UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020

or

 

oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from to 

 

Commission File Number: 0-31525

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

California 68-0352144
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3100 Zinfandel Drive, Suite 450, Rancho Cordova, California 95670
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(916) 851-0123
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

(916) 851-0123

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

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

Title of each classTrading symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par valueAMRBNasdaq Global Select Market

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.

Yesx Noo

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yesx Noo

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 fileroAccelerated filerx
Non-accelerated fileroSmaller reporting companyx

Emerging growth companyo

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.o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yeso Nox

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

No par value Common Stock – 5,900,239shares5,918,375shares outstanding at NovemberMay 7, 20192020

 
 

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019MARCH 31, 2020

Part I.  PagePage 
    
Item 1.Financial Statements3Financial Statements3
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations27Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations27
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk46Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk44
Item 4.Controls and Procedures47Controls and Procedures46
    
Part II.    
    
Item 1.Legal Proceedings48Legal Proceedings46
Item 1A. Risk Factors48Risk Factors46
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds48Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds47
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities48Defaults Upon Senior Securities47
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures48Mine Safety Disclosures47
Item 5.Other Information48Other Information47
Item 6.Exhibits49Exhibits47
    
SignaturesSignatures50 48
   
ExhibitsExhibits   
   
31.1Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 200251Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 200249
31.2Certifications of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 52

Certifications of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 200250
32.1Certification of American River Bankshares by its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 53

Certification of American River Bankshares by its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 200251
  
101.INSXBRL Instance Document 
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema 
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation 
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition 
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label 
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation 

101.INSXBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

2
 

PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands) 

September 30,
2019

  

December 31,

2018

  

March 31,
2020

  

December 31,
2019

 
ASSETS
                
        
Cash and due from banks $14,512  $20,987  $15,272  $15,258 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  14,870   1,746   11,400   2,552 
Federal funds sold     7,000 
Total cash and cash equivalents  29,382   29,733   26,672   17,810 
Investment securities:                
Available-for-sale, at fair value  276,055   294,933   255,624   261,965 
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost  256   292 
Loans and leases, less allowance for loan and lease losses of $4,953 at September 30, 2019 and $4,392 at December 31, 2018  369,940   318,516 
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost fair value of $261 in 2020 and $266 in 2019  240   248 
Loans, less allowance for loan losses of $5,637 at March 31, 2020and $5,138 at December 31, 2019  388,044   393,802 
Premises and equipment, net  1,217   1,071   996   1,191 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock  4,259   3,932   4,259   4,259 
Goodwill and other intangible assets  16,321   16,321 
Goodwill  16,321   16,321 
Other real estate owned  957   957   846   846 
Bank owned life insurance  15,676   15,429   15,847   15,763 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets  7,218   6,908   7,204   8,148 
Total assets $721,281  $688,092  $716,053  $720,353 
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
                
Deposits:                
Noninterest bearing $228,517  $214,745  $229,793  $227,055 
Interest-bearing  384,387   375,929   373,343   377,782 
Total deposits  612,904   590,674   603,136   604,837 
                
Short-term borrowings  5,000   5,000   5,000   9,000 
Long-term borrowings  10,500   10,500   10,500   10,500 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities  10,028   7,197   10,563   13,107 
                
Total liabilities  638,432   613,371   629,199   637,444 
                
Shareholders’ equity:                
Preferred stock, no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding              
Common stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding – 5,903,228 shares at September 30, 2019 and 5,858,428 shares at December 31, 2018  30,466   30,103 
Common stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding – 5,918,375 shares at March 31, 2020 and 5,898,878 shares at December 31, 2019  30,634   30,536 
Retained earnings  49,487   46,494   51,600   50,581 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes  2,896   (1,876)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes  4,620   1,792 
                
Total shareholders’ equity  82,849   74,721   86,854   82,909 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $721,281  $688,092  $716,053  $720,353 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

3
 

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

      
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)   
For the three months ended March 31, 2020  2019 
Interest income:        
Interest and fees on loans:        
Taxable $4,675  $3,818 
Exempt from Federal income taxes  230   149 
Interest on Federal funds sold     5 
Interest on deposits in banks  34   44 
Interest and dividends on investment securities:        
Taxable  1,739   2,024 
Exempt from Federal income taxes  37   92 
Total interest income  6,715   6,132 
Interest expense:        
Interest on deposits  440   489 
Interest on borrowings  87   94 
Total interest expense  527   583 
         
Net interest income  6,188   5,549 
         
Provision for loan losses  495   180 
         
Net interest income after provision for loan losses  5,693   5,369 
         
Noninterest income:        
Service charges on deposit accounts  155   121 
Gain on sale of securities  38   36 
Other noninterest income  259   254 
Total noninterest income  452   411 
         
Noninterest expense:        
Salaries and employee benefits  2,865   2,781 
Occupancy  256   257 
Furniture and equipment  143   140 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessments  27   50 
Expenses related to other real estate owned  5   4 
Other expense  920   1,028 
Total noninterest expense  4,216   4,260 
         
Income before provision for income taxes  1,929   1,520 
Provision for income taxes  497   374 
        
Net income $1,432  $1,146 
         
Basic earnings per share $0.24  $0.20 
Diluted earnings per share $0.24  $0.20 
         

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)            
For the periods ended September 30, Three months  Nine months 
  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Interest income:                
Interest and fees on loans:                
Taxable $4,397  $3,405  $12,329  $10,216 
Exempt from Federal income taxes  186   127   501   383 
Interest on Federal funds sold     120   5   268 
Interest on deposits in banks  71   10   151   23 
Interest and dividends on investment securities:                
Taxable  1,846   1,902   5,756   4,930 
Exempt from Federal income taxes  55   102   221   410 
Total interest income  6,555   5,666   18,963   16,230 
Interest expense:                
Interest on deposits  545   346   1,558   945 
Interest on borrowings  82   63   300   171 
Total interest expense  627   409   1,858   1,116 
                 
Net interest income  5,928   5,257   17,105   15,114 
                 
Provision for loan and lease losses  120   50   480   50 
                 
Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses  5,808   5,207   16,625   15,064 
                 
Noninterest income:                
Service charges on deposit accounts  149   119   409   352 
Gain on sale or call of securities  9   8   74   19 
Other noninterest income  259   250   766   758 
Total noninterest income  417   377   1,249   1,129 
                 
Noninterest expense:                
Salaries and employee benefits  2,898   2,551   8,423   7,274 
Occupancy  256   267   768   791 
Furniture and equipment  120   141   400   415 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessments  (47)  52   48   158 
Expenses related to other real estate owned  7   10   15   12 
Other expense  859   982   2,847   2,531 
Total noninterest expense  4,093   4,003   12,501   11,181 
                 
Income before provision for income taxes  2,132   1,581   5,373   5,012 
                 
Provision for income taxes  561   428   1,380   1,237 
                 
Net income $1,571  $1,153  $3,993  $3,775 
                 
Basic earnings per share $0.27  $0.20  $0.68  $0.64 
Diluted earnings per share $0.27  $0.20  $0.68  $0.64 

See notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

4
 

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

(dollars in thousands)            
For the periods ended September 30, Three months Nine months 
 2019 2018 2019 2018 
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 2019 
Net income $1,571  $1,153  $3,993  $3,775  $1,432  $1,146 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                
Increase (decrease) in net unrealized gains (losses) on
investment securities
  972   (1,606)  6,849   (5,516)
Deferred tax (expense) benefit  (287)  511   (2,025)  1,760 
Increase (decrease) in net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities, net of tax  685   (1,095)  4,824   (3,756)
Other comprehensive income:        
Increase in net unrealized gains on investment securities  4,053   2,626 
Deferred tax expense  (1,198)  (776)
Increase in net unrealized gains on investment securities, net of tax  2,855   1,850 
                        
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income  (9)  (8)  (74)  (19)  (38)  (36)
Tax effect  3   3   22   6   11   10 
Realized gains, net of tax  (6)  (5)  (52)  (13)  (27)  (26)
                        
Total other comprehensive income (loss)  679   (1,100)  4,772   (3,769)
Total other comprehensive income  2,828   1,824 
Comprehensive income $4,260  $2,970 
                        
Comprehensive income $2,250  $53  $8,765  $6 

See Notesnotes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

5
 

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

       Accumulated   
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)       Other Total 
 Common Stock Retained Comprehensive Shareholders'        Accumulated   
 Shares Amount Earnings Income (Loss) Equity        Other Total 
Balance, January 1, 2018  6,132,362  $34,463  $42,779  $(321) $76,921 
                    
Net income          3,775       3,775 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:              (3,769)  (3,769)
Cash dividends ($0.15 per share)          (895)      (895)
Net restricted stock award activity and related compensation expense  17,859   212   1       213 
Stock options exercised  13,359   123           123 
Stock option compensation expense     21           21 
Retirement of common stock  (298,778)  (4,654)          (4,654)
                    
Balance, September 30, 2018  5,864,802  $30,165  $45,660  $(4,090) $71,735 
(dollars in thousands) Common Stock Retained Comprehensive Shareholders’ 
                     Shares Amount Earnings Income (Loss) Equity 
Balance, January 1, 2019  5,858,428  $30,103  $46,494  $(1,876) $74,721   5,858,428  $30,103  $46,494  $(1,876) $74,721 
                                        
Net income          3,993       3,993           1,146       1,146 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:              4,772   4,772                     
Cash dividends ($0.17 per share)          (1,000)      (1,000)
Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities              1,824   1,824 
                    
Cash dividends ($0.05 per share)          (293)      (293)
Net restricted stock award activity and related compensation expense  33,660   257           257   18,394   79           79 
Stock options exercised  11,140   95           95   11,140   95           95 
Stock option compensation expense     11           11       4           4 
                                        
Balance, September 30, 2019  5,903,228  $30,466  $49,487  $2,896  $82,849 
Balance, March 31, 2019  5,887,962  $30,281  $47,347  $(52) $77,576 
                    
Balance, January 1, 2020  5,898,878  $30,536  $50,581  $1,792  $82,909 
Net income          1,432       1,432 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                    
Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities              2,828   2,828 
                    
Cash dividends ($0.07 per share)          (413)      (413)
Net restricted stock award activity and related compensation expense  19,497   96           96 
Stock option compensation expense      2           2 
                    
Balance, March 31, 2020  5,918,375  $30,634  $51,600  $4,620  $86,854 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

6
 

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

           Accumulated    
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)          Other  Total 
  Common Stock  Retained  Comprehensive  Shareholders' 
  Shares  Amount  Earnings  (Loss) Income  Equity 
Balance, July 1, 2018  5,864,802  $30,082  $44,801  $(2,990) $71,893 
                     
Net income          1,153       1,153 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax              (1,100)  (1,100)
Cash dividends ($0.05 per share)          (294)      (294)
Net restricted stock award activity and related compensation expense      76           76 
Stock option compensation expense      7           7 
                     
Balance, September 30, 2018  5,864,802  $30,165  $45,660  $(4,090) $71,735 
                     
Balance, July 1, 2019  5,903,228  $30,373  $48,329  $2,217  $80,919 
                     
Net income          1,571       1,571 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax              679   679 
Cash dividends ($0.07 per share)          (413)      (413)
Net restricted stock award activity and related compensation expense      90           90 
Stock option compensation expense      3           3 
                     
Balance, September 30, 2019  5,903,228  $30,466  $49,487  $2,896  $82,849 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

7

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

 

(dollars in thousands)          
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 2018 
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 2019 
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net income $3,993  $3,775  $1,432  $1,146 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Provision for loan and lease losses  480   50 
Provision for loan losses  495   180 
Decrease in deferred loan origination fees and costs, net  (454)  (53)  (64)  (231)
Depreciation and amortization  170   201   219   66 
Gain on sale of investment securities, net  (74)  (19)
Gain on sale and call of investment securities  (38)  (36)
Amortization of investment security premiums and discounts, net  1,117   1,969   304   404 
Increase in cash surrender values of life insurance policies  (247)  (228)  (84)  (81)
Stock based compensation expense  268   234   98   83 
Decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets  479   163 
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable and other liabilities  39   (182)
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets  (407)  349 
Decrease in accrued interest payable and other liabilities  (2,380)  (656)
                
Net cash provided by operating activities  5,771   5,910 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities  (425)  1,224 
                
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale investment securities  43,213   24,753   4,229   2,022 
Proceeds from matured available-for-sale investment securities  5,000         3,000 
Proceeds from called available-for-sale investment securities     1,499 
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities  (56,978)  (81,850)  (4,987)  (4,702)
Proceeds from principal repayments for available-for-sale investment securities  33,375   33,196   10,848   10,232 
Proceeds from principal repayments for held-to-maturity investment securities  36   67   8   15 
Net increase in loans  (34,077)  (2,956)
Net decrease (increase) in loans  8,164   (11,746)
Purchases of loans  (17,373)     (2,837)  (5,694)
Proceed from sale of loans     1,349 
Net increase in FHLB stock  (327)   
Purchases of equipment  (316)  (115)  (24)  (146)
                
Net cash used in investing activities  (27,447)  (24,057)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  15,401   (7,019)

 

(Continued)

87
 

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

 

(dollars in thousands)          
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 2018 
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 2019 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Net increase in demand, interest-bearing and savings deposits $24,081  $22,420 
Net increase (decrease) in demand, interest-bearing and savings deposits $1,193  $(17,895)
Net decrease in time deposits  (1,851)  (2,680)  (2,894)  (400)
Net increase in short-term borrowings     3,000 
Net decrease to long-term borrowings     (3,000)
Proceeds from stock options exercised  95   123 
(Decrease) increase in short term borrowing  (4,000)  14,000 
Proceeds from exercised options     95 
Cash dividends paid  (1,000)  (895)  (413)  (293)
Cash paid to repurchase common stock     (4,654)
                
Net cash provided by financing activities $21,325  $14,314 
Net cash used in financing activities  (6,114)  (4,493)
                
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (351)  (3,833)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  8,862   (10,288)
                
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  29,733   38,467   17,810   27,733 
                
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $29,382  $34,634  $26,672  $19,445 
                
Supplemental noncash disclosures:                
Right of use asset and obligation recorded upon adoption of ASU 2016-02 $3,570  $  $  $3,570 
                
Cash paid during the year for:                
Interest expense $1,682  $1,113  $533  $551 
Income taxes $1,218  $785  $  $ 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

98
 

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2019March 31, 2020

 

1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of American River Bankshares (the “Company”) at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018,2019, the results of its operations and statement of comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, its cash flows for the nine-monththree-month periods ended September 30,March 31, 2020 and 2019 and 2018 and its statement of changes in shareholders’ equity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Certain disclosures normally presented in the notes to the annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019. The results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periodsperiod ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 may not necessarily be indicative of the operating results for the full year.

 

In preparing such financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

Management has determined that since all of the banking products and services offered by the Company are available in each branch office of American River Bank, all branch offices are located within the same economic environment and management does not allocate resources based on the performance of different lending or transaction activities, it is appropriate to aggregate all of the branch offices and report them as a single operating segment. No client accounts for more than ten percent (10%) of revenues for the Company or American River Bank.

 

Adoption of New Accounting Standard: On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases”, utilizing the effective date method under the modified retrospective approach. The Company currently leases nine of its office leases under operating leases. The Company’s present value of future lease payments as of January 1, 2019 was $3,570,000 which was recorded as a right-of-use asset included in accrued interest receivable and other assets with an offsetting liability included in accrued interest payable and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The effects of adopting ASU No. 2016-02 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

2. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION 

Equity Plans

On March 17, 2010, the Board of Directors adopted the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). The 2010 Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders on May 20, 2010. At September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 there were 29,958 stock options and 50,76554,468 restricted shares outstanding and the total number of authorized shares that remain available for issuance was 1,271,673.outstanding. The 2010 Plan providesexpired by its term on March 17, 2020. Accordingly, outstanding awards under the 2010 Plan are exercisable and will continue to vest until their expiration, but no new awards may be granted under the 2010 Plan. The 2010 Plan provided for the following types of stock-based awards: incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted performance stock, unrestricted Company stock, and performance units. Under the 2010 Plan, the awards may bewere granted to employees and directors under incentive and nonqualified option agreements, restricted stock agreements, and other awards agreements. The unvested restricted stock under the 2010 Plan have dividend and voting rights. The 2010 Plan requiresrequired that the option price may not be less than the fair market value of the stock at the date the option is awarded. The option awards expire on dates determined by the Board of Directors, but not later than ten years from the date of award. The vesting period is generally five years; however, the vesting period can be modified at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. Outstanding option awards are exercisable until their expiration. New shares are issued upon exercise of an option.

10

The award date fair value of awards is determined by the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of award and is recognized ratably as compensation expense or director expense over the vesting periods. The shares of common stock awarded pursuant to such agreements vest in increments over one to five years from the date of award. The shares awarded to employees and directors under the restricted stock agreements vest on the applicable vesting dates only to the extent the recipient of the shares is then an employee or a director of the Company or one of its subsidiaries, and each recipient will forfeit all of the shares that have not vested on the date his or her employment or service is terminated.

