Revenue during the quarter went down marginally by 1.12 percent to $8.18 million from $8.28 million in the previous year period. Net interest income for the quarter rose 4.02 percent over the prior year period to $7.76 million.

Community West Bancshares has made provision of $0.12 million for loan losses during the quarter, compared with a negative provision of $0.28 million in the same period last year.

Net interest margin contracted 27 basis points to 4.63 percent in the quarter from 4.90 percent in the last year period. Efficiency ratio for the quarter deteriorated to 70.72 percent from 63.64 percent in the previous year period. A rise in efficiency ratio suggests a fall in profitability.

"Solid profitability, a healthy net interest margin, improving asset quality and robust loan and deposit growth were the highlights of our 2016 financial results," stated Martin E. Plourd, president and chief executive officer. "The strength of the economy in our local marketplace continues to sustain and build our community banking franchise with strong on-going demand for our high-service approach to lending and deposit programs. Our focus in the coming year remains on the local markets and expanding our franchise through organic growth. The increase in non-interest expenses in 4Q16 compared to 4Q15 is primarily due to additional lenders and staff. We will continue to invest in our future, with the opening of the San Luis Obispo branch in November 2016, the relocated branch in Santa Maria in January 2017 and the new Oxnard branch scheduled to open next week."

Deposits stood at $612.24 million as on Dec. 31, 2016, up 12.47 percent compared with $544.34 million on Dec. 31, 2015.

Noninterest-bearing deposit liabilities were $100.37 million or 16.39 percent of total deposits on Dec. 31, 2016, compared with $76.47 million or 14.05 percent of total deposits on Dec. 31, 2015.

Investments stood at $31.68 million as on Dec. 31, 2016, up 3.99 percent or $1.22 million from year-ago. Shareholders equity was at $65.34 million as on Dec. 31, 2016.

Return on average assets moved down 41 basis points to 0.78 percent in the quarter from 1.19 percent in the last year period. At the same time, return on average equity decreased 379 basis points to 8.17 percent in the quarter from 11.96 percent in the last year period.

Tier-1 leverage ratio stood at 10.08 percent for the quarter, down from 10.38 percent for the previous year quarter. Book value per share was $8.07 for the quarter, up 6.89 percent or $0.52 compared to $7.55 for the same period last year.