDEPENDENT BANKSHARES CORP
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19830801

### Attached PDF Documents

**Attachment 1:** `ars-61820_wabc.pdf`

![img-0.jpeg](img-0.jpeg)

**WESTAMERICA**

2022 ANNUAL REPORT | 2023 PROXY STATEMENT | NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION

1108 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, California 94901

March 17, 2023

To Our Shareholders:

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Westamerica Bancorporation. It will be held at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Westamerica Bancorporation, 4550 Mangels Blvd., Fairfield, California as stated in the formal notice accompanying this letter. We hope you will plan to attend.

At the Annual Meeting, the shareholders will be asked to (i) elect eight directors; (ii) approve a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers; (iii) approve a non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers; (iv) ratify the selection of the independent auditor; and (v) conduct other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.

In order to ensure your shares are voted at the Annual Meeting, you can vote through the internet, by telephone or by mail. Instructions regarding internet and telephone voting are included on the Proxy Card. If you elect to vote by mail, please sign, date and return the Proxy Card in the accompanying postage-paid envelope. The Proxy Statement explains more about voting in the section entitled “Voting Information - How You Can Vote.”

We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting.

Sincerely,

A handwritten signature in black ink, appearing to read 'David L. Payne'.

David L. Payne
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer

2023
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION PROXY

2023 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION PROXY

# WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION

1108 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, California 94901

# NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Date: Thursday, April 27, 2023

Time: 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Place: Westamerica Bancorporation, 4550 Mangels Blvd., Fairfield, California.

# Items of Business

1. Elect eight directors to serve until the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders;
2. Approve a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers;
3. Approve a non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers;
4. Ratify selection of independent auditor; and
5. Conduct other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements.

Management's eight nominees are listed and described in the attached proxy statement.

# Who Can Vote?

Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 6, 2023, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.

# Admission to the Annual Meeting

No ticket will be necessary for admission to the Annual Meeting. However, to facilitate the admission process, Shareholders of record planning to attend the Annual Meeting should check the appropriate box on the Proxy Card. Your name will be added to a list of attendees. If you hold shares through an intermediary, such as a bank or broker, you may need to register at the desk in the lobby. Please bring the following as evidence of ownership: 1) a legal proxy, or your brokerage statement dated on or after March 6, 2023, evidencing your ownership on March 6, 2023, the record date; and 2) photo identification.

# Annual Report

Westamerica Bancorporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Annual Report") to shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 is enclosed or is available for viewing as indicated on the Shareholder Meeting Notice and on the Company's website at: www.westamerica.com, under "Shareholders." The Annual Report contains financial and other information about the activities of Westamerica Bancorporation, but does not constitute a part of the proxy soliciting materials.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kris Irvine
VP/Corporate Secretary

March 17, 2023

Important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials for the shareholder meeting being held on
Thursday, April 27, 2023:

The Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at: www.westamerica.com.

# YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN YOUR PROXY, OR VOTE BY
TELEPHONE OR ONLINE USING THE PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT.

## TABLE OF CONTENTS

| GENERAL | 1 |
| --- | --- |
| Voting Information | 1 |
| Additional Information | 3 |
| Stock Ownership | 4 |
| Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy | 5 |
| PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS | 6 |
| Board of Directors | 6 |
| Nominees | 6 |
| Name of Nominees, Principal Occupations, and Qualifications | 6 |
| Board of Directors and Committees | 9 |
| Board Diversity Table | 12 |
| Director Compensation | 13 |
| Director Compensation Table for Fiscal Year 2022 | 14 |
| EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION | 14 |
| Executive Officers | 14 |
| Compensation Discussion and Analysis | 15 |
| Employee Benefits Compensation Committee Report | 25 |
| Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation | 25 |
| Summary Compensation | 26 |
| Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal Year 2022 | 26 |
| Pay Versus Performance | 26 |
| Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for Fiscal Year 2022 | 29 |
| Outstanding Equity Awards Table at Fiscal Year End 2022 | 30 |
| Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table for Fiscal Year 2022 | 30 |
| Pension Benefits for Fiscal Year 2022 | 31 |
| Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table for Fiscal Year 2022 | 31 |
| Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control | 32 |
| Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions | 33 |
| PROPOSAL 2: APPROVE A NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS | 33 |
| PROPOSAL 3: APPROVE A NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF THE ADVISORY VOTE ON COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS | 34 |
| PROPOSAL 4: RATIFY SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR | 35 |
| AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT | 36 |
| SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL GUIDELINES | 37 |
| SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATION TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS | 38 |
| OTHER MATTERS | 38 |
| EXHIBIT A - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS/COMPENSATION COMMITTEE CHARTER | A-1 |

2023
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION PROXY

# WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION

1108 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, California 94901

# PROXY STATEMENT

March 17, 2023

# GENERAL

The Westamerica Board of Directors is soliciting proxies to be used at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Westamerica Bancorporation (the “Company”), which will be held at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, Thursday, April 27, 2023, or at any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting (collectively, the “Annual Meeting”). The Board of Directors is soliciting proxies to give all shareholders an opportunity to vote on matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting. In the following pages of this Proxy Statement you will find information on matters to be voted at the Annual Meeting.

# Voting Information

**Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.** We are providing proxy materials to our shareholders primarily via the internet, instead of mailing printed copies of those materials to each shareholder. By doing so, we save costs and reduce the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting. On or about March 17, 2023, we mailed a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (“Notice”) to certain of our shareholders. The Notice contains instructions about how to access our proxy materials and vote online or vote by telephone. If you would like to receive a paper copy of our proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice. If you previously chose to receive our proxy materials electronically, you will continue to receive access to these materials via email unless you elect otherwise.

**Proof of Ownership May Be Required for Attending Annual Meeting in Person.** You are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting only if you are a shareholder as of the close of business on March 6, 2023, the record date, or hold a valid proxy for the meeting. In order to be admitted to the Annual Meeting, the Company reserves the right to request proof of ownership of Westamerica Bancorporation common stock on the record date. This can be:

- a brokerage statement or letter from a bank or broker indicating ownership on March 6, 2023;
- the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials;
- a printout of proxy distribution email (if you received your materials electronically);
- a Proxy Card;
- a voting instruction form; or
- a legal proxy provided by your broker, bank or nominee.

Any holder of a proxy from a shareholder must present the Proxy Card properly executed, and a copy of the proof of ownership. The Company reserves the right to ask shareholders and proxy holders to present a form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.

**Proxy Card.** The proxies will vote the shares represented by proxies at the Annual Meeting. If you sign, date and return your Proxy Card but do not specify how to vote your shares, the proxies will vote FOR the election of all of the Director nominees, FOR approval of the advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers, for EVERY ONE YEAR on the frequency of the advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers, and FOR ratifying the selection of independent auditor. The proxies will also have discretionary authority to vote in accordance with their judgment on any other matter that may properly come before the Annual Meeting that we did

2023 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION PROXY

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not have notice of by February 1, 2023. Management is not aware of any other business to come before the Annual Meeting, and as of the date of this proxy statement, no shareholder has submitted to management any proposal to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting.

**Quorum and Shares Outstanding.** A quorum, which is a majority of the total shares outstanding as of the record date, must be present to hold the Annual Meeting. A quorum is calculated based on the number of shares represented by shareholders attending in person or by proxy. On March 6, 2023, 26,918,002 shares of Westamerica Bancorporation common stock were outstanding. We also count broker non-votes, which we describe below, as shares present or represented at the Annual Meeting for the purpose of determining whether a quorum exists.

**Election of Director Nominees.** Each share is entitled to one vote, except in the election of Directors where a shareholder may cumulate votes as to candidates nominated prior to voting, but only if a shareholder gives notice of intent to cumulate votes prior to the voting at the Annual Meeting. If any shareholder gives such notice, all shareholders may cumulate their votes for nominees. Under cumulative voting, each share carries as many votes as the number of directors to be elected, and the shareholder may cast all of such votes for a single nominee or distribute them in any manner among as many nominees as desired. This Proxy Statement solicits the discretionary authority to cumulate votes and allocate them in the proxy holders' discretion if any shareholder requests cumulative voting. In the election of directors, the eight nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be elected. If your proxy is marked 'Withhold' with regard to the election of any nominee, your shares will be counted toward a quorum and for other nominees but they will not be voted for the election of that nominee.

**Vote Required; Effect of Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes.** The shares of a shareholder whose proxy on any or all proposals is marked as 'Abstain' will be included in the number of shares present at the Annual Meeting to determine whether a quorum is present. If you are the beneficial holder of shares held by a broker or other custodian, you may instruct your broker how to vote your shares through the voting instruction provided by your broker or other custodian. If you wish to vote the shares you own beneficially at the meeting in person, you must first request and obtain a legal proxy from your broker or other custodian. If you choose not to provide instructions or a legal proxy, your shares are referred to as 'uninstructed shares.' Whether your broker or custodian has the discretion to vote these shares on your behalf depends on the proposal. Brokers and custodians cannot vote uninstructed shares on your behalf in the election of directors or the advisory votes on executive compensation. For your vote to be counted on these matters, you must submit your voting instruction form to your broker or custodian.

The following table summarizes the votes required for passage of each proposal and the effect of abstentions and uninstructed shares held by brokers:

| Proposal Number | Proposal | Votes Required for Approval | Abstentions | Uninstructed Shares | Board Vote Recommendation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Election of directors | Eight nominees receiving the most votes | Not voted | Not voted | FOR |
| 2 | Advisory vote on executive compensation 'Say on Pay' | Majority of shares voted | Not voted | Not voted | FOR |
| 3 | Advisory vote on the frequency of 'Say on Pay' | Majority of shares voted | Not voted | Not voted | EVERY ONE YEAR |
| 4 | Ratification of independent auditor | Majority of shares voted | Not voted | Broker discretionary vote | FOR |

Votes in favor of Proposals 2 and 4 must also constitute a majority of the required quorum for the meeting. If votes in favor are less than a majority of the required quorum, abstentions and non-votes would have the effect of a vote against the proposal.

2

2023 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION PROXY

2023 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION PROXY

**How You Can Vote.** Your vote is very important and we hope that you will attend the Annual Meeting. However, whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote by proxy.

**Registered Holders.** If your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company's transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services, LLC, you are considered a registered holder of those shares. Please vote by proxy in accordance with the instructions on your Proxy Card, or the instruction you received by email.

A registered holder can vote in one of the following four ways:

- **Via the Internet.** Go to the website noted on your Proxy Card in order to vote via the internet. Internet voting is available 24 hours a day. We encourage you to vote via the internet, as it is the most cost-effective way to vote. When voting via the internet, you do not need to return your Proxy Card.
- **By Telephone.** Call the toll-free telephone number indicated on your Proxy Card and follow the voice prompt instructions to vote by telephone. Telephone voting is available 24 hours a day. When voting by telephone, you do not need to return your Proxy Card.
- **By Mail.** Mark your Proxy Card, sign and date it, and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you elected to electronically access the Proxy Statement and Annual Report, you will not be receiving a Proxy Card and must vote via the internet or by telephone.
- **In person.** You may vote your shares at the Annual Meeting if you attend in person, even if you previously submitted a Proxy Card or voted via internet or telephone. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, however, we strongly encourage you to vote your shares by proxy before the meeting.

**Beneficial Shareholders.** If your shares are held in a brokerage account in the name of your bank, broker, or other holder of record ("beneficial holder" or "street name"), you are not a registered holder, but rather are considered a beneficial holder of those shares. Your bank, broker, or other holder of record will send you instructions on how to vote your shares. If you are a beneficial holder, you must obtain a legal proxy, executed in your favor, from the holder of record to be able to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.

**Voting Deadlines.** Shareholders voting by telephone or internet must vote by 12:01 a.m. Central Time, on April 27, 2023 to ensure that their vote is counted. If you are a participant in the Westamerica Bancorporation Tax Deferred Savings/Retirement Plan (ESOP), however, your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. Central Time, on April 24, 2023.

**Revocation of Proxy.** Registered holders who vote by proxy, whether by telephone, internet or mail, may revoke that proxy at any time before it is voted at the Annual Meeting. You may do this by: (a) signing another Proxy Card with a later date and delivering it to us prior to the Annual Meeting or sending a notice of revocation to the Corporate Secretary of Westamerica at 1108 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901; (b) voting at a later time by telephone or on the internet prior to 12:01 a.m. Central Time, on April 27, 2023 (prior to 11:59 p.m. Central Time, on April 24, 2023 for ESOP participants); or (c) attending the Annual Meeting in person and casting a ballot. If you are a beneficial holder, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker or other nominee.

#### **Additional Information**

**Householding.** As permitted by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") only one envelope containing two or more Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials is being delivered to shareholders residing at the same address, unless such shareholders have notified their bank, broker, Computershare Investor Services, or other holder of record that they wish to receive separate mailings. If you are a beneficial holder and own your shares in street name, contact your broker, bank or other holder of record to discontinue householding

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and receive your own separate copy of the Notice in future years. If you are a registered holder and own your shares through Computershare Investor Services, contact Computershare toll-free at 877-588-4258 or in writing directed to Computershare Investor Services, 150 Royall Street, Suite 101, Canton, MA 02021 to discontinue householding and receive multiple Notices in future years. To receive an additional Annual Report or Proxy Statement this year, contact Shareholder Relations at 707-863-6992 or follow the instructions on the Notice. Mailing of dividends, dividend reinvestment statements, and special notices will not be affected by your election to discontinue duplicate mailings of the Notice.

**Electronic Access to Proxy Materials and Annual Reports.** Whether you received the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or paper copies of proxy materials, this Proxy Statement and the 2022 Annual Report are available on the Company's website at: www.westamerica.com. If you hold your Westamerica Bancorporation common stock in street name through a broker, a bank or other nominee, you may have the option of securing your Proxy Statement and Annual Report via the internet. If you vote this year's proxy electronically, you may also elect to receive future Proxy Statements, Annual Reports and other materials electronically by following the instructions given by your bank, broker, or other holder of record when you vote. Our website is available for information purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment purposes, nor is it incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement.

### Stock Ownership

**Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Holders.** The following table sets forth information regarding shareholders beneficially holding more than 5% of Westamerica Bancorporation common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2022, based on information available to the Company, including filings made with the SEC.

| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Title of Class | Number of Shares Beneficially Owned | Percent of Class |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| BlackRock, Inc. 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055 | Common | 3,803,079 (1) | 14.13% |
| The Vanguard Group, Inc. 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, PA 19355 | Common | 3,397,651 (2) | 12.62% |

$^{(1)}$ The Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 24, 2023, disclosed that the reporting entity, BlackRock, Inc., held sole voting power over 3,759,258 shares and sole dispositive power over 3,803,079 shares.

$^{(2)}$ The Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 9, 2023, disclosed that the reporting entity, The Vanguard Group, Inc., held shared voting power over 29,515 shares, sole dispositive power over 3,342,144 and shared dispositive power over 55,507 shares.

**Security Ownership of Directors and Management.** The following table shows the number of common shares and the percentage of the common shares beneficially owned (as defined below) by each of the current Directors, by the Chief Executive Officer ('CEO'), by the Chief Financial Officer ('CFO'), by the three other most highly compensated executive officers, and by all Directors and Officers of the Company as a group as of March 6, 2023. As of March 6, 2023, there were 26,918,002 outstanding shares of Westamerica Bancorporation's common stock. For the purpose of the disclosure of ownership of shares by Directors and officers below, shares are considered to be beneficially owned if a person, directly or indirectly, has or shares the power to vote or direct the voting of the shares, the power to dispose of or direct the disposition of the shares, or the right to acquire beneficial ownership of shares within 60 days of December 31, 2022.

2023 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION PROXY

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2023 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION PROXY

| Name and Address** | Amount And Nature Of Beneficial Ownership |  |  | Total (1) | Percent of Class (2) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Sole Voting and Investment Power | Shared Voting and Investment Power | Right to Acquire Within 60 days of December 31, 2022 |  |  |
| E. Joseph Bowler | - | 25,887 (3) | - | 25,887 | 0.1% |
| Melanie Martella Chiesa | - | - | - | - | * |
| Catherine Cope MacMillan | 6,400 (4) | - | - | 6,400 | * |
| Michele Hassid | 358 | - | - | 358 | * |
| Ronald A. Nelson | 44,000 | - | - | 44,000 | 0.2% |
| David L. Payne | 1,453 (5) | 885,570 (6) | - | 887,023 | 3.3% |
| Edward B. Sylvester | 57,490 | - | - | 57,490 | 0.2% |
| Inez Wondeh | - | - | - | - | * |
| Jesse Leavitt | 1 | 441 | 13,000 | 13,442 | * |
| John 'Robert' A. Thorson | - | 14,998 (7) | 87,899 | 102,897 | 0.4% |
| Brian Donohoe | 752 | 1,194 | 45,200 | 47,146 | 0.2% |
| Russell W. Rizzardi | - | - | - | - | * |
| All 12 Directors and Officers as a Group | 110,454 | 928,090 | 146,099 | 1,184,643 | 4.4% |

* Indicates beneficial ownership of less than one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of the Company's common shares.

** The address of all persons listed is 1108 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901.

$^{(1)}$ None of the shares held by the Directors and Officers listed above have been pledged.

$^{(2)}$ In calculating the percentage of ownership, all shares which the identified person or persons have the right to acquire by exercise of options are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the class owned by such person, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the class owned by any other person.

$^{(3)}$ Shares held in trust as to which Mr. Bowler is co-trustee with shared voting and investment power.

$^{(4)}$ Includes 6,000 shares held in a trust as to which Ms. MacMillan is trustee and 400 shares held in trust under the California Uniform Gift to Minors Act as to which Ms. MacMillan is custodian.

$^{(5)}$ Includes 462 shares held in a trust under the California Uniform Gift to Minors Act as to which Mr. Payne is custodian.

$^{(6)}$ Includes 528,837 shares owned by Gibson Radio and Publishing Company, of which Mr. Payne is President and CEO, as to which Mr. Payne disclaims beneficial ownership, and 345,808 shares held in a trust as to which Mr. Payne is co-trustee with shared voting and investment power.

$^{(7)}$ Includes 13,799 shares held in a trust as to which Mr. Thorson is co-trustee with shared voting and investment power.

### Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act requires the Company's directors, executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of the Company's common stock to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership, reports of changes in ownership of common stock of the Company, and to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. Based solely upon a review of such reports and written representations that no other reports were required, the Company believes that all reports required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act to be filed by its executive officers and directors during the last fiscal year were filed on a timely basis except that Mr. Rizzardi failed to file two Form 4s on a timely basis, each reporting one transaction.

### Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy

The Company's Insider Trading and Stock Hedging Policy prohibits our directors, executive officers, and other employees with access to material non-public information from engaging in transactions, that hedge or offset, or are designed to hedge or offset, any decrease in the market value of Company securities in which they have an economic interest. Prohibited transactions include but are not limited to: (1) selling short any Company common stock; and (2) buying or selling puts or calls or other derivatives on Company securities, or otherwise entering into any hedging arrangements involving Company securities.

5

# PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

## Board of Directors

The Board has nominated eight candidates for election as Directors at the Annual Meeting to hold office until the next Annual Meeting or until their successors are elected and qualified. The proxies will vote for the eight nominees named below unless you give different voting instructions on your Proxy Card. Each nominee is presently a Director of the Company and has consented to serve a new term. The Board does not anticipate that any of the nominees will be unavailable to serve as a Director, but if that should occur before the Annual Meeting, the Board reserves the right to substitute another person as nominee. The proxies will vote for any substitute nominated by the Board of Directors. The proxies may use their discretion to cumulate votes for election of Directors and cast all of such votes for any one or more of the nominees, to the exclusion of the others, and in such order of preference as they may determine at their discretion.

## Nominees

The nominees for election as Directors are named and certain information with respect to them is given below. Our nominees are seasoned leaders who bring to the Board an array of financial services, public and private company, non-profit, and other business experience. As a group they possess experience in leadership, consumer banking, commercial and small business banking, investment banking, capital markets, financial advisory services, finance and accounting, risk management and real estate. Many of the Board Members have seen the Company through a variety of economic conditions. The information below has been furnished to the Company by the respective nominees. All of the nominees have engaged in their indicated principal occupation for more than five years, unless otherwise indicated and no nominee has served on the Board of Directors of another public company during the past five years. Each nominee is a current director of both the Company and its subsidiary, Westamerica Bank.

## Name of Nominees, Principal Occupations, and Qualifications

### E. Joseph Bowler - Director since 2003

E. Joseph Bowler (86) retired as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of the Company in 2002. He currently serves as a member of the Audit Committee and the Loan and Investment Committee. Mr. Bowler holds a Masters of Business Administration from Stanford University.

With many years of direct banking experience, Mr. Bowler brings strong financial and investment expertise important to the oversight of our financial reporting and interest rate risk management. In addition, Mr. Bowler’s experience as a director and trustee of various non-profit community and educational organizations brings strategic planning and corporate governance skills to the Board.

### Melanie Martella Chiesa - Director since 2020

Melanie Martella Chiesa (56) is an optometrist in private practice at Monte Vista Optometry in Turlock, California. Dr. Martella Chiesa is a member of the Employee Benefits and Compensation Committee and Loan and Investment Committee.

Dr. Martella Chiesa is a lifelong resident of Hughson, California where she is a partner in her family’s walnut and almond farming operations. She is an owner and board member of Martella Farms, Inc., Ag Commodities, Grower Direct Nut, Inc., ARK Development and Nutty Gourmet Nut Company. Dr. Martella Chiesa is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where she received her Doctor of Optometry degree. Dr. Martella Chiesa also received Bachelor of Science degrees in food science and nutrition, functional biology and visual sciences.