9

Equity Compensation

For the three-month periods ended September 30,March 31, 2020 and 2019, and 2018, the compensation cost recognized for equity compensation was $93,000$98,000 and $83,000, respectively and therespectively. The recognized tax benefit for equity compensation expense was $25,000$26,000 and $21,000, respectively, for the same three-month periods ended. For the nine-month periods ended September 30,March 31, 2020 and 2019, and 2018, the compensation cost recognized for equity compensation was $268,000 and $233,000, respectively, and the recognized tax benefit for equity compensation expense was $69,000 and $57,000, respectively, for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

At September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, the total unrecognized pre-tax compensation cost related to nonvested stock option awards not yet recorded was $6,000.is $1,000. This amount will be recognized over the next 1.80.25 years and the weighted average period of recognizing these costs is expected to be 0.80.1 years. At September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, the total compensation cost related to restricted stock awards not yet recorded was $521,000.is $591,000. This amount will be recognized over the next 4.74.2 years and the weighted average period of recognizing these costs is expected to be 1.01.3 years.

Equity Plans Activity

Stock Options

There were no stock options awarded during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 or September 30, 2018.March 31, 2020 and 2019. A summary of option activity under the Plans as of September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and changes during the period then ended is presented below:

 

 

 

 

Options

 Shares  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value ($000)
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2019  41,098  $8.71   2.3 years  $215 
Awarded            
Exercised  (11,140)  8.50       
Expired, forfeited or cancelled            
Outstanding at September 30, 2019  29,958  $8.79   4.6 years  $150 
                 
Vested at September 30, 2019  27,735  $8.73   4.6 years  $141 
                 
Non-vested at September 30, 2019  2,223  $9.56   5.6 years  $9 

 

Options

 Shares  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value ($000)
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2020  29,958  $8.79   4.4 years  $182 
Granted            
Exercised            
Expired, forfeited or cancelled            
Outstanding at March 31, 2020  29,958  $8.79   4.2 years  $8 
Vested at March 31, 2020  27,735  $8.73   4.1 years  $8 
Non-vested at March 31, 2020  2,223  $9.56   5.1 years  $ 

Restricted Stock

 

There were no19,497 shares of restricted stock awarded during the three-month periodsperiod ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and 2018. There were 33,968 and 22,51418,394 shares of restricted stock awarded during the nine-month periodsthree-month period ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

11

March 31, 2019. There were no9,000 and 3,864 restricted sharestock awards that were fully vested during the three-month periods ended September 30,March 31, 2020 and 2019, and 2018. There were 15,423 restricted share awards that were fully vested during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 and 25,455 restricted share awards that were fully vested during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. There were zero and 308 restricted share awards forfeited during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively. There were zero and 4,655 restricted share awards forfeited during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The intrinsic value of nonvested restricted sharesstock at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 was $701,000.$470,000.

 

Restricted Stock

 Shares Weighted
Average Award
Date
Fair Value
  Shares Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Nonvested at January 1, 2019  32,528  $14.60 
Nonvested at January 1, 2020  43,971  $13.95 
Awarded  33,968   13.67   19,497   14.64 
Less: Vested  (15,423)  14.55   9,000   14.59 
Less: Expired, forfeited or cancelled  (308)  15.58       
Nonvested at September 30, 2019  50,765  $13.98 
Nonvested at March 31, 2020  54,468  $14.09 

Other Equity Awards

 

There were no stock appreciation rights, restricted performance stock, unrestricted Company stock, or performance units awarded during the three-month or nine-month month periods ended September 30,March 31, 2020 or 2019 or 2018 or outstanding at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2018.2019.

10

The intrinsic value used for stock options and restricted stock awards was derived from the market price of the Company’s common stock of $13.80$8.62 as of September 30, 2019.March 31, 2020.

 

3. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

In the normal course of business there are outstanding various commitments to extend credit which are not reflected in the financial statements, including loan commitments of approximately $37,117,000$30,524,000 and standby letters of credit of approximately $60,000 at March 31, 2020 and loan commitments of approximately $40,324,000 and standby letters of credit of approximately $300,000 at September 30, 2019 and loan commitments of approximately $34,276,000 and standby letters of credit of approximately $361,000 at December 31, 2018.2019. Such commitments relate primarily to real estate construction loans, revolving lines of credit and other commercial loans. However, all such commitments will not necessarily culminate in actual extensions of credit by the Company during 20192020 as some of these are expected to expire without being fully drawn upon.

 

Standby letters of credit are commitments issued to guarantee the performance or financial obligation of a client to a third party. These guarantees are issued primarily relating to purchases of inventory, insurance programs, performance obligations to government agencies, or as security for real estate rents by commercial clients and are typically short-term in nature. Credit risk is similar to that involved in extending loan commitments to clients and accordingly, evaluation and collateral requirements similar to those for loan commitments are used. The majority of all such commitments are collateralized. The fair value of the liability related to these standby letters of credit, which represents the fees received for issuing the guarantees, was not significant at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2018.

2019.

4. EARNINGS PER SHARE COMPUTATION

 

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period (5,852,463(5,858,919 shares and 5,845,2425,836,579 shares for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30,March 31, 2020 and 2019, and 5,823,345 and 5,886,977 shares for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018)respectively). Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock, such as stock options or restricted stock, result in the issuance of common stock. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period plus the dilutive effect of stock based awards. There were 18,453 and 18,737, respectively, dilutiveawards (24,657 shares for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 41,482 and 38,700, respectively, dilutive21,048 shares for the three-month and nine-month periodsperiod ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019). For the three-month periods ended September 30,March 31, 2020 and 2019, and 2018, there were zero stock options that were excluded from the calculation as they were considered antidilutive.

For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, there were zero stock options that were excluded from the calculation as they were considered antidilutive. Earnings per share is retroactively adjusted for stock dividends and stock splits, if applicable, for all periods presented.

12

5. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity investment securities at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 20182019 consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

Available-for-Sale

 September 30, 2019  March 31, 2020 
 Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Estimated
Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Debt securities:                                
U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Entities $257,664  $4,550  $(898) $261,316 
US Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies $229,280  $7,529  $(1,421) $235,388 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  7,785   328      8,113   13,290   310   (2)  13,598 
Corporate bonds  6,495   131      6,626   6,496   147   (5)  6,638 
 $271,944  $5,009  $(898) $276,055  $249,066  $7,986  $(1,428) $255,624 

  December 31, 2018 
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Debt securities:                
U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Entities $271,685  $984  $(3,620) $269,049 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  14,440   165   (205)  14,400 
Corporate bonds  6,493   74   (59)  6,508 
U.S. Treasury securities  4,979      (3)  4,976 
  $297,597  $1,223  $(3,887) $294,933 
11

  December 31, 2019 
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Debt securities:                
US Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies $239,617  $3,371  $(1,101) $241,887 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  13,308   212   (73)  13,447 
Corporate bonds  6,496   135      6,631 
  $259,421  $3,718  $(1,174) $261,965 

 

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities totaling $4,111,000$6,558,000 were recorded, net of $1,215,000$1,938,000 in tax liabilities, as accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity at September 30,March 31, 2020. Proceeds and gross realized gains from the sale and call of available-for-sale investment securities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 totaled $4,229,000 and $38,000, respectively. There were no transfers of available-for-sale investment securities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020.

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities totaling $2,544,000 were recorded, net of $752,000 in tax liabilities, as accumulated other comprehensive loss within shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2019. Proceeds and gross realized gains from the sale and call of available-for-sale investment securities totaled $13,538,000 and $9,000, respectively, for the three-month period ended September 30,March 31, 2019 totaled $2,022,000 and for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, proceeds and gross realized gains from the sale and call of available-for-sale investment securities totaled $43,213,000 and $74,000,$36,000, respectively. There were no transfers of available-for-sale investment securities for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019.

Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities totaling $2,664,000 were recorded, net of $788,000 in tax liabilities, as accumulated other comprehensive loss within shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2018. Proceeds and gross realized gains from the sale and call of available-for-sale investment securities totaled $10,310,000 and $8,000, respectively, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018 and for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, proceeds and gross realized gains from the sale and call of available-for-sale investment securities totaled $26,252,000 and $19,000, respectively. There were no transfers of available-for-sale investment securities for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019.

13

Held-to-Maturity

March 31, 2020            
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Debt securities:                
US Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies $240  $21  $  $261 
                 
December 31, 2019            
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Debt securities:                
US Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies $248  $18  $  $266 

September 30, 2019            
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Debt securities:                
U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Entities $256  $19  $  $275 
                 
December 31, 2018 Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Debt securities:                
U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Entities $292  $14  $  $306 

 

There were no sales or transfers of held-to-maturity investment securities for the periods ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019. Investment securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 20182019 are summarized and classified according to the duration of the loss period as follows (dollars in thousands):

September 30, 2019 Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
Available-for-Sale Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
 
                         
Debt securities:                        
U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Entities $52,569  $(242) $53,438  $(656) $106,007  $(898)
  $52,569  $(242) $53,438  $(656) $106,007  $(898)
12

December 31, 2018 Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
Available-for-Sale Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
 
                         
Debt securities:                        
U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Entities $39,267  $(310) $138,894  $(3,310) $178,161  $(3,620)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  2,168   (28)  5,583   (177)  7,751   (205)
Corporate bonds  497   (4)  1,938   (55)  2,435   (59)
U.S. Treasury securities  4,976   (3)        4,976   (3)
  $46,908  $(345) $146,415  $(3,542) $193,323  $(3,887)

March 31, 2020 Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
 
Available-for-Sale                        
                         
Debt securities:                        
US Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies $39,050  $(693) $22,708  $(728) $61,758  $(1,421)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  1,507   (2)        1,507   (2)
Corporate bonds  2,491   (5)        2,491   (5)
  $43,048  $(700) $22,708  $(728) $65,756  $(1,428)
                         
December 31, 2019 Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
 
Available-for-Sale                        
                         
Debt securities:                        
US Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies $65,082  $(438) $38,380  $(663) $103,462  $(1,101)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  8,060   (73)        8,060   (73)
  $73,142  $(511) $38,380  $(663) $111,522  $(1,174)

There were no held-to-maturity investment securities with unrealized losses as of September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2018.  2019.

At September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, the Company held 210204 securities of which 2622 were in a loss position for less than twelve months and 3917 were in a loss position for twelve months or more.  Of the 26These 17 securities in a loss position for less than twelve months, all 26 were U.S. Government Agenciesconsisted of mortgage-backed, corporate and Sponsored Entities securities and of the 39 securities that were in a loss position for greater than twelve months, all 39 were U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Entitiesmunicipal securities.  

At December 31, 2018,2019, the Company held 220205 securities of which 2641 were in a loss position for less than twelve months and 9729 were in a loss position for twelve months or more.  Of the 97These 29 securities in a loss position for greater than twelve months at December 31, 2018, one was aconsisted of mortgage-backed, corporate securities, five wereand municipal securities and 91 were U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Entities securities.

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The unrealized loss on the Company’s investment securities is primarily driven by interest rates.  Because the decline in market value is attributable to a change in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments until recovery of fair value, which may be until maturity, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 by contractual maturity are shown below (dollars in thousands).

 Available-for-Sale Held-to-Maturity 
 Amortized
Cost
 Estimated
Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Estimated
Fair
Value
  Available-for-Sale Held-to-Maturity 
          Amortized
Cost
 Estimated
Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Within one year $755  $758          $500  $498         
After one year through five years  2,937   2,954           2,937   2,940         
After five years through ten years  7,153   7,380           10,395   10,673         
After ten years  3,435   3,647           5,954   6,125         
  14,280   14,739           19,786   20,236         
Investment securities not due at a single maturity date:                                
U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Entities  257,664   261,316  $256  $275 
US Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies  229,280   235,388  $240  $261 
 $271,944  $276,055  $256  $275  $249,066  $255,624  $240  $261 

13

Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

6. IMPAIRED AND NONPERFORMING LOANS AND LEASES AND OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

At September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018,2019, the recorded investment in nonperforming loans and leases was zero and $27,000, respectively.in both periods. Nonperforming loans and leases include all such loans and leases that are either placed on nonaccrual status or are 90 days past due as to principal or interest but still accrue interest because such loans are well-secured and in the process of collection.

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the recorded investment in other assets was zero and $517,000, respectively. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company sold the repossessed automobile that was in the other assets category at December 31, 2019 for $517,000. Nonperforming loans and other assets and OREO at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

  March 31,
2020
  December 31,
2019
 
Nonaccrual loans that are current to terms (less than 30 days past due) $  $ 
Nonaccrual loans that are past due      
Loans past due 90 days and accruing interest      
Other real estate owned  846   846 
Other assets     517 
Total nonperforming assets $846  $1,363 
         
Nonperforming loans to total loans      
Total nonperforming assets to total assets  0.12%  0.19%

The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due (principal and interest) according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement. At September 30, 2019, the recorded investment in loans and leases that were considered to be impaired totaled $7,662,000, all of which were considered performing loans and leases. Of the total impaired loans of $7,662,000, loans totaling $5,879,000 were deemed to require no specific reserve and loans totaling $1,783,000 were deemed to require a related valuation allowance of $82,000. At December 31, 2018, the recorded investment in loans and leases that were considered to be impaired totaled $8,702,000. Of the total impaired loans of $8,702,000, loans totaling $5,968,000 were deemed to require no specific reserve and loans totaling $2,734,000 were deemed to require a related valuation allowance of $185,000.

At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the recorded investment in other real estate owned (“OREO”) was $957,000. At September 30, 2019 the Company did not own any residential OREO properties nor were there any residential properties in the process of foreclosure. During the first nine months of 2019, the Company did not add any new or sell any of the OREO properties, nor did we decrease the book value on any of the properties. The September 30, 2019 OREO balance of $957,000 consisted of one parcel of land zoned for commercial use.

15

Nonperforming assets at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are summarized as follows:

(dollars in thousands) September 30,
2019
  December 31,
2018
 
Nonaccrual loans and leases that are current to terms (less than 30 days past due) $  $27 
Nonaccrual loans and leases that are past due      
Loans and leases past due 90 days and accruing interest      
Other real estate owned  957   957 
Total nonperforming assets $957  $984 
         
Nonperforming loans and leases to total loans and leases  0.00%  0.01%
Total nonperforming assets to total assets  0.13%  0.14%

Impaired loans and leases as of and for the periods ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 20182019 are summarized as follows:

(dollars in thousands) As of September 30, 2019  As of December 31, 2018 
  

 

Recorded

Investment

  

Unpaid
Principal

Balance

  

 

Related

Allowance

  

 

Recorded

Investment

  

Unpaid
Principal

Balance

  

 

Related
Allowance

 
With no related allowance recorded:                        
                         
Real estate-commercial $5,560  $5,694  $  $5,645  $5,879  $ 
Real estate-residential  319   406      323   410    
Subtotal $5,879  $6,100  $  $5,968  $6,289  $ 
                         
With an allowance recorded:                        
                         
Real estate-commercial $1,645  $1,718  $72  $2,138  $2,217  $132 
Real estate-residential  138   138   10   596   596   53 
Subtotal $1,783  $1,856  $82  $2,734  $2,813  $185 
                         
Total:                        
                         
Real estate-commercial $7,205  $7,412  $72  $7,783  $8,096  $132 
Real estate-residential  457   544   10   919   1,006   53 
  $7,662  $7,956  $82  $8,702  $9,102  $185 

The following table presents the average balance related to impaired loans and leases for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

(in thousands) As of March 31, 2020 As of December 31, 2019 
 Average Recorded Investments
for the three months ended
 Average Recorded Investments
for the nine months ended
  

 

Recorded

Investment

 

Unpaid
Principal

Balance

 

 

Related

Allowance

 

 

Recorded

Investment

 

Unpaid
Principal

Balance

 

 

Related

Allowance

 
 September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, 
With no related allowance recorded:                        
 2019 2018 2019 2018                         
Real estate-commercial $7,231  $8,167  $7,347  $8,231  $5,502  $5,636  $  $5,530  $5,664  $ 
Real estate-residential  460   1,063   465   1,073   316   403      318   405    
Consumer     68      69 
Total $7,691  $9,298  $7,812  $9,373 
Subtotal $5,818  $6,039  $  $5,848  $6,069  $ 
                        
With an allowance recorded:                        
                        
Real estate-commercial $1,596  $1,667  $126   1,622   1,693   133 
Real estate-residential  130   130   8   134   134   9 
Subtotal $1,726  $1,797  $134  $1,756  $1,827  $142 
                        
Total:                        
                        
Real estate-commercial $7,098  $7,303  $126  $7,152  $7,357  $133 
Real estate-residential  446   533   8   452   539   9 
 $7,544  $7,836  $134  $7,604  $7,896  $142 
1614
 

The following table presents the average balance related to impaired loans for the periods indicated (in thousands):

  Average Recorded Investments
for the three months ended
 
  March 31,
2020
  March 31,
2019
 
       
Real estate-commercial $7,125  $7,823 
Real estate-residential  449   915 
Total $7,574  $8,738 

The following table presents the interest income recognized on impaired loans and leases for the periods indicated (dollars in(in thousands):

 Interest Income Recognized
for the three months ended
 Interest Income Recognized
for the nine months ended
  Interest Income Recognized
for the three months ended
 
 September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,  March 31,
2020
 March 31,
2019
 
 2019 2018 2019 2018      
Real estate-commercial $110  $120  $329  $341  $106  $114 
Real estate-residential  7   13   19   41   7   11 
Consumer     1      2 
Total $117  $134  $348  $384  $113  $125 

 

7. TROUBLED DEBT RESTRUCTURINGS

During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30,March 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no loans that were modified as troubled debt restructurings. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, there was one $18,000 commercial loan that was modified as a troubled debt restructuring. The loan was a term out of a line of credit to an amortizing loan with a rate reduction.

