Private Bancorp Stock Price, News & Analysis

Private Bancorp of America, Inc. (OTCQX: PBAM) is a financial holding company in the commercial banking industry, operating in the finance and insurance sector. According to company disclosures, PBAM is the holding company for CalPrivate Bank, a relationship-focused community bank that serves clients through physical offices and digital banking services.

CalPrivate Bank operates offices in Coronado, San Diego, La Jolla, Newport Beach, El Segundo, Beverly Hills and Montecito, and has described an expansion into Santa Barbara County through a Montecito office. The bank also emphasizes efficient digital banking channels alongside its branch network.

Business model and client focus

Company materials state that CalPrivate Bank is driven by core values of building client relationships based on Relationships, Solutions and Trust. The bank indicates that it caters to high-net-worth individuals, professionals, closely held businesses, and real estate entrepreneurs. Its approach is described as a "Distinctly Different" personalized banking experience, with a focus on customized client solutions.

Within its commercial banking activities, CalPrivate Bank reports that it offers deposit and treasury services and loan options. Disclosures highlight "rapid and creative loan options" that include portfolio lending and government‑guaranteed lending programs, as well as cross border banking. The bank also references the use of technology to support "enhanced client performance," including digital channels and other banking technologies.

Deposits, loans and balance sheet profile

In its quarterly financial updates, Private Bancorp of America reports on core deposits, brokered deposits, total deposits and loans held-for-investment (HFI). The company has highlighted growth in core deposits and a reduction in brokered deposits over multiple quarters, noting that core deposits represent a significant portion of total funding. The bank also reports on noninterest‑bearing deposits as a share of core deposits and tracks the total cost of deposits and total cost of funding sources.

On the asset side, the company reports a loan portfolio classified as loans held-for-investment, along with an investment securities available‑for‑sale (AFS) portfolio that is described as being comprised mostly of U.S. Treasury and government agency debt. The bank discloses that it does not hold securities classified as held‑to‑maturity. Management regularly reports on net interest income, net interest margin, and the yield on interest‑earning assets, as well as the cost of interest‑bearing liabilities.

Credit quality and risk management

Private Bancorp of America provides detailed information on asset quality, including the allowance for loan losses, provision for credit losses, nonperforming assets, criticized and classified loans, and the reserve for unfunded commitments. The company reports coverage ratios, specific reserves on certain commercial and industrial and real estate loans, and weighted average loan‑to‑value (LTV) metrics for real estate‑secured credits.

The bank also describes the use of a CECL model (current expected credit loss) and references macroeconomic forecasts, loan risk ratings, and regional economic outlooks in its provisioning. Management commentary notes attention to credit risk in light of factors such as economic uncertainty and regional wildfire impacts, and the company has discussed loan deferrals and assessments in affected areas.

Capital and regulatory positioning

CalPrivate Bank reports regulatory capital ratios, including Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 risk‑based capital and total risk‑based capital ratios. In its disclosures, the bank states that these ratios are in excess of the levels established for "well capitalized" institutions, subject to final regulatory reporting. The company also notes access to liquidity through on‑balance sheet cash and securities, as well as unused borrowing capacity, and compares total available liquidity to uninsured deposits.

Client service, technology and recognitions

Company descriptions emphasize a client‑centric service model. CalPrivate Bank reports that it is in the top tier of customer service survey ratings in the United States, stating that its client Net Promoter Score is significantly higher than the median domestic bank. The bank highlights "Distinctly Different" service, and references a focus on personalized, relationship‑based banking.

CalPrivate Bank indicates that it uses technology and digital banking to support its service model, including efficient digital banking services and "innovative, unique technologies" that it associates with enhanced client performance. Management commentary also mentions ongoing investments in technology, systems, and evaluation of newer technologies, including AI and risk management tools, as part of its operating approach.

Community banking footprint and strategic focus

Private Bancorp of America describes CalPrivate Bank as operating in coastal Southern California, with a strategy centered on being a relationship bank in that region. Management statements refer to the bank’s goal of being a "relationship bank" in coastal Southern California and to a focus on building and expanding quality relationships in the communities it serves. The bank has described expansion into Santa Barbara County through a Montecito office, led by experienced local bankers.

The company also notes that team members and the bank provide support to non‑profit organizations in the communities it serves, including volunteer activities and financial resources, as part of its community engagement.

Performance commentary and shareholder focus

In multiple quarterly and annual updates, Private Bancorp of America reports net income, return on average assets, return on average tangible common equity, and tangible book value per share. Management commentary highlights growth in core deposits, loan balances over longer periods, and net interest margin, as well as efficiency ratios that the company presents as part of its financial profile.

The company has also announced a stock repurchase program, with board authorization to devote a specified aggregate amount to repurchasing shares in privately negotiated transactions and in the open market under a trading plan. Management commentary frequently links financial performance and balance sheet management to a focus on client relationships and shareholder value.

Awards and industry rankings

CalPrivate Bank cites a number of industry recognitions in its public communications. These include being ranked by Bank Director’s RankingBanking as the 10th best U.S. bank and the #1 bank in its asset class for both return on assets and return on equity, as well as being listed among the top 5% of U.S. banks with assets between $2 billion and $10 billion by American Banker in specified years. The bank also notes recognition as the #1 SBA 504 Community Bank Lender in the United States, a Bauer Financial 5‑star rated bank, an SBA Preferred Lender, and a recipient of the Community Bank SBA 504 Lender of the Year award by the NADCO Community Impact Awards. The company further notes inclusion in a "Best 50 OTCQX" list.

These rankings and awards are presented by the company as external validation of its financial performance, client service metrics, and role in SBA lending.

Leadership and governance developments

Recent announcements have described changes and additions in leadership and governance. The company has reported the retirement of a Chief Credit Officer and the appointment of a new Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer with experience in community banking and regulatory roles. CalPrivate Bank has also announced the appointment of new members to its board of directors, including individuals with backgrounds in financial services regulation, risk management, digital banking, and consumer brands. These appointments are described as aligned with the bank’s focus on regulatory compliance, risk management, technology, and community‑based growth.

Stock information and trading venue

Private Bancorp of America, Inc. states that its common stock trades on the OTCQX market under the ticker symbol PBAM. The company has also been recognized in a "Best 50 OTCQX" ranking, which it cites in connection with its performance and trading venue.