Dr. Martella Chiesa is passionate about local community and philanthropy. She, along with her husband, founded the

2023 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION PROXY

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2023 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION PROXY

Ciara Chiesa Circle of Hope Fund. Melanie is a member of the Stanislaus Community Foundation, chaired their Scholarship Committee and served on the Executive and Development Committees. Dr. Martella Chiesa also serves as a trustee for the Gallo Center for the Arts.

Along with leadership and private business knowledge, Dr. Martella Chiesa brings to the Board an understanding of agriculture, healthcare, philanthropy and issues of the Central Valley of California, which is one of Westamerica Bank’s primary markets.

# **Michele Hassid - Director since 2019**

Michele Hassid (60) is Principal at Macias, Gini & O’Connell LLP, an accounting firm. Ms. Hassid serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee and is a member of the Compliance Committee and the Executive Committee. Ms. Hassid has been designated as an Audit Committee “financial expert.” Ms. Hassid joined Eckhoff and Company in 1990, and served as Managing Partner from 2013 until 2022, when the Company merged into Macias, Gini & O’Connell LLP.

Ms. Hassid assists clients with financial and operational needs. Ms. Hassid graduated with honors from San Francisco State University with a B.A. in Accounting and is a graduate of the San Rafael Leadership Institute. She holds a CPA certificate and a CGMA certification.

Ms. Hassid has memberships with AICPA, CALCPA, is the Treasurer of the Marin Leadership Foundation and is a finance committee member for Congregation Ner Tamid in San Francisco.

Ms. Hassid’s background and education provides financial expertise and entrepreneurial skills.

# **Catherine Cope MacMillan - Director since 1985**

Catherine Cope MacMillan (75) is a former owner of the Huntington Hotel in San Francisco and La Playa Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea. She is a member of the Loan and Investment Committee, Employee Benefits and Compensation Committee, and the Audit Committee. Ms. MacMillan previously owned and operated a prominent restaurant for nearly 20 years. She is a graduate of the University of California at Davis and Pacific McGeorge School of Law. She has also served in numerous leadership capacities for community organizations.

Ms. MacMillan’s experience in administration and operational aspects of various businesses and organizations provides the Board with sound leadership.

# **Ronald A. Nelson - Director since 1988**

Ronald A. Nelson (80) was Executive Vice President of Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates through 1995. He serves as the Chair of the Employee Benefits and Compensation Committee, is a member of the Audit Committee, Compliance Committee, and Nominating Committee. Mr. Nelson has a background as a Certified Public Accountant and has been designated as an Audit Committee “financial expert.” He has been a resident of Sonoma County since 1970, which is one of Westamerica Bank’s primary markets and where he has been involved in business management, investment management, and the development of commercial real estate. He also served as a board member and Chairman of Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, which is the area’s primary acute care hospital.

Mr. Nelson’s extensive business and financial expertise provides important oversight of our financial reporting and risk management.

7

# **David L. Payne - Director since 1984**

David L. Payne (67) is Chairman, President & CEO of Westamerica Bancorporation. He was appointed Chairman in 1988 and Chief Executive Officer in 1989. Mr. Payne is Chairman of the Executive Committee and is a member of the Compliance Committee. Mr. Payne is also Chairman, President & CEO of Westamerica Bank. He brings to the Board strong leadership and a vision for the future. He has a thorough knowledge of the banking industry, manages regulatory and business development issues, and has extensive financial and accounting expertise. Mr. Payne possesses excellent management, strategic development and business skills.

Since Mr. Payne’s appointment as Chairman of the Board, Westamerica’s dividends per share have risen twelve-fold and capital levels have increased thirteen-fold. Total assets have increased more than 500% during his tenure and net income has risen by a multiple of 25. Return on equity was 15.2% for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Mr. Payne has successfully negotiated and led the Company through many mergers including: John Muir National Bank, Napa Valley Bancorporation, PV Financial, CapitolBank - Sacramento, North Bay Bancorp, ValliCorp Holdings, First Counties Bank, Kerman State Bank, Redwood Empire Bancorp, County Bank, and Sonoma Valley Bank. Mr. Payne also manages his family printing, publishing and cable television business.

# **Edward B. Sylvester - Director since 1979**

Edward Sylvester (86) is a California registered civil engineer and founder of Sylvester Engineering and SCO Planning and Engineering. He currently provides pro bono technical services to non-profit organizations. Mr. Sylvester is a member of the Executive Committee, Chair of the Loan and Investment Committee, Nominating Committee and the Compliance Committee, and serves as the Lead Independent Director of Westamerica Bancorporation. Mr. Sylvester is the board Chairman of Nevada County Broadcasters, which owns KNCO and STAR 94 radio stations. He also serves as a board member of Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation and was past president of the hospital board. Mr. Sylvester is a board member of the Nevada County Finance Authority and the President of the Friends of Banner Mountain board, promoting preservation of trails and fire-wise issues. Mr. Sylvester has previously served as Chairman of the California Transportation Commission, Chairman of the Nevada County Transportation Commission, Chairman of the Board of the Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce, President of the Grass Valley Rotary Club, Chairman and founder of the Nevada County Business Association, President of the Sierra Trailblazers Running Club, Chairman of the California Alliance for Advanced Transportation Systems and numerous advisory committees of the county and the city of Grass Valley on engineering and policy-related issues. Mr. Sylvester has completed 23 marathons around the world and was the 14th person in the world to complete marathons on all seven continents including Antarctica. Mr. Sylvester is an avid traveler and photographer, who has visited 114 countries to date searching for new things to experience and photograph.

The depth of Mr. Sylvester’s experience gives him first-hand understanding of all the nuances of development and development funding, a current knowledge of the retail economy, and a state-wide perspective and experience in funding allocation. His long tenure on the Board brings a historical and long-term perspective while he remains current on financial issues with his continuing leadership role in the community and active management positions.

# **Inez Wondeh - Director since 2021**

Inez Wondeh (55) is the Chief Executive Officer at BASS Medical Group (“BASS”) in Walnut Creek, California. Ms. Wondeh is a member of the Audit Committee and Employee Benefits and Compensation Committee. Ms. Wondeh joined BASS in 2015 as the Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Wondeh has over 20 years of experience as a healthcare executive. Ms. Wondeh helped execute many of BASS’ growth strategy shifts, including increasing the company’s physician network. Ms. Wondeh provides visionary leadership that inspires the highest level of performance in the financial and operation administration at BASS. Ms. Wondeh holds a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of San Francisco. Ms. Wondeh is the

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founder of Ngozi Educational and Healthcare Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to provide no-cost K-12 education and health services to rural Liberia, West African children.

Ms. Wondeh's experience in finance, administration and strategic planning of various businesses provides the Board with exceptional leadership.

## THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS ELECTION OF ALL NOMINEES

### Board of Directors and Committees

**Director Independence and Leadership Structure.** The Board of Directors has considered whether any relationships or transactions related to a Director were inconsistent with a Director's independence. Based on this review, the Board has determined that E.J. Bowler, M. Martella Chiesa, M. Hassid, C.C. MacMillan, R.A. Nelson, E.B. Sylvester, and I. Wondeh are "independent" Directors as defined in NASDAQ rules. Mr. Payne is not independent because he is an officer of the Company and the Bank.

Our Board has carefully considered the critical issue of Board leadership. In the context of risk management, the leadership of each Board committee primarily responsible for risk management is vested in an independent committee chair. With regard to the leadership of the meetings of the full Board, our Board of Directors has carefully evaluated whether the positions of Chairman and CEO should be separate or combined. Our Board believes that the most effective leadership structure for the Company at this time is to combine the responsibilities of the Chairman and CEO, a structure that has been successful since 1989. The combined positions avoid a duplication of efforts, enable decisive leadership, and ensure a clear accountability for the performance of the Company, a more rapid implementation of decisions, and a consistent vision. Given the size of our employee base and our level of assets relative to larger, more complex banking structures, our Company is particularly well suited to combine the Chairman and CEO functions. Furthermore, our named executive officers have an average tenure of 25 years and do not require the substantial oversight needed by a less experienced team, which has allowed our Chairman and CEO to lead the Company through eleven acquisitions since 1992.

To ensure strong Board oversight seven of our eight Directors are, as noted above, independent as defined by NASDAQ. Only non-management directors sit on Board committees, with the exception of the Executive Committee and the Compliance Committee, and every non-management director sits on one or more of these Committees. All non-management directors meet at least four times a year outside the presence of the Chairman and CEO. The Board completes an annual board evaluation that is discussed by the Nominating Committee and presented to the full Board. Although the Board believes that it is more effective to have one person serve as the Chairman and CEO at this time, it also recognizes the importance of strong independent leadership on the Board, accordingly, the Board has established a strong, Independent Lead Director, Mr. Sylvester, who serves at least one year from the date of appointment and has the following clearly delineated and comprehensive duties:

- presides at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent Directors;
- serves as liaison between the Chairman and the independent Directors;
- approves information sent to the Board;
- approves meeting agendas for the Board;
- approves meeting schedules to assure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items;
- has the authority to call meetings of the independent Directors; and
- if requested by major shareholders, ensures that he or she is available for consultation and direct communication.

The Board does not believe that the fact an Independent Lead Director does not preside over the normal Board meeting

9

business sessions limits the ability of the Board to have open exchanges of views, or to address any issues the Board chooses, independently of the Chairman.

The Board of Directors of the Company also serve as the Board of Directors of Westamerica Bank, and as such are well informed of bank operations through regular reports and discussions on the operations of the Bank. The Directors' longevity with the Company has exposed them to a wide range of business cycles, which plays a critical role in managing the risk profile and profitability of the Company through the current economic environment.

**Role of the Board of Directors in Risk Oversight.** The Board is also responsible for overseeing all aspects of management of the Company, including risk oversight, which is effected through all Board committees, but primarily through the Board's Audit Committee. The Internal Audit Department reports directly to the Board's Audit Committee. It presents its independently prepared company-wide annual risk assessment, its evaluation of Management's prepared risk assessment and its audit plan incorporating the risk assessment, including the policies and procedures utilized to monitor and control such exposures, to the Board's Audit Committee.

The internal loan review function reports directly to the Board's Audit Committee. It reports ongoing evaluations of loan portfolios and the risk rating of individual loans using guidelines established by bank regulatory authorities, to the Board's Audit Committee.

**Meetings.** The Company expects all Board members to attend all meetings, including the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, except for reasons of health or special circumstances. The Board met on nine days during 2022. Every Director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of: (i) the Board meetings held during that period in which they served; and (ii) the total number of meetings of any Committee of the Board on which the Director served. Each individual who served on the Board of the Company on the date of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders attended the meeting.

| Director Name | Committees of the Board |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Executive Committee | Audit Committee | Employee Benefits and Compensation Committee | Loan and Investment Committee | Nominating Committee | Compliance Committee |
| E. Joseph Bowler |  | X |  | X |  |  |
| Melanie Martella Chiesa |  |  | X | X |  |  |
| Michele Hassid | X | Chair |  |  |  | X |
| Catherine Cope MacMillan |  | X | X | X |  |  |
| Ronald A. Nelson |  | X | Chair |  | X | X |
| David L. Payne | Chair |  |  |  |  | X |
| Edward B. Sylvester | X |  |  | Chair | Chair | Chair |
| Inez Wondah |  | X | X |  |  |  |
| Number of Meetings in 2022 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 1 | 4 |

**Executive Committee.** The Board delegates to the Executive Committee all powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business affairs of the Company between board meetings, which the Board is allowed to delegate under California law.

**Audit Committee.** The Board of Directors has determined that all members of the Audit Committee are independent, as that term is defined by applicable rules of NASDAQ for Audit Committee purposes. The Board has also designated Ms. Hassid and Mr. Nelson as 'Audit Committee financial experts' as defined by the rules of the SEC and has

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determined that they are “financially sophisticated” under NASDAQ rules. In concluding that Ms. Hassid and Mr. Nelson are the Audit Committee financial experts, the Board determined that they possess:

- • an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements;
- • the ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves;
- • experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Company’s financial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities;
- • an understanding of internal control over financial reporting; and
- • an understanding of Audit Committee functions.

Designation of a person (or persons) as an Audit Committee financial expert does not result in the person being deemed an expert for any purpose, including under Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933. The designation does not impose on the person any duties, obligations or liability greater than those imposed on any other Audit Committee member or any other Director and does not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the Audit Committee or Board of Directors.

The Audit Committee provides independent, objective oversight of the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independence and performance of the Company’s independent auditor as it performs audit, review or attest services, and the Company’s internal audit and control function. It selects and retains the independent registered public accounting firm, and reviews the plan and the results of the auditing engagement. It acts pursuant to a written charter that was reaffirmed by the Board of Directors in January 2023 and attached as Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

**Employee Benefits and Compensation Committee.** The Employee Benefits and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) is comprised solely of Directors who are not current or former employees of Westamerica or any of its affiliates. They are independent as defined by NASDAQ rules.

The Compensation Committee administers Westamerica Bancorporation’s equity incentive plan, Tax Deferred Savings and Retirement Plan, Deferred Profit Sharing Plan, Deferred Compensation Plan, and the Westamerica Bancorporation Deferral Plan. It administers the Company’s compensation programs and reviews and reports to the Board the compensation level for executive officers, including the CEO, of the Company and its subsidiaries and determines that compensation plans are balanced between financial results and prudent risk taking. The Compensation Committee determines annual corporate performance objectives for equity compensation and cash bonuses and their related corporate, divisional and individual goals. Based on the CEO’s assessment of the extent to which each executive officer met those objectives and goals, the Committee determines each executive officer’s annual equity compensation and cash bonus. The Compensation Committee also establishes the individual goals and targets for the CEO. All compensation approved by the Compensation Committee is reported to the full Board of Directors.

The role of the Compensation Committee is described in greater detail under the section entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

The Compensation Committee is governed by a written charter as required by NASDAQ rules. The charter was reaffirmed by the Board of Directors in January 2023 and is attached as Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement for this 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Compensation Committee has the authority to seek assistance from officers and employees of the Company as well as external legal, accounting and other advisors. It has not retained outside

11

consultants for compensation advice, but can request assistance on an as-needed basis. It does not delegate authority to anyone outside of the Compensation Committee. The Payroll and Employee Benefits Department supports the Compensation Committee by fulfilling certain administrative duties regarding the compensation programs.

**Nominating Committee.** The Board of Directors has determined that all members of the Nominating Committee are independent, as defined in NASDAQ rules.

The Nominating Committee screens and recommends qualified candidates for Board membership. This Committee recommends a slate of nominees for each Annual Meeting. As part of that process, it evaluates and considers all candidates submitted by shareholders in accordance with the Company's Bylaws, and considers each existing Board member's contributions. The Committee applies the same evaluation standards whether the candidate was recommended by a shareholder or the Board. The Nominating Committee is governed by a written charter, which was reaffirmed by the Board of Directors in January 2023 and attached as Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

While the Board does not have a formal diversity policy, it broadly defines diversity to encompass a range of skills and expertise sufficient to provide prudent guidance to the Company. In addition to the qualifications and characteristics described below, it considers whether the potential Director assists in achieving a mix of Board members that represents a diversity of background, perspective, and experience. Our Board includes Directors with experience in public corporations and non-profit organizations, as well as entrepreneurial individuals who have successfully run their own private enterprise. Our Board also has a broad set of skills necessary for providing oversight to a financial institution, which includes proven leadership, and expertise in capital management, finance, accounting, regulatory affairs, and investment management.

**Compliance Committee.** The Committee provides oversight of the Company's Compliance Management System to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations.

**Board Diversity.** The table below provides certain highlights of the composition of our board members and nominees. Each of the categories listed in the below table has the meaning as it is used in Nasdaq Rule 5605(f):

| Board Diversity (As of December 31, 2022) |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Total Number of Directors | 8 |  |  |  |
| Part I: Gender Identity | Female | Male | Non-Binary | Did Not Disclose Gender |
| Directors | 4 | 4 | - | - |
| Part II: Demographic Background |  |  |  |  |
| African American | 1 | - | - | - |
| Asian | - | - | - | - |
| Hispanic or Latinx | - | - | - | - |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | - | - | - | - |
| White | 3 | 4 | - | - |
| Two or More Races or Ethnicities | - | - | - | - |
| LGBTQ+ | - | - | - | - |
| Did Not Disclose | - | - | - | - |

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**Nominating Directors.** The Nominating Committee will consider shareholder nominations submitted in accordance with Section 2.14 of the Bylaws of the Company. That section requires, among other things, that nominations be submitted in writing and must be received by the Corporate Secretary at least 45 days before the anniversary of the date on which the Company first mailed its proxy materials for the prior year's Annual Meeting of Shareholders. If the date for the current year's Annual Meeting changes more than 30 days from the date on which the prior year's meeting was held, the Company must receive notice with a reasonable amount of time before the Company mails its proxy materials for the current year. In addition, to comply with universal proxy rules, shareholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of nominees other than the Company's nominees must provide notice setting forth the information required by SEC Rule 14a-19 no later than February 27, 2024, or such earlier date as may be required by the Company's Bylaws.

Nominations must include the following information:

- the principal occupation of the nominee;
- the total number of shares of capital stock of the Company that the shareholder expects will be voted for the nominee;
- the name and address of both the nominee and the nominating shareholder; and
- the number of shares of capital stock of the Company owned by the nominating shareholder.

The Committee has specified the following minimum qualifications it believes must be met by a nominee for a position on the Board:

- appropriate personal and professional attributes to meet the Company's needs;
- highest ethical standards and absolute personal integrity;
- physical and mental ability to contribute effectively as a Director;
- willingness and ability to participate actively in Board activities and deliberations;
- ability to approach problems objectively, rationally and realistically;
- ability to respond well and to function under pressure;
- willingness to respect the confidences of the Board and the Company;
- willingness to devote the time necessary to function effectively as a Board member;
- possess independence necessary to make unbiased evaluation of Management performance;
- be free of any conflict of interest that would violate applicable law or regulation or interfere with ability to perform duties;
- broad experience, wisdom, vision and integrity;
- understanding of the Company's business environment; and
- significant business experience relevant to the operations of the Company.

**Loan and Investment Committee.** This Committee reviews major loans and investment policies.

#### **Director Compensation**

The following table and footnotes provide information regarding the compensation paid to the Company's non-employee Directors in the year 2022. Directors who are employees of the Company receive no compensation for their services as Directors.

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**Director Compensation Table For Fiscal Year 2022**

| Name (1) | Fees Earned Paid in Cash ($) | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings (2) ($) | Total ($) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Louis E. Bartolini (3) | 20,600 | 1,055 | 21,655 |
| E. Joseph Bowler | 42,400 | - | 42,400 |
| Melanie Chiesa | 42,400 | 554 | 42,954 |
| Michele Hassid | 46,050 | - | 46,050 |
| Catherine Cope MacMillan | 43,600 | - | 43,600 |
| Ronald A. Nelson | 44,250 | - | 44,250 |
| Edward B. Sylvester | 51,300 | 19,977 | 71,277 |
| Inez Wondeh | 38,200 | 252 | 38,452 |

$^{(1)}$ Non-employee Directors did not receive options or stock awards in 2022 and none hold any options or stock awards. During 2022, non-employee Directors of the Company were paid an annual retainer of $22,000. Each non-employee Director received $1,200 for each meeting of the Board attended and $600 for each Committee meeting attended. The Chairman of each Committee received an additional $250 for each Committee meeting attended. All non-employee Directors are reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending Board and Committee meetings. The Chairman of the Board, David L. Payne, is compensated as an employee and did not receive any compensation as a Director.

$^{(2)}$ The Deferred Compensation Plan allows non-employee Directors to defer some or all of their Director compensation with interest earnings credited on deferred compensation accounts. The amount shown is the interest on nonqualified deferred compensation that exceeds 120% of the long-term Applicable Federal Rate, with compounding, on all cash compensation deferred in 2022 and in previous years.

$^{(3)}$ Mr. Bartolini did not stand for re-election in 2022.

Westamerica Bancorporation does not have a charitable donations program for Directors nor does it make donations on behalf of any Director(s). The Company may make a nominal donation through its Community Relations program to non-profit organizations where a Director(s) may have an affiliation.

## EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

### Executive Officers

The executive officers of the Company and Westamerica Bank serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and are subject to annual appointment by the Board at its first meeting following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. It is anticipated that each of the executive officers listed below will be appointed to serve in such capacities at that meeting.

### David L. Payne - Held since 1984

David L. Payne (67) is the Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of the Company and Westamerica Bank. Mr. Payne also manages his family printing, publishing and cable television business. For additional information regarding Mr. Payne, please see “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - Board of Directors” above.

### Jesse Leavitt - Held since 2020

Jesse Leavitt (37) is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Leavitt is a California licensed certified public accountant. He held the position of Vice President and Controller upon joining the Company in March 2019 until December 2019. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Leavitt was a bank examiner with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation from 2011 until 2016 and was Assistant Controller at Golden 1 Credit Union from 2016 until 2019.

### John “Robert” Thorson - Held since 2020

John “Robert” Thorson (62) is Senior Vice President and Treasury Division Manager for the Company. Mr. Thorson joined Westamerica Bancorporation in 1989, was Vice President and Manager of Human Resources from 1995 until

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2001, was Senior Vice President and Treasurer from 2002 until 2005, and was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2005 until 2019.

#### **Brian Donohoe - Held since 2019**

Brian Donohoe (41) is Senior Vice President and Manager of Operations and System Administration of Community Banker Service Corporation, a subsidiary of Westamerica Bank. Mr. Donohoe joined Westamerica Bancorporation in 1999 and has held a variety of positions in the Banking Division and the Operations and Systems Division, most recently, Vice President and Manager of Business Services until 2018.

#### **Russell W. Rizzardi - Held since 2008**

Russell W. Rizzardi (67) is Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Administrator of Westamerica Bank. Mr. Rizzardi joined Westamerica Bank in 2007. He has been in the banking industry since 1979 and was previously with Wells Fargo Bank and U.S. Bank.

**Code of Ethics.** The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics (as defined in Item 406 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933) that is applicable to its senior financial officers including its chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and principal accounting officer.