There were no payment defaults during the three months ended March 31, 2020 or March 31, 2019 on troubled debt restructurings within 12 months followingmade in the modification for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018.preceding twelve months. At September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018,2019, there were no unfunded commitments on those loans considered troubled debt restructures. See also “Impaired Loans and Leases”Loans” in Item 2.

8. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES

 

The Company’s loan and lease portfolio allocated by management’s internal risk ratings as of September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 20182019 are summarized below:

 

September 30, 2019 Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade 
March 31, 2020 Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade 
(dollars in thousands)   Real Estate    Real Estate 
 Commercial Commercial Multi-family Construction Residential  Commercial Commercial Multi-family Construction Residential 
Grade:                                        
Pass $36,080  $195,428  $57,221  $13,657  $28,355  $38,000  $211,866  $52,082  $20,871  $28,538 
Watch  4,978   7,151         623   37   4,291         598 
Special mention  21               4,850             
Substandard     135               134          
Doubtful or loss               
Total $41,079  $202,714  $57,221  $13,657  $28,978  $42,887  $216,291  $52,082  $20,871  $29,136 

 

 Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
Other Credit Exposure
    Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned
Grade Other Credit Exposure
   
 Leases Agriculture Consumer   Total  Agriculture Consumer Total 
Grade:                  
Pass $  $6,570  $24,652    $361,963  $6,411  $26,587  $384,355 
Watch        22       12,774      73   4,999 
Special mention               21         4,850 
Substandard               135         134 
Doubtful or loss         
Total $  $6,570  $24,674      $374,893  $6,411  $26,660  $394,338 
                    

December 31, 2018 Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade 
(dollars in thousands)    Real Estate 
  Commercial  Commercial  Multi-family  Construction  Residential 
Grade:                    
Pass $29,570  $185,548  $52,301  $5,685  $15,373 
Watch  53   13,118   3,838      965 
Special mention     1,087          
Substandard  27   141          
Doubtful               
Total $29,650  $199,894  $56,139  $5,685  $16,338 

  Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
Other Credit Exposure
       
  Leases  Agriculture  Consumer     Total 
Grade:               
Pass $32  $4,419  $10,691    $303,619 
Watch        22       17,996 
Special mention        1       1,088 
Substandard               168 
Doubtful                
Total $32  $4,419  $10,714      $322,871 
1715

December 31, 2019 Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade 
(dollars in thousands)    Real Estate 
  Commercial  Commercial  Multi-family  Construction  Residential 
Grade:                    
Pass $38,085  $208,140  $56,818  $23,169  $28,570 
Watch  4,915   6,329         610 
Special mention  19             
Substandard     135          
Doubtful or loss               
Total $43,019  $214,604  $56,818  $23,169  $29,180 

  Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned
Grade Other Credit Exposure
    
  Agriculture  Consumer  Total 
Grade:            
Pass $6,479  $26,317  $387,578 
Watch     75   11,929 
Special mention        19 
Substandard        135 
Doubtful or loss         
Total $6,479  $26,392  $399,661 

16
 

The allocation of the Company’s allowance for loan and lease losses and by portfolio segment and by impairment methodology are summarized below:

September 30, 2019   Real Estate Other     
March 31, 2020                   
(dollars in thousands) Commercial Commercial Multi-Family Construction Residential Leases Agriculture Consumer Unallocated Total    Real Estate Other     
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses                     
Beginning balance, January 1, 2019 $668  $2,114  $564  $267  $220  $  $88  $192  $279  $4,392 
 Commercial Commercial Multi-family Construction Residential Agriculture Consumer Unallocated Total 
Allowance for Loan Losses                                    
                                    
Beginning balance, January 1, 2020 $950  $1,906  $329  $986  $281  $107  $334  $245  $5,138 
Provision for loan losses  257   (184)  (149)  339   105      29   92   (9)  480   63   349   64   (98)  56   (4)  58   7   495 
Loans charged-off                                                         
Recoveries  5   8                  68      81   1   3                     4 
                                                                            
Ending balance, September 30, 2019 $930  $1,938  $415  $606  $325  $  $117  $352  $270  $4,953 
Ending balance, March 31, 2020 $1,014  $2,258  $393  $888  $337  $103  $392  $252  $5,637 
                                                                            
Ending balance:                                                                            
Individually evaluated for impairment $  $72  $  $  $10  $  $  $  $  $82  $  $126  $  $  $8  $  $  $  $134 
                                                                            
Ending balance:                                                                            
Collectively evaluated for impairment $930  $1,866  $415  $606  $315  $  $117  $352  $270  $4,871  $1,014  $2,132  $393  $888  $329  $103  $392  $252  $5,503 
                                                                            
Loans                                                                            
                                                                            
Ending balance $41,079  $202,714  $57,221  $13,657  $28,978  $  $6,570  $24,674  $  $374,893  $42,887  $216,291  $52,082  $20,871  $29,136  $6,411  $26,660  $  $394,338 
                                                                            
Ending balance:                                                                     ��      
Individually evaluated for impairment $  $7,205  $  $  $457  $  $  $  $  $7,662  $  $7,098  $  $  $446  $  $  $  $7,544 
                                                                            
Ending balance:                                                                            
Collectively evaluated for impairment $41,079  $195,509  $57,221  $13,657  $28,521  $  $6,570  $24,674  $  $367,231  $42,887  $209,193  $52,082  $20,871  $28,690  $6,411  $26,660  $  $386,794 
                                        
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses                                        
                                        
Beginning balance, June 30, 2019 $794  $2,085  $390  $454  $358  $  $131  $318  $231  $4,761 
Provision for loan losses  134   (149)  25   152   (33)     (14)  (34)  39   120 
Loans charged off                              
Recoveries  2   2                  68      72 
                                        
Ending balance, September 30, 2019 $930  $1,938  $415  $606  $325  $  $117  $352  $270  $4,953 

1817
 
December 31, 2018    Real Estate  Other       
(dollars in thousands) Commercial  Commercial  Multi-Family  Construction  Residential  Leases  Agriculture  Consumer  Unallocated  Total 
Ending balance:                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment $  $132  $  $  $53  $  $  $  $  $185 
                                         
Ending balance:                                        
Collectively evaluated for impairment $668  $1,982  $564  $267  $167  $  $88  $192  $279  $4,207 
                                         
Loans                                        
                                         
Ending balance $29,650  $199,894  $56,139  $5,685  $16,338  $32  $4,419  $10,714  $  $322,871 
                                         
Ending balance:                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment $  $7,783  $  $  $919  $  $  $  $  $8,702 
                                         
Ending balance:                                        
Collectively evaluated for impairment $29,650  $192,111  $56,139  $5,685  $15,419  $32  $4,419  $10,714  $  $314,169 
                               
September 30, 2018                              
(dollars in thousands)    Real Estate  Other       
  Commercial  Commercial  Multi-Family  Construction  Residential  Leases  Agriculture  Consumer  Unallocated  Total 
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses                                        
                                         
Beginning balance, January 1, 2018 $447  $2,174  $1,047  $269  $205  $  $31  $14  $291  $4,478 
Provision for loan losses  300   (208)  (307)  89   35   (1)  64   80   (2)  50 
Loans charged-off  (213)                          (213)
Recoveries  10   6            1            17 
                                         
Ending balance, September 30, 2018 $544  $1,972  $740  $358  $240  $  $95  $94  $289  $4,332 
                                         
                                         
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses                                        
                                         
Beginning balance, June 30, 2018 $669  $2,100  $839  $298  $239  $  $49  $11  $287  $4,492 
Provision for loan losses  87   (130)  (99)  60   1      46   83   2   50 
Loans charged off  (213)                          (213)
Recoveries  1   2                        3 
                                         
Ending balance, September 30, 2018 $544  $1,972  $740  $358  $240  $  $95  $94  $289  $4,332 

December 31, 2019                           
(dollars in thousands)    Real Estate  Other       
  Commercial  Commercial  Multi-family  Construction  Residential  Agriculture  Consumer  Unallocated  Total 
Allowance for Loan Losses                                    
                                     
Ending balance $950  $1,906  $329  $986  $281  $107  $334  $142  $5,138 
                                     
Ending balance:                                    
Individually evaluated for impairment $  $133  $  $  $9  $  $  $  $142 
                                     
Ending balance:                                    
Collectively evaluated for impairment $950  $1,773  $329  $986  $272  $107  $334  $245  $4,996 
                                     
Loans                                    
                                     
Ending balance $43,019  $214,604  $56,818  $23,169  $29,180  $6,479  $26,392  $  $399,661 
                                     
Ending balance:                                    
Individually evaluated for impairment $  $7,152  $  $  $452  $  $  $  $7,604 
                                     
Ending balance:                                    
Collectively evaluated for impairment $43,019  $207,452  $56,818  $23,169  $28,728  $6,479  $26,392  $  $392,057 

March 31, 2019                           
(dollars in thousands)    Real Estate  Other       
  Commercial  Commercial  Multi-family  Construction  Residential  Agriculture  Consumer  Unallocated  Total 
Beginning balance, January 1, 2019 $668  $2,114  $564  $267  $220   88  $192  $279  $4,392 
Provision for loan losses  (9)  (86)  (144)  141   129   80   65   4   180 
Loans charged-off                           
Recoveries  2   3                     5 
                                     
Ending balance, March 31, 2019 $661  $2,031  $420  $408  $349  $168  $257  $283  $4,577 

1918
 

The Company’s aging analysis of the loan and lease portfolio at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 20182019 are summarized below:

 

September 30, 2019                        
(dollars in thousands) 30-59 Days
Past Due
  60-89 Days
Past Due
  Past Due
Greater Than
90 Days
  Total Past
Due
  Current  Total Loans  Past Due
Greater Than
90 Days and
Accruing
  Nonaccrual 
Commercial:                                
Commercial $  $  $  $  $41,079  $41,079  $  $ 
Real estate:                                
Commercial              202,714   202,714       
Multi-family              57,221   57,221       
Construction              13,657   13,657       
Residential              28,978   28,978       
                                 
Other:                                
Leases                        
Agriculture              6,570   6,570       
Consumer              24,674   24,674       
                                 
Total $  $  $  $  $374,893  $374,893  $  $ 

December 31, 2018                 
March 31, 2020                 
(dollars in thousands) 30-59 Days
Past Due
 60-89 Days
Past Due
 Past Due
Greater Than
89 Days
 Total Past
Due
 Current Total Loans Past Due
Greater Than
89 Days and
Accruing
 Nonaccrual 
Commercial:                                
Commercial $4,834  $  $  $4,834  $38,053  $42,887  $  $ 
Real estate:                                
Commercial  810         810   215,481   216,291       
Multi-family              52,082   52,082       
Construction              20,871   20,871       
Residential              29,136   29,136       
Other:                                
Agriculture              6,411   6,411       
Consumer  36         36   26,624   26,660       
Total $5,680  $  $  $5,680  $388,658  $394,338  $  $ 
                                
December 31, 2019                 
(dollars in thousands) 30-59 Days
Past Due
 60-89 Days
Past Due
 Past Due
Greater Than
90 Days
 Total Past
Due
 Current Total Loans Past Due
Greater Than
90 Days and
Accruing
 Nonaccrual  30-59 Days
Past Due
 60-89 Days
Past Due
 Past Due
Greater Than
89 Days
 Total Past
Due
 Current Total Loans Past Due
Greater Than
89 Days and
Accruing
 Nonaccrual 
Commercial:                                                                
Commercial $  $  $  $  $29,650  $29,650  $  $27  $  $  $  $  $43,019  $43,019  $  $ 
                                                                
Real estate:                                                                
Commercial              199,894   199,894                     214,604   214,604       
Multi-family              56,139   56,139                     56,818   56,818       
Construction              5,685   5,685                     23,169   23,169       
Residential              16,338   16,338                     29,180   29,180       
                                                                
Other:                                                                
Leases              32   32       
Agriculture              4,419   4,419                     6,479   6,479       
Consumer              10,714   10,714         75            26,317   26,392       
                                                                
Total $  $  $  $  $322,871  $322,871  $  $27  $75  $  $  $  $399,586  $399,661  $  $ 
                                
2019
 


9. LEASES

 

The Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), on January 1, 2019, using the alternative transition method whereby comparative periods were not restated. No cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings was required. The Company also elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things allowed the Company to carry forward the historical lease classifications. Additionally, the Company elected the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term for existing leases.

 

The Company leases nine locations for administrative offices and branch locations. All leases were classified as operating leases. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and the related lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company elected to use the practical expedient to not recognize short-term leases on the consolidated balance sheet and instead account for them as executory contracts.

Certain leases include options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term, typically for five years. Lease assets and liabilities include related options that are reasonably certain of being exercised, however, in the case of those leases that have renewal options, the Company is not including those additional lease terms as the rates are undeterminable and it has been the Company’s historical practice to renegotiate lease terms upon expiration of the original lease terms. The depreciable life of leased assets is limited by the expected lease term.

 

Adoption of this standard resulted in the Company recognizing a right of use asset and a corresponding lease liability of $3,570,000 on January 1, 2019.

 

Supplemental lease information at or for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 is as follows:

Balance Sheet    
Operating lease asset classified as other assets $2,798,000 
Operating lease liability classified as other liabilities  3,025,000 
Income Statement    
Operating lease cost classified as occupancy and equipment expense $567,000 
Weighted average lease term, in years  6.01 
Weighted average discount rate (1)  3.07%
Operating cash flows $565,000 

Balance Sheet    
Operating lease asset classified as other assets $2,717,000 
Operating lease liability classified as other liabilities  2,932,000 
     
Income Statement    
     
Operating lease cost classified as occupancy and equipment expense $190,000 
Weighted average lease term, in years  5.47 
Weighted average discount rate (1)  2.98%
Operating cash flows $194,000 
     
(1)The discount rate was developed by using the fixed rate credit advance borrowing rate at the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco for a term correlating to the remaining life of each lease.

 

A maturity analysis of the Company’s lease liabilities at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 was as follows:

  Balance 
April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 $579,000 
January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021  739,000 
January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022  707,000 
January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023  282,000 
January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024  273,000 
Thereafter  657,000 
Total lease payments  3,237,000 
Less: Interest  (305,000)
Present value of lease liabilities $2,932,000 

  Balance 
October 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 $182,000 
January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020  688,000 
January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021  633,000 
January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022  282,000 
January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023  273,000 
Thereafter  657,000 
Total lease payments  3,375,000 
Less: Interest  (350,000)
Present value of lease liabilities $3,025,000 
2120
 

10. BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

 

At September 30,March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had $17,000,000 of unsecured short-term borrowing arrangements with two of its correspondent banks. There were no advances under the borrowing arrangements as of September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2018.2019.

 

The Company has a line of credit available with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (the “FHLB”) which is secured by pledged mortgage loans and investment securities. Borrowings may include overnight advances as well as loans with terms of up to thirty years. Advances (both short-term and long-term) totaling $15,500,000 were outstanding from the FHLB at September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, bearing interest rates ranging from 1.31% to 3.17% and maturing between July 13, 2020 and November 24, 2023. Advances totaling $15,500,000$19,500,000 were outstanding from the FHLB at December 31, 2018,2019, bearing interest rates ranging from 1.18%1.31% to 3.17% and maturing between April 30, 2019January 1, 2020 and November 24, 2023. Remaining amounts available under the borrowing arrangement with the FHLB at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 20182019 totaled $131,626,000$144,547,000 and $107,262,000,$143,406,000, respectively. In addition, the Company has a secured borrowing agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. The borrowing can be secured by pledging selected loans and investment securities. Borrowings generally are short-term including overnight advances as well as loans with terms up to ninety days. Amounts available under this borrowing arrangement at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 20182019 were $9,322,000$6,527,000 and $8,340,000,$8,642,000, respectively. There were no advances outstanding under this borrowing arrangement as of September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018.2019.

 

11. INCOME TAXES

 

The Company files its income taxes on a consolidated basis with its subsidiaries. The allocation of income tax expense (benefit) represents each entity’s proportionate share of the consolidated provision for (benefit from) income taxes.

The Company accounts for income taxes using the balance sheet method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. On the consolidated balance sheet, net deferred tax assets are included in accrued interest receivable and other assets.

The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any.  Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above, if applicable, is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if applicable, as a component of interest expense in the consolidated statement of income. There have been no unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and 2018.2019.

22

12. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018.2019. They indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.The authoritative accounting guidance for fair value measurements defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The fair value measurement is the exchange price to sell the asset or transfer the liability (exit price) in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact, and (iv) willing to transact.