#### **Compensation Discussion and Analysis**

The executive compensation practices described below have been followed consistently for thirty years. At each Annual Meeting of Shareholders since 2010, a majority of our shareholders approved an advisory proposal on the Company’s executive compensation. Last year 91 percent of the shares voting on this proposal voted to support our Corporation’s executive compensation strategy.

The Compensation Committee governs the executive compensation program that combines three compensation elements: base salary, annual non-equity cash incentives, and long-term stock grants. Several compensation philosophies and practices underlie this program:

- • base salaries for participants in this program should be limited to foster an environment where incentive compensation motivates and rewards corporate, divisional, and individual performance.
- • incentive compensation (annual non-equity cash incentives and long-term stock grants) is based on measurement of performance against pre-established objective measurable goals. Specific criteria for each objective are established for 'threshold,' 'target,' and 'outstanding' performance. On any one measure, performance below 'threshold' results in no credit for that objective. 'Threshold' performance results in 75% achievement, 'target' performance results in 100% achievement, and 'outstanding' performance results in 150% achievement. The performance achievement level determines the size of incentive compensation awards.
- • long-term incentive stock grants will be awarded to senior management if the corporate performance level is rated 'threshold' or better. The purpose of long-term incentive grants is to:
  - - motivate senior management to focus on long-term performance;
  - - avoid excessive risk-taking and instill conservative management practices;
  - - build equity ownership among Westamerica's senior management;
  - - link shareholder interests to management incentives; and
  - - create ownership mentality among senior management.

In February 2013, the Board of Directors adopted a clawback policy that requires executive officers to forfeit previously awarded incentive compensation if the incentives were based on materially inaccurate financial statements or other performance measures that are later proven to be materially inaccurate or the achievement of which were due

15

## Summary Compensation

The following table sets forth summary compensation information for the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and each of the other three most highly compensated executive officers for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020. These persons are referred to as named executive officers elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.

**Summary Compensation Table For Fiscal Year 2022**

| Name / Position | Year | Salary | Stock Awards (1) | Option Awards (2) | Non-Stock Incentive Plan Compensation (3) | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings (4) | All Other Compensation (5) | TOTAL |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| David L. Payne | 2022 | $371,000 | $- | $- | $350,000 | $- | $29,021 | $750,021 |
| Chairman, | 2021 | 371,000 | - | - | 350,000 | - | 29,563 | 750,563 |
| President & CEO | 2020 | 371,000 | - | - | 300,000 | - | 27,807 | 698,807 |
| Jesse Leavitt | 2022 | 135,000 | 31,010 | 113,760 | 46,200 | - | 19,596 | 345,566 |
| SVP & Chief | 2021 | 135,000 | 30,252 | 92,250 | 45,100 | - | 18,273 | 320,875 |
| Financial Officer | 2020 | 135,000 | - | - | 43,500 | - | 9,252 | 187,752 |
| John 'Robert' A. Thorson | 2022 | 149,000 | 127,552 | 162,740 | 138,500 | 71,350 | 34,218 | 683,360 |
| SVP & Treasury | 2021 | 149,000 | 123,864 | 130,500 | 136,600 | 66,657 | 32,511 | 639,132 |
| Division Manager | 2020 | 149,000 | 129,500 | 171,936 | 134,000 | 79,609 | 31,469 | 695,514 |
| Russell W. Rizzardi | 2022 | 120,960 | 103,563 | 131,930 | 64,800 | - | 12,172 | 433,425 |
| SVP & Credit Administrator | 2021 | 120,960 | 100,461 | 105,750 | 66,000 | - | 10,939 | 404,110 |
| Division Manager | 2020 | 120,960 | 104,928 | 138,240 | 64,400 | - | 10,455 | 438,983 |
| Brian Donohoe | 2022 | 130,008 | 111,169 | 142,990 | 86,300 | - | 39,862 | 510,329 |
| SVP & Operations & Systems | 2021 | 130,008 | 108,452 | 113,250 | 87,100 | - | 37,375 | 476,185 |
| Division Manager | 2020 | 130,008 | 83,677 | 106,272 | 86,000 | - | 29,422 | 435,379 |

$^{(1)}$ Stock Awards represent RPS shares as described in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis. The amounts shown represent the aggregate grant date fair market value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For further information, see Note 1 to the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

$^{(2)}$ Option awards represent Nonqualified Stock Options as described in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis. The amounts shown represent the aggregate grant date fair market value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For further information, see Note 1 to the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

$^{(3)}$ The amounts shown are non-equity incentive compensation only. No interest or other form of earnings was paid on the compensation.

$^{(4)}$ The amounts include interest paid on deferred cash compensation to the extent the interest exceeds 120% of the long-term Applicable Federal Rates with compounding. The Company has no defined benefit pension plan. Mr. Payne has a pension agreement, which is discussed under 'Pension Benefits for Fiscal Year 2022.'

$^{(5)}$ Each of the above-named executive officers received less than $10,000 of aggregate perquisites and personal benefits, except for Mr. Donohoe who received a car allowance of $12,500. All other compensation includes Company contributions to defined contribution plans (ESOP and Deferred Profit Sharing), and amounts added to taxable wages using IRS tables for the cost of providing group term life insurance coverage that is more than the cost of $50,000 of coverage. It also includes the dollar value of the benefit to Mr. Payne for the portion of the premium payable by the Company with respect to a split dollar life insurance policy (projected on an actuarial basis), and a bonus paid to Mr. Payne in the amount of his portion of the split dollar life insurance premium.

Based on the compensation disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table, approximately 33% of total compensation comes from base salaries. See Compensation Discussion and Analysis for more details.

## Pay Versus Performance

The following table discloses executive compensation and financial performance measures for the three most recently completed fiscal years. Financial performance measures include the total shareholder return (TSR) for Westamerica

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Bancorporation common stock and for that of our designated peer group, the NASDAQ Bank Index (CBNK), and Westamerica Bancorporation’s return on average equity.

| Year | Summary Compensation Table (SCT) Total for PEO (1) | Compensation Actually Paid to PEO (1) | Average SCT Total for Non-PEO NEOs (2) | Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs (2) | Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On: |  | Net Income | Return on Equity |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |  |  | Total Shareholder Return (TSR) | Peer Group (CBNK) TSR |  |  |
| 2022 | $750,021 | $750,021 | $493,170 | $572,347 | $94.77 | $110.51 | $122,034,000 | 15.2% |
| 2021 | 750,563 | 750,563 | 460,076 | 529,815 | 90.13 | 132.10 | 86,509,000 | 11.5% |
| 2020 | 698,807 | 698,807 | 439,407 | 258,947 | 83.91 | 92.48 | 80,413,000 | 11.3% |

$^{(1)}$ David Payne is the named PEO whose compensation is disclosed for the years 2022, 2021 and 2020.

$^{(2)}$ Jesse Leavitt, John “Robert” A. Thorson, Russell W. Rizzardi and Brian Donohoe are the non-PEO NEOs whose average compensation is disclosed for the years 2022, 2021 and 2020.

| Year | Reported SCT Total for Non-PEO NEOs | Reported SCT Value of Equity Awards for Non-PEO NEOs | Equity Award Adjustments | Reported SCT Change in the Actuarial Present Value of Pension Benefits for Non-PEO NEOs | Pension Benefit Adjustments | Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2022 | $493,170 | ($231,179) | $310,356 | $- | $- | $572,347 |
| 2021 | 460,076 | (201,195) | 270,934 | - | - | 529,815 |
| 2020 | 439,407 | (183,638) | 3,178 | - | - | 258,947 |

| Year | Year end fair value of equity awards granted during the year | Year over year change in fair value of outstanding and unvested equity awards | Fair value as of vesting date of equity awards granted and vested in the year | Year over year change of equity awards granted in prior years that vested in the year | Fair value at the end of the prior year of equity awards that failed to meet vesting conditions in the year | Value of dividends or other earnings paid on stock or option awards not otherwise reflected in fair value or total compensation | Total equity award adjustments |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2022 | $276,997 | $28,935 | $- | $4,424 | $- | $- | $310,356 |
| 2021 | 207,677 | 49,934 | - | 13,323 | - | - | 270,934 |
| 2020 | 115,495 | (102,923) | - | (9,394) | - | - | 3,178 |

The executive compensation actually paid differs from the compensation provided in the Summary Compensation Table due solely to changes in the value of RPSs and NQSOs between the grant date and the end of each fiscal year or vesting date. The change in the value of the NQSOs and RPSs is based on TSR excluding dividends as dividends are not paid on NQSOs or RPSs prior to vesting.

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As described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the financial performance measures used to determine executive compensation levels include return on average equity, return on average assets, diluted earnings per share, levels of non-performing assets, and the efficiency ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues). The banking industry's financial results and performance measures are heavily influenced by economic cycles and changing interest rates. Westamerica Bancorporation management applies long-term strategies and business practices to consistently maintain a conservative credit risk position and control operating expenses with the objective of generating financial results with less volatility relative to peers.

# Financial Performance Measures

- Return on Average Equity
- Return on Average Assets
- Diluted Earnings Per Share
- Levels of Non-Performing Assets
- Efficiency Ratio (Operating Expenses as a Percentage of Total Revenues)

# Pay Ratio Disclosure

SEC rules require annual disclosure of the ratio of the Company's median employee's annual total compensation to the total annual compensation of the principal executive officer ("PEO"). The Company's PEO is Mr. Payne.

| Median Employee total annual compensation | $37,448 |
| --- | --- |
| Mr. Payne total annual compensation | 750,021 |
| Ratio of PEO to Median Employee Compensation | 20.03:1.0 |

In determining the median employee total annual compensation, the Company prepared a census of all employees as of December 31, 2022, except the PEO, with compensation annualized for those employees hired in 2022. For simplicity, the value of benefits provided by the Company's qualified retirement plans and welfare benefit plans were excluded from the determination of total annual compensation as all employees are offered the same benefit programs.

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# **Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table For Fiscal Year 2022**

| Name | Grant Date | Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards |  |  | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (1) | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (2) | Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Share) (3) | Grant Date Fair Value (4) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  |  | Threshold | Target | Maximum |  |  |  |  |
| David L. Payne | 1/27/22 | $- | $371,000 | $556,500 | - | - | $- | $- |
|  | 1/27/22 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|  | 1/27/22 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Jesse Leavitt | 1/27/22 | - | $40,500 | $60,750 | - | - | - | - |
|  | 1/27/22 | - | - | - | 530 | - | - | 31,010 |
|  | 1/27/22 | - | - | - | - | 14,400 | 58.51 | 113,760 |
| John 'Robert' A. Thorson | 1/27/22 | - | $111,000 | $166,500 | - | - | - | - |
|  | 1/27/22 | - | - | - | 2,180 | - | - | 127,552 |
|  | 1/27/22 | - | - | - | - | 20,600 | 58.51 | 162,740 |
| Brian Donohoe | 1/27/22 | - | $71,500 | $107,250 | - | - | - | - |
|  | 1/27/22 | - | - | - | 1,900 | - | - | 111,169 |
|  | 1/27/22 | - | - | - | - | 18,100 | 58.51 | 142,990 |
| Russell W. Rizzardi | 1/27/22 | - | $60,500 | $90,750 | - | - | - | - |
|  | 1/27/22 | - | - | - | 1,770 | - | - | 103,563 |
|  | 1/27/22 | - | - | - | - | 16,700 | 58.51 | 131,930 |

$^{(1)}$ Includes RPS grants. There is no dollar amount of consideration paid by any executive officer on the grant or vesting date of an award.

The material terms of the RPS grants are as follows:

- • The performance and vesting period is three years;
- • Multiple three-year performance goals are established by the Compensation Committee for each grant;
- • The Compensation Committee may revise the goals upon significant events;
- • Accelerated vesting occurs upon a 'change in control;' and
- • No dividends are paid or accrued prior to settlement or deferral delivery of shares which takes place approximately two months after vesting.

$^{(2)}$ Includes NQSO grants with an exercise price of not less than 100% of fair market value as of the date of grant.

The material terms of the NQSO's listed in the table are as follows:

- • Options vest ratably over three years beginning one year from date of grant;
- • Options expire 10 years following grant date;
- • Exercise price is 100% of fair market value as defined in the 2019 Omnibus Plan;
- • Dividends are not paid on unexercised options;
- • Vesting ceases upon termination of employment, whatever the reason, except if vesting is accelerated as described below;
- • Vested options may be exercised within 90 days of termination of employment and within one year upon death or disability; and
- • Accelerated vesting occurs upon a 'change in control.'

$^{(3)}$ The amounts shown for NQSOs and RPS awards represent the aggregate grant date fair market value.

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### Outstanding Equity Awards Table at Fiscal Year End 2022

| Name | Option Awards |  |  |  | Stock Awards |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable (1) | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable (1) | Option Exercise Price ($) (1) | Option Expiration Date (1) | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) (2) | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) valued at 12/31/22 (2) |
| David L. Payne | - | - | $- | - | - | $- |
| Jesse Leavitt | 4,100 | 8,200 | 57.080 | 1/28/2031 | 1,060 | 62,551 |
|  | - | 14,400 | 58.510 | 1/27/2032 | - | - |
| John 'Robert' A. Thorson | 7,233 | - | 57.178 | 1/26/2027 | - | - |
|  | 21,100 | - | 62.155 | 1/25/2028 | - | - |
|  | 21,200 | - | 62.673 | 1/24/2029 | - | - |
|  | 13,267 | 6,633 | 66.410 | 1/23/2030 | 6,300 | 371,763 |
|  | 5,800 | 11,600 | 57.080 | 1/28/2031 | - | - |
|  | - | 20,600 | 58.510 | 1/27/2032 | - | - |
| Brian Donohoe | 5,900 | - | 57.178 | 1/26/2027 | - | - |
|  | 5,500 | - | 62.155 | 1/25/2028 | - | - |
|  | 5,400 | 1,800 | 62.673 | 1/24/2029 | - | - |
|  | 8,200 | 4,100 | 66.410 | 1/22/2030 | 5,060 | 298,591 |
|  | 5,034 | 10,066 | 57.080 | 1/28/2031 | - | - |
|  | - | 18,100 | 58.510 | 1/27/2032 | - | - |
| Russell W. Rizzardi | 13,095 | - | 62.673 | 1/24/2029 | - | - |
|  | 10,667 | 5,333 | 66.410 | 1/23/2030 | 5,110 | 301,541 |
|  | 4,700 | 9,400 | 57.080 | 1/28/2031 | - | - |
|  | - | 16,700 | 58.510 | 1/27/2032 | - | - |

$^{(1)}$ Option Awards vest ratably over three years beginning one year from date of grant. Options expiring in 2029 fully vested in January 2022. Options expiring in 2030 fully vest in January 2023. Options expiring in 2031 fully vest in January 2024. Options expiring in 2032 fully vest in January 2025.

$^{(2)}$ RPS shares fully vest three years from date of grant if performance goals are met. RPS grants vest as follows: Messrs. Thorson - 1,950 vest in January 2023, 2,170 vest in January 2024, and 2,180 vest in January 2025; Rizzardi - 1,580 shares vest in January 2023, 1,760 vest in January 2024, and 1,770 vest in January 2025; Donohoe - 1,260 shares vest in January 2023, 1,900 vest in January 2024, and 1,900 vest in January 2025; Leavitt - 530 shares vest in January 2024 and 530 shares vest in 2025. Vesting may occur on a pro-rated basis for employees separating from service due to retirement.

### Option Exercises And Stock Vested Table For Fiscal Year 2022

| Name | Option Awards |  | Stock Awards |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise | Value Realized on Exercise($) | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting | Value Realized on Vesting($) (1) |
| David L. Payne | - | $- | - | $- |
| Jesse Leavitt | - | - | - | - |
| John 'Robert' A. Thorson | - | - | 1,990 | 116,723 |
| Brian Donohoe | - | - | - | - |
| Russell W. Rizzardi | - | - | 1,620 | 95,021 |

$^{(1)}$ Amounts represent value upon vesting of RPS shares.

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### Pension Benefits For Fiscal Year 2022

| Name | Plan Name | Present Value of Accumulated Benefit | Payments during Last Fiscal Year |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| David L. Payne | Non-Qualified Pension Agreement | $2,967,725 | $511,950 |

During 1997, the Company entered into a nonqualified pension agreement with Mr. Payne in consideration of Mr. Payne's agreement that RPS awards granted in 1995, 1996 and 1997 would be cancelled.

In January 2001, the Compensation Committee, based on the Company's achievement of certain performance goals which had first been established for Mr. Payne's 1995, 1996 and 1997 RPS awards, determined Mr. Payne's annual pension would be $511,950. The pension commenced in 2010 and will be paid to Mr. Payne for 20 years.

The discount rate used to determine the present value is 5.37%. The obligation is an unfunded general obligation of the Company.

### Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table For Fiscal Year 2022

| Name | Executive Contributions in Last Fiscal Year (1) | Aggregate Earnings in Last Fiscal Year (2) | Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions (3) | Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year End (4) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| David L. Payne | $- | $- | $- | $- |
| Jesse Leavitt | - | - | - | - |
| John 'Robert' A. Thorson | - | 127,867 | - | 2,624,464 |
| Brian Donohoe | - | - | - | - |
| Russell W. Rizzardi | - | - | - | - |

(1) No RPS shares were deferred upon vesting in 2022.

(2) Includes interest earned on deferred cash compensation included in the Summary Compensation Table of $71,350.

(3) No dividends were paid on deferred RPS shares in 2022.

(4) Aggregate balance of deferred compensation reported as compensation prior to 2022 was $2,496,597.

Under the Westamerica Bancorporation and Subsidiaries Deferred Compensation Plan (the 'Deferred Compensation Plan'), Directors and Officers may defer up to 100% of their compensation, salary and/or non-equity incentive compensation (cash bonus) into a non-qualified, unfunded deferred compensation program. The interest rate credited during 2022 was 5.0%. The interest rate may be changed annually. Interest is compounded semi-monthly. Participants choose in advance from the following distribution commencement dates: termination of employment, January 1 following termination of employment, or a specific date at least five years from date of deferral. Payment is made in a lump sum unless the participant chooses a four year, five year or ten year annual installment.

Under the Westamerica Bancorporation Deferral Plan, 100% of vested RPS grants may be deferred. Dividends paid on such issued and outstanding shares are paid in cash to the deferral participants, and are paid at the same rate as is paid to all other shareholders. The distribution of deferred RPS shares occurs at least two years after deferral, one month following termination, or the January immediately following termination as elected by the participant at the time of deferral. If the participant is one of the named executive officers, benefit distributions that are made upon termination of employment may not start earlier than six months after the date of termination.

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### **Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control**

Payments to be made to the named executive officers in the event of termination of employment or change in control are described below.

**Termination.** Vested NQSOs may be exercised within 90 days of termination and within one year of death or disability. RPS shares vest if the Compensation Committee determines performance goals are met. Terminated employees will receive vested RPS shares if the settlement date of the RPS grant occurs within 90 days of termination. Employees separating from service due to death, disability or retirement are eligible to receive a pro rata portion of granted RPS shares if the Compensation Committee determines that the performance goals are likely to be met for the grant period. The pro rata basis is determined by the number of full years of the vesting period completed before date of death, disability or retirement.

Deferred compensation account balances are distributed on January 1 following termination, or a specific date at least five years from the date of deferral in the form of annual payments over four years. Payment may also be made in a lump sum or in annual payments for five or 10 years as elected by the participant at the time of deferral. If the participant is one of the named executive officers, benefit distributions that are made upon termination of employment may not start earlier than six months after the date of termination.

**Change in Control.** A change in control is defined under the 2012 Amended Plan as shareholder approval of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company or a sale of substantially all of the Company's assets to another company, or a tender offer for 5% or more of the Company's outstanding common stock or a merger in which the Company's shareholders before the merger hold less than 50% of the voting power of the surviving company after the merger.

Under the 2019 Plan, a change in control occurs when (i) a person or entity becomes the beneficial owner of more than 50% of voting power of the Company; (ii) there is an unapproved change in the majority membership of the Board of Directors; (iii) a merger of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is completed, other than (A) a merger that results in the Company's voting securities continuing to represent 50% or more of the combined voting power of the surviving entity and the Board of Directors immediately prior to the merger or consolidation continuing to represent at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the surviving entity or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization in which no person is or becomes the owner of voting securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company; or (iv) shareholders approve of a plan of liquidation or dissolution.

In the event of a change in control, unvested NQSOs and RPS shares immediately vest. The value of NQSOs is computed by multiplying the difference between the market value on December 31, 2022 and the exercise price of each option by the number of options subject to accelerated vesting. The value of NQSOs subject to accelerated vesting for each of the named executive officers is as follows: Messrs. Payne: $0; Thorson: $32,688; Donohoe: $28,477; Rizzardi: $26,492; and Leavitt: $23,026. The value of RPS shares is computed by multiplying the market price at December 31, 2022 by the number of shares. The value of RPS shares subject to accelerated vesting for each of the named executive officers is as follows: Messrs. Payne: $0; Thorson: $371,763; Donohoe: $298,591; Rizzardi: $301,541; and Leavitt: $62,551.

Under the Company's Severance Payment Plan, executive officers receive six week's pay for every year or partial year of service up to one year's base salary (see Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal Year 2022 for annual base salary for all named executive officers). Messrs. Payne, Thorson, Donohoe and Rizzardi are eligible for one

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year’s salary under the plan. Mr. Leavitt was eligible for 30-week’s pay under the plan at December 31, 2022. Severance pay is paid in a lump sum or on a semi-monthly basis at the discretion of the Company. The Severance Payment Plan is subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

### **Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions**

In accordance with the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving or disapproving all related party transactions required to be disclosed by Item 404 of Regulation S-K for potential conflicts of interest. The Company is also required by NASDAQ Rule 5250(b)(3) to disclose all agreements and arrangements between any director or nominee for director, and any person or entity other than the Company relating to compensation or other payment in connection with such person’s candidacy or service as a director of the Company. The Company is not aware of any such agreements. Additionally, the Company’s Code of Conduct and Ethics provides rules that restrict transactions with affiliated persons.