21

The authoritative accounting guidance requires the use of valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement costs). Valuation techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. In general,that regard, the authoritative guidance establishes a fair values determined by Level 1value hierarchy for valuation inputs utilizethat gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities thatand the Company has the abilitylowest priority to access. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputsunobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

·Level 1 Inputs – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

·Level 2 Inputs – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (for example, interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

·Level 3 Inputs – Significant unobservable inputs that reflect an entity’s own assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities in active markets,measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. While management believes the Company’s valuation methodologies are appropriate and inputsconsistent with other than quoted prices that are observable formarket participants, the assetuse of different methodologies or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In 2018, the Company adopted the provisions of Accounting Standard Update 2016-01 “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 requires the Companyassumptions to use the exit price notion when measuringdetermine the fair value of certain financial instruments. In certain cases, the inputs used to measureinstruments could result in a different estimate of fair value may fall into different levels ofat the reporting date.

Securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value hierarchy. In such cases,utilizing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the level in theCompany obtains fair value hierarchy within which themeasurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based onmeasurements consider observable data that may include market spreads, cash flows, the lowest level input that is significant toUnited States Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, dealer quotes, market consensus prepayments speeds, credit information and the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgmentsecurity’s terms and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.conditions, among other items.

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Estimated fair values are disclosed for financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. These estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market data and information about the financial instruments. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument for sale at one time, nor do they attempt to estimate the value of anticipated future business related to the instruments. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of these estimates.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

  Carrying  Fair Value Measurements Using:    
September 30, 2019 Amount  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Financial assets:                    
Cash and due from banks $14,512  $14,512  $  $  $14,512 
Federal funds sold               
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  14,870   13,124   1,746      14,870 
Available-for-sale securities  276,055      276,055      276,055 
Held-to-maturity securities  256      275      275 
FHLB stock  4,259   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Net loans and leases  369,940         375,167   375,167 
Accrued interest receivable  2,019      762   1,157   1,919 
                     
Financial liabilities:                    
Deposits:                    
Noninterest-bearing $228,517  $228,517  $  $  $228,517 
Savings  75,980   75,980         75,980 
Money market  151,469   151,469         151,469 
NOW accounts  70,712   70,712         70,712 
Time Deposits  86,226      86,456      86,456 
Short-term borrowings  5,000   5,000         5,000 
Long-term borrowings  10,500      10,802      10,802 
Accrued interest payable  239   4   235      235 
  Carrying  Fair Value Measurements Using:    
December 31, 2018 Amount  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Financial assets:                    
Cash and due from banks $20,987  $20,987  $  $  $20,987 
Federal funds sold  7,000   7,000           7,000 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  1,746      1,746      1,746 
Available-for-sale securities  294,933   4,976   289,957      294,933 
Held-to-maturity securities  292      306      306 
FHLB stock  3,932   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Net loans and leases:  318,516         315,235   315,235 
Accrued interest receivable  1,959      1,044   915   1,959 
                     
Financial liabilities:                    
Deposits:                    
Noninterest-bearing $214,745  $214,745  $  $  $214,745 
Savings  72,522   72,522         72,522 
Money market  145,831   145,831         145,831 
Interest checking  69,489   69,489         69,489 
Time Deposits  88,087      88,078      88,078 
Short-term borrowings  5,000   5,000         5,000 
Long-term borrowings  10.500      10,733      10,733 
Accrued interest payable  63   1   62      63 
  Carrying  Fair Value Measurements Using:    
March 31, 2020 Amount  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Financial assets:                    
Cash and due from banks $15,272  $15,272  $  $  $15,272 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  11,400   11,400         11,400 
Available-for-sale securities  255,624      255,624      255,624 
Held-to-maturity securities  240      261      261 
FHLB stock  4,259   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Net loans  388,044         399,333   399,333 
Accrued interest receivable  2,012      731   1,281   2,012 
                     
Financial liabilities:                    
Deposits:                    
Noninterest-bearing $229,793  $229,793  $  $  $229,793 
Savings  72,800   72,800         72,800 
Money market  162,184   162,184         162,184 
NOW accounts  67,444   67,444         67,444 
Time Deposits  70,915      71,206      71,206 
Short-term borrowings  5,000   5,000         5,000 
Long-term borrowings  10,500      10,797      10,797 
Accrued interest payable  114   6   108      114 
                     
  Carrying  Fair Value Measurements Using:    
December 31, 2019 Amount  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Financial assets:                    
Cash and due from banks $15,258  $15,258  $  $  $15,258 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  2,552   2,552         2,552 
Available-for-sale securities  261,965      261,965      261,965 
Held-to-maturity securities  248      266      266 
FHLB stock  4,259   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Net loans:  393,802         396,089   396,089 
Accrued interest receivable  1,929      780   1,149   1,929 
Financial liabilities:                    
                     
Deposits:                    
Noninterest-bearing $227,055  $227,055  $  $  $227,055 
Savings  75,820   75,820         75,820 
Money market  158,319   158,319         158,319 
NOW accounts  69,834   69,834         69,834 
Time Deposits  73,809      73,924      73,924 
Short-term borrowings  9,000   9,000         9,000 
Long-term borrowings  10.500      10,714      10,714 
Accrued interest payable  120      120      120 

 

Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the fair values presented.

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Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis along with any related gain or loss recognized in the income statement due to fair value changes are presented in the following table:

Description    Fair Value Measurements Using  Total Gains 
(dollars in thousands) Fair Value  Level 1  Level 2 ��Level 3  (Losses) 
September 30, 2019               
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:                    
Available-for-sale securities:                    
U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Entities $261,316  $  $261,316  $  $ 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  8,113      8,113       
Corporate bonds  6,626      6,626       
Total recurring $276,055  $  $276,055  $  $ 
                     
Assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis:                    
                     
Other real estate owned                    
Land $957  $  $  $957  $ 
Total nonrecurring $957  $  $  $957  $ 


At September 30, 2019, there were no impaired loans carried at fair value as the appraised value exceeded carrying value.

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Description   Fair Value Measurements Using Total Gains    Fair Value Measurements Using Total Gains 
(dollars in thousands) Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Losses)  Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Losses) 
December 31, 2018           
March 31, 2020           
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:                                        
Available-for-sale securities:                                        
U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Entities $269,049  $  $269,049  $  $  $235,388  $  $235,388  $  $ 
Corporate bonds  6,508      6,508         
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  14,400      14,400         13,598      13,598       
U.S. Treasury securities  4,976   4,976          
Corporate Debt securities  6,638      6,638      ��
Total recurring $294,933  $4,976  $289,957  $  $  $255,624  $  $255,624  $  $ 
                                        
Assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis:                                        
Impaired loans:                    
Real estate:                    
Commercial $5,274  $  $  $5,274  $ 
                                        
Other real estate owned Land  957         957   (4) $846  $  $  $846  $ 
Total nonrecurring $6,231  $  $  $6,231  $(4) $846  $  $  $846  $ 
                    
Description   Fair Value Measurements Using Total Gains 
(dollars in thousands) Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Losses) 
December 31, 2019           
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:                    
Available-for-sale securities:                    
U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies $241,887  $  $241,887  $  $ 
Corporate Debt securities  6,631      6,631         
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  13,447      13,447       
Total recurring $261,965  $  $261,965  $  $ 
                    
Assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis:                    
Other assets:                    
Repossessed asset $517  $  $  $517  $ 
                    
Other real estate owned Land  846         846    
Total nonrecurring $1,363  $  $  $1,363  $ 
                    

There were no significant transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the three-month and nine-month periodsperiod ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 or the twelve months ended December 31, 2018.

2019.

The following methods were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument above:

Available-for-sale securitiesFair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices, if available, and are considered Level 1, or evaluated using pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other market information and are considered Level 2. Pricing applications apply available information, as applicable, through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking to like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing.

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Impaired loans – The fair value of collateral dependent impaired loans adjusted for specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses is generally based on recent real estate appraisals and/or evaluations. These appraisals and/or evaluations may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales, cost and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income and other available data. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. The valuation technique used for all Level 3 nonrecurring impaired loans is the sales comparison approach less a reserve for past dues taxes and selling costs ranging from 8% to 10%.

Other assets and real estate owned Other assets can contain non-real estate property obtained by repossession of collateral in the case of a loan default and are measured at fair value, less costs to sell. Certain commercial and residential real estate properties classified as OREO are measured at fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are based on recent real estate appraisals and/or evaluations. These appraisals and/or evaluations may use a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales, cost and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income and other available data. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. The valuation technique used for all Level 3 nonrecurring other assets and OREO is the sales comparison approach less selling costs ranging from 8% to 10%.

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13. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases.”Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases): 1) a lease liability, which is the present value of a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments, and 2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Lessor accounting under the new guidance remains largely unchanged as it is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases, and operating leases. Leveraged leases have been eliminated, although lessors can continue to account for existing leveraged leases using the current accounting guidance. Other limited changes were made to align lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and the new revenue recognition standard.All entities will classify leases to determine how to recognize lease-related revenue and expense. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures will be required by lessees and lessors to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The intention is to require enough information to supplement the amounts recorded in the financial statements so that users can understand more about the nature of an entity’s leasing activities. ASU No. 2016-02 was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018; early adoption was permitted. All entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. They have the option to use certain relief; full retrospective application is prohibited. Based on evaluation of the Company’s current lease obligations, the Company has determined that the provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 resulted in an increase in assets to recognize the present value of the lease obligations with a corresponding increase in liabilities. The Company currently leases nine of its office leases under operating leases. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02 on January 1, 2019. The Company’s present value of future lease payments as of January 1, 2019 is $3,570,000, to be recorded as a right-of-use asset with an offsetting liability. Other than the just noted increase in assets and liabilities, the effects of adopting ASU No. 2016-02 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2016, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.”This ASU significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that aren’t measured at fair value through net income. In issuing the standard, the FASB is responding to criticism that today’s guidance delays recognition of credit losses. The standard will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model. The new model, referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, will apply to: (1) financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost, and (2) certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. This includes, but is not limited to, loans, leases, held-to-maturity securities, loan commitments, and financial guarantees. The CECL model does not apply to available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities. For AFS debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to what they do today, except that the losses will be recognized as allowances rather than reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. As a result, entities will recognize improvementschanges to estimated credit losses immediately in earnings rather than as interest income over time, as they do today. The ASU also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. ASU 2016-13 also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the allowance for loan and leasecredit losses. In addition, entities will need todisclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination.ASU No. 2016-13 was initially scheduled to become effective for the Company for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, however, on October 16,on November 15, 2019 the FASB approved its former tentative decision with respect toissued ASU 2019-10 delaying the effective date of implementing ASU No. 2016-13. Subject to the final ASU, which is expected in mid-November, the FASB approved the tentative decision to defer the effective date of ASU No. 2016-13 for smaller reporting companies, such as the Company, to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022; early adoption wouldis still be permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Entities will apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (i.e., modified retrospective approach). While the Company is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13 to determine the potential impact the new standard will have on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, including if it will early adopt the standard, it has taken steps to prepare for the implementation when it becomes effective, such as forming an internal task force, gathering pertinent data, consulting with outside professionals, evaluating its current IT systems, and purchasing a software solution. The Company has imported current and historical data into the new software and is currently validating the data and intends to begin processing information, on a test basis, with the new CECL specific software during 20192020 and 20202021 and to disclose any material potential impact of this modeling once it becomes available.

In August 2018, the FASB issuedASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). – Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.”ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820. The amendments in ASU 2018-13 remove disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, modify/clarify the specific requirements of certain disclosures, and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. ASU 2018-13 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2020.The effects of adopting ASU No. 2018-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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14. NOVEL CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC (“COVID-19”)

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed significant health, economic and other major pressure throughout the communities we serve, the state of California, the United States and the entire world. We have implemented a number of procedures in response to the pandemic to support the safety and wellbeing of our employees and clients, and the financial viability of our clients, that continue through the date of this report:

·We have addressed the safety of our ten branches and our corporate office, following the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control.  While the branches generally remain open to clients, we have taken steps, and continue to evaluate those steps, to push as much traffic and transactions as possible to ourdigital and electronic channels and our night depositories, and many of our employees can and are working remotely;

·We hold executive meetings to address issues that change rapidly;

·We have provided extensions and deferrals to borrowers requesting such extensions and deferrals and who have demonstrated adverse effects from COVID-19 provided such clients were not 30 days past due; and
·We have been participating in the Small Business Administration’s (“SBA’s”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act to help provide potentially forgivable loans to our business clients to provide them with additional working capital to enable them to retain their employees. Through May 4, 2020, we have received SBA approval to fund approximately 470 PPP loans totaling $80 million.  We believe these loans and our participation in the program are good for our clients and the communities we serve.

We continue to closely monitor this pandemic and expect to make future changes to respond to the pandemic as this situation continues to evolve.

The potential financial impact is unknown at this time. However, if the economic downturn currently being experienced is sustained, it may adversely impact industries within our business footprint and impair the ability of the Company’s borrowers to fulfill their contractual obligations and reduce our opportunity to create new client relationships. This could cause the Company to experience a material adverse effect to its business operations, asset valuations, financial condition and results of operations. Material adverse effects may include valuation impairments on the Company’s loans, investments, goodwill, or deferred tax assets.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the significant changes in American River Bankshares’ (the “Company”) balance sheet accounts between December 31, 20182019 and September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and its income and expense accounts for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and 2018.2019. The discussion is designed to provide a better understanding of significant trends related to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital resources and interest rate sensitivity. This discussion and supporting tables and the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report are unaudited. Interest income and net interest income are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis (FTE) within management’s discussion and analysis. Certain matters discussed or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q including, but not limited to, matters described in this “Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may contain words related to future projections including, but not limited to, words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” and variations of those words and similar words that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those projected. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the following:

·CurrentThe adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, our business, borrowers, customers and employees and the impact of local, state and federal governments in response to the pandemic, including various government stimulus packages;
·current and future legislation and regulation promulgated by the United States Congress and actions taken by governmental agencies that may impact the U.S. financial system;
·the risks presented by economic volatility and recession, which could adversely affect credit quality, collateral values, including real estate collateral, investment values, liquidity and loan originations and loan portfolio delinquency rates;
·variances in the actual versus projected growth in assets and return on assets;
·potential loan and lease losses;
·potential expenses associated with resolving nonperforming assets;
·changes in the interest rate environment including interest rates charged on loans, earned on securities investments and paid on deposits and other borrowed funds;
·competitive effects;
·inadequate internal controls over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures;
·changes in accounting policies and practices and the effects of adopting ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“CECL”);
·potential declines in fee and other noninterest income earned associated with economic factors;
·general economic conditions nationally, regionally, and within our operating markets could be less favorable than expected or could have a more direct and pronounced effect on us than expected and adversely affect our ability to continue internal growth at historical rates and maintain the quality of our earning assets;
·changes in the regulatory environment including increased capital and regulatory compliance requirements and government intervention in the U.S. financial system;
·changes in business conditions and inflation;
·changes in securities markets, public debt markets, and other capital markets;
·potential data processing, cybersecurity and other operational systems failures, breach or fraud;
·potential decline in real estate values in our operating markets;
·the effects of uncontrollable events such as terrorism, the threat of terrorism or the impact of military conflicts in connection with the conduct of the war on terrorism by the United States and its allies, natural disasters (including earthquakes and wildfires), pandemic disease and viruses, and disruption of power supplies and communications;
·changes in accounting standards, tax laws or regulations and interpretations of such standards, laws or regulations;
·projected business increases following any future strategic expansion could be lower than expected;
·the goodwill we have recorded in connection with acquisitions could become impaired, which may have an adverse impact on our earnings;
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·our ability to comply with any regulatory orders or requirements we may become subject to;
·the effects and costs of litigation and other legal developments;
·the reputation of the financial services industry could experience deterioration, which could adversely affect our ability to access markets for funding and to acquire and retain customers; and
·the efficiencies we may expect to receive from any investments in personnel and infrastructure may not be realized.

The factors set forth under “Item 1A - Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018,2019, and other cautionary statements and information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should also be carefully considered and understood as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, when evaluating the business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. By their nature, they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The future results and shareholder values may differ significantly from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Any such statement speaks only as of the date of this report, and in the case of any documents that may be incorporated by reference, as of the date of those documents. We do not undertake any obligation to update or release any revisions to any forward-looking statements, to report any new information, future event or other circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. However, your attention is directed to any further disclosures made on related subjects in our subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K.

Potential Impact of COVID-19

The first quarter of 2020 began with optimism based off the progress made in 2019, but that was stalled when the novel coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”) arrived and created a global health crisis that has set off an economic crisis causing significant disruption in the local, national and global economies and financial markets. Continuation and further spread of COVID-19 could cause additional quarantines, shutdowns, reduction in business activity and financial transactions, labor shortages, supply chain interruptions and overall economic and financial market instability. The disruptions in the economy will impair the ability of some of our borrowers to make their loan payments, which could result in significant increases in delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, declining collateral values, and credit losses on our loans.Similarly, because of changing economic and market conditions, we may be required to recognize credit losses on the investment securities we hold as well. COVID-19 may also materially disrupt banking and other financial activity generally and may result in a decline in demand for our products and services, including loans and deposits which could negatively impact our liquidity position and our growth strategy. Any one or more of these developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, consolidated financial condition, and consolidated results of operations.

In response to the anticipated economic effects of COVID-19, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”) has taken a number of actions that have significantly affected the financial markets in the United States, including actions intended to result in substantial decreases in market interest rates, including reducing the target federal funds range by 150 basis points during the first quarter of 2020 to 0% and announcing further quantitative easing in response to the expected economic downturn caused by COVID-19. We expect that these reductions in interest rates, among other actions of the FRB and the Federal government generally, especially if prolonged, could adversely affect our net interest income, margins and profitability.

In addition to preparing the Company to handle the impact of the economic crisis, protecting the health and wellbeing of our employees and the financial viability of our clients, is now our highest priority. The Company quickly put its pandemic plan into action to adjust to the impact of the health issues from the COVID-19 pandemic on our employees and our clients. We have been working with our clients by assisting them with loan payment deferrals and maintaining service at all of our branch locations, subject to reduced operating hours. We are encouraging the use of our digital and electronic channels and our night depositories, all the while adhering to the ever-evolving State and Federal guidelines. We have been participating in the Small Business Administration’s (“SBA’s”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act to help provide loans to our business clients to provide them with additional working capital to enable them to retain their employees.

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We believe the COVID-19 pandemic has already impacted our local economy when Federal, State and local shelter-in-place recommendations were enacted in our markets in March 2020 causing many businesses to close and workers to be furloughed or become unemployed. Essential purpose entities such as medical professionals, food and agricultural businesses, and transportation and logistical businesses were exempted from the closures; however, unemployment rates are increasing in our local market area. Prior to the pandemic unemployment rates were at all-time lows but we believe these figures will increase significantly in the coming months. According to a study performed by the Center for Business & Policy Research at the University of the Pacific, unemployment rates in the Company’s markets are projected to climb to 18.5% in the Sacramento area and 19% in the Santa Rosa area in May 2020. No data is available for the Amador County area but we anticipate unemployment in Amador County to increase along the same lines. The same article predicts the unemployment rate will increase to 19% in the State of California.

The Company has taken measures to protect the health and safety of its employees by implementing remote work arrangements to the full extent possible, and by adjusting banking offices hours and operational measures to promote social distancing. The Company will continue to analyze economic conditions in our geographic markets and perform stress testing of our investment and loan portfolios. The Company does not currently have a stock repurchase program in place. Our Board of Directors will evaluate whether or not to implement a program following such time that the economic impact of the COVID-19 has been assessed and minimized. On April 16, 2020, the Company announced a $0.07 per share cash dividend payable on May 13, 2020 to shareholders of record on April 29, 2020. Future cash dividend decisions will consider, among other business considerations, the impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s capital and liquidity levels. Based on the Company’s current capital levels, historical conservative underwriting policies, low loan-to-deposit ratio, concentration and geographical diversification of the loan portfolio, the Company currently expects to be able to manage the economic risks and uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic with sufficient liquidity and capital levels.

While the Company is not exposed to large oil and gas, airline, or the entertainment industries we have been evaluating the exposure to potentially increased loan losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic and have identified the following industry segments most impacted by the pandemic as of March 31, 2020:

Industry Loan Balance  Percentage of
total loans
outstanding
 
       
Hospitality     N/A 
Churches $18,037,000   4.6%
Restaurants $5,832,000   1.5%
Eldercare $6,829,000   1.7%
School/childcare $4,650,000   1.2%
Recreation (golf/sportsclubs) $1,943,000   0.5%
Oil/Gas $6,263,000(1)  1.6%
         
(1)Of this total, $1,080,000 is to a gas station and convenience store; $3,376,000 is to a gas station, convenience store and car wash; $845,000 is to a gas station and convenience store; $642,000 is to an auto restoration company; and $320,000 is to a drive though oil change and car wash facility.

The Company is closely monitoring the effects of the pandemic on our loan and deposit clients. We are focusing on assessing the risks in our loan portfolio and working with our borrowers to minimize potential loan losses. We have implemented loan programs to allow borrowers to defer loan principal and interest payments. See “Working with Borrowers” for more information on loan deferrals. Prior to the SBA closing the PPP and the initial $349 billion that was approved for the program was committed, the Company received approval from the SBA to process and fund 139 PPP loans totaling $49,370,000. On April 24, 2020, another $310 billion was added to the PPP. On April 27, 2020, we began to submit applications to the SBA to seek approval for our clients to obtain PPP loans. As of May 4, 2020, we have received approval from the SBA to process and fund 331 additional PPP loans totaling $30,176,000.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10Q”) contains certain non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measures in addition to results presented in accordance with GAAP.  These measures include the taxable equivalent basis used in the computation of the net interest margin and efficiency ratio.  Management has presented these non-GAAP financial measures in this Form 10Q because it believes that they provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in the Company’s financial position reflected in the current quarter and year-to-date results and facilitate comparison of our performance with the performance of our peers.

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Net Interest Margin and Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP financial measures)

 

In accordance with industry standards, certain designated net interest income amounts are presented on a taxable equivalent basis, including the calculation of net interest margin and the efficiency ratio.  The Company believes the presentation of net interest margin on a taxable equivalent basis using a 21% effective tax rate allows comparability of net interest margin with industry peers by eliminating the effect of the differences in portfolios attributable to the proportion represented by both taxable and tax-exempt loans and investments. The efficiency ratio is a measure of a banking company’s overhead as a percentage of its revenue. The Company derives this ratio by dividing total noninterest expense by the sum of the taxable equivalent net interest income and the total noninterest income.

 

Reconciliation of Annualized Net Interest Margin, Fully Tax Equivalent (non-GAAP)

(dollars in thousands) For the three months
ended March 31,
 
  2020  2019 
Net interest income (GAAP) $6,188  $5,549 
Tax equivalent adjustment  56   48 
Net interest income - tax equivalent adjusted (non-GAAP) $6,244  $5,597 
         
Average earning assets $669,974  $632,995 
Net interest margin (GAAP)  3.71%  3.54%
Net interest margin (non-GAAP)  3.75%  3.59%

 

(dollars in thousands) For the three months
ended September 30,
  For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Net interest income (GAAP) $5,928  $5,257  $17,105  $15,114 
Tax equivalent adjustment  49   45   148   159 
Net interest income - tax equivalent adjusted (non-GAAP) $5,977  $5,302  $17,253  $15,273 
                 
Average earning assets $655,937  $611,743  $642,605  $607,299 
Net interest margin (GAAP)  3.59%  3.41%  3.56%  3.33%
Net interest margin (non-GAAP)  3.62%  3.44%  3.59%  3.36%

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measure – Efficiency Ratio

(dollars in thousands) For the three months ended
September 30,
 For the nine months
ended September 30,
  For the three months
ended March 31,
 
 2019 2018 2019 2018  2020 2019 
Net interest income (GAAP) $5,928  $5,257  $17,105  $15,114  $6,188  $5,519 
Tax equivalent adjustment  49   45   148   159   56   78 
Net interest income – tax-equivalent adjusted (non-GAAP) $5,977  $5,302  $17,253  $15,273  $6,244  $5,597 
Noninterest income  417   377   1,249   1,129   452   411 
Total income  6,394   5,555   18,502   16,402   6,696   6,008 
Total noninterest expense  4,093   4,003   12,501   11,181   4,216   4,260 
Efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)  64.01%  70.49%  67.57%  68.17%  62.96%  70.91%

 

Critical Accounting Policies

General

The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The financial information contained within our statements is, to a significant extent, financial information that is based on measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. We use historical loss data and the economic environment as factors, among others, in determining the inherent loss that may be present in our loan and lease portfolio. Actual losses could differ significantly from the factors that we use. In addition, GAAP itself may change from one previously acceptable method to another method. Although the economics of our transactions would be the same, the timing of events that would impact our transactions could change.

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Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

The allowance for loan and lease losses is an estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the Company’s credit portfolio that have been incurred as of the balance-sheet date. The allowance is based on two basic principles of accounting: (1) “Accounting for Contingencies,” which requires that losses be accrued when it is probable that a loss has occurred at the balance sheet date and such loss can be reasonably estimated; and (2) the “Receivables” topic, which requires that losses be accrued on impaired loans based on the differences between the value of collateral, present value of future cash flows or values that are observable in the secondary market and the loan balance.

The allowance for loan and lease losses is determined based upon estimates that can and do change when the actual risk, loss events, or changes in other factors, occur. The analysis of the allowance uses a historical loss view as an indicator of future losses and as a result could differ from the actual losses incurred in the future. Although management believes the allowance to be adequate, ultimate losses may vary from its estimates. At least quarterly, the Board of Directors reviews the adequacy of the allowance, including consideration of the relative risks in the portfolio, current economic conditions and other factors. If the allowance for loanBoard of Directors and lease losses falls belowmanagement determine that deemed adequate (by reason of loan and lease growth, actual losses, the effect of changes in risk factors, or some combination of these), the Company has a strategy for supplementingare warranted based on those reviews, the allowance for loan and lease losses, over the short-term.is adjusted. For further information regarding our allowance for loan and lease losses, see “Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Activity.”

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense over the service period in an amount equal to the fair value of all share-based payments which consist of stock options and restricted stock awarded to directors and employees. The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant and amortized over the service period using a Black-Scholes-Merton based option valuation model that requires the use of assumptions.  Critical assumptions that affect the estimated fair value of each award include expected stock price volatility, dividend yields, option life and the risk-free interest rate. The fair value of each restricted award is estimated on the date of award and amortized over the service period.

 

General Development of Business

The Company is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of California in 1995. As a bank holding company, the Company is authorized to engage in the activities permitted under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and regulations thereunder.Its principal office is located at 3100 Zinfandel Drive, Suite 450, Rancho Cordova, California 95670 and its telephone number is (916) 854-0123. The Company employed an equivalent of 10499 full-time employees as of September 30, 2019.

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March 31, 2020.

The Company owns 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of its banking subsidiary, American River Bank (the “Bank”), and American River Financial, a California corporation which has been inactive since its incorporation in 2003.

American River Bank was incorporated and commenced business in Fair Oaks, California, in 1983 and thereafter moved its headquarters to Sacramento, California in 1985. American River Bank operates five full service offices in Sacramento and Placer Counties including the main office located at 1545 River Park Drive, Suite 107, Sacramento and branch offices in Sacramento, Gold River, and Roseville; two full service offices in Sonoma County in Healdsburg and Santa Rosa; and three full service offices in Amador County in Jackson, Pioneer, and Ione.

 

The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) up to applicable legal limits. American River Bank does not offer trust services or international banking services and does not plan to do so in the near future. American River Bank’s primary business is serving the commercial banking needs of small to mid-sized businesses within those counties listed above. American River Bank accepts checking and savings deposits, offers money market deposit accounts and certificates of deposit, makes secured and unsecured commercial, secured real estate, and other installment and term loans and offers other customary banking services. American River Bank also conducts lease financing for certain types of business equipment. American River Bank owns 100% of two inactive companies, ARBCO and American River Mortgage. ARBCO was formed in 1984 to conduct real estate development and has been inactive since 1995. American River Mortgage has been inactive since its formation in 1994. During 20192020 and 2018,2019, the Company conducted no significant activities other than holding the shares of its subsidiaries. However, it is authorized, with the prior approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”), the Company’s principal regulator, to engage in a variety of activities which are deemed closely related to the business of banking. The common stock of the Company is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is listed and traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “AMRB.”

 

Overview

The Company recorded net income of $1,571,000$1,432,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, which was an increase of $418,000$286,000 (25.0%) compared to $1,153,000$1,146,000 reported for the same period of 2018.2019. Diluted earnings per share for the thirdfirst quarter of 2019 were $0.272020 was $0.24, an increase of 20.0% compared to the $0.20 recordedper share reported in the thirdfirst quarter of 2018.2019. The return on average equity (“ROAE”) and the return on average assets (“ROAA”) for the thirdfirst quarter of 20192020 were 7.65%6.77% and 0.88%0.80%, respectively, as compared to 6.37%6.17% and 0.68%, respectively, for the same period in 2018.2019.

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Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $3,993,000 and $3,775,000, respectively, with diluted earnings per share of $0.68 in 2019 and $0.64 in 2018. For the first nine months of 2019, ROAE was 6.81% and ROAA was 0.77% compared to 6.95% and 0.74%, respectively, for the same period in 2018.

Total assets of the Company increaseddecreased by $33,189,000 (4.8%$4,300,000 (0.6%) from $688,092,000$720,353,000 at December 31, 20182019 to $721,281,000$716,053,000 at September 30, 2019.March 31, 2020. Net loans totaled $369,940,000$388,044,000 at September 30, 2019, an increaseMarch 31, 2020, a decrease of $51,424,000 (16.1%$5,758,000 (1.5%) from $318,516,000$393,802,000 at December 31, 2018.2019. Deposit balances at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 totaled $612,904,000, an increase$603,136,000, a decrease of $22,230,000 (3.8%$1,701,000 (0.3%) from $590,674,000$604,837,000 at December 31, 2018.

2019. The Company ended the thirdfirst quarter of 20192020 with a leverage capital ratio of 9.2%9.4%, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 15.4%15.3%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 16.6% compared to 8.9%9.2%, 16.1%14.8%, and 17.3%15.9%, respectively, at December 31, 2018. 2019.

Table One below provides a summary of the components of net income for the periods indicated (See the “Results of Operations” section that follows for an explanation of the fluctuations in the individual components).

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Table One: Components of Net Income

 

(dollars in thousands) For the three months ended
September 30,
 For the nine months ended
September 30,
  For the three months ended
March 31,
 
 2019 2018 2019 2018  2020 2019 
Interest income* $6,604  $5,711  $19,111  $16,389  $6,771  $6,180 
Interest expense  (627)  (409)  (1,858)  (1,116)  (527)  (583)
Net interest income*  5,977   5,302   17,253   15,273   6,244   5,597 
Provision for loan and lease losses  (120)  (50)  (480)  (50)
Provision for loan losses  (495)  (180)
Noninterest income  417   377   1,249   1,129   452   411 
Noninterest expense  (4,093)  (4,003)  (12,501)  (11,181)  (4,216)  (4,260)
Provision for income taxes  (561)  (428)  (1,380)  (1,237)  (497)  (374)
Tax equivalent adjustment  (49)  (45)  (148)  (159)  (56)  (48)
Net income $1,571  $1,153  $3,993  $3,775  $1,432  $1,146 
                        
Average total assets $708,698  $673,959  $695,364  $680,056  $721,439  $686,162 
Net income (annualized) as a percentage of average total assets  0.88%  0.68%  0.77%  0.74%  0.80%  0.68%

*Fully taxable equivalent basis (FTE)

*Fully taxable equivalent basis (FTE)

 

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income represents the excess of interest and fees earned on interest earning assets (loans, and leases, securities, Federal funds sold and investments in time deposits) over the interest paid on interest-bearing deposits and borrowed funds. Net interest margin is net interest income expressed as a percentage of average earning assets. The Company’s net interest margin was 3.62%3.75% for the three months ended September 30, 2019, 3.44%March 31, 2020 and 3.59% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, 3.59% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 3.36% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019.

The fully taxable equivalent interest income component for the thirdfirst quarter of 20192020 increased $893,000 (15.6%$591,000 (9.6%) to $6,604,000$6,771,000 compared to $5,711,000$6,180,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019. The increase in the fully taxable equivalent interest income for the thirdfirst quarter of 20192020 compared to the same period in 20182019 is broken down by rate (up $227,000)(down $7,000) and volume (up $666,000)$598,000). The primary driver in this rate increasedecrease was a decrease in the yield on investments, which led to a decrease of $113,000, and a decrease in the yield on interest-bearing deposits in banks, which led to a decrease of $25,000. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the yield on loans, which sawcontributed an increase from 4.71% in the third quarter of 2018 to 4.98% in the third quarter of 2019. The increased yield in 2019 compared to 2018 was due to the overall higher interest rate environment.$131,000. The yield on earning assetsinvestments decreased from 2.87% in the first three months of 2019 to a yield of 2.69% during the first three months of 2020. The yield on loans increased from 3.70% during4.93% in the thirdfirst quarter of 20182019 to 3.99% during5.03% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2019.

2020. The volume increase of $666,000$598,000 was primarily from an increase in loans ($806,000) and interest bearing balances in banks ($68,000),826,000) partially offset by a decrease in investment balances ($208,000)238,000). Average loans balances increased $68,970,000,$67,752,000, (or 22.7%20.6%), from $299,934,000$328,570,000 during the thirdfirst quarter of 20182019 to $368,160,000$396,322,000 during the thirdfirst quarter of 2019; average interest bearing balances in banks increased $11,916,000, (or 682.5%), from $1,746,000 during the third quarter of 2018 to $13,662,000 during the third quarter of 2019;2020 and the average investment balances decreased $11,589,000,$32,229,000, (or 4.1%10.8%), from $285,704,000$297,266,000 during the thirdfirst quarter of 20182019 to $274,115,000$265,037,000 during the thirdfirst quarter of 2019.2020. This increase in loans and decrease in investments increased the yield on earning assets from 3.96% during the first quarter of 2019 to 4.06% during the first quarter of 2020.