Certain of the Directors, executive officers and their associates have had banking transactions with subsidiaries of the Company in the ordinary course of business. With the exception of the Company’s Employee Loan Program, all outstanding loans and commitments included in such transactions were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons not related to the Company, did not involve more than a normal risk of collectability, and did not present other favorable features. As part of the Employee Loan Program, all employees, including executive officers, were eligible to receive mortgage loans with interest rates one percent (1%) below Westamerica Bank’s prevailing interest rate at the time of loan origination. Westamerica Bank made all loans to executive officers under the Employee Loan Program in compliance with the applicable restrictions of Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act. Messrs. Payne and Thorson have mortgage loans through this Program. The largest aggregate amount of principal during 2022 was $287,693 and $165,814, respectively. The principal amount outstanding at December 31, 2022 was $266,085 and $133,489, respectively. The amount of principal paid during 2022 was $21,608 and $32,326, respectively. The amount of interest paid during 2022 was $7,117 and $2,892, respectively. The rate of interest payable on the loans is 3.75% and 3.875%, respectively.

## **PROPOSAL 2 - APPROVE A NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS**

SEC rules requires the Company to permit shareholders a non-binding advisory vote on the executive compensation paid to the executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table (a so-called “say on pay” vote) as well as an advisory vote with respect to whether future say on pay votes will be held every one, two or three years. The result of the most recent shareholder vote on the proposal to determine the frequency of future say on pay proposals was that shareholders should review executive compensation annually. Therefore, Proposal 2 requests that shareholders again approve the compensation paid to our named executive officers.

Last year 90.7% of the shares voting on this proposal voted to support the Company’s executive compensation strategy.

We believe that our compensation policies and procedures are centered on a pay-for-performance culture and are strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our shareholders. Our incentive compensation plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted performance shares. The Summary Compensation Table shows very stable base salaries indicative of our greater emphasis on performance-based stock and non-stock awards. Our RPS and option awards are based on a minimum

33

achievement of meeting the “threshold” level for each pre-established objective. Vesting of our RPS award is conditioned upon the achievement of performance criteria. Both awards have a three-year vesting period. Our annual incentive plan incorporates at least four financial and/or strategic performance metrics in order to properly balance risk with the incentives to drive our key annual financial and/or strategic initiatives; in addition, the annual incentive program incorporates a 150% maximum payout to further manage risk and the possibility of excessive payments.

Consistent with our pay-for-performance philosophy, the 2019 Plan and the 2012 Amended Plan, which were approved by shareholders, include the following features:

- disallow re-pricing stock options for poor stock performance;
- limits the number of shares that may be awarded; and
- includes a clawback provision.

**Vote Required.** The “say on pay” proposal gives you as a shareholder the opportunity to endorse or not endorse our executive pay program through the following resolution:

“Resolved, that the shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which disclosure includes the compensation discussion and analysis, the compensation tables and any related footnotes and narratives in the Company’s proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.”

Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding on the Board or create or imply any additional fiduciary duty by the Board. However, the Compensation Committee may take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

## **THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT**

### **PROPOSAL 3 - APPROVE A NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF THE ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS**

#### **Background**

In addition to the non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation, the Dodd-Frank Act required the Securities and Exchange Commission to amend its rules to require that a non-binding advisory proposal be submitted to shareholders once every six years that would determine the frequency of the advisory vote on the compensation paid to the Corporation’s named executive officers as seen in Proposal 2 above.

After careful consideration of this proposal, our Board has determined that continuing an advisory vote on executive compensation annually is most appropriate for the Company, and therefore our Board recommends that you vote for a one-year interval for the advisory vote on executive compensation.

In formulation of its recommendation, our Board considered that an advisory vote on executive compensation every year will allow our shareholders to provide us with their direct input on our compensation philosophy, policies and

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practices and disclosed in the proxy statement every year. Setting a one year period for holding this shareholder vote will enhance shareholder communication by providing a clear, simple means for the Company to obtain information on investor sentiment about our executive compensation philosophy.

You may cast your vote on your preferred voting frequency by choosing the option of one year, two years, three years or abstain from voting when you vote.

The choice of frequency that receives the highest number of votes will be considered the advisory vote of the shareholders. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not count as votes cast for any frequency choice, and will have no direct effect on the outcome of this proposal. A signed, uninstructed proxy will be voted for “EVERY ONE YEAR”. However, because this vote is advisory and not binding on the Board in any way, the Board may decide that it is in the best interest of our shareholders and the Company to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation more or less frequently than the option approved by shareholders.

## THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR “EVERY ONE YEAR”

### PROPOSAL 4 - RATIFY SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

**Ratify Selection of Independent Auditor.** At the Annual Meeting, shareholders will be asked to ratify the Audit Committee’s selection of Crowe LLP to serve as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. If the proposal is approved, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. If the proposal to ratify the selection of Crowe LLP as the Company’s independent auditors is rejected by the shareholders, then the Audit Committee will reconsider its choice of independent auditors. A representative of Crowe LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

**Audit Fees.** The aggregate fees billed to the Company by Crowe LLP with respect to services performed for fiscal 2022 and 2021 are as follows:

|  | 2022 | 2021 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Audit fees (1) | $605,733 | $585,000 |
| Audit related fees (2) | 43,500 | 38,300 |
| Tax fees (3) | 47,900 | 45,723 |
| All other fees (4) | - | - |
| Total | $697,133 | $669,023 |

$^{(1)}$ Audit fees consisted of fees billed by Crowe LLP for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, reviews of the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and the audit of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The audit fees also relate to services such as consents and audits of mortgage banking subsidiaries.

$^{(2)}$ Audit-related fees consisted of fees billed by Crowe LLP for audits of certain employee benefits plans.

$^{(3)}$ Tax fees consisted of fees billed by Crowe LLP for the compilation and review of the Company’s tax returns.

**Preapproval Policies and Procedures.** The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of any public accounting firm engaged by the Company for the purpose of

35

preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company. Any accounting firm appointed by the Company reports directly to the Audit Committee.

The Audit Committee must preapprove all auditing services and permitted non-audit services by its independent auditors and the fees to be paid by the Company for these services, except for those fees qualifying for the “de minimis exception” which provides that the preapproval requirement for certain non-audit services may be waived if certain express standards and requirements are satisfied prior to completion of the audit under certain conditions. This exception requires that the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than five percent of the total amount of revenue paid to the audit firm by the Company during the fiscal year in which the services are provided. This exception also requires that at the time of the engagement, the Company did not recognize such services to be non-audit services, and such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit by the Audit Committee. During fiscal year 2022, there were no non-audit services that were provided using this exception.

The Audit Committee may delegate to one or more members of the Audit Committee the authority to grant preapprovals of non-audit services and fees. In such event, the decisions of the member or members of the Committee regarding preapprovals are presented to the full Audit Committee at its next meeting. The Audit Committee preapproved 100% of all services performed for the Company by Crowe LLP during fiscal year 2022.

## **THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF CROWE LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

### **AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT**

The material in this report is not soliciting material and is not deemed filed with the SEC. It is not incorporated by reference in any of the Company’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, whether made in the past or in the future even if any of those filings contain any general incorporation language.

The Audit Committee is composed of six Directors who are neither officers nor employees of the Company, and who meet the NASDAQ independence requirements for Audit Committee members. The Audit Committee selects, appoints and retains the Company’s independent auditors and is responsible for their compensation and oversight.

In performing its functions, the Audit Committee acts only in an oversight capacity and necessarily relies on the work and assurances of the Company’s management, which has the primary responsibility for financial statements and reports, and of the independent auditors. The auditors express an opinion on the conformity of the Company’s annual financial statements to United States generally accepted accounting principles and on internal control over financial reporting. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year 2022 and discussed them with Management and with Crowe LLP, the Corporation’s independent registered public accountants.

Management represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Management also represented that it performed an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, and that internal control over financial reporting was effective. The independent auditor discussed with the Audit

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Committee matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard of the Public Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), including certain matters related to the conduct of an audit and to obtain certain information from the Audit Committee relevant to the audit.

The auditors also provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by PCAOB standards. The Audit Committee discussed with auditors the firm’s independence.

Based on the Audit Committee’s discussion with Management and the independent auditors, the Audit Committee’s review of the representations of Management and the Report of the Independent Auditors to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended that the Board of Directors include the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for filing with the SEC.

Submitted by the Audit Committee

Michele Hassid, Chair  
E. Joseph Bowler  
Catherine C. MacMillan  
Ronald Nelson  
Inez Wondel

## SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

To be considered for inclusion in the Company’s Proxy Statement and form of proxy for next year’s Annual Meeting, shareholder proposals must be delivered to the Corporate Secretary, Westamerica Bancorporation A-2M, P.O. Box 1200, Suisun City, CA 94585, no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 17, 2023. However, if the date of next year’s Annual Meeting is changed by more than 30 days from the date of this year’s meeting, the notice must be received by the Corporate Secretary a reasonable time before we begin to produce and distribute our Proxy Statement. All such proposals must meet the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.

In order for business, other than a shareholder proposal submitted for the Company’s Proxy Statement, to be properly brought before next year’s Annual Meeting by a shareholder, the shareholder must give timely written notice to the Corporate Secretary. To be timely, written notice must be received by the Corporate Secretary at least 45 days before the anniversary of the day our Proxy Statement was mailed to shareholders in connection with the previous year’s Annual Meeting, which will be January 31, 2024, for the 2024 Annual Meeting. If the date of the Annual Meeting is changed by more than 30 days, the deadline is a reasonable time before we begin to produce and distribute our Proxy Statement. A shareholder’s notice must set forth a brief description of the proposed business, the name and residence address of the shareholder, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that the shareholder owns and any material interest the shareholder has in the proposed business. The Company will have discretionary voting authority with respect to any non-Rule 14a-8 proposals for the next annual shareholders meeting that are not received by January 31, 2024.

The requirements and process for shareholder nominations of director candidates are described under the heading “Nominating Directors” on page 13.

The Company reserves the right to reject, to rule out of order, or to take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable legal requirements.

37

## SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATION TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Shareholders and other interested parties who wish to communicate with the Board may do so by writing to: Kris Irvine, VP/Corporate Secretary, Westamerica Bancorporation A-2M, P.O. Box 1200, Suisun City, CA 94585. The Directors have established procedures for the handling of communications from shareholders and other interested parties and have directed the Corporate Secretary to act as their agent in processing any communications received. All communications that relate to matters that are within the responsibility of one of the Board Committees are to be forwarded to the Chair of the appropriate Committee. Communications that relate to ordinary business matters that are not within the scope of the Board's responsibilities, such as customer complaints, are to be sent to Management. Solicitations, junk mail and obviously frivolous or inappropriate communications are not to be forwarded, but will be made available to any Director who wishes to review them.

## OTHER MATTERS

The Board of Directors does not know of any matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting other than those specifically referred to in this Proxy Statement. If any other matters should properly come before the meeting or any postponement or adjournment of the meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy intend to vote thereon in accordance with their best business judgment. If a nominee for Director becomes unavailable to serve as a Director, the Proxies will vote for any substitute nominated by the Board of Directors.

The Company will pay the cost of proxy solicitation. The Company has retained the services of Georgeson to assist in the proxy distribution at a cost not to exceed $2,000 plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. The Company will reimburse banks, brokers and others holding stock in their names or names of nominees or otherwise, for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in sending proxies and proxy materials to the holders of such stock.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kris Irvine
VP/Corporate Secretary

March 17, 2023
Fairfield, California

38

2023
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION PROXY

2023 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION PROXY

# **EXHIBIT A**

# **Westamerica Bancorporation**

# **Employee Benefits/Compensation Committee Charter - Reaffirmed January 25, 2023**

# Purpose

The Employee Benefits Committee (the “Committee”) is appointed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) to discharge the Board’s responsibilities relating to compensation of the Westamerica Bancorporation (the “Company”) Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and the Company’s other Executive Officers, as defined by Rule 3b-7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (collectively, including the CEO, the “Executive Officers”). The Committee has overall responsibility for approving and evaluating all compensation plans, policies and procedures of the Company as they affect the Executive Officers.

# Committee Membership

The Committee shall consist of no fewer than three members. The members of the Committee shall meet the independence requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market. At least two members of the Committee also shall qualify as “outside” directors within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) and as “non-employee” directors within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board. One member of the Committee shall be appointed as Committee Chair by the Board. Committee members may be replaced by the Board.

# Meetings

The Committee shall meet as often as necessary to carry out its responsibilities, meeting no less than four times each year. The Committee Chair shall preside at each meeting. In the event the Committee Chair is not present at a meeting, the Committee Chair shall designate a member to act as chair of such meeting.

# Committee Responsibilities and Authority

1. The Committee shall, at least annually, review and approve the annual base salaries and annual incentive opportunities of the Executive Officers. The CEO shall not be present during any Committee deliberations or voting with respect to their compensation.
2. The Committee shall, periodically and as and when appropriate, review and approve the following as they affect the Executive Officers: (a) all other incentive awards and opportunities, including both cash-based and equity-based awards and opportunities; (b) any employment agreements and severance arrangements; (c) any change-in-control agreements and change-in-control provisions affecting any elements of compensation and benefits; and (d) any special or supplemental compensation and benefits for the Executive Officers and individuals who formerly served as Executive Officers, including supplemental retirement benefits and the perquisites provided to them during and after employment.
3. The Committee shall review and discuss the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (the “CD&A”) required to be included in the Company’s proxy statement and annual report on Form 10-K by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) with management and, based on such review and discussion, determine whether or not to recommend to the Board that the CD&A be so included.

A-1

4. The Committee shall produce the annual Compensation Committees Report for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement in compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC.

5. The Committee shall monitor the Company's compliance with the requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 relating to loans to directors and officers, and with all other applicable laws affecting employee compensation and benefits.

6. The Committee shall oversee the Company's compliance with SEC rules and regulations regarding shareholder approval of certain executive compensation matters, including advisory votes on executive compensation and the frequency of such votes, and the requirement under the Nasdaq rules that, with limited exceptions, shareholders approve equity compensation plans.

7. The Committee shall receive periodic reports on the Company's compensation programs as they affect all employees.

8. The Committee shall make regular reports to the Board.

9. The Committee shall have the authority, in its sole discretion, to retain and terminate or obtain the advice of any adviser to assist it in performance of its duties, but only after taking into consideration factors relevant to the adviser's independence from management specified in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(d)(3). The Committee shall be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any adviser retained by the Committee and shall have sole authority to approve the adviser's fees and the other terms and conditions of the adviser's retention. The Company must provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee, for payment of reasonable compensation to any adviser retained by the Committee.

10. The Committee may form and delegate authority to subcommittees as it deems appropriate.

11. The Committee will annually review and reassess this Charter.

2023
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION PROXY

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

# UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

(Mark one)

☑ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022
or
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________.

Commission File Number: 001-09383
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)

CALIFORNIA
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)

94-2156203
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

1108 FIFTH AVENUE, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA 94901
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (707) 863-6000

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

| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Common Stock, no par value | WABC | The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC |

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES ☑ NO ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES ☐ NO ☑

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

Indicate by check mark if whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files.) YES ☑ NO ☐

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

Large accelerated filer ☑
Smaller reporting company ☐
Accelerated filer ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES ☐ NO ☑

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2022 as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was $860,255,341.78. Shares of Common Stock held by each executive officer and director and by each person who owns 10% or more of the outstanding Common Stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

Number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the close of business on February 15, 2023: 26,912,772 Shares

# DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement relating to registrant's 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, are incorporated by reference in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III to the extent described therein.

2022
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

# TABLE OF CONTENTS

|  | Page |
| --- | --- |
| PART I |  |
| Item 1 Business | 2 |
| Item 1A Risk Factors | 9 |
| Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments | 16 |
| Item 2 Properties | 16 |
| Item 3 Legal Proceedings | 16 |
| Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures | 16 |
| PART II |  |
| Item 5 Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | 16 |
| Item 6 [Reserved] | 18 |
| Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 19 |
| Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 49 |
| Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | 49 |
| Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | 94 |
| Item 9A Controls and Procedures | 94 |
| Item 9B Other Information | 94 |
| Item 9C Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections | 94 |
| PART III |  |
| Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | 94 |
| Item 11 Executive Compensation | 94 |
| Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | 95 |
| Item 13 Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence | 95 |
| Item 14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services | 95 |
| PART IV |  |
| Item 15 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules | 95 |
| Item 16 Form 10-K Summary | 97 |
| Signatures | 98 |

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

## FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements about Westamerica Bancorporation for which it claims the protection of the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) projections of revenues, expenses, future credit quality and performance, the appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses, loan growth or reduction, mitigation of risk in the Company’s loan and investment securities portfolios, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, the payment or nonpayment of dividends, capital structure and other financial items; (ii) statements of plans, objectives and expectations of the Company or its management or board of directors, including those relating to products or services; (iii) statements of future economic performance; and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Words such as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “intends”, “targeted”, “projected”, “forecast”, “continue”, “remain”, “will”, “should”, “may” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.

These forward-looking statements are based on Management’s current knowledge and belief and include information concerning the Company’s possible or assumed future financial condition and results of operations. A number of factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s ability to predict or control, could cause future results to differ materially from those contemplated. These factors include but are not limited to (1) the length and severity of any difficulties in the global, national and California economies and the effects of government efforts to address those difficulties; (2) liquidity levels in capital markets; (3) fluctuations in asset prices including, but not limited to stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities; (4) the effect of acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; (5) economic uncertainty created by riots, terrorist threats and attacks on the United States, the actions taken in response, and the uncertain effect of these events on the local, regional and national economies; (6) changes in the interest rate environment and monetary policy; (7) changes in the regulatory environment; (8) competitive pressure in the banking industry; (9) operational risks including a failure or breach in data processing or security systems or those of third party vendors and other service providers, including as a result of cyber attacks or fraud; (10) volatility of interest rate sensitive loans, deposits and investments; (11) asset/liability management risks and liquidity risks; (12) the effect of climate change, natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, fire, flood, drought, and other disasters, on the uninsured value of the Company’s assets and of loan collateral, the financial condition of debtors and issuers of investment securities, the economic conditions affecting the Company’s market place, and commodities and asset values; (13) changes in the securities markets; (14) the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental and customer responses to the pandemic; (15) inflation and (16) the outcome of contingencies, such as legal proceedings. However, the reader should not consider the above-mentioned factors to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this report to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date forward looking statements are made, except as may be required by law. The reader is directed to Part II - Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this report and other risk factors discussed elsewhere in this report, for further discussion of factors which could affect the Company’s business and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made in this report.

## PART I

### ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Westamerica Bancorporation (the “Company”) is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”). Its legal headquarters are located at 1108 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, California 94901. Its principal administrative offices are located at 4550 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, California 94534, its telephone number is (707) 863-6000 and its website address is www.westamerica.com. The Company provides a full range of banking services to individual and commercial customers in Northern and Central California through its subsidiary bank, Westamerica Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank is a California-chartered commercial bank whose deposit are insurance by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) up to applicable limits. The principal communities served are located in Northern and Central California, from Mendocino, Lake and Nevada Counties in the north to Kern County in the south. The Company’s strategic focus is on the banking needs of small businesses. In addition, the Bank owns 100% of the capital stock of Community Banker Services Corporation (“CBSC”), a company engaged in providing the Company and its subsidiaries with data processing services and other support functions.

The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of California in 1972 as “Independent Bankshares Corporation” pursuant to a plan of reorganization among three previously unaffiliated Northern California banks. The Company operated as a multi-bank

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

holding company until mid-1983, at which time the then six subsidiary banks were merged into a single bank named Westamerica Bank and the name of the holding company was changed to Westamerica Bancorporation.

The Company acquired five banks within its immediate market area during the early to mid 1990's. In April 1997, the Company acquired ValliCorp Holdings, Inc., parent company of ValliWide Bank, the largest independent bank holding company headquartered in Central California. Under the terms of all of the merger agreements, the Company issued shares of its common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of the acquired institutions. The subsidiary banks acquired were merged with and into the Bank. These six aforementioned business combinations were accounted for as poolings-of-interests.

During the period 2000 through 2005, the Company acquired three additional banks. These acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase accounting method.

On February 6, 2009, Westamerica Bank acquired the banking operations of County Bank ('County') from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ('FDIC'). On August 20, 2010, Westamerica Bank acquired assets and assumed liabilities of the former Sonoma Valley Bank ('Sonoma') from the FDIC. The County and Sonoma acquired assets and assumed liabilities were measured at estimated fair values, as required by Financial Accounting Standards Board ('FASB') Accounting Standards Codification ('ASC') 805, Business Combinations.

At December 31, 2022, the Company had consolidated assets of approximately $7.0 billion, deposits of approximately $6.2 billion and shareholders' equity of approximately $602 million.

The Company assesses and is careful to address potential health, safety, and environmental risks. The Company cares for the environment and works to mitigate pollution and the potential risks related to climate change by implementing practices such as recycling and reusing materials, and controlling energy usage.

The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports as well as beneficial ownership reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 are available through the SEC's website (https://www.sec.gov). Such documents as well as the Company's director, officer and employee Code of Conduct and Ethics are also available free of charge from the Company by request to:

Westamerica Bancorporation  
Corporate Secretary A-2M  
Post Office Box 1200  
Suisun City, California 94585-1200

## Human Capital Resources

The Company and its subsidiaries employed 594 full-time equivalent staff or 664 employees as of December 31, 2022. The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit, and the Company believes its relationship with its employees is good.

The Company's ability to attract and retain employees is a key to its success. Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, sick time, company contributions of up to 6% to qualified retirement plans, discretionary profit-sharing retirement plan contributions, and other health and wellness benefits including participation in Company paid or subsidized medical, dental, term-life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), long-term disability, and employee assistance programs. Certain employees participate in one of the Company's performance-based incentive programs, which may include additional bonus and incentive compensation, company contributions to supplemental retirement plans, and equity-based awards. Certain benefits are subject to eligibility, vesting, and performance requirements. Employee performance is measured at least quarterly and formal performance evaluations are conducted at least annually.

The Company's code of ethics prohibits discrimination or harassment. The Company requires all employees to agree to the code of ethics and participate in harassment prevention training annually.

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

## Supervision and Regulation

The following is not intended to be an exhaustive description of the statutes and regulations applicable to the Company’s or the Bank’s business. The description of statutory and regulatory provisions is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory or regulatory provisions. Moreover, major new legislation and other regulatory changes affecting the Company, the Bank, and the financial services industry in general have occurred in the last several years and can be expected to occur in the future. The nature, timing and impact of new and amended laws and regulations cannot be accurately predicted.

### *Regulation and Supervision of Bank Holding Companies*

The Company is a bank holding company that is subject to the BHCA. The Company files reports with and is subject to examination and supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”). The FRB also has the authority to examine the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company is a bank holding company within the meaning of Section 3700 of the California Financial Code. As such, the Company and the Bank are subject to examination by, and may be required to file reports with, the Commissioner of the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (the “Commissioner”).

The FRB has significant supervisory and regulatory authority over the Company and its affiliates. Among other things, the FRB requires the Company to maintain certain levels of capital. See “Capital Standards.” The FRB also has the authority to take enforcement action against any bank holding company that commits any unsafe or unsound practice, or violates certain laws, regulations or conditions imposed in writing by the FRB. Under the BHCA, the Company is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB before it acquires, merges or consolidates with any bank or bank holding company. Any company seeking to acquire control of or to merge or consolidate with the Company also would be required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB.

The Company is generally prohibited under the BHCA from acquiring ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares of any company that is not a bank or bank holding company and from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than banking, managing banks, or providing services to affiliates of the holding company. However, a bank holding company, with the approval of the FRB, may engage, or acquire the voting shares of companies engaged, in activities that the FRB has determined to be closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks. A bank holding company must demonstrate that the benefits to the public of the proposed activity will outweigh the possible adverse effects associated with such activity.

The FRB generally prohibits a bank holding company from declaring or paying a cash dividend that would impose undue pressure on the capital of subsidiary banks or would be funded only through borrowing or other arrangements which might adversely affect a bank holding company’s financial position. Under the FRB policy, a bank holding company should not continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. See the section entitled “Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions” for additional restrictions on the ability of the Company and the Bank to pay dividends.

Transactions between the Company and the Bank are restricted under the FRB’s Regulation W and Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. In general, subject to certain specified exemptions, a bank or its subsidiaries are limited in their ability to engage in “covered transactions” with affiliates: (a) to an amount equal to 10% of the bank’s capital and surplus, in the case of covered transactions with any one affiliate; and (b) to an amount equal to 20% of the bank’s capital and surplus, in the case of covered transactions with all affiliates. The Company is considered to be an affiliate of the Bank. A “covered transaction” includes, among other things, a loan or extension of credit to an affiliate; a purchase of securities issued by an affiliate; a purchase of assets from an affiliate, with some exceptions; and the issuance of a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit on behalf of an affiliate.

Federal regulations governing bank holding companies and change in bank control (Regulation Y) provide for a streamlined and expedited review process for bank acquisition proposals submitted by well-run bank holding companies. These provisions of Regulation Y are subject to numerous qualifications, limitations and restrictions. In order for a bank holding company to qualify as “well-run,” both it and the insured depository institutions which it controls must meet the “well capitalized” and “well managed” criteria set forth in Regulation Y.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLBA”), or the Financial Services Act of 1999, repealed provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act, which had prohibited commercial banks and securities firms from affiliating with each other and engaging in each other’s businesses. Thus, many of the barriers prohibiting affiliations between commercial banks and securities firms have been eliminated.

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

The BHCA was also amended by the GLBA to allow new “financial holding companies” (“FHCs”) to offer banking, insurance, securities and other financial products to consumers. Specifically, the GLBA amended section 4 of the BHCA in order to provide for a framework for the engagement in new financial activities. A bank holding company (“BHC”) may elect to become an FHC if all its subsidiary depository institutions are well capitalized and well managed. If these requirements are met, a BHC may file a certification to that effect with the FRB and declare that it elects to become an FHC. After the certification and declaration is filed, the FHC may engage either de novo or through an acquisition in any activity that has been determined by the FRB to be financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity. BHCs may engage in financial activities without prior notice to the FRB if those activities qualify under the list of permissible activities in section 4(k) of the BHCA. However, notice must be given to the FRB within 30 days after an FHC has commenced one or more of the financial activities. The Company has not elected to become an FHC.

# Regulation and Supervision of Banks

The Bank is a California state-chartered Federal Reserve member bank and its deposits are insured by the FDIC. The Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and regular examination by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and the FRB. The regulations of these agencies affect most aspects of the Bank’s business and prescribe permissible types of loans and investments, the amount of required reserves, requirements for branch offices, the permissible scope of its activities and various other requirements.

In addition to federal banking law, the Bank is also subject to applicable provisions of California law. Under California law, the Bank is subject to various restrictions on, and requirements regarding, its operations and administration including the maintenance of branch offices and automated teller machines, capital requirements, deposits and borrowings, and investment and lending activities.

In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (“FDICIA”) imposes limitations on the activities and equity investments of state chartered, federally insured banks. FDICIA also prohibits a state bank from making an investment or engaging in any activity as a principal that is not permissible for a national bank, unless the Bank is adequately capitalized and the FDIC approves the investment or activity after determining that such investment or activity does not pose a significant risk to the deposit insurance fund.

On July 21, 2010, financial regulatory reform legislation entitled the “Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act” (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was signed into law. The Dodd-Frank Act implemented far-reaching changes across the financial regulatory landscape, including provisions that, among other things:

- Centralized responsibility for consumer financial protection by creating a new agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, responsible for implementing, examining and (as to banks with $10 billion or more in assets) enforcing compliance with federal consumer financial laws.
- Required large, publicly traded bank holding companies to create a risk committee responsible for the oversight of enterprise risk management.
- Made permanent the $250 thousand limit for federal deposit insurance.
- Amended the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (“EFTA”) to, among other things, give the FRB the authority to establish rules regarding interchange fees charged for electronic debit transactions by payment card issuers having assets over $10 billion and to enforce a new statutory requirement that such fees be reasonable and proportional to the actual cost of a transaction to the issuer. While the Company’s assets were less than $10 billion as of December 31, 2022, interchange fees charged by larger institutions may dictate the level of fees smaller institutions will be able to charge to remain competitive.

Provisions in the legislation that affect the payment of interest on demand deposits and interchange fees may increase the costs associated with deposits as well as place limitations on certain revenues those deposits may generate.

# Capital Standards

The federal banking agencies have adopted pursuant the Dodd-Frank Act, which are risk-based capital adequacy guidelines intended to provide a measure of capital adequacy that reflects the degree of risk associated with a banking organization’s operations for both transactions resulting in assets being recognized on the balance sheet as assets, and the extension of credit facilities such as letters of credit and recourse arrangements, which are recorded as off balance sheet items. Under these guidelines, nominal dollar amounts of assets and credit equivalent amounts of off balance sheet items are multiplied by one of several risk adjustment percentages, which range from 0% for assets with low credit risk, such as certain U.S. government securities, to 1250% for assets

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

with relatively higher credit risk, such as certain securitizations. A banking organization’s risk-based capital ratios are obtained by dividing its qualifying capital by its total risk-adjusted assets and off balance sheet items.

The federal banking agencies take into consideration concentrations of credit risk and risks from nontraditional activities, as well as an institution’s ability to manage those risks, when determining the adequacy of an institution’s capital. This evaluation is made as a part of the institution’s regular safety and soundness examination. The federal banking agencies also consider interest rate risk (related to the interest rate sensitivity of an institution’s assets and liabilities, and its off balance sheet financial instruments) in the evaluation of a bank’s capital adequacy.

On July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve Board approved a final rule that implements changes to the regulatory capital framework for all banking organizations over a transitional period 2015 through 2018. As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s and the Bank’s respective regulatory capital ratios exceeded applicable regulatory minimum capital requirements. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report for capital ratios of the Company and the Bank, compared to minimum capital requirements and for the Bank the standards for well capitalized depository institutions.

In November 2019, the federal banking regulators published final rules implementing community bank leverage ratio, which is a simplified measure of capital adequacy for certain banking organizations that have less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets. A qualifying community banking organization that elects to use the community bank leverage ratio framework and that maintains a leverage ratio of greater than 9% is considered to have satisfied the generally applicable risk-based and leverage capital requirements and, if applicable, is considered to have met the “well capitalized” ratio requirements for purposes of its primary federal regulator’s prompt corrective action rules, discussed below. The Company does not have any immediate plans to elect to use the community bank leverage ratio framework but may make such an election in the future.

See the sections entitled “Capital Resources and Capital to Risk-Adjusted Assets” in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional information.

#### *Prompt Corrective Action and Other Enforcement Mechanisms*

FDICIA requires each federal banking agency to take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of insured depository institutions, including but not limited to those that fall below one or more prescribed minimum capital ratios.

An institution that, based upon its capital levels, 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 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 depository institution is subject to more restrictions. In addition to measures taken under the prompt corrective action provisions, commercial banking organizations 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.

#### *Safety and Soundness Standards*

FDICIA has implemented certain specific restrictions on transactions and required federal banking regulators to adopt overall safety and soundness standards for depository institutions related to internal control, loan underwriting and documentation, and asset growth. Among other things, FDICIA limits the interest rates paid on deposits by undercapitalized institutions, restricts the use of brokered deposits, limits the aggregate extensions of credit by a depository institution to an executive officer, director, principal shareholder or related interest, and reduces deposit insurance coverage for deposits offered by undercapitalized institutions for deposits by certain employee benefits accounts. The federal banking agencies may require an institution to submit an acceptable compliance plan as well as have the flexibility to pursue other more appropriate or effective courses of action given the specific circumstances and severity of an institution’s noncompliance with one or more standards.

Federal banking agencies require banks to maintain adequate valuation allowances for potential credit losses. The Company has an internal staff that continually reviews loan quality and reports to the Board of Directors. This analysis includes a detailed review of the classification and categorization of problem loans, assessment of the overall quality and collectability of the loan portfolio, consideration of loan loss experience, trends in problem loans, concentration of credit risk, and current economic conditions, particularly in the Bank’s market areas. Based on this analysis, Management, with the review and approval of the Board, determines the adequate level of allowance required. The allowance is allocated to different segments of the loan portfolio, but the entire allowance is available for the loan portfolio in its entirety.

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# *Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions*

The Company's ability to pay dividends to its shareholders is subject to the restrictions set forth in the California General Corporation Law ("CGCL"). The CGCL provides that a corporation may make a distribution to its shareholders if (i) the corporation's retained earnings equal or exceed the amount of the proposed distribution plus unpaid accrued dividends (if any) on securities with a dividend preference, or (ii) immediately after the dividend, the corporation's total assets equal or exceed total liabilities plus unpaid accrued dividends (if any) on securities with a dividend preference.

The Company's ability to pay dividends depends in part on the Bank's ability to pay cash dividends to the Company. The power of the board of directors of an insured depository institution to declare a cash dividend or other distribution with respect to capital is subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions which limit the amount available for such distribution depending upon the earnings, financial condition and cash needs of the institution, as well as general business conditions. FDICIA prohibits insured depository institutions from paying management fees to any controlling persons or, with certain limited exceptions, making capital distributions, including dividends, if, after such transaction, the institution would be undercapitalized.

In addition to the restrictions imposed under federal law, banks chartered under California law generally may only pay cash dividends to the extent such payments do not exceed the lesser of retained earnings of the bank or the bank's net income for its last three fiscal years (less any distributions to shareholders during this period). In the event a bank desires to pay cash dividends in excess of such amount, the bank may pay a cash dividend with the prior approval of the Commissioner in an amount not exceeding the greatest of the bank's retained earnings, the bank's net income for its last fiscal year or the bank's net income for its current fiscal year.

The federal banking agencies also have the authority to prohibit a depository institution or its holding company from engaging in business practices which are considered to be unsafe or unsound, possibly including payment of dividends or other payments under certain circumstances even if such payments are not expressly prohibited by statute. The Federal Reserve Board has issued guidance indicating its expectations that a bank holding company will inform and consult with Federal Reserve supervisory staff sufficiently in advance of (i) declaring and paying a dividend that could raise safety and soundness concerns (e.g., declaring and paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period for which the dividend is being paid); (ii) redeeming or repurchasing regulatory capital instruments when the bank holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses; or (iii) redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock that would result in a net reduction as of the end of the quarter in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred.

# *Premiums for Deposit Insurance and FDIC Regulation*

Substantially all of the deposits of the Bank are insured up to applicable limits by the DIF of the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. The FDIC utilizes a risk-based assessment system that imposes insurance premiums based upon a risk matrix that takes into account a bank's capital level, asset quality and supervisory rating.

In July 2010, Congress in the Dodd-Frank Act increased the minimum for the DIF reserve ratio, the ratio of the amount in the fund to insured deposits, from 1.15% to 1.35% and required that the ratio reach that level by September 30, 2020. Further, the Dodd-Frank Act made banks with $10 billion or more in assets responsible for the increase from 1.15% to 1.35%, among other provisions.

Extraordinary growth in insured deposits during the first and second quarters of 2020 caused the DIF reserve ratio to decline below the statutory minimum of 1.35%. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the "FDI Act") requires that the FDIC's Board of Directors adopt a restoration plan when the DIF reserve ratio falls below 1.35% or is expected to within 6 months. Under the FDI Act, the restoration plan must restore the reserve ratio to at least 1.35% within 8 years of establishing the Plan, absent extraordinary circumstances. The FDIC established the following Restoration Plan (the "Plan") on September 15, 2020.

- The FDIC will monitor deposit balance trends, potential losses, and other factors that affect the reserve ratio;
- The FDIC will maintain the current schedule of assessment rates for all insured depository institutions; and
- At least semiannually, the FDIC will update its analysis and projections for the DIF and, if necessary, recommend any modifications to the Plan, such as increasing assessment rates.

The Plan was amended in June 2022, to restore the DIF reserve ratio to at least 1.35% by September 30, 2028. On October 18, 2022 the FDIC adopted a final rule to increase initial base deposit insurance assessment rates for insured depository institutions by 2

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basis points, beginning with the first quarterly assessment period of 2023. The increased assessment rate schedules will remain in effect unless and until the reserve ratio of the DIF meets or exceeds 2%. A significant increase in DIF insurance premiums would have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of the Bank. The Company cannot provide any assurance as to the effect of any future changes in its deposit insurance premium rates.

While the FDIC is not Bank's primary federal regulator, as the insurer of the Bank's deposits, the FDIC is authorized to conduct examinations of and to require reporting by FDIC-insured institutions. It also may prohibit any FDIC-insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order poses a serious risk to the DIF. The FDIC also has authority to initiate enforcement actions against any FDIC-insured institution after giving its primary federal regulator the opportunity to take such action, and may seek to terminate the deposit insurance if it determines that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or is in an unsafe or unsound condition. Finally, the FDIC may terminate deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order, or condition imposed by the FDIC.

# *Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act*

On May 24, 2018, President Trump signed into law the first major financial services reform bill since the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (the "Relief Act") modifies or eliminates certain requirements on community and regional banks and nonbank financial institutions. For instance, under the Relief Act and related rule making:

- banks that have less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets and total trading assets and trading liabilities of less than five percent of total consolidated assets are exempt from Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, known as the "Volcker Rule", which prohibits "proprietary trading" and the ownership or sponsorship of private equity or hedge funds that are referred to as "covered funds"; and
- a new "community bank leverage ratio" was adopted, which is applicable to certain banks and bank holding companies with total assets of less than $10 billion (as described above under "Capital Requirements").

# *Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws*

The Bank is subject to certain fair lending requirements and reporting obligations involving home mortgage lending operations and Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") activities. The CRA generally requires the federal banking agencies to evaluate the record of financial institutions in meeting the credit needs of their local communities, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. In addition to substantive penalties and corrective measures that may be required for a violation of certain fair lending laws, the federal banking agencies may take compliance with such laws and CRA into account when regulating and supervising other activities including merger applications. In May 2022, the federal banking agencies released for public comment proposed rules to modernize CRA regulations. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of any changes to the CRA regulations.

# *Financial Privacy Legislation and Customer Information Security*

The GLBA, in addition to the previously described changes in permissible nonbanking activities permitted to banks, BHCs and FHCs, also required the federal banking agencies, among other federal regulatory agencies, to adopt regulations governing the privacy of consumer financial information. The Bank is subject to the FRB's regulations in this area. The federal bank regulatory agencies have established standards for safeguarding nonpublic personal information about customers that implement provisions of the GLBA (the "Guidelines"). Among other things, the Guidelines require each financial institution, under the supervision and ongoing oversight of its Board of Directors or an appropriate committee thereof, to develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information, and to protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.

# *Anti-Money Laundering Laws*

The Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act, gives the federal government powers to address money laundering and terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers and mandatory transaction reporting obligations. The Bank Secrecy Act and related regulations require financial institutions to report currency transactions that exceed certain thresholds and transactions determined to be suspicious, establish due diligence requirements for accounts and

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take certain steps to verify customer identification when accounts are opened. The Bank Secrecy Act also requires financial institutions to develop and maintain a program reasonably designed to ensure and monitor compliance with its requirements, to train employees to comply with and to test the effectiveness of the program. Any failure to meet the requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act can result in the imposition of substantial penalties and in adverse regulatory action against the offending bank.

The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (“AMLA”), which amends the Bank Secrecy Act, was enacted in January 2021. The AMLA is a comprehensive reform and modernization to U.S. bank secrecy and anti-money laundering laws. Among other things, it codifies a risk-based approach to anti-money laundering compliance for financial institutions; requires the development of standards for evaluating technology and internal processes for Bank Secrecy Act compliance; expands enforcement and investigative authority, including increasing available sanctions for certain Bank Secrecy Act violations and instituting Bank Secrecy Act whistleblower incentives and protections.

#### *Programs To Mitigate Identity Theft*

In November 2007, federal banking agencies together with the National Credit Union Administration and Federal Trade Commission adopted regulations under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 to require financial institutions and other creditors to develop and implement a written identity theft prevention program to detect, prevent and mitigate identity theft in connection with certain new and existing accounts. Covered accounts generally include consumer accounts and other accounts that present a reasonably foreseeable risk of identity theft. Each institution’s program must include policies and procedures designed to: (i) identify indicators, or “red flags,” of possible risk of identity theft; (ii) detect the occurrence of red flags; (iii) respond appropriately to red flags that are detected; and (iv) ensure that the program is updated periodically as appropriate to address changing circumstances. The regulations include guidelines that each institution must consider and, to the extent appropriate, include in its program.

#### *Pending Legislation*

Changes to state laws and regulations (including changes in interpretation or enforcement) can affect the operating environment of BHCs and their subsidiaries in substantial and unpredictable ways. From time to time, various legislative and regulatory proposals are introduced. These proposals, if codified, may change banking statutes and regulations and the Company’s operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. If codified, these proposals could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions and other financial institutions. The Company cannot accurately predict whether those changes in laws and regulations will occur, and, if those changes occur, the ultimate effect they would have upon its financial condition or results of operations. It is likely, however, that the current level of enforcement and compliance-related activities of federal and state authorities will continue and potentially increase.

#### **Competition**

The Bank’s principal competitors for deposits and loans are major banks and smaller community banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions. To a lesser extent, competitors include thrift and loans, mortgage brokerage companies and insurance companies. Other institutions, such as brokerage houses, mutual fund companies, credit card companies, and certain retail establishments offer investment vehicles that also compete with banks for deposit business. Federal legislation in recent years has encouraged competition between different types of financial institutions and fostered new entrants into the financial services market.

Legislative changes, as well as technological and economic factors, can be expected to have an ongoing impact on competitive conditions within the financial services industry. While the future impact of regulatory and legislative changes cannot be predicted with certainty, the business of banking will remain highly competitive.

#### **ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS**

Readers and prospective investors in the Company’s securities should carefully consider the following risk factors as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this Report.

The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties that Management is not aware of or focused on or that Management currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company’s business operations. This Report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.

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If any of the following risks actually occur, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of the company’s securities could decline significantly, and investors could lose all or part of their investment in the Company’s common stock.

## Market and Interest Rate Risk

### *Changes in interest rates could reduce income and cash flow.*

The Company’s income and cash flow depend to a great extent on the difference between the interest earned on loans and investment securities and the interest paid on deposits and other borrowings, and the Company’s success in competing for loans and deposits. The Company cannot control or prevent changes in the level of interest rates which fluctuate in response to general economic conditions, the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, in particular, the FRB’s FOMC, and pricing practices of the Company’s competitors. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, will influence the origination of loans, the purchase of investments, the generation of deposits and other borrowings, and the rates received on loans and investment securities and paid on deposits and other liabilities. The discussion in this Report under “Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Asset, Liability and Market Risk Management” and “- Liquidity and Funding” and “Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” is incorporated by reference in this paragraph.

### *Changes in capital market conditions could reduce asset valuations.*

Capital market conditions, including interest rates, liquidity, investor confidence, bond issuer credit worthiness, perceived counterparty risk, the supply of and demand for financial instruments, the financial strength of market participants, and other factors can materially impact the value of the Company’s assets. An impairment in the value of the Company’s assets could result in asset write-downs, reducing the Company’s asset values, earnings, and equity.

### *The value of securities in the Company’s investment securities portfolio may be negatively affected by disruptions in securities markets.*

The market for some of the investment securities held in the Company’s portfolio can be extremely volatile. Volatile market conditions may detrimentally affect the value of these securities, such as through reduced valuations due to the perception of heightened credit and liquidity risks. There can be no assurance that the declines in market value will not result in other than temporary impairments of these assets, which would lead to loss recognition that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s net income and capital levels.