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Total fully taxable equivalent interest income forInterest expense was $527,000 or $56,000 (9.6%) lower in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased $2,722,000 (16.6%) to $19,111,000first quarter of 2020 compared to $16,389,000 for$583,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2018.first quarter of 2019. The breakdownnet $56,000 decrease in interest expense during the first quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2019 was predominantly volume related which reduced expense by $79,000. This decrease was partially offset by rates which increased expense by $23,000. Despite the decrease in fully taxable equivalent interest income forexpense related to volume, the nine months ended September 30, 2019 over the same period in 2018 resulted fromCompany experienced an increase in rate (up $1,304,000) and in volume (up $1,418,000). The primary driver in this rate increase was an increase in the yield on loans which increased from 4.70% in 2018 to 4.94% in 2019 and an increase in yields on the investment portfolio which increased from 2.58% in 2018 to 2.84% in 2019. The increased yield in 2019 compared to 2018 was due to the overall higher interest rate environment. The yield on earning assets increased from 3.61% during 2018 to 3.98% during 2019. The volume increase of $1,418,000 was primarily from an increase in loans ($1,600,000), and averagebearing balances. Average interest bearing balances increased $743,000 (0.2%) from $391,774,000 in banks ($97,000),the first quarter of 2019 to $392,517,000 in the first quarter of 2020. The increase in balances occurred in the lower cost interest checking and money market deposit balances which increased $19,219,000 (9.1%) from $211,003,000 in the first quarter of 2019 to $230,222,000 in the first quarter of 2020. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in investmentthe higher cost time deposit balances ($14,000) and in Fed fund balances ($265,000). Average loans balances increased $45,767,000, (or 15.1%which decreased $16,849,000 (19.2%), from $303,951,000 during the first nine months of 2018 to $349,718,000 during the first nine months of 2019; the average interest bearing balances in banks increased $7,352,000, (or 421.6%), from $1,744,000 during the first nine months of 2018 to $9,096,000 during the first nine months of 2019; and average Fed fund balances decreased $19,908,000, (or 98.9%), from $20,139,000 during the first nine months of 2018 to $231,000 during the first nine months of 2019.

Interest expense was $218,000 (or 53.3%) higher$87,636,000 in the thirdfirst quarter of 2019 versusto $70,787,000 in the prior year period, increasing from $409,000 to $627,000. The $218,000first quarter of 2020. Also, despite the increase in interest expense due to rates the overall cost of funds decreased from 0.60% in the first three months of 2019 to 0.54% during the thirdfirst three months of 2020. Rates decreased in the higher cost time deposits, which decreased from 1.80% in the first quarter of 2019 compared to 1.30% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2018 was due to higher rates (up $184,000) and higher volume (up $34,000). The increase in interest expense can be attributed to an increase in rates paid on deposit and borrowing balances during a higher interest rate environment. Rates paid on interest bearing liabilities increased 21 basis points from 0.43% to 0.64% for the third quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in 2019. The largest increase due to rates occurred in interest checking and money market accounts and in the time deposits. The rate paid on interest checking and money market accounts increased from 0.12% during the third quarter of 2018 to 0.29% during the third quarter of 2019 and accounted for $92,000 of the $184,000 increase attributed to rates. The rate paid on time deposit accounts increased from 1.42% during the third quarter of 2018 to 1.75% during the third quarter of 2019 and accounted for $72,000 of the $184,000 increase attributed to rates. The volume increase of $34,000 was attributed to an increase in average time deposit balances which increased from $77,411,000 during the third quarter of 2018 to $86,938,000 during the third quarter of 2018.

Interest expense was $742,000 (or 66.5%) higher in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 increasing from $1,116,000 in 2018 to $1,858,000 in 2019. The increase is related to rates (up $627,000) and volume (up $115,000). The largest increase due to rates occurred in interest checking and money market accounts and in the time deposits. The rate paid on interest checking and money market accounts increased from 0.12% during the first nine months of 2018 to 0.24% during the first nine months of 2019 and accounted for $183,000 of the $627,000 increase attributed to rates. The rate paid on time deposit accounts increased from 1.24% during the first nine months of 2018 to 1.78% during the first nine months of 2019 and accounted for $356,000 of the $627,000 increase attributed to rates. The volume increase of $115,000 was attributed to an increase in average time deposit balances which increased from $78,761,000 during the first nine months of 2018 to $87,655,000 during the first nine months of 2019 and accounted for $82,000 of the $115,000 increase and an increase in average other borrowings which increased from $15,544,000 during the first nine months of 2018 to $19,341,000 during the first nine months of 2019 and accounted for $42,000 of the $115,000 increase.2020.

Table Two, Analysis of Net Interest Margin on Earning Assets, and Table Three, Analysis of Volume and Rate Changes on Net Interest Income and Expenses, are provided to enable the reader to understand the components and trends of the Company’s interest income and expenses. Table Two provides an analysis of net interest margin on earning assets setting forth average assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity; interest income earned and interest expense paid and average rates earned and paid; and the net interest margin on earning assets.

Table Three sets forth a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense from changes in average asset and liability balances (volume) and changes in average interest rates.

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Table Two: Analysis of Net Interest Margin on Earning Assets

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 
(Taxable Equivalent Basis)
(dollars in thousands)
 

Avg
Balance

 

 

Interest

 

Avg

Yield (4)

 

Avg

Balance

 

 

Interest

 

Avg

Yield (4)

  

Avg

Balance

 

 

Interest

 

Avg

Yield (4)

 

Avg

Balance

 

 

Interest

 

Avg

Yield (4)

 
Assets                                                
Earning assets:                                                
Taxable loans and leases (1) $346,598  $4,397   5.03% $286,261  $3,405   4.72%
Tax-exempt loans and leases (2)  21,562   224   4.12%  13,673   152   4.41%
Taxable loans(1) $372,826  $4,675   5.04% $312,588  $3,818   4.95%
Tax-exempt loans(2)  23,496   278   4.76%  15,982   178   4.52%
Taxable investment securities  267,012   1,846   2.74%  270,014   1,902   2.79%  259,592   1,739   2.69%  283,006   2,024   2.90%
Tax-exempt investment securities (2)  7,103   66   3.69%  15,690   122   3.08%
Tax-exempt investment securities(2)  5,445   45   3.32%  14,260   111   3.16%
Federal funds sold        %  24,359   120   1.95%           700   5   2.90%
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  13,662   71   2.06%  1,746   10   2.27%  8,615   34   1.59%  6,459   44   2.76%
Total earning assets  655,937   6,604   3.99%  611,743   5,711   3.70%  669,974   6,771   4.06%  632,995   6,180   3.96%
Cash & due from banks  17,215           26,272           16,008           16,176         
Other assets  40,406           40,343           40,675           41,411         
Allowance for loan & lease losses  (4,860)          (4,399)        
Total average assets $708,698          $673,959         
Allowance for loan losses  (5,218)          (4,420)        
 $721,439          $686,162         
                                                
Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity                        Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity                   
Interest bearing liabilities:                                                
Interest checking and money market $211,930   155   0.29% $212,872   63   0.12% $230,222   204   0.36% $211,003   94   0.18%
Savings  74,738   7   0.04%  72,580   6   0.03%  74,530   7   0.04%  73,602   7   0.04%
Time deposits  86,938   383   1.75%  77,411   277   1.42%  70,787   229   1.30%  87,636   388   1.80%
Other borrowings  15,614   82   2.08%  15,630   63   1.60%  16,978   87   2.06%  19,533   94   1.95%
Total interest bearing liabilities  389,220   627   0.64%  378,493   409   0.43%  392,517   527   0.54%  391,774   583   0.60%
Noninterest bearing demand deposits  227,644           216,732           232,562           209,456         
Other liabilities  10,368           6,887           11,282           9,628         
Total liabilities  627,232           602,112           636,361           610,858         
Shareholders’ equity  81,466           71,847           85,078           75,304         
Total average liabilities and shareholders’ equity $708,698          $673,959         
Net interest income & margin (3)     $5,977   3.62%     $5,302   3.44%
 $721,439          $686,162         
Net interest income & margin(3)     $6,244   3.75%     $5,597   3.59%

 

(1)Loan interest includes loan fees of $18,000$171,000 and $100,000,$106,000, respectively, during the three months ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019.  Average loan balances include nonperformingnon-performing loans.
(2)Includes taxable-equivalent adjustments that primarily relate to income on certain loans and securities that is exempt from federal income taxes. The effective federal statutory tax rate was 21% for 20192020 and 2018.2019.
(3)Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average earning assets.
(4)Average yield is calculated based on actual days in the period (92 days)(91 days for 2020 and 90 days for 2019) and annualized to actual days in the year (365 days)(366 days for 2020 and 365 days for 2019).
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019  2018 
(Taxable Equivalent Basis)
(dollars in thousands)
 

Avg

Balance

  

 

Interest

  

Avg

Yield (4)

  

Avg

Balance

  

 

Interest

  

Avg

Yield (4)

 
Assets                        
Earning assets:                        
Taxable loans and leases (1) $330,312  $12,329   4.99% $290,142  $10,216   4.71%
Tax-exempt loans and leases (2)  19,406   604   4.16%  13,809   458   4.43%
Taxable investment securities  272,738   5,756   2.82%  261,482   4,930   2.52%
Tax-exempt investment securities (2)  10,822   266   3.29%  19,983   494   3.31%
Federal funds sold  231   5   2.89%  20,139   268   1.78%
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  9,096   151   2.22%  1,744   23   1.76%
Total earning assets  642,605   19,111   3.98%  607,299   16,389   3.61%
Cash & due from banks  16,356           37,537         
Other assets  41,048           39,678         
Allowance for loan & lease losses  (4,645)          (4,458)        
Total average assets $695,364          $680,056         
                         
Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity                        
Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
Interest checking and money market $208,607   369   0.24% $219,797   196   0.12%
Savings  73,596   21   0.04%  70,785   19   0.04%
Time deposits  87,655   1,168   1.78%  78,761   730   1.24%
Other borrowings  19,341   300   2.07%  15,544   171   1.47%
Total interest-bearing liabilities  389,199   1,858   0.64%  384,887   1,116   0.39%
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits  217,760           215,537         
Other liabilities  10,019           7,013         
Total liabilities  616,978           607,437         
Shareholders’ equity  78,386           72,619         
Total average liabilities and shareholders’ equity $695,364          $680,056         
Net interest income & margin (3)     $17,253   3.59%     $15,273   3.36%

(1)Loan interest includes loan fees of $194,000 and $474,000, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018. Average loan balances include nonperforming loans.
(2)Includes taxable-equivalent adjustments that primarily relate to income on certain securities that is exempt from federal income taxes. The effective federal statutory tax rate was 21% for 2019 and 2018.
(3)Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average earning assets.
(4)Average yield is calculated based on actual days in the period (273 days) and annualized to actual days in the year (365 days).
3433
 


Table Three:  Analysis of Volume and Rate Changes on Net Interest Income and Expenses

 

Three Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2020 over 2019 over 2018 (dollars in thousands)

Increase (decrease) due to change in:

Interest-earning assets: Volume  Rate (4)  Net Change 
Taxable net loans (1)(2) $742  $115  $857 
Tax-exempt net loans (3)  84   16   100 
Taxable investment securities  (169)  (116)  (285)
Tax exempt investment securities (3)  (69)  3   (66)
Federal funds sold  (5)     (5)
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  15   (25)  (10)
Total  598   (7)  591 
Interest-bearing liabilities:            
Interest checking and money market  9   101   110 
Savings deposits         
Time deposits  (75)  (84)  (159)
Other borrowings  (13)  6   (7)
Total  (79)  23   (56)
Interest differential $677  $(30) $647 

 

Interest-earning assets: Volume  Rate (4)  Net Change 
Taxable loans and leases (1) $718  $274  $992 
Tax-exempt loans and leases (2)  88   (16)  72 
Taxable investment securities  (21)  (35)  (56)
Tax exempt investment securities (3)  (67)  11   (56)
Federal funds sold  (120)     (120)
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  68   (7)  61 
Total  666   227   893 
Interest-bearing liabilities:            
Interest checking and money market     92   92 
Savings deposits     1   1 
Time deposits  34   72   106 
Other borrowings     19   19 
Total  34   184   218 
Interest differential $632  $43  $675 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 over 2018 (dollars in thousands)         
Increase (decrease) due to change in:         
          
Interest-earning assets: Volume  Rate (4)  Net Change 
Taxable loans and leases (1) $1,414  $699  $2,113 
Tax-exempt loans and leases (2)  186   (40)  146 
Taxable investment securities  212   614   826 
Tax exempt investment securities (3)  (226)  (2)  (228)
Federal funds sold  (265)  2   (263)
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  97   31   128 
Total  1,418   1,304   2,722 
Interest-bearing liabilities:            
Interest checking and money market  (10)  183   173 
Savings deposits  1   1   2 
Time deposits  82   356   438 
Other borrowings  42   87   129 
Total  115   627   742 
Interest differential $1,303  $677  $1,980 
             
(1)The average balance of non-accruingnonaccrual loans is immaterial as a percentage of total loans and as such, has been included in net loans.
(2)Loan interest includes loan fees of $18,000$171,000 and $100,000,$106,000, respectively, during the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018, and loan fees of $194,000 and $474,000, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018,which have been included in the interest income computation.
(3)Includes taxable-equivalent adjustments that primarily relate to income on certain loans and securities that is exempt from federal income taxes.  The effective federal statutory tax rate was 21% for 20192020 and 2018.2019.
(4)The rate/volume variance has been included in the rate variance.
35

Provision for Loan and Lease Losses

The Company added $120,000provided $495,000 to the provision for loan and lease losses for the thirdfirst quarter of 20192020 compared to $50,000$180,000 in the thirdfirst quarter of 2018.2019. The Company experienced net loan and lease recoveries of $72,000$4,000 or 0.08% (on an annualized basis) of average loans and leases for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to net loan and lease losses of ($210,000) or 0.28% (on an annualized basis) of average loans and leases for the three months ended September 30, 2018. As a result of the loan growth in 2019, the Company added $480,000 to the allowance for loan and lease losses during the first nine months of 2019. This compares to additions of $50,000 to the allowance for loan and lease losses during the first nine months of 2018. Net loan and lease recoveries were $81,000 (0.03%(0.00%) (on an annualized basis) of average loans and leases outstanding in 2019 andfor the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to net loan and lease lossesrecoveries of ($196,000)$5,000 or 0.09%(0.01%) (on an annualized basis) of average loans and leases outstanding in 2018.for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The Company continues to experience an overall improvement in the credit quality of the loan and lease portfolio and a reduction of credit losses.losses, however, due to the uncertain economic impact on the Company’s borrowers due to COVID-19, the $495,000 addition to the provision for loan losses during the first quarter of 2020 was warranted. For additional information see the “Allowance for Loan Losses Activity” and Lease Losses Activity.“Potential Impact of COVID-19.

Noninterest Income

Table Four below provides a summary of the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated:indicated (dollars in thousands):

34


Table Four: Components of Noninterest Income
(dollars in thousands)

 

(dollars in thousands) 

Three Months
Ended
September 30,      

 

Nine Months
Ended
September 30,     

 
 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
 2019 2018 2019 2018  2020 2019 
Service charges on deposit accounts $149  $119  $409  $352  $155  $121 
Gain on sale of securities  9   8   74   19   38   36 
Merchant fee income  105   105   294   324   93   90 
Bank owned life insurance  83   77   248   228   84   81 
Other  71   68   224   206   82   83 
Total noninterest income $417  $377  $1,249  $1,129  $452  $411 

 

Noninterest income increased $40,000 (10.6%$41,000 (10.0%) to $417,000$452,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 as compared to $377,000 during$411,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019. The increase from the third quarter of 2018 to the third quarter of 2019in noninterest income was primarily related to an increase inhigher service charges on deposit accounts, which increased $30,000 from $119,000 in 2018 to $149,000 in 2019.

Noninterest income increased $120,000 (or 10.6%$34,000 (28.1%) from $1,129,000 during the first nine months of$121,000 in 2019 to $1,249,000 during the first nine months of 2018. The increase from the first nine months of 2018 compared to the same period$155,000 in 2019 was primarily related to an increase in gain on sale of securities (up $55,000 or 289.5%) resulting in income of $19,000 in the first nine months of 2018 compared to $74,000 for the first nine months of 2019 and an increase in service charges on deposit accounts which increased $57,000 (16.2%) from $352,000 in 2018 to $409,000 in 2019.2020.