### *The weakness of other financial institutions could adversely affect the Company.*

Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. The Company routinely executes transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose the Company to credit risk in the event of default of the Company’s counterparty or client. In addition, the Company’s credit risk may be increased when the collateral the Company holds cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the secured obligation. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or earnings.

### *Shares of Company common stock eligible for future sale or grant of stock options and other equity awards could have a dilutive effect on the market for Company common stock and could adversely affect the market price.*

The Articles of Incorporation of the Company authorize the issuance of 150 million shares of common stock (and two additional classes of 1 million shares each, denominated “Class B Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock”, respectively) of which approximately 26.9 million shares of common stock were outstanding at December 31, 2022. Pursuant to its stock option plans, at December 31, 2022, the Company had outstanding options for 854 thousand shares of common stock, of which 508 thousand were currently exercisable. As of December 31, 2022, 856 thousand shares of Company common stock remained available for grants under the Company’s equity incentive plans. Sales of substantial amounts of Company common stock in the public market could adversely affect the market price of its common stock.

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# ***The Company's payment of dividends on common stock could be eliminated or reduced.***

Holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to receive dividends only when, as, and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company’s ability to pay dividends is limited by banking and corporate laws, and depends, among other things, on the Company’s regulatory capital levels and earnings prospectus, as well as the Bank’s ability to pay cash dividends to the Company. Although the Company has historically paid cash dividends on the Company’s common stock, the Company is not required to do so and the Company’s Board of Directors could reduce or eliminate the Company’s common stock dividend in the future.

# ***The Company could repurchase shares of its common stock at price levels considered excessive.***

The Company repurchases and retires its common stock in accordance with Board of Directors-approved share repurchase programs. At December 31, 2022, 1.75 million shares remained available to repurchase under such plans. The Company has been active in repurchasing and retiring shares of its common stock when alternative uses of excess capital, such as acquisitions, have been limited. The Company could repurchase shares of its common stock at price levels considered excessive, thereby spending more cash on such repurchases as deemed reasonable and effectively retiring fewer shares than would be retired if repurchases were effected at lower prices.

# **Risks Related to the Nature and Geographical Location of the Company's Business**

# ***The Company invests in loans that contain inherent credit risks that may cause the Company to incur losses.***

The risk that borrowers may not pay interest or repay their loans as agreed is an inherent risk of the banking business. The Company strives to mitigate this risk by adhering to sound and proven underwriting practices, managed by experienced and knowledgeable credit professionals. Nonetheless, the Company may incur losses on loans that meet its underwriting criteria, and these losses may exceed the amounts set aside as reserves. The Company can provide no assurance that the credit quality of the loan portfolio will not deteriorate in the future and that such deterioration will not adversely affect the Company or its results of operations.

# ***The Company's operations are concentrated geographically in California, and poor economic conditions may cause the Company to incur losses.***

Substantially all of the Company’s business is located in California. A portion of the loan portfolio of the Company is dependent on real estate. At December 31, 2022, real estate served as the principal source of collateral with respect to approximately 54% of the Company’s loan portfolio. The Company’s financial condition and operating results will be subject to changes in economic conditions in California. Much of the California real estate market could experience a decline in values of varying degrees. This decline could have an adverse impact on the business of some of the Company’s borrowers and on the value of the collateral for many of the Company’s loans. Generally, the counties surrounding and near San Francisco Bay could recover more soundly from the recession than counties in the California “Central Valley,” from Sacramento in the north to Bakersfield in the south, where many of the Bank’s customers are located. Approximately 22% of the Company’s loans were to borrowers in the California “Central Valley” as of December 31, 2022. Economic conditions in California’s diverse geographic markets can be vastly different and are subject to various uncertainties, including the condition of the construction and real estate sectors, the effect of drought on the agricultural sector and its infrastructure, and the California state and municipal governments’ budgetary and fiscal conditions. The Company can provide no assurance that conditions in any sector or geographic market of the California economy will not deteriorate in the future and that such deterioration will not adversely affect the Company.

# ***The markets in which the Company operates are subject to the risk of earthquakes, fires, storms and other natural disasters.***

All of the properties of the Company are located in California. Also, most of the real and personal properties which currently secure a majority of the Company’s loans are located in California. Further, the Company invests in securities issued by companies and municipalities operating throughout the United States, and in mortgage-backed securities collateralized by real property located throughout the United States. California and other regions of the United States are prone to earthquakes, brush and wildfires, flooding, drought and other natural disasters. In addition to possibly sustaining uninsured damage to its own properties, if there is a major earthquake, flood, drought, fire or other natural disaster, the Company faces the risk that many of its debtors may experience uninsured property losses, or sustained business or employment interruption and/or loss which may materially impair their ability to meet the terms of their debt obligations. A major earthquake, flood, prolonged drought, fire or other natural disaster in California or other regions of the United States could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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# ***Adverse changes in general business or economic conditions, including inflation, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.***

A sustained or continuing weakness or weakening in business and economic conditions generally or specifically in the principal markets in which the Company does business could have one or more of the following adverse impacts on the Company’s business:

- • a decrease in the demand for loans and other products and services offered by the Company;
- • an increase or decrease in the usage of unfunded credit commitments;
- • an increase or decrease in the amount of deposits;
- • a decrease in non-depository funding available to the Company;
- • an impairment of certain intangible assets, including goodwill;
- • an increase in the number of clients and counterparties who become delinquent, file for protection under bankruptcy laws or default on their loans or other obligations to the Company, which could result in a higher level of nonperforming assets, net charge-offs, provision for credit losses, reduced interest revenue and cash flows, and valuation adjustments on assets;
- • an impairment in the value of investment securities;
- • an impairment in the value of life insurance policies owned by the Company;
- • an impairment in the value of real estate owned by the Company; and
- • an increase in operating costs

The 2008 - 2009 financial crisis led to the failure or merger of a number of financial institutions. Financial institution failures can result in further losses as a consequence of defaults on securities issued by them and defaults under contracts entered into with such entities as counterparties. The failure of institutions with FDIC insured deposits can cause the DIF reserve ratio to decline, resulting in increased deposit insurance assessments on surviving FDIC insured institutions. Weak economic conditions can significantly weaken the strength and liquidity of financial institutions.

The Company’s financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, is highly dependent upon the business environment in the markets where the Company operates, in the State of California and in the United States as a whole. A favorable business environment is generally characterized by, among other factors, economic growth, healthy labor markets, efficient capital markets, low inflation, high business and investor confidence, and strong business earnings. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by: declines in economic growth, high rates of unemployment, deflation, pandemics, declines in business activity or consumer, investor or business confidence; limitations on the availability of or increases in the cost of credit and capital; increases in inflation; natural disasters; or a combination of these or other factors.

Such business conditions could adversely affect the credit quality of the Company’s loans, the demand for loans, loan volumes and related revenue, securities valuations, amounts of deposits, availability of funding, results of operations and financial condition.

# **Regulatory Risks**

# ***Restrictions on dividends and other distributions could limit amounts payable to the Company.***

As a holding company, a substantial portion of the Company’s cash flow typically comes from dividends paid by the Bank. Various statutory provisions restrict the amount of dividends the Company’s subsidiaries can pay to the Company without regulatory approval. A reduction in subsidiary dividends paid to the Company could limit the capacity of the Company to pay dividends. In addition, if any of the Company’s subsidiaries were to liquidate, that subsidiary’s creditors will be entitled to receive distributions from the assets of that subsidiary to satisfy their claims against it before the Company, as a holder of an equity interest in the subsidiary, will be entitled to receive any of the assets of the subsidiary.

# ***Adverse effects of changes in banking or other laws and regulations or governmental fiscal or monetary policies could adversely affect the Company.***

The Company is subject to significant federal and state regulation and supervision, which is primarily for the benefit and protection of the Company’s customers and not for the benefit of investors. In the past, the Company’s business has been materially affected by these regulations.

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Laws, regulations or policies, including accounting standards and interpretations currently affecting the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries, may change at any time. Regulatory authorities may also change their interpretation of these statutes and regulations. Therefore, the Company’s business may be adversely affected by any future changes in laws, regulations, policies or interpretations or regulatory approaches to compliance and enforcement including future acts of terrorism, major U.S. corporate bankruptcies and reports of accounting irregularities at U.S. public companies.

Additionally, the Company’s business is affected significantly by the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and its agencies. The Company is particularly affected by the policies of the FRB, which regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States of America. Among the instruments of monetary policy available to the FRB are (a) conducting open market operations in U.S. government securities, (b) changing the discount rates of borrowings by depository institutions, (c) changing interest rates paid on balances financial institutions deposit with the FRB, and (d) imposing or changing reserve requirements against certain borrowings by banks and their affiliates. These methods are used in varying degrees and combinations to directly affect the availability of bank loans and deposits, as well as the interest rates charged on loans and paid on deposits. The policies of the FRB may have a material effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. Under long-standing policy of the FRB, a BHC is expected to act as a source of financial strength for its subsidiary banks. As a result of that policy, the Company may be required to commit financial and other resources to its subsidiary bank in circumstances where the Company might not otherwise do so.

# ***Federal and state governments could pass legislation detrimental to the Company's performance.***

As an example, the Company could experience higher credit losses because of federal or state legislation or regulatory action that reduces the amount the Bank’s borrowers are otherwise contractually required to pay under existing loan contracts. Also, the Company could experience higher credit losses because of federal or state legislation or regulatory action that limits or delays the Bank’s ability to foreclose on property or other collateral or makes foreclosure less economically feasible. Federal, state and local governments could pass tax legislation causing the Company to pay higher levels of taxes.

The FDIC insures deposits at insured financial institutions up to certain limits. The FDIC charges insured financial institutions premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund. The FDIC may increase premium assessments to maintain adequate funding of the Deposit Insurance Fund.

The behavior of depositors in regard to the level of FDIC insurance could cause the Bank’s existing customers to reduce the amount of deposits held at the Bank, and could cause new customers to open deposit accounts at the Bank. The level and composition of the Bank’s deposit portfolio directly impacts the Bank’s funding cost and net interest margin.

# **Systems, Accounting and Internal Control Risks**

# ***The accuracy of the Company's judgments and estimates about financial and accounting matters will impact operating results and financial condition.***

The Company makes certain estimates and judgments in preparing its financial statements. For example, the Company maintains a reserve for potential loan defaults and non-performance. There is no precise method of predicting loans losses and determining the adequacy of the reserve requires the Company’s management to make a number of estimates and judgments. If the estimates or judgments prove to be incorrect, the Company could be required to increase its provisions for credit losses, which could reduce its income or could cause it to incur operating losses in the future. The Company also uses models to estimate the effects of changing interest rates, which are based on estimates and assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate, particularly in times of market stress or unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, the quality and accuracy of management’s estimates and judgments will have an impact on the Company’s operating results and financial condition. For additional information, please see the discussion under “Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies” in this Report, which is incorporated by reference in this paragraph.

# ***The Company's information systems may experience an interruption or breach in security.***

The Company relies heavily on communications and information systems, including those of third party vendors and other service providers, to conduct its business. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in the Company’s data processing, accounting, customer relationship management and other systems. Communication and information systems failures can result from a variety of risks including, but not limited to, events that are wholly or partially out of the Company’s control, such as telecommunication line integrity, weather, terrorist acts, natural disasters, accidental disasters,

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unauthorized breaches of security systems, energy delivery systems, cyber attacks, and other events. Although the Company devotes significant resources to maintain and regularly upgrade its systems and processes that are designed to protect the security of the Company’s computer systems, software, networks and other technology assets and the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information belonging to the Company and its customers, there is no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately corrected by the Company or its vendors. The occurrence of any such failures, interruptions or security breaches could damage the Company’s reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject the Company to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose the Company to litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

# ***The Company's controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented.***

Management regularly reviews and updates the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. The Company maintains controls and procedures to mitigate against risks such as processing system failures and errors, and customer or employee fraud, and maintains insurance coverage for certain of these risks. Any system of controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Events could occur which are not prevented or detected by the Company’s internal controls or are not insured against or are in excess of the Company’s insurance limits or insurance underwriters’ financial capacity. Any failure or circumvention of the Company’s controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

# **Operational Risks**

# ***Climate change and the transition to renewable energy and a net zero emissions economy pose operational, commercial and regulatory risks.***

Climate change may increase the frequency or severity of extreme weather events, and if the Company is not adequately resilient to deal with acute climate events, its operations may be impacted. Extreme weather events could also impact the activities of its customers or third-party vendors. The physical commodities and assets underlying some of its markets or investments may also be impacted by climate change.

Our risk management practices incorporate the challenges brought about by climate change. The operations conducted in our centralized facilities and branch locations can be disrupted by acute physical risks such as flooding and windstorms, and by chronic physical risks such as rising sea levels, sustained higher temperatures, drought, and increased wildfires. Over the intermediate and longer-term, the Company can be subject to transition risks such as market demand, and policy and law changes.

None of the Company’s physical locations are located near sea level, and only a limited number of branches are located in flood zones. Our principal electricity supplier reports a Power Content Label of 100% greenhouse gas free using the California Energy Commission’s methodology. Our principal information technology vendor’s goal is to achieve 100% carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. The Company and its critical vendors maintain property and casualty insurance, and maintain and regularly test disaster recovery plans, which include redundant operational locations and power sources. The Company’s operations do not use a significant amount of water in producing our products and services.

The Company monitors the climate risks of our loan customers. Borrowers with real estate loan collateral located in flood zones must carry flood insurance under the loans’ terms. The Company has $21 million in loans to agricultural borrowers; Management continuously monitors these customers’ access to adequate water sources as well as their ability to sustain low crop yields without encountering financial hardship. The Company makes automobile loans; changes in consumer demand, or governmental laws or policies, regarding gasoline, electric and hybrid vehicles is not considered a risk to the Company’s automobile lending practices.

The Company considers climate risk in its underwriting of corporate bonds, and avoids purchasing bonds of issuers, which, in Management’s judgement, have elevated climate risk.

In addition, the transition to renewable energy and a net zero emissions economy involves changes to consumer and institutional preferences for energy consumption, and other products and services, and the possible failure of its services to facilitate the needs of customers during the transition to renewable energy and changes in customer preferences could adversely impact its business and revenues. Changing preferences could also have an adverse impact on the operations or financial condition of its customers, which could result in reduced revenues from those customers. The Company is also subject to risks relating to new or heightened climate change-related regulations or legislation, which could impact its customers.

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

The risks associated with climate change and the transition to renewable energy and a net zero emissions economy continue to evolve rapidly, and climate change-related risks may change or increase over time.

*The continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact are highly unpredictable and could be significant, and could harm the Company’s business, financial condition, and operating results.*

The Company’s business, operations and financial performance have been, and may continue to be, affected by the macroeconomic impacts resulting from COVID-19, and the Company’s financial results in future periods may differ significantly from the Company’s historical results. The extent to which the Company’s business will continue to be affected will depend on a variety of factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, including the persistence of the pandemic, the actions of governmental authorities, changes in customer preferences, impacts on economic activity, and the possibility of recession or continued financial market instability.

*If the Company loses the services of any of our key management personnel, its business could suffer.*

Our future success significantly depends on the continued service and performance of our key management personnel. Our senior management team has significant industry experience and would be difficult to replace. In particular, David L. Payne, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, has led the Company for over 30 years. Competition for these employees is intense and we may not be able to attract and retain key personnel. If we are unable to attract or retain appropriately qualified personnel, we may not be successful in originating loans and servicing our customers, which could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

*The Company competes with many banks and other traditional, non-traditional, brick and mortar and online financial service providers.*

Competition among providers of financial services in markets, particularly within California, is intense. The Company competes with other financial and bank holding companies, state and national commercial banks, savings and loan associations, consumer finance companies, credit unions, securities brokerages, insurance companies, mortgage banking companies, money market mutual funds, asset-based non-bank lenders, government sponsored or subsidized lenders and other financial services providers. Many of these competitors have substantially greater financial resources, lending limits and technological resources than the Company and are able to offer a broader range of products and services. Many competitors offer lower interest rates and more liberal loan terms that appeal to borrowers but adversely affect net interest margin and assurance of repayment. The Company is increasingly faced with competition in many of its products and services by non-bank providers who may have competitive advantages of size, access to potential customers and fewer regulatory requirements, such as “fintech” lenders. Failure to compete effectively for deposit, loan and other banking customers in any of the lines of business could cause the Company to lose market share, slow or reverse growth rate or suffer adverse effects on financial condition, results of operations or profitability.

*The Company must continue to attract, retain and develop key personnel.*

The Company’s success depends to a significant extent upon its ability to attract, develop and retain experienced personnel in each of its lines of business and markets including managers in operational areas, compliance and other support areas to build and maintain the infrastructure and controls required to support continuing growth. Competition for the best people in the industry can be intense, and there is no assurance that the Company will continue to attract or retain talent or develop personnel. Factors that affect its ability to attract, develop and retain key employees include compensation and benefits programs, profitability, ability to establish appropriate succession plans for key talent, reputation for rewarding and promoting qualified employees and market competition for employees with certain skills, including information systems development and security. The cost of employee compensation is a significant portion of operating expenses and can materially impact results of operations or profitability, especially during periods of wage inflation. The unanticipated loss of the services of key personnel could have an adverse effect on the business.

*The Company is subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities*

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, we foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require us to incur substantial expenses and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit our ability to use or ability to sell the affected property. Environmental reviews of real property before initiating foreclosure actions may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

#### **ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS**

None

#### **ITEM 2. PROPERTIES**

##### **Branch Offices and Facilities**

The Bank is engaged in the banking business through 77 branch offices in 20 counties in Northern and Central California. The Bank believes all of its offices are constructed and equipped to meet prescribed security requirements.

The Company owns 28 banking office locations and one centralized administrative service center facility and leases 55 facilities. Most of the leases contain renewal options and provisions for rental increases, principally for changes in the cost of living index, and for changes in other operating costs such as property taxes and maintenance.

#### **ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS**

Due to the nature of its business, the Company is subject to various threatened or filed legal cases. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any material pending legal proceeding, nor is their property the subject of any material pending legal proceeding, other than ordinary routine legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. Based on the advice of legal counsel, the Company does not expect such cases will have a material, adverse effect on its business, financial position or results of operations. Legal liabilities are accrued when obligations become probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

#### **ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES**

Not applicable

### **PART II**

#### **ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES**

The Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “WABC”. As of January 31, 2023, there were approximately 4,800 shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock.

The Company has paid cash dividends on its common stock in every quarter since its formation in 1972. See Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements for recent quarterly dividend information. It is currently the intention of the Board of Directors of the Company to continue payment of cash dividends on a quarterly basis. There is no assurance, however, that any dividends will be paid since they are dependent upon earnings, cash balances, financial condition and capital requirements of the Company and its subsidiaries as well as policies of the FRB pursuant to the BHCA. See Item 1, “Business - Supervision and Regulation.”

The notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report contain additional information regarding the Company’s capital levels, capital structure, regulations affecting subsidiary bank dividends paid to the Company, the Company’s earnings, financial condition and cash flows, and cash dividends declared and paid on common stock.

##### **Stock performance**

The following chart compares the cumulative return on the Company’s stock during the ten years ended December 31, 2022 with the cumulative return on the S&P 500 composite stock index and NASDAQ’S Bank Index. The comparison assumes $100 invested in each on December 31, 2012 and reinvestment of all dividends.

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

![img-0.jpeg](img-0.jpeg)

|  | December 31, |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
| Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) | $100.00 | $136.76 | $122.46 | $120.76 | $167.59 | $163.13 |
| S&P 500 (SPX) | 100.00 | 132.31 | 150.27 | 152.29 | 170.46 | 207.60 |
| NASDAQ Bank Index (CBNK) | 100.00 | 141.82 | 148.71 | 161.71 | 222.84 | 234.72 |

|  | December 31, |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) | $156.62 | $195.64 | $164.17 | $176.33 | $185.41 |
| S&P 500 (SPX) | 198.40 | 260.65 | 308.81 | 397.30 | 325.17 |
| NASDAQ Bank Index (CBNK) | 196.44 | 243.39 | 225.65 | 322.32 | 269.64 |

The following chart compares the cumulative return on the Company’s stock during the five years ended December 31, 2022 with the cumulative return on the S&P 500 composite stock index and NASDAQ’S Bank Index. The comparison assumes $100 invested in each on December 31, 2017 and reinvestment of all dividends.

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

![img-1.jpeg](img-1.jpeg)

|  | December 31, |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) | $100.00 | $96.01 | $119.93 | $100.63 | $108.09 | $113.65 |
| S&P 500 (SPX) | 100.00 | 95.57 | 125.56 | 148.75 | 191.38 | 156.63 |
| NASDAQ Bank Index (CBNK) | 100.00 | 83.69 | 103.95 | 96.14 | 137.32 | 114.88 |

#### ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of Westamerica Bancorporation or any “affiliated purchaser”, as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), of common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2022 (in thousands, except per share data).

| Period | 2022 |  |  | (d) Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | (a) Total Number of shares Purchased | (b) Average Price Paid per Share | (c) Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |  |
| (In thousands, except exercise price) |  |  |  |  |
| October 1 through October 31 | - | $ - | - | 1,750 |
| November 1 through November 30 | - | - | - | 1,750 |
| December 1 through December 31 | - | - | - | 1,750 |
| Total | - | $ - | - | 1,750 |

The Company repurchases shares of its common stock in the open market to optimize the Company’s use of equity capital and enhance shareholder value and with the intention of lessening the dilutive impact of issuing new shares under stock option plans, and other ongoing requirements. No shares were repurchased during the period from October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The current repurchase program was approved by the Board of Directors on July 28, 2022 authorizing the purchase of up to 1,750 thousand shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time prior to September 1, 2023.

#### ITEM 6. [RESERVED]

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

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

The following financial information for the five years ended December 31, 2022 has been derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements. This information should be read in conjunction with those statements, notes and other information included elsewhere herein.

### WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FINANCIAL SUMMARY

|  | For the Years Ended December 31, |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|  | (In thousands, except per share data and ratios) |  |  |  |  |
| Interest and loan fee income | $221,756 | $173,443 | $165,856 | $158,682 | $151,723 |
| Interest expense | 1,925 | 1,955 | 1,824 | 1,888 | 1,959 |
| Net interest and loan fee income | 219,831 | 171,488 | 164,032 | 156,794 | 149,764 |
| Provision for credit losses | - | - | 4,300 | - | - |
| Noninterest income: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Life insurance gains | 930 | - | - | 433 | 585 |
| Gains on sales of property | - | - | 3,536 | - | 216 |
| Securities gains (losses) | - | 34 | 71 | 217 | (52) |
| Other noninterest income | 44,191 | 43,311 | 42,030 | 46,758 | 47,400 |
| Total noninterest income | 45,121 | 43,345 | 45,637 | 47,408 | 48,149 |
| Noninterest expense: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Loss contingency | - | - | - | 553 | 3,500 |
| Other noninterest expense | 99,361 | 97,806 | 98,566 | 98,433 | 103,416 |
| Total noninterest expense | 99,361 | 97,806 | 98,566 | 98,986 | 106,916 |
| Income before income taxes | 165,591 | 117,027 | 106,803 | 105,216 | 90,997 |
| Income tax provision | 43,557 | 30,518 | 26,390 | 24,827 | 19,433 |
| Net income | $122,034 | $86,509 | $80,413 | $80,389 | $71,564 |
| Average common shares outstanding | 26,895 | 26,855 | 26,942 | 26,956 | 26,649 |
| Average diluted common shares outstanding | 26,907 | 26,870 | 26,960 | 27,006 | 26,756 |
| Common shares outstanding at December 31, | 26,913 | 26,866 | 26,807 | 27,062 | 26,730 |
| Per common share: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Basic earnings | $4.54 | $3.22 | $2.98 | $2.98 | $2.69 |
| Diluted earnings | 4.54 | 3.22 | 2.98 | 2.98 | 2.67 |
| Book value at December 31, | 22.37 | 30.79 | 31.51 | 27.03 | 23.03 |
| Financial ratios: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Return on assets | 1.65% | 1.23% | 1.30% | 1.44% | 1.27% |
| Return on common equity | 15.21% | 11.52% | 11.30% | 11.90% | 11.35% |
| Net interest margin (FTE) (1) | 3.17% | 2.62% | 2.91% | 3.11% | 2.98% |
| Net loan losses to average loans | 0.32% | 0.03% | 0.16% | 0.16% | 0.14% |
| Efficiency ratio (2) | 37.2% | 45.0% | 46.2% | 47.4% | 52.5% |
| Equity to assets | 8.66% | 11.09% | 12.52% | 13.02% | 11.05% |
| Period end balances: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Assets | $6,950,317 | $7,461,026 | $6,747,931 | $5,619,555 | $5,568,526 |
| Loans | 958,488 | 1,068,126 | 1,256,243 | 1,126,664 | 1,207,202 |
| Allowance for credit losses | 20,284 | 23,514 | 23,854 | 19,484 | 21,351 |
| Investment securities | 5,247,657 | 4,945,258 | 4,578,783 | 3,816,918 | 3,641,026 |
| Deposits | 6,225,290 | 6,413,956 | 5,687,979 | 4,812,621 | 4,866,839 |
| Identifiable intangible assets and goodwill | 122,256 | 122,508 | 122,777 | 123,064 | 123,602 |
| Short-term borrowed funds | 57,792 | 146,246 | 102,545 | 30,928 | 51,247 |
| Shareholders' equity | 602,110 | 827,102 | 844,809 | 731,417 | 615,591 |
| Capital ratios at period end: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Total risk based capital | 15.64% | 15.47% | 16.68% | 16.83% | 17.03% |
| Tangible equity to tangible assets | 7.03% | 9.60% | 10.90% | 11.07% | 9.04% |
| Dividends paid per common share | $1.68 | $1.65 | $1.64 | $1.63 | $1.60 |
| Common dividend payout ratio | 37% | 51% | 55% | 55% | 60% |

$^{(1)}$ Yields on securities and certain loans have been adjusted upward to a 'fully taxable equivalent' ('FTE') basis in order to reflect the effect of income which is exempt from federal income taxation at the current statutory tax rate.

$^{(2)}$ The efficiency ratio is defined as noninterest expense divided by total revenue (net interest income on an FTE basis and noninterest income).

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

The following discussion addresses information pertaining to the financial condition and results of operations of Westamerica Bancorporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) that may not be otherwise apparent from a review of the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. It should be read in conjunction with those statements and notes found on pages 51 through 90, as well as with the other information presented throughout this Report.

### Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and follow general practices within the banking industry. Application of these principles requires the Company to make certain estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Certain accounting policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates, assumptions and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value, when a decline in the value of an asset not carried on the financial statements at fair value warrants an impairment writedown or valuation reserve to be established, or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event. Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility. The fair values and the information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based either on quoted market prices or are provided by other third-party sources, when available.

The most significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this discussion, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, Management has identified the allowance for credit losses on loans accounting to be a critical accounting estimate. The accounting for the allowance for credit losses on loans requires the most subjective or complex judgments, and as such could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available. The methodology, significant inputs and assumptions for the allowance for credit losses on loans are discussed in the section “Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans” below. Additional discussion of the factors affecting accounting for the allowance for credit losses on loans is included in the “Loan Portfolio Credit Risk” discussion below. The Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans is established to provide for expected losses based on the available estimates at that point in time. Changes in economic conditions could significantly impact the estimated losses and could materially affect the Company’s operating results.

### Financial Overview

Westamerica Bancorporation and subsidiaries’ (collectively, the “Company”) reported net income of $122.0 million or $4.54 diluted earnings per common share (“EPS”) in 2022 compared with net income of $86.5 million or $3.22 EPS in 2021 and net income of $80.4 million or $2.98 EPS in 2020. 2022 results included a $1.2 million reconciling payment from a payments network and a $930 thousand life insurance gain equivalent to combined EPS of $0.07. 2021 results included “make-whole” interest income on corporate bonds redeemed prior to maturity of $2.8 million. 2020 results included a provision for credit losses of $4.3 million, which reduced EPS $0.11, representing Management’s estimate of additional reserves needed over the remaining life of its loans due to increased credit-risk from deteriorating economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and $3.5 million gain on sales of a closed branch building.

The Company’s primary and wholly-owned subsidiary, Westamerica Bank (the “Bank”), continued to support its customers during the pandemic. The Bank originated $106 million in loans under the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) during the first six months of 2021. PPP loans meaningfully increased interest-earning assets and related interest and fee income. The Bank continues to work with loan customers who requested deferral of loan payments due to economic weakness caused by the pandemic. At December 31, 2021, loans granted deferrals under the CARES Act included $84 thousand, all of which were consumer automobile loans.

In response to the high levels of inflation during a period of tight employment conditions, the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board (“FOMC”) has tightened monetary policy through reduced bond purchases and increases to the overnight federal funds interest rate. The FOMC started to increase the target federal funds rate in March 2022. A February 1, 2023 Federal Reserve press release stated, “Recent indicators point to modest growth in spending and production. Job gains have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation has eased somewhat but remains elevated. Russia’s war

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

against Ukraine is causing tremendous human and economic hardship and is contributing to elevated global uncertainty. The Committee is highly attentive to inflation risks...The Committee anticipates that ongoing increases in the target range will be appropriate in order to attain a stance of monetary policy that is sufficiently restrictive to return inflation to 2 percent over time.” On February 1, 2023, the FOMC announced its decision to increase the target federal funds ranging from 4.50% to 4.75% and the interest rate paid on reserve balances to 4.65% effective February 2, 2023. The Bank maintains deposit balances at the Federal Reserve Bank; the amount that earns interest is identified as “interest-bearing cash”.

Management continues to evaluate the impacts of inflation, the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, climate changes, the COVID-19 pandemic and the tensions in Ukraine on the Company’s business and its customers. The extent of the impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flow liquidity, and financial performance, as well as the Company’s ability to execute near- and long-term business strategies and initiatives, will depend on numerous evolving factors and future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be reasonably predicted.

The Company presents its net interest margin and net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) basis using the current statutory federal tax rate. Management believes the FTE basis is valuable to the reader because the Company’s loan and investment securities portfolios contain municipal loans and securities that are federally tax exempt. The Company’s tax exempt loans and securities composition may not be similar to that of other banks, therefore in order to reflect the impact of the federally tax exempt loans and securities on the net interest margin and net interest income for comparability with other banks, the Company presents its net interest margin and net interest income on an FTE basis.

The Company’s significant accounting policies (see Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the Consolidated Financial Statements below) are fundamental to understanding the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. The Company adopted the following new accounting guidance:

**FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019-12, *Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes***, was issued December 2019. The ASU is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes, eliminates certain exceptions to the general principles in ASC Topic 740 related to intra-period tax allocation, simplifies when companies recognize deferred taxes in an interim period, and clarifies certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistent application. This guidance effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and for interim period within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the ASU provisions on January 1, 2021 and the adoption of the ASU provisions did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

**FASB ASU 2016-13, *Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments***, was issued on June 16, 2016. The ASU significantly changed estimates for credit losses related to financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other contracts. For estimating credit losses, the FASB replaced the incurred loss model with the current expected credit loss (CECL) model, which accelerated recognition of credit losses. Additionally, credit losses relating to debt securities available-for-sale are recorded through an allowance for credit losses under the new standard. The Company is also required to provide additional disclosures related to the financial assets within the scope of the new standard.

The Company adopted the ASU provisions on January 1, 2020. Management evaluated available data, defined portfolio segments of loans with similar attributes, and selected loss estimate models for each identified loan portfolio segment. Management measured historical loss rates for each portfolio segment. Management also segmented debt securities held to maturity, selected methods to estimate losses for each segment, and measured a loss estimate. Agency mortgage-backed securities were assigned no credit loss allowance due to the perceived backing of government sponsored entities. Municipal securities were evaluated for risk of default based on credit rating and remaining term to maturity using Moody’s risk of default factors; Moody’s loss upon default factors were applied to the assumed defaulted principal amounts to estimate the amount for credit loss allowance. The adjustment to the allowance for credit losses was recorded through an offsetting after-tax adjustment to shareholders’ equity. The implementing entry increased allowance for credit losses on loans by $2,017 thousand, reduced allowance for unfunded credit commitments by $2,107 thousand and increased retained earnings by $52 thousand.

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

## Net Income

Following is a summary of the components of net income for the periods indicated:

|  | For the Years Ended December 31, |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|  | ($ in thousands, except per share data) |  |  |
| Net interest and loan fee income | $219,831 | $171,488 | $164,032 |
| FTE adjustment | 1,944 | 2,663 | 3,650 |
| Net interest and loan fee income (FTE) | 221,775 | 174,151 | 167,682 |
| Provision for credit losses | - | - | (4,300) |
| Noninterest income | 45,121 | 43,345 | 45,637 |
| Noninterest expense | (99,361) | (97,806) | (98,566) |
| Income before income taxes (FTE) | 167,535 | 119,690 | 110,453 |
| Income taxes (FTE) | (45,501) | (33,181) | (30,040) |
| Net income | $122,034 | $86,509 | $80,413 |
| Net income per average fully-diluted common share | $4.54 | $3.22 | $2.98 |
| Net income as a percentage of average shareholders' equity | 15.21% | 11.52% | 11.30% |
| Net income as a percentage of average total assets | 1.65% | 1.23% | 1.30% |

Net income for 2022 increased $35.5 million compared with 2021. Net interest and loan fee income (FTE) increased $47.6 million in 2022 compared with 2021 due to higher average balances of investment debt securities and higher yield on interest-earning assets, partially offset by lower average balances of loans. The provision for credit losses was zero for 2022 and 2021, reflecting Management's estimate of credit losses over the remaining life of its loans and investment debt securities. Noninterest income in 2022 increased $1.8 million compared with 2021 primarily due to a $1.2 million reconciling payment from a payments network, a $930 thousand life insurance gain and higher fee income on deposit accounts. The increases in 2022 compared 2021 was partially offset by decreases in merchant processing service income and other noninterest income. Noninterest expense in 2022 increased $1.6 million compared with 2021. Limited partnership operating losses increased $3.1 million due to higher estimated operating losses on limited partnership investments in low-income housing and occupancy and equipment expense increased primarily due to software upgrades. The increase in 2022 compared with 2021 was partially offset by a decrease in salaries and related benefits resulting from attrition and lower professional fees. The effective tax rates (FTE) were 27.2% in 2022 compared with 27.7% in 2021.

Comparing 2021 with 2020, net income increased $6.1 million. Net interest and loan fee (FTE) income increased $6.5 million due to higher average balances of investments, higher average balances of interest-bearing cash and higher yield on PPP loans, partially offset by lower yield on investments, interest-earning cash and loans excluding PPP loans. Results for 2021 included 'make-whole' interest income on corporate bonds redeemed prior to maturity of $2.8 million. The Company provided no provision for credit losses in 2021, reflecting Management's evaluation of credit risk over the remaining life of loans and bonds. Results for 2020 included a provision of credit losses of $4.3 million, representing Management's estimate of additional reserves needed over the remaining life of its loans due to credit-risk from economic weakness caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Noninterest income decreased $2.3 million in 2021 compared with 2020 primarily because 2020 included $3.5 million in gains on sales of a closed branch building and a $603 thousand recovery on previously charged off loans. Fee income from merchant card processing, debit cards and trust accounts increased in 2021 compared with 2020. In 2021 noninterest expense decreased $760 thousand compared with 2020 due to lower salaries and related benefits, partially offset by higher professional fees and other noninterest expense. The tax rate (FTE) was 27.7% for 2021 and 27.2% for 2020.

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

## Net Interest and Loan Fee Income (FTE)

The Company's primary source of revenue is net interest income, or the difference between interest income earned on loans and investment securities and interest expense paid on interest-bearing deposits and other borrowings.

### Components of Net Interest and Loan Fee Income (FTE)

|  | For the Years Ended December 31, |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|  | ($ in thousands) |  |  |
| Interest and loan fee income | $221,756 | $173,443 | $165,856 |
| FTE adjustment | 1,944 | 2,663 | 3,650 |
| Interest and loan fee income (FTE) | 223,700 | 176,106 | 169,506 |
| Interest expense | (1,925) | (1,955) | (1,824) |
| Net interest and loan fee income (FTE) | $221,775 | $174,151 | $167,682 |
| Net interest margin (FTE) | 3.17% | 2.62% | 2.91% |

Net interest and loan fee income (FTE) increased $47.6 million in 2022 compared with 2021 due to higher average balances of investment securities (up $723 million) and higher yield on interest-earning assets (up 0.55%), partially offset by lower average balances of loans (down $197 million).

Net interest and loan fee income (FTE) increased $6.5 million in 2021 compared with 2020 due to higher average balances of investments (up $431 million), higher average balances of interest-bearing cash (up $486 million) and higher yield on PPP loans (up 0.71%), partially offset by lower yield on investments (down 0.20%), interest-earning cash (down 0.18%) and loans excluding PPP loans. Results for 2021 included 'make-whole' interest income on corporate bonds redeemed prior to maturity of $2.8 million.

The net interest margin (FTE) was 3.17% in 2022, 2.62% in 2021 and 2.91% in 2020. The yield on earning assets (FTE) was 3.20% in 2022, 2.65% in 2021 and 2.94% in 2020. Market interest rates increased in 2022 compared with 2021 and 2020.

The Company's funding costs were 0.03% in 2022, 2021 and 2020. Average balances of time deposits in 2022 declined $13 million from 2021 while average balances of checking and savings deposits grew 6% from 2021 to 2022. Average balances of checking and saving deposits accounted for 97.8% of average total deposits in 2022 compared with 97.5% in 2021 and 96.9% in 2020.

## Net Interest Margin (FTE)

The following summarizes the components of the Company's net interest margin (FTE) for the periods indicated.

|  | For the Years Ended December 31, |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Yield on earning assets (FTE) | 3.20% | 2.65% | 2.94% |
| Rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities | 0.05% | 0.06% | 0.06% |
| Net interest spread (FTE) | 3.15% | 2.59% | 2.88% |
| Benefit of noninterest-bearing demand deposits | 0.02% | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| Net interest margin (FTE) | 3.17% | 2.62% | 2.91% |

The increase in the Company's yield on earning assets has been generated primarily by collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), held in debt securities available for sale portfolio, and interest-bearing cash. The CLOs have interest coupons that change once every three months by the amount of change in the three-month LIBOR and SOFR base rates. The average balances and yields of CLOs for 2022 and 2021 was $1,567 million yielding 3.62% and $1,177 million yielding 2.02%, respectively. The interest-bearing cash yield changes by the amount of change in the overnight federal funds rate on the effective date declared by the FOMC. The average balance and yields of interest-bearing cash for 2022 and 2021 was $691 million yielding 1.13% and $857 million yielding 0.13%, respectively. The Company has other earning assets with variable yields such as commercial loans and lines of credit, consumer lines of credit and adjustable rate residential real estate loans, which are included in 'other taxable loans' in the following 'Summary of Average Balances, Yields/Rates and Interest Differential.'

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WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

# **Summary of Average Balances, Yields/Rates and Interest Differential**

The following tables present information regarding the consolidated average assets, liabilities and shareholders' equity, the amounts of interest income earned from average interest earning assets and the resulting yields, and the amounts of interest expense incurred on average interest-bearing liabilities and the resulting rates. Average loan balances include nonperforming loans. Interest income includes reversal of previously accrued interest on loans placed on non-accrual status during the period and proceeds from loans on nonaccrual status only to the extent cash payments have been received and applied as interest income and accretion of purchased loan discounts. Yields on tax-exempt securities and loans have been adjusted upward to reflect the effect of income exempt from federal income taxation at the federal statutory tax rate of 21 percent.

# Distribution of Assets, Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity and Yields, Rates & Interest Margin

|  | For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Average Balance | Interest Income/ Expense | Yields/ Rates |
|  | ($ in thousands) |  |  |
| Assets |  |  |  |
| Investment securities: |  |  |  |
| Taxable | $5,093,921 | $158,465 | 3.11% |
| Tax-exempt (1) | 209,725 | 7,390 | 3.52% |
| Total investments (1) | 5,303,646 | 165,855 | 3.13% |
| Loans: |  |  |  |
| Taxable: |  |  |  |
| PPP loans | 17,604 | 2,435 | 13.83% |
| Other | 933,912 | 45,839 | 4.91% |
| Total taxable | 951,516 | 48,274 | 5.07% |
| Tax-exempt (1) | 46,448 | 1,781 | 3.83% |
| Total loans (1) | 997,964 | 50,055 | 5.02% |
| Total interest-bearing cash | 691,086 | 7,790 | 1.13% |
| Total Interest-earning assets (1) | 6,992,696 | 223,700 | 3.20% |
| Other assets | 420,312 |  |  |
| Total assets | $7,413,008 |  |  |
| Liabilities and shareholders' equity |  |  |  |
| Noninterest-bearing demand | $3,018,350 | $- | -% |
| Savings and interest-bearing transaction | 3,257,858 | 1,510 | 0.05% |
| Time less than $100,000 | 77,007 | 180 | 0.23% |
| Time $100,000 or more | 62,411 | 156 | 0.25% |
| Total interest-bearing deposits | 3,397,276 | 1,846 | 0.05% |
| Securities sold under agreements to repurchase | 109,282 | 79 | 0.07% |
| Federal funds purchased | 1 | - | 4.68% |
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 3,506,559 | 1,925 | 0.05% |
| Other liabilities | 85,610 |  |  |
| Shareholders' equity | 802,489 |  |  |
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $7,413,008 |  |  |
| Net interest spread (1)(2) |  |  | 3.15% |
| Net interest and fee income and interest margin (1)(3) |  | $221,775 | 3.17% |

$^{(1)}$ Amounts calculated on an FTE basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

$^{(2)}$ Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities.

$^{(3)}$ Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets. The net interest margin is greater than the net interest spread due to the benefit of noninterest-bearing demand deposits.

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

# Distribution of Assets, Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity and Yields, Rates & Interest Margin

|  | For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Average Balance | Interest Income/ Expense | Yields/ Rates |
|  | ($ in thousands) |  |  |
| Assets |  |  |  |
| Investment securities: |  |  |  |
| Taxable | $4,267,522 | $106,329 | 2.49% |
| Tax-exempt (1) | 312,946 | 10,677 | 3.41% |
| Total investments (1) | 4,580,468 | 117,006 | 2.55% |
| Loans: |  |  |  |
| Taxable: |  |  |  |
| PPP loans | 152,149 | 7,639 | 5.02% |
| Other | 992,454 | 48,376 | 4.87% |
| Total taxable | 1,144,603 | 56,015 | 4.89% |
| Tax-exempt (1) | 50,532 | 1,953 | 3.87% |
| Total loans (1) | 1,195,135 | 57,968 | 4.85% |
| Total interest-bearing cash | 857,029 | 1,132 | 0.13% |
| Total Interest-earning assets (1) | 6,632,632 | 176,106 | 2.65% |
| Other assets | 406,652 |  |  |
| Total assets | $7,039,284 |  |  |
| Liabilities and shareholders' equity |  |  |  |
| Noninterest-bearing demand | $2,897,244 | $- | -% |
| Savings and interest-bearing transaction | 3,050,859 | 1,445 | 0.05% |
| Time less than $100,000 | 83,580 | 167 | 0.20% |
| Time $100,000 or more | 69,165 | 265 | 0.38% |
| Total interest-bearing deposits | 3,203,604 | 1,877 | 0.06% |
| Securities sold under agreements to repurchase | 114,266 | 78 | 0.07% |
| Federal Funds purchased | 1 | - | 0.87% |
| Other borrowed funds | 53 | - | 0.35% |
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 3,317,924 | 1,955 | 0.06% |
| Other liabilities | 73,447 |  |  |
| Shareholders' equity | 750,669 |  |  |
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $7,039,284 |  |  |
| Net interest spread (1)(2) |  |  | 2.59% |
| Net interest and fee income and interest margin (1)(3) |  | $174,151 | 2.62% |

$^{(1)}$ Amounts calculated on an FTE basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

$^{(2)}$ Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities.