 

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense increased $90,000 (2.2%decreased $44,000 (1.0%) from $4,003,000to a total of $4,216,000 in the thirdfirst quarter of 20182020 compared to $4,093,000$4,260,000 in the thirdfirst quarter of 2019. Salary and employee benefits expense increased $347,000 (13.6%$83,000 (3.0%) from $2,551,000$2,781,000 during the thirdfirst quarter of 20182019 to $2,898,000$2,865,000 during the thirdfirst quarter of 2019.2020. The increase in salaries and benefits expense resulted from filling some vacant positions, normal cost of living increases and promotions and higher incentive accruals as a result of the increased loan activity.promotions. Average full-time equivalent employees was 101 during the thirdfirst quarter of 20192020 compared to 100103 during the thirdfirst quarter of 2018. Occupancy2019. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, occupancy expense decreased $11,000 (4.1%$1,000 (0.4%) and furniture and equipment expense increased $3,000 (2.1%). FDIC assessments decreased $21,000 (14.9%$23,000 (46.0%) from the third quarter of 2018 to the third quarter of 2019. FDIC assessments decreased $99,000 (190.4%) from the third quarter of 2018 to the third quarter of 2019. OREO related expenses decreased $3,000 (30.0%) during the thirdfirst quarter of 2019 compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 2018. Other expenses decreased $123,000 (12.5%) to $859,000 in the third quarter of 2019 compared to $982,000 in the third quarter of 2018.2020. The decreased FDIC assessments result from the FDIC insurance fund reaching the target of 1.38% and the Company being able to use the Small Bank Assessment Credits, awarded to banks like American River Bank, which essentially gave banks a credit for the assessments paid forin the second quarterlatter half of 2019 and allowed them to forgofor a partial amount of the assessment expense for the thirdfirst quarter of 2019. The most significant decrease in other expenses relates to lower advertising and business development expenses which decreased $62,000 (43.1%) from $144,000 in the third quarter of 2018 to $82,000 during the third quarter of 2019 and relates to the Company better analyzing its business development opportunities which allowed the Company to more precisely target its marketing expenses. Telephone expense also decreased $47,000 (42.0%) from $112,000 in the third quarter of 2018 to $65,000 during the third quarter of 2019 and relates to the Company converted to a more cost-effective telephone system. The fully taxable equivalent efficiency ratio for the third quarter of 2019 decreased to 64.0% from 70.5% for the third quarter of 2018.

36

Noninterest expense for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 was $12,501,000 compared to $11,181,000 for the same period in 2018 for an increase of $1,320,000 (11.8%). Salaries and employee benefits expense increased $1,149,000 (15.8%) from $7,274,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to $8,423,000 for the same period in 2019. The increase in salaries and benefits expense resulted from filling some vacant positions, hiring additional relationship managers, replacing the Chief Credit Officer in May 2018, higher incentive accruals for the loan production team, and normal cost of living increases and promotions. Average full-time equivalent employees was 102 during 2019 compared to 96 during 2018. Occupancy expense decreased $23,000 (2.9%) and furniture and equipment expense decreased $15,000 (3.6%). FDIC assessments decreased $110,000 (69.6%).2020. OREO related expenses increased $3,000$1,000 (25.0%) during 2018from $4,000 in the first quarter of 2019 to $15,000, from $12,000$5,000 in 2018.the first quarter of 2020. Other expenses increased $316,000 (12.5%expense decreased $108,000 (10.5%) from $2,531,000 for$1,028,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2018first quarter of 2019 to $2,847,000 for$920,000 in the same period in 2019. The decreased FDIC assessments result from the FDIC insurance fund reaching the targetfirst quarter of 1.38% and the Company being able to use the Small Bank Assessment Credits.2020. There were numerous line items that make up the $316,000 increase$108,000 decrease in other expenses includingbut the largest change occurred in advertising and business development. Advertising and business development (increased $96,000), correspondent bank charges (increased $201,000),decreased $123,000 (63.4%) from $194,000 in the first quarter of 2019 to $71,000 in the first quarter of 2020. Much of this decrease is related to the shelter-in-place order within our markets reducing the number of business development opportunities and professional fees (increased $72,000).

events. The overheadfully taxable equivalent efficiency ratio (fully taxable equivalent)decreased from 70.9% for the first nine monthsquarter of 2019 was 67.6% as compared to 68.2% in63.0% for the same periodfirst quarter of 2018.2020.

Provision for Income Taxes

 

Federal and state income taxes for the quarter ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 increased $133,000 (31.1%$123,000 (33.3%) from $428,000$374,000 in the thirdfirst quarter of 20182019 to $561,000$497,000 in the thirdfirst quarter of 2019.2020. The combined federal and state effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 was 26.3%,25.8% compared to 27.1%24.6% for the thirdfirst quarter of 2018.2019. The effectivehigher tax rate decreased during this period despiteexpense was related to the higher level of taxable income as the Company benefitted from a higher level of tax exempt loans during the third quarter of 2019 as($406,000 or 26.9%) in 2020 ($1,929,000) compared to the third quarter of 2018. Average tax exempt loans were $13,673,000 during the third quarter of 2018 compared to $20,486,000 during the third quarter of 2019. Federal and state income taxes increased $143,000 (11.6%) from $1,237,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to $1,380,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the combined federal and state effective tax rate was 25.7% compared to 24.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

2019 ($1,520,000). The higher effective tax rate in 20192020 compared to 20182019 is also related to the tax treatment of equity based compensation under Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 (“ASU 2016-09”). Under ASU 2016-09, if the market value of the Company’s stock price on the date restricted stock vests is higher than the Company’s stock price on the date the restricted stock was awarded the Company receives a tax credit for the difference in values and if the market price on the vesting date is lower than the stock price on the award date the Company recognizes additional tax expense. In the first nine monthsquarter of 2018,2019 the Company recognized a $135,000$44,000 in tax credit under ASU 2016-09 and in the first nine monthsquarter of 20192020 the Company recognized a $32,000$4,000 in tax credit under ASU 2016-09. There were $3,000 and $2,000 in tax credits recognized under ASU 2016-09 and in the three months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.

Balance Sheet Analysis

The Company’s total assets were $721,281,000$716,053,000 at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 as compared to $688,092,000$720,353,000 at December 31, 2018,2019, representing an increasea decrease of $33,189,000 (4.8%$4,300,000 (0.6%). The average assets for the three months ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 were $708,698,000,$721,439,000, which represents an increase of $34,739,000 (5.2%) from$35,277,000 or 5.1% over the average balance of $673,959,000$686,162,000 during the three-month period ended September 30, 2018. The average assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $695,364,000, which represents an increase of $15,308,000 (2.3%) from the average balance of $680,056,000 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018.

Federal Funds

The balance held in correspondent banks classified as Federal funds at September 30, 2019, was zero compared to $7,000,000 at DecemberMarch 31, 2018. The primary reason for the decrease in Federal funds since December 31, 2018 is directly related to the increase in loan balances during the same period.2019.

3735
 

Investment Securities

Table Five below summarizes the values of the Company’s investment securities held on September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018.

2019.

Table Five: Investment Securities Composition

(dollars in thousands)      
Available-for-sale (at fair value) September 30,
2019
  December 31,
2018
 
Debt securities:        
U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Entities $261,316  $269,049 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  8,113   14,400 
Corporate bonds  6,626   6,508 
U.S. Treasury bonds     4,976 
Total available-for-sale investment securities $276,055  $294,933 
         
Held-to-maturity (at amortized cost)        
Debt securities:        
U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Entities $256  $292 
Total held-to-maturity investment securities $256  $292 

(dollars in thousands)      
Available-for-sale (at fair value) March 31, 2020  December 31, 2019 
Debt securities:        
US Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies $235,388  $241,887 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  13,598   13,447 
Corporate bonds  6,638   6,631 
Total available-for-sale investment securities $255,624  $261,965 
Held-to-maturity (at amortized cost)        
Debt securities:        
US Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies $240  $248 
Total held-to-maturity investment securities $240  $248 

The Company classifies its investment securities as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. The Company’s intent is to hold all securities classified as held-to-maturity until maturity and management believes that it has the ability to do so. Securities available-for-sale may be sold to implement asset/liability management strategies and in response to changes in interest rates, prepayment rates and similar factors.

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities totaling $4,111,000$6,558,000 were recorded, net of $1,215,000$1,938,000 in tax liabilities, as accumulated other comprehensive incomeloss within shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and net unrealized lossesgains on available-for-sale investment securities totaling $2,664,000$2,544,000 were recorded, net of $788,000$752,000 in tax benefits,liabilities, as accumulated other comprehensive loss within shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2018.2019.

 

Management periodically evaluates each investment security in a loss position for other than temporary impairment relying primarily on industry analyst reports, observation of market conditions and interest rate fluctuations. Management has the ability and intent to hold securities with established maturity dates until recovery of fair value, which may be until maturity, and believes it will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms for all of the underlying investment securities; therefore, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

Loans and Leases

The Company’s historical lending activities have been in the following principal areas: (1) commercial; (2) commercial real estate; (3) multi-family real estate; (4) real estate construction (both commercial and residential); (5) residential real estate; (6) lease financing receivable; (7) agriculture; and (8)(7) consumer loans. The Company’s continuing focus in our market area, new borrowers developed through the Company’s marketing efforts, and credit extensions expanded to existing borrowers resulted in the Company originating $106.2$12.9 million in new loans during the first ninethree months of 2019.2020. This production was partially offset by pay downs and payoffs, butand resulted in an overall increasedecrease in net loans and leases of $51,424,000 (16.1%$5,758,000 (1.5%) from December 31, 2018.

2019.

A significant portion of the Company’s loans and leases are direct loans and leases made to individuals and local businesses. The Company relies substantially on networking, local promotional activity, and personal contacts by American River Bank officers, directors and employees to compete with other financial institutions. The Company makes loans and leases to borrowers whose applications include a sound purpose and a viable primary repayment source, generally supported by a secondary source of repayment. Commercial loans consist of credit lines for operating needs, loans for equipment purchases, working capital, and various other business loan products. Consumer loans include a range of traditional consumer loan products such as personal lines of credit and homeowner equity lines of credit and loans to finance purchases of autos (including classic and collectors autos), boats, recreational vehicles, mobile homes and various other consumer items. Construction loans are generally comprised of commitments to customers within the Company’s service area for construction of commercial properties, multi-family properties and custom and semi-custom single-family residences. Other real estate loans consist primarily of loans secured by first trust deeds on commercial, multi-family, and residential properties typically with maturities from 3three to 10ten years and original loan-to-value ratios generally from 65% to 75%. Agriculture loans consist primarily of first trust deed loans on properties that produce grapes, fruit, and nut loans. In general, except in the case of loans under SBA programs or Farm Services Agency guarantees, the Company does not make long-term residential mortgage loans.

3836
 

Table Six below summarizes the composition of the loan portfolio as of September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018. 

2019.

Table Six: Loan and Lease Portfolio Composition

(dollars in thousands) September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Change in Percentage  March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Change in Percentage 
 $ % $ % dollars change  $ % $ % dollars change 
Commercial $41,079   11% $29,650   9% $11,429   38.6% $42,887   11% $43,019   11% $(132)  (0.3%)
Real estate                                                
Commercial  202,714   54%  199,894   62%  2,820   1.4%  216,291   55%  214,604   54%  1,687   0.8%
Multi-family  57,221   15%  56,139   18%  1,082   1.9%  52,082   13%  56,818   14%  (4,736)  (8.3%)
Construction  13,657   4%  5,685   2%  7,972   140.2%  20,871   5%  23,169   6%  (2,298)  (9.9%)
Residential  28,978   8%  16,338   5%  12,640   77.4%  29,136   7%  29,180   7%  (44)  (0.2%)
Lease financing receivable     %  32   %  (32)  (100.0%)
Agriculture  6,570   2%  4,419   1%  2,151   48.7%  6,411   2%  6,479   2%  (68)  (1.0%)
Consumer  24,674   6%  10,714   3%  13,960   130.3%  26,660   7%  26,392   6%  268   1.0%
Total loans and leases  374,893   100%  322,871   100%  52,022   16.1%
Deferred loan fees and costs, net         37       (37)    
Allowance for loan and lease losses  (4,953)      (4,392)      (461)    
Total net loans and leases $369,940      $318,516      $51,424   16.1%
Total loans  394,338   100%  399,661   100%  (5,323)  (1.3%)
Deferred loan (fees) and costs, net  (657)      (721)      64     
Allowance for loan losses  (5,637)      (5,138)      (499)    
Total net loans $388,044      $393,802      $(5,758)  (1.5%)

Risk Elements

The Company assesses and manages credit risk on an ongoing basis through a total credit culture that emphasizes excellent credit quality, extensive internal monitoring and established formal lending policies. Additionally, the Company contracts with an outside loan review consultant to periodically review the existing loan and lease portfolio. Management believes its ability to identify and assess risk and return characteristics of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio is critical for profitability and growth. Management strives to continue its emphasis on credit quality in the loan and lease approval process, through active credit administration and regular monitoring. With this in mind, management has designed and implemented a comprehensive loan and lease review and grading system that functions to continually assess the credit risk inherent in the loan and lease portfolio.

 

Ultimately, underlying trends in economic and business cycles influence credit quality. American River Bank’s business is concentrated in the Sacramento Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a diversified economy, but with a large State of California government presence and employment base; in Sonoma County, which is focused on businesses within the two communities in which the Bank has offices (Santa Rosa and Healdsburg); and in Amador County, in which the Bank is primarily focused on businesses within the three communities in which it has offices (Jackson, Pioneer, and Ione). The economy of Sonoma County is diversified with professional services, manufacturing, agriculture and real estate investment and construction, while the economy of Amador County is reliant upon government, services, retail trade, manufacturing industries and Indian gaming. The Company serviced markets in Santa Clara, Contra Costa, and Alameda Counties through a loan production office. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company discontinued operating the loan production office, however, the Company continues to service loans originated through these offices. The economies of Santa Clara, Contra Costa and Alameda Counties are diversified with professional services, manufacturing, technology related companies, real estate investment and construction.

The Company has significant extensions of credit and commitments to extend credit that are secured by real estate. The ultimate repayment of these loans is generally dependent on personal or business cash flows or the sale or refinancing of the real estate. The Company monitors the effects of current and expected market conditions and other factors on the collectability of real estate loans. The more significant factors management considers involve the following: lease rates and terms, vacancy rates, absorption and sale rates and capitalization rates; real estate values, supply and demand factors, and rates of return; operating expenses; inflation and deflation; and sufficiency of repayment sources independent of the real estate including, in some instances, personal guarantees.

39

In extending credit and commitments to borrowers, the Company generally requires collateral and/or guarantees as security. The repayment of such loans is expected to come from cash flows or from proceeds from the sale of selected assets of the borrowers. The Company’s requirement for collateral and/or guarantees is determined on a case-by-case basis in connection with management’s evaluation of the creditworthiness of the borrower. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, income-producing properties, residences and other real property. The Company secures its collateral by perfecting its security interest in business assets, obtaining deeds of trust, or outright possession among other means.

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In management’s judgment, a concentration exists in real estate loans, which represented approximately 81%80% of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and 86%81% as of December 31, 2018.2019. Management believes that the residential land and construction portion of the Company’s loan portfolio carries a reasonable level of credit risk.  As of September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, outstanding unimproved residential land commitmentsand construction loans were $5,803,000$4,269,000 (or just 1.5%1.3% of the total real estate loans). Of the $5,803,000, $2,025,000, or 35%,$4,269,000, $1,969,000 (46%) was represented by one amortizing loan, which was considered well-secured, with a favorable loan-to-value ratio.  Management currently believes that it maintains its allowance for loan and lease losses at levels adequate to reflect the loss risk inherent in its total loan portfolio.

 

A decline in the economy in general, or decline in real estate values in the Company’s market areas, in particular, could have an adverse impact on the collectability of real estate loans and require an increase in the provision for loan and lease losses. This could adversely affect the Company’s future prospects, results of operations, profitability and stock price. See “Potential Impact of COVID-19.” Management believes that its lending practices and underwriting standards are structured with the intent to minimize losses; however, there is no assurance that losses will not occur. The Company’s loan practices and underwriting standards include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) maintaining a thorough understanding of the Company’s market area and originating a significant majority of its loans within that area, (2) maintaining a thorough understanding of borrowers’ knowledge, capacity, and market position in their field of expertise, (3) basing real estate loan approvals not only on market demand for the project, but also on the borrowers’ capacity to support the project financially in the event it does not perform to expectations (whether sale or income performance), and (4) maintaining conforming and prudent loan-to-value and loan-to-cost ratios based on independent outside appraisals and ongoing inspection and analysis by the Company’s lending officers or contracted third-party professionals.

Nonperforming, Past Due and Restructured Loans and Leases

Management places loans and leases on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due or if a loss is expected, unless the loan or lease is well secured and in the process of collection. Loans and leases are partially or fully charged off when, in the opinion of management, collection of such amount appears unlikely. The recorded investments in nonperforming loans, and leases, which includes nonaccrual loans and leases and loans and leases that were 90 days or more past due and on accrual, totaled zero and $27,000 at September 30, 2019both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018,2019, respectively. The $27,000 in nonperforming loans and leases at December 31, 2018 was comprised of one commercial loan relationship with two loans totaling $27,000, both of which were current to terms. Because these loans were current and had shown a pattern of consistent, timely payments, the loans were upgraded to accrual status during the second quarter of 2019.