$^{(3)}$ Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets. The net interest margin is greater than the net interest spread due to the benefit of noninterest-bearing demand deposits.

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WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

# Distribution of Assets, Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity and Yields, Rates & Interest Margin

|  | For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Average Balance | Interest Income/ Expense | Yields/ Rates |
|  | ($ in thousands) |  |  |
| Assets |  |  |  |
| Investment securities: |  |  |  |
| Taxable | $3,689,769 | $93,163 | 2.52% |
| Tax-exempt (1) | 460,191 | 15,395 | 3.35% |
| Total investments (1) | 4,149,960 | 108,558 | 2.62% |
| Loans: |  |  |  |
| Taxable: |  |  |  |
| PPP loans | 151,320 | 6,516 | 4.31% |
| Other | 1,039,724 | 51,336 | 4.94% |
| Total taxable | 1,191,044 | 57,852 | 4.86% |
| Tax-exempt (1) | 48,100 | 1,931 | 4.01% |
| Total loans (1) | 1,239,144 | 59,783 | 4.82% |
| Total interest-bearing cash | 371,444 | 1,165 | 0.31% |
| Total Interest-earning assets (1) | 5,760,548 | 169,506 | 2.94% |
| Other assets | 413,922 |  |  |
| Total assets | $6,174,470 |  |  |
| Liabilities and shareholders' equity |  |  |  |
| Noninterest-bearing demand | $2,538,819 | $- | -% |
| Savings and interest-bearing transaction | 2,603,476 | 1,258 | 0.05% |
| Time less than $100,000 | 91,519 | 193 | 0.21% |
| Time $100,000 or more | 72,363 | 319 | 0.44% |
| Total interest-bearing deposits | 2,767,358 | 1,770 | 0.06% |
| Securities sold under agreements to repurchase | 80,455 | 53 | 0.07% |
| Federal funds purchased | 1 | - | 0.88% |
| Other borrowed funds | 174 | 1 | 0.35% |
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 2,847,988 | 1,824 | 0.06% |
| Other liabilities | 76,109 |  |  |
| Shareholders' equity | 711,554 |  |  |
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $6,174,470 |  |  |
| Net interest spread (1)(2) |  |  | 2.88% |
| Net interest and fee income and interest margin (1)(3) |  | $167,682 | 2.91% |

(1) Amounts calculated on an FTE basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

(2) Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities.

(3) Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets. The net interest margin is greater than the net interest spread due to the benefit of noninterest-bearing demand deposits.

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

## Summary of Changes in Interest Income and Expense due to Changes in Average Asset & Liability Balances and Yields Earned & Rates Paid

The following tables set forth a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense due to changes in average assets and liability balances (volume) and changes in average interest yields/rates for the periods indicated. Changes not solely attributable to volume or yields/rates have been allocated in proportion to the respective volume and yield/rate components.

### Summary of Changes in Interest Income and Expense

|  | For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Compared with |  |  |
|  | For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 |  |  |
|  | Volume | Yield/Rate | Total |
|  | (In thousands) |  |  |
| Increase (decrease) in interest and loan fee income: |  |  |  |
| Investment securities: |  |  |  |
| Taxable | $20,590 | $31,546 | $52,136 |
| Tax-exempt (1) | (3,522) | 235 | (3,287) |
| Total investments (1) | 17,068 | 31,781 | 48,849 |
| Loans: |  |  |  |
| Taxable: |  |  |  |
| PPP loans | (18,610) | 13,406 | (5,204) |
| Other | (2,854) | 317 | (2,537) |
| Total taxable | (21,464) | 13,723 | (7,741) |
| Tax-exempt (1) | (158) | (14) | (172) |
| Total loans (1) | (21,622) | 13,709 | (7,913) |
| Total interest-bearing cash | (219) | 6,877 | 6,658 |
| Total (decrease) increase in interest and loan fee income (1) | (4,773) | 52,367 | 47,594 |
| Increase (decrease) in interest expense: |  |  |  |
| Deposits: |  |  |  |
| Savings and interest-bearing transaction | 98 | (33) | 65 |
| Time less than $100,000 | (13) | 26 | 13 |
| Time $100,000 or more | (26) | (83) | (109) |
| Total interest-bearing deposits | 59 | (90) | (31) |
| Securities sold under agreements to repurchase | (3) | 4 | 1 |
| Total increase (decrease) in interest expense | 56 | (86) | (30) |
| (Decrease) increase in net interest and loan fee income (1) | ($4,829) | $52,453 | $47,624 |

$^{(1)}$ Amounts calculated on an FTE basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

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WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

# Summary of Changes in Interest Income and Expense

|  | For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared with For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Volume | Yield/Rate | Total |
|  | (In thousands) |  |  |
| Increase (decrease) in interest and loan fee income: |  |  |  |
| Investment securities: |  |  |  |
| Taxable | $14,588 | ($1,422) | $13,166 |
| Tax-exempt (1) | (4,926) | 208 | (4,718) |
| Total investments (1) | 9,662 | (1,214) | 8,448 |
| Loans: |  |  |  |
| Taxable: |  |  |  |
| PPP loans | 42 | 1,081 | 1,123 |
| Other | (2,334) | (626) | (2,960) |
| Total taxable | (2,292) | 455 | (1,837) |
| Tax-exempt (1) | 98 | (76) | 22 |
| Total loans (1) | (2,194) | 379 | (1,815) |
| Total interest-bearing cash | 1,523 | (1,556) | (33) |
| Total increase (decrease) in interest and loan fee income (1) | 8,991 | (2,391) | 6,600 |
| Increase (decrease) in interest expense: |  |  |  |
| Deposits: |  |  |  |
| Savings and interest-bearing transaction | 216 | (29) | 187 |
| Time less than $100,000 | (17) | (9) | (26) |
| Time $100,000 or more | (14) | (40) | (54) |
| Total interest-bearing deposits | 185 | (78) | 107 |
| Securities sold under agreements to repurchase | 22 | 3 | 25 |
| Other borrowed funds | (1) | - | (1) |
| Total increase (decrease) in interest expense | 206 | (75) | 131 |
| Increase (decrease) in net interest and loan fee income (1) | $8,785 | ($2,316) | $6,469 |

(1) Amounts calculated on an FTE basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

# **Provision for Credit Losses**

The Company manages credit costs by consistently enforcing conservative underwriting and administration procedures and aggressively pursuing collection efforts with debtors experiencing financial difficulties. The provision for credit losses reflects Management's assessment of credit risk in the loan portfolio and debt securities held to maturity during each of the periods presented.

The Company provided no provision for credit losses in 2022 and 2021 based on Management's estimate of reserves needed over the remaining life of its loans and investments. The Company provided a provision for credit losses of $4.3 million recorded in 2020. The 2020 provision represented Management's estimate of additional reserves needed over the remaining life of its loans and investments due to credit-risk from weakened economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. For further information regarding credit risk, net credit losses and the allowance for credit losses, see the "Loan Portfolio Credit Risk" and "Allowance for Credit Losses" sections of this Report.

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WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

2022

## Noninterest Income

### Components of Noninterest Income

|  | For the Years Ended December 31, |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|  | (In thousands) |  |  |
| Service charges on deposit accounts | $14,490 | $13,697 | $14,149 |
| Merchant processing services | 11,623 | 11,998 | 10,208 |
| Debit card fees | 7,879 | 6,859 | 6,181 |
| Trust fees | 3,216 | 3,311 | 3,012 |
| ATM processing fees | 2,160 | 2,280 | 2,273 |
| Other service fees | 1,808 | 1,884 | 1,837 |
| Financial services commissions | 417 | 356 | 372 |
| Life insurance gains | 930 | - | - |
| Gains on sales of real property | - | - | 3,536 |
| Securities gains | - | 34 | 71 |
| Other noninterest income | 2,598 | 2,926 | 3,998 |
| Total Noninterest Income | $45,121 | $43,345 | $45,637 |

Noninterest income in 2022 increased $1.8 million compared with 2021 primarily due to a $1.2 million reconciling payment from a payments network, a $930 thousand life insurance gain and higher fee income on deposit accounts. Higher fee income deposit accounts in 2022 compared with 2021 was primarily attributable to increased fee income from overdrawn deposit accounts. The increases in 2022 compared 2021 were partially offset by decreases in merchant processing service income and other noninterest income.

In 2021, noninterest income decreased $2.3 million compared with 2020 primarily because 2020 results included a $3.5 million gain on the sale of a closed branch building, a $603 thousand recovery in excess of previously charged off loan amounts, and higher service charges on deposit accounts. Decreases in 2021 results, compared with 2020, were partially offset by higher transaction volumes from merchant processing services and debit cards, and increases in trust fees.

## Noninterest Expense

### Components of Noninterest Expense

|  | For the Years Ended December 31, |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|  | (In thousands) |  |  |
| Salaries and related benefits | $46,125 | $48,011 | $50,749 |
| Occupancy and equipment | 19,884 | 19,139 | 19,637 |
| Outsourced data processing services | 9,684 | 9,601 | 9,426 |
| Limited partnership operating losses | 5,724 | 2,620 | 2,440 |
| Professional fees | 2,628 | 3,253 | 2,423 |
| Courier service | 2,614 | 2,177 | 2,001 |
| Other noninterest expense | 12,702 | 13,005 | 11,890 |
| Total Noninterest Expense | $99,361 | $97,806 | $98,566 |

Noninterest expense in 2022 increased $1.6 million compared with 2021. Limited partnership operating losses increased $3.1 million due to higher estimated operating losses on limited partnership investments in low-income housing. Occupancy and equipment expense in 2022 increased primarily due to computer software upgrades. The increase in 2022 compared with 2021 was partially offset by a decrease in salaries and related benefits resulting from attrition. Professional fees decreased in 2022 compared with 2021 due to lower legal fees.

In 2021, noninterest expense decreased $760 thousand compared with 2020. The decrease in salaries and related benefits in 2021 compared with 2020 was attributable to attrition. Occupancy and equipment expenses decreased due to lower depreciation expense. These decreases were partially offset by higher professional fees and other noninterest expense.

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WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

## Provision for Income Tax

The Company's income tax provision (FTE) was $45.5 million in 2022 compared with $33.2 million in 2021 and $30.0 million in 2020. The effective tax rates (FTE) were 27.2% in 2022 compared with 27.7% in 2021 and 27.2% in 2020. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to income taxes.

## Investment Securities Portfolio

The Company maintains an investment securities portfolio consisting of securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored entities, state and political subdivisions, corporations, collateralized loan obligations and agency mortgage-backed securities.

Management manages the investment securities portfolio in response to anticipated changes in interest rates, and changes in deposit and loan volumes. The carrying value of the Company's investment securities portfolio was $5.2 billion at December 31, 2022 and $4.9 billion at December 31, 2021. The following table lists debt securities in the Company's portfolio by type as of the indicated dates. Debt securities held to maturity are listed at amortized cost before related reserve for expected credit losses of $1 thousand at December 31, 2022 and $7 thousand at December 31, 2021. Debt securities available for sale are listed at fair value.

|  | At December 31, 2022 |  | At December 31, 2021 |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Carrying Value | As a percent of total investment securities | Carrying Value | As a percent of total investment securities |
|  | ($ in thousands) |  |  |  |
| Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities | $290,853 | 6% | $ - | - % |
| Agency residential mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") | 390,900 | 7% | 559,358 | 11% |
| Obligations of states and political subdivisions | 171,212 | 3% | 251,933 | 5% |
| Corporate securities | 2,821,809 | 54% | 2,746,735 | 56% |
| Collateralized loan obligations | 1,572,883 | 30% | 1,386,355 | 28% |
| Other | - | - % | 877 | - % |
| Total | $5,247,657 | 100% | $4,945,258 | 100% |
| Debt securities available for sale | $4,331,743 |  | $4,638,855 |  |
| Debt securities held to maturity | 915,914 |  | 306,403 |  |
| Total | $5,247,657 |  | $4,945,258 |  |

Management continually evaluates the Company's investment securities portfolio in response to established asset/liability management objectives, changing market conditions that could affect profitability, liquidity, and the level of interest rate risk to which the Company is exposed. These evaluations may cause Management to change the level of funds the Company deploys into investment securities and change the composition of the Company's investment securities portfolio.

At December 31, 2022, substantially all of the Company's investment securities were investment grade as rated by one or more major rating agencies. In addition to monitoring credit rating agency evaluations, Management performs its own evaluations regarding the credit worthiness of the issuer or the securitized assets underlying asset-backed securities. The Company's procedures for evaluating investments in securities are in accordance with guidance issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, "Investing in Securities without Reliance on Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Agencies" (SR 12-15) and other regulatory guidance.

The Company had no marketable equity securities at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

The following table shows the fair value carrying amount of the Company’s equity securities and debt securities available for sale as of the dates indicated:

|  | At December 31, |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|  | (In thousands) |  |  |
| Debt securities available for sale: |  |  |  |
| Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities | $290,853 | $ - | $ - |
| Agency residential MBS | 286,048 | 411,726 | 652,952 |
| Securities of U.S. Government entities | - | 119 | 154 |
| Obligations of states and political subdivisions | 82,004 | 93,920 | 111,010 |
| Corporate securities | 2,099,955 | 2,746,735 | 2,117,978 |
| Commercial paper | - | - | 24,990 |
| Collateralized Loan Obligations | 1,572,883 | 1,386,355 | 1,156,101 |
| Total debt securities available for sale | $4,331,743 | $4,638,855 | $4,063,185 |

The following table sets forth the relative maturities and contractual yields of the Company’s debt securities available for sale (stated at fair value) at December 31, 2022. Yields on state and political subdivision securities have been calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current federal statutory rate. Mortgage-backed securities are shown separately because they are typically paid in monthly installments over a number of years.

#### Debt Securities Available for Sale Maturity Distribution

|  | At December 31, 2022 |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Within one year | After one but within five years | After five but within ten years | After ten years | Mortgage-backed | Total |
|  | ($ in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |
| Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities | $ - | $16,619 | $274,234 | $ - | $ - | $290,853 |
| Interest rate | - % | 4.13% | 3.49% | - % | - % | 3.63% |
| Obligations of states and political subdivisions | 8,795 | 31,406 | 41,803 | - | - | 82,004 |
| Interest rate | 3.15% | 3.25% | 2.96% | - % | - % | 3.04% |
| Corporate securities | 241,522 | 500,762 | 1,357,671 | - | - | 2,099,955 |
| Interest rate | 3.08% | 3.47% | 2.57% | - % | - % | 2.80% |
| Collateralized loan obligations | - | 5,809 | 896,451 | 670,623 | - | 1,572,883 |
| Interest rate | - % | 5.99% | 5.83% | 5.84% | - % | 5.83% |
| Subtotal | 250,317 | 554,596 | 2,570,159 | 670,623 | - | 4,045,695 |
| Interest rate | 3.09% | 3.51% | 3.81% | 5.84% | - % | 4.04% |
| MBS | - | - | - | - | 286,048 | 286,048 |
| Interest rate | - % | - % | - % | - % | 2.41% | 2.41% |
| Total | $250,317 | $554,596 | $2,570,159 | $670,623 | $286,048 | $4,331,743 |
| Interest rate | 3.09% | 3.51% | 3.81% | 5.84% | 2.41% | 3.85% |

The following table shows the amortized cost carrying amount and fair value before related reserve for expected credit losses of $1 thousand at December 31, 2022 and $7 thousand at December 31, 2021 and $9 thousand at December 31, 2020, of the Company’s debt securities held to maturity as of the dates indicated:

|  | At December 31, |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|  | (In thousands) |  |  |
| Agency residential MBS | $104,852 | $148,390 | $241,676 |
| Obligations of states and political subdivisions | 89,208 | 158,013 | 273,922 |
| Corporate securities | 721,854 | - | - |
| Total | $915,914 | $306,403 | $515,598 |
| Fair value | $873,511 | $312,562 | $529,687 |

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

The following table sets forth the relative maturities and contractual yields of the Company's debt securities held to maturity at December 31, 2022. Yields on state and political subdivision securities have been calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current federal statutory rate. Mortgage-backed securities are shown separately because they are typically paid in monthly installments over a number of years.

### Debt Securities Held to Maturity Maturity Distribution

|  | At December 31, 2022 |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Within one year | After one but within five years | After five but within ten years | After ten years | Mortgage- backed | Total |
|  |  | ($ in thousands) |  |  |  |  |
| Obligations of states and political subdivisions | $12,676 | $74,465 | $2,067 | $ - | $ - | $89,208 |
| Interest rate | 3.84% | 3.49% | 4.00% | - % | - % | 3.54% |
| Corporate securities | - | 87,188 | 634,666 | - | - | 721,854 |
| Interest rate | - % | 4.08% | 4.36% | - % | - % | 4.33% |
| Subtotal | 12,676 | 161,653 | 636,733 | - | - | 811,062 |
| Interest rate | 3.84% | 3.81% | 4.36% | - % | - % | 4.24% |
| MBS | - | - | - | - | 104,852 | 104,852 |
| Interest rate | - % | - % | - % | - % | 2.09% | 2.09% |
| Total | $12,676 | $161,653 | $636,733 | $ - | $104,852 | $915,914 |
| Interest rate | 3.84% | 3.81% | 4.36% | - % | 2.09% | 3.99% |

The Company had corporate securities as shown below at the dates indicated:

|  | Corporate securities |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | At December 31, 2022 |  | At December 31, 2021 |  |
|  | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Fair Value |
|  | (In thousands) |  |  |  |
| Debt securities available for sale | $2,406,566 | $2,099,955 | $2,692,792 | $2,746,735 |
| Debt securities held to maturity | 721,854 | 687,406 | - | - |
| Total corporate securities | $3,128,420 | $2,787,361 | $2,692,792 | $2,746,735 |

The following table summarizes total corporate securities by credit rating:

|  | At December 31, 2022 |  | At December 31, 2021 |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Fair value | As a percent of total corporate securities | Fair value | As a percent of total corporate securities |  |  |
|  |  | ($ in thousands) |  |  |  |  |
| AAA | $20,667 | 1% |  | $21,400 | 1% |  |
| AA+ | 19,840 | 1% | 20,479 | 1% |  |  |
| AA | 19,234 | 1% | 19,781 | 1% |  |  |
| AA- | 110,552 | 4% | 105,373 | 4% |  |  |
| A+ | 255,381 | 9% | 128,325 | 5% |  |  |
| A | 503,437 | 18% | 539,062 | 19% |  |  |
| A- | 695,865 | 25% | 628,089 | 23% |  |  |
| BBB+ | 821,102 | 29% | 797,860 | 29% |  |  |
| BBB | 304,957 | 11% | 474,648 | 17% |  |  |
| BBB- | 36,326 | 1% | 11,718 | -% |  |  |
| Total corporate securities | $2,787,361 | 100% | $2,746,735 | 100% |  |  |

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2022 WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FORM 10-K

The following table summarizes total corporate securities by the industry sector in which the issuing companies operate:

|  | At December 31, 2022 |  | At December 31, 2021 |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Fair value | As a percent of total corporate securities | Fair value | As a percent of total corporate securities |  |
|  |  | ($ in thousands) |  |  |  |
| Financial | $1,539,361 | 55% |  | $1,421,317 | 52% |
| Utilities | 285,016 | 10% | 208,522 | 7% |  |
| Industrial | 237,554 | 9% | 217,065 | 8% |  |
| Consumer, Non-cyclical | 173,736 | 6% | 271,069 | 10% |  |
| Communications | 162,270 | 6% | 161,537 | 6% |  |
| Consumer, Cyclical | 103,666 | 4% | 125,686 | 4% |  |
| Technology | 101,255 | 4% | 127,853 | 5% |  |
| Basic Materials | 98,072 | 3% | 114,964 | 4% |  |
| Energy | 86,431 | 3% | 98,722 | 4% |  |
| Total corporate securities | $2,787,361 | 100% | $2,746,735 | 100% |  |

The following table summarizes total corporate securities by the location of the issuers' headquarters; all the bonds are denominated in United States dollars:

|  | At December 31, 2022 |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Fair value | As a percent of total corporate securities |  |
|  |  | ($ in thousands) |  |
| United States of America | $1,997,328 | 72% |  |
| Canada | 192,475 | 7% |  |
| United Kingdom | 171,819 | 6% |  |
| Japan | 161,804 | 6% |  |
| France | 87,781 | 3% |  |
| Switzerland | 86,396 | 3% |  |
| Netherlands | 33,216 | 1% |  |
| Australia | 23,870 | 1% |  |
| Belgium | 20,243 | 1% |  |
| Germany | 12,429 | -% |  |
| Total corporate securities | $2,787,361 | 100% |  |

The following table summarizes the above corporate securities with issuer's headquarters located outside of the United States of America by the industry sector in which the issuing companies operate; all the bonds are denominated in United States dollars:

|  | At December 31, 2022 |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Fair value | As a percent of total foreign corporate securities |  |
|  |  | ($ in thousands) |  |
| Financial | $680,956 | 86% |  |
| Consumer, Non-cyclical | 32,684 | 4% |  |
| Energy | 30,600 | 4% |  |
| Basic Materials | 23,870 | 3% |  |
| Consumer, Cyclical | 12,429 | 2% |  |
| Utilities | 9,494 | 1% |  |
| Total foreign corporate securities | $790,033 | 100% |  |

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