There were no loan or lease concentrations in excess of 10% of total loans and leases not otherwise disclosed as a category of loans and leases as of September 30, 2019.March 31, 2020. Management is not aware of any potential problem loans, which were accruing and current at September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, where serious doubt exists as to the ability of the borrower to comply with the present repayment terms and that would result in a significant loss to the Company apart from those loans identified in the Bank’s impairment analysis.

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Table Seven below sets forth nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more as of September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018.2019.

 

Table Seven:  Nonperforming Loans      
(dollars in thousands) March 31,  December 31, 
  2020  2019 
Past due 90 days or more and still accruing:        
Commercial $  $ 
Real estate      
Agriculture      
Consumer      
Nonaccrual:        
Commercial      
Real estate      
Consumer      
Total nonperforming loans $  $ 

Table Seven: Nonperforming Loans and Leases      
(dollars in thousands)      
  September 30,
2019
  December 31,
2018
 
Past due 90 days or more and still accruing:        
Commercial $  $ 
Real estate      
Lease financing receivable      
Agriculture      
Consumer      
Nonaccrual:        
Commercial     27 
Real estate      
Lease financing receivable      
Agriculture      
Consumer      
Total nonperforming loans $  $27 

There were no loans that were considered past due between 30 and 89 days at September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018.

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Impaired Loans and Leases

The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due (principal and interest) according to the original contractual terms of the loan or lease agreement. The measurement of impairment may be based on (i) the present value of the expected cash flows of the impaired loan or lease discounted at the loan’s or lease’s original effective interest rate, (ii) the observable market price of the impaired loan, or lease, or (iii) the fair value of the collateral of a collateral-dependent loan. The Company does not apply this definition to smaller-balance loans or leases that are collectively evaluated for credit risk. In assessing whether a loan or lease is impaired, the Company typically reviews loans or leases graded substandard or lower with outstanding principal balances in excess of $100,000, as well as loans considered troubled debt restructures with outstanding principal balances in excess of $25,000. The Company identifies troubled debt restructures by reviewing each renewal, modification, or extension of a loan with a screening document.  This document is designed to identify any characteristics of such a loan that would qualify it as a troubled debt restructure.  If the characteristics are not present that would qualify a loan as a troubled debt restructure, it is deemed to be a modification.  

At September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, the recorded investment in loans and leases that were considered to be impaired totaled $7,662,000,$7,544,000, all of which wereare considered performing loans and leases.loans. Of the total impaired loans of $7,662,000,$7,544,000, loans totaling $5,879,000$5,818,000 were deemed to require no specific reserve and loans totaling $1,783,000$1,726,000 were deemed to require a related valuation allowance of $82,000. At December 31, 2018,$134,000. Of the $5,818,000 impaired loans that did not carry a specific reserve there were $474,000 in loans that had previous partial charge-offs and $5,344,000 in loans that were analyzed and determined not to require a specific reserve or charge-off because the collateral value or discounted cash flow value exceeded the loan balance. The recorded investment in loans and leases that were considered to be impaired totaled $8,702,000.$7,604,000 at December 31, 2019. Of the total impaired loans of $8,702,000,$7,604,000, loans totaling $5,968,000$5,848,000 were deemed to require no specific reserve and loans totaling $2,734,000$1,756,000 were deemed to require a related valuation allowance of $185,000.$142,000.

 

Prior to 2013, the Company had been operating in a market that had experienced significant decreases in real estate values of commercial, residential, land, and construction properties. As such, the Company is focused on monitoring collateral values for those loans considered collateral dependent. For collateral dependent loans the Company performs an internal evaluation or obtains an updated appraisal, as necessary.  In the thirdfirst quarter of 2019,2020, the Company had net loan recoveries of $71,000$4,000 with $120,000$495,000 in provisions for loan and lease losses. Despite the Company’s continued improvement in the credit quality of the loan and lease portfolio, due to the net growth inuncertain economic impact on the loans outstanding during 2019,Company’s borrowers due to COVID-19, management believes that the $120,000$495,000 addition to the provision for loan and lease losses during the first quarter of 2020 was warranted. In the thirdfirst quarter of 2018,2019, the Company had net loan lossesrecoveries of $210,000 and a provision of $50,000.$5,000 with $180,000 in added provision.

During the quartersperiods ended September 30,March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, and September 30, 2018, there were no loans that were modified as troubled debt restructurings. There were no payment defaults during the three months ended March 31, 2020 or March 31, 2019 on troubled debt restructurings within 12 months followingmade in the modification for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019.

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There were no payment defaults on troubled debt restructurings within 12 months following the modification for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018.preceding twelve months. At September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 20182019, there were no unfunded commitments on those loans considered troubled debt restructures.

Working with Borrowers

The FDIC is encouraging financial institutions, like American River Bank, to provide borrowers affected in a variety of ways by the COVID-19 outbreak with payment accommodations that facilitate their ability to work through the immediate impact of the virus. Such assistance provided in a prudent manner to borrowers facing short-term setbacks could help the borrower and our community to recover. The FDIC suggested that these loan accommodation programs may involve protracted resolutions, but that all accommodations should be ultimately targeted toward loan repayment.

The FDIC suggested that financial institutions should consider ways to address any deferred or skipped payments such as extending the original maturity date or by making those payments due in a balloon payment at the maturity date of the loan. As of March 31, 2020, the Company was in discussion with its borrowers to seek ways in which the Company could assist them during the COVID-19 but had not yet deferred any loan payments. On April 1, 2020, the Company began deferring loan payments for some its borrowers. As of May 4, 2020, the following arrangements had been made for borrowers requesting loan deferrals:

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Payments for principal and interest deferred for three months with the maturity extended three months:

Seven commercial loans with principal balances totaling $3,942,000;

Thirty-six consumer auto loans with principal balances totaling $4,289,000;

Twenty-nine commercial real estate loans with principal balances totaling $33,110,000;

Five residential real estate loans with principal balances totaling $5,539,000; and

Three multi-family loans with principal balances totaling $10,133,000.

Payments for principal and interest deferred for four months with the maturity extended four months:

Three commercial loans with principal balances totaling $5,109,000; and

Four commercial real estate loans with principal balances totaling $3,465,000.

Payments for principal and interest deferred for three months, due at maturity:

Five commercial real estate loans with principal balances totaling $9,068,000;

One multi-family loan with a principal balance totaling $1,381,000: and

One residential real estate loan with a principal balance totaling $771,000.

Payments for principal and interest deferred for four months, due at maturity:

One commercial real estate loan with a principal balance totaling $125,000.

Payments for interest only for six months, maturity was not extended:

One commercial real estate loan with a principal balance totaling $2,657,000.

The Company expects to continue to work with its borrowers and make prudent credit arrangements if needed, with the intention of acting in a safe and sound manner.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Activity

The Company maintains an allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) to cover probable losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio, which is based upon management’s estimate of those losses. The ALLL is established through a provision for loan and lease losses and is increased by provisions charged against current earnings and recoveries and reduced by charge-offs. Actual losses for loans and leases can vary significantly from this estimate. The methodology and assumptions used to calculate the allowance are continually reviewed as to their appropriateness given the most recent losses realized and other factors that influence the estimation process. The model assumptions and resulting allowance level are adjusted accordingly as these factors change. Table Eight below summarizes, for the periods indicated, the activity in the ALLL.

Table Eight: Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

(dollars in thousands) Three Months
Ended September 30,
  Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Average loans and leases outstanding $368,160  $299,934  $349,718  $303,951 
                 
Allowance for loan and lease losses at beginning of period $4,761  $4,492  $4,392  $4,478 
                 
Loans and leases charged off:                
Commercial     (213)     (213)
Real estate            
Lease financing receivable            
Agriculture            
Consumer            
Total     (213)     (213)
Recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off:                
Commercial  2   1   5   10 
Real estate  2   2   8   6 
Lease financing receivable           1 
Agriculture            
Consumer  68      68    
Total  72   3   81   17 
Net loans and leases recovered (charged off)  72   (210)  81   (196)
Additions to allowance charged to operating expenses  120   50   480   50 
Allowance for loan and lease losses at end of period $4,953  $4,332  $4,953  $4,332 
Ratio of net (recoveries) charge-offs to average loans and leases outstanding (annualized)  -0.08%  0.28%  -0.03%  0.09%
Provision of allowance for loan and lease losses to
average loans and leases outstanding (annualized)
  0.13%  0.07%  0.18%  0.02%
Allowance for loan and lease losses to loans and leases net of deferred fees  at end of period  1.32%  1.38%  1.32%  1.38%

The adequacy of the ALLL and the level of the related provision for loan and lease losses is determined based on management’s judgment after consideration of numerous factors including, but not limited to: (i) local and regional economic conditions, (ii) the financial condition of the borrowers, (iii) loan impairment and the related level of expected charge-offs, (iv) evaluation of industry trends, (v) industry and other concentrations, (vi) loans and leases which are contractually current as to payment terms but demonstrate a higher degree of risk as identified by management, (vii) continuing evaluations of the performing loan portfolio, (viii) ongoing review and evaluation of problem loans identified as having loss potential, (ix) quarterly review by the Board of Directors, and (x) assessments by banking regulators and other third parties. Management and the Board of Directors evaluate the ALLL and determine its appropriate level considering objective and subjective measures, such as knowledge of the borrower’s business, valuation of collateral, the determination of impaired loans or leases and exposure to potential losses.

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The ALLL totaled $4,953,000$5,637,000 or 1.32%1.43% of total loans and leases at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 compared to $4,392,000$5,138,000 or 1.38%1.29% of total loans and leases at December 31, 2018.2019. The Company establishes general and specific reserves in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The ALLL is composed of categories of the loan and lease portfolio based on loan type and loan rating; however, the entire allowance is available to cover actual loan and lease losses. While management uses available information to recognize possible losses on loans, and leases, future additions to the allowance may be necessary, based on changes in economic conditions and other matters. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s ALLL. Such agencies may require the Company to provide additions to the allowance based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.

The ALLLallowance for loans as a percentage of impaired loans was 74.7% at March 31, 2020 and leases was 64.6% at September 30, 2019 and 50.5%67.6% at December 31, 2018.2019. Of the total nonperformingnon-performing and impaired loans and leases outstanding as of September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, there were $801,000$787,000 in loans or leases that had been reduced by partial charge-offs of $294,000.$292,000.

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The Company’s policy with regard to loan or lease charge-offs continues to be that a loan or lease is charged off against the ALLL when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. As previously discussed in the “Impaired Loans and Leases”Loans” section, certain loans are evaluated for impairment. Generally, if a loan is collateralized by real estate or other collateral, and considered collateral dependent, the impaired portion will be charged off to the allowance for loan and lease losses unless it is in the process of collection, in which case a specific reserve may be warranted. If the collateral is other than real estate and considered impaired, a specific reserve may be warranted.

It is the policy of management to maintain the allowance for loan and lease losses at a level believed to be adequate for known and inherent risks in the portfolio. Our methodology incorporates a variety of risk considerations, both quantitative and qualitative, in establishing an allowance for loan and lease losses that management believes is appropriate at each reporting date. Formula allocations are calculated by applying historical loss factors to outstanding loans with similar characteristics.  Historical loss factors are based upon the Company’s loss experience. These historical loss factors are adjusted for changes in the business cycle and for significant factors that, in management’s judgment, affect the collectability of the loan portfolio as of the evaluation date.  The discretionary allocation is based upon management’s evaluation of various loan segment conditions that are not directly measured in the determination of the formula and specific allowances.  The conditions may include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions affecting the key lending areas of the Company, credit quality trends, collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, and other business conditions. Based on information currently available, management believes that the allowance for loan and lease losses is prudent and adequate. However, no prediction of the ultimate level of loans and leases charged off in future periods can be made with any certainty. Table Eight below summarizes, for the periods indicated, the activity in the ALLL.


Table Eight: Allowance for Loan Losses

(dollars in thousands) Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  2020  2019 
Average loans outstanding $396,322  $328,570 
         
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of  period $5,138  $4,392 
Loans charged off:        
Total      
Recoveries of loans previouslycharged off:        
Commercial  1   2 
Real estate  3   3 
Total  4   5 
Net loans recovered  4   5 
Additions to allowance charged to operating expenses  495   180 
Allowance for loan lossesat end of period $5,637  $4,577 
Ratio of net recoveries to average loans outstanding (annualized)  0.00%  (0.01%)
Provision of allowance for loan losses to average loans outstanding (annualized)  0.50%  0.22%
Allowance for loan losses to loans net of deferred fees at end of period  1.43%  1.34%

 

Other Real Estate Owned

 

At September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018,2019, the Company had one other real estate owned (“OREO”) property totaling $957,000.$846,000. During 2019,the first quarter of 2020, the Company did not acquire or sell any OREO properties nor were there any impairment charges to this property. There was no valuation allowance at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 nor at year-end 2018.2019. The Company believes that the OREO property owned at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 was carried approximately at fair value.

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Deposits

At September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, total deposits were $612,904,000$603,136,000 representing a $22,230,000 (3.8%$1,701,000 (0.3%) increasedecrease from the December 31, 20182019 balance of $590,674,000.$604,837,000. The Company’s deposit growth plan for 20192020 is to concentrate its efforts on increasing noninterest-bearing demand, interest-bearing money market and NOW accounts, and savings accounts while continuing to focus on maintaining an overall lower cost of funds than our peer group while at the same time retaining our high-valued deposit relationships. The Company’s balances in noninterest-bearing checking, interest-bearing checking, savings, and time,savings, in total, remained relatively unchanged from December 31, 2018,2019 increasing overall by $1,193,000 (0.2%), however, noninterest-bearing checking increased $13,772,000 (6.4%) andbalances in money market accounts increased $5,638,000$3,865,000 (2.4%). The increase in money market accounts was offset by a decrease in time deposits balances, which decreased $2,894,000 (3.9%). from $73,809,000 at December 31, 2019 to $70,915,000 at March 31, 2020 and savings accounts balances, which decreased $3,020,000 (4.0%) from $75,820,000 at December 31, 2019 to $72,800,000 at March 31, 2020.

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Other Borrowed Funds

Other borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018,2019, consist of advances (both long-termshort-term and short-term)long-term) from the FHLB.Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (“FHLB”). Table Nine below summarizes these borrowings.

Table Nine: Other Borrowed Funds

(dollars in thousands)      
  March 31, 2020  December 31, 2019 
  Amount  Rate  Amount  Rate 
Short-term borrowings:                
FHLB advances $5,000   1.31% $9,000   1.46%
Long-term borrowings:                
FHLB advances $10,500   2.48% $10,500   2.48%

(dollars in thousands)  

  September 30, 2019  December 31, 2018 
  Amount  Rate  Amount  Rate 
Short-term borrowings:                
FHLB advances $5,000   1.31% $5,000   1.32%
Long-term borrowings:                
FHLB advances $10,500   2.48% $10,500   2.02%

The maximum amount of short-term borrowings at any month-end during the first ninethree months of 2020 and 2019 was $12,000,000 and 2018 was $16,000,000 and $6,500,000,$19,000,000, respectively. The FHLB advances are collateralized by loans and securities pledged to the FHLB. The following is a breakdown of rates and maturities on FHLB advances (dollars in thousands):

as of March 31, 2020:

  Short-term  Long-term 
Amount $5,000  $10,500 
Maturity  2020   2021 to 2023 
Weighted average rates  1.31%  2.48%

Capital Resources

The Company and American River Bank are subject to certain regulatory capital requirements administered by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve BoardSystem and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). Failure to meet these minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Under current capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, banks must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and American River Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

At March 31, 2020, shareholders’ equity was $86,854,000, representing an increase of $3,945,000 (4.8%) from $82,909,000 at December 31, 2019. The increase results from net income for the period ($1,432,000), stock based compensation ($98,000), and the increase from other comprehensive income ($2,828,000), exceeding the payment of cash dividends ($413,000). Table Ten below lists the Company’s and American River Bank’s capital ratios at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 20182019, as well as the minimum regulatory requirements.capital ratios for capital adequacy and the minimum requirement for a well-capitalized institution. While the Company has elected to adopt the community bank leverage ratio framework in which it is no longer required to report the risk-based capital ratios, we believe reporting them to our shareholders allows them to compare the ratios of companies of similar size and, therefore, are presented below.

Table Ten: Capital Ratios            
        Minimum Regulatory Capital 
  September 30,  December 31,  Requirements 
  2019  2018  2019  2018 
American River Bankshares                
Leverage Ratio  9.2%  8.9%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital  15.4%  16.1%  N/A   N/A 
Total Risk-Based Capital  16.6%  17.3%  N/A   N/A 
                 
American River Bank                
Leverage Ratio  9.3%  9.0%  6.5%  5.9%
Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital  15.6%  16.2%  7.0%  6.4%
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital  15.6%  16.2%  8.5%  7.9%
Total Risk-Based Capital  16.7%  17.4%  10.5%  9.9%
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At September 30, 2019, shareholders’ equity was $82,849,000, representing an increase

Table Ten: Capital Ratios         
Capital to Risk-Adjusted Assets March 31,  December 31,  Minimum Regulatory Capital
Requirements
 
  2020  2019  2020  2019 
American River Bankshares                
Leverage Ratio  9.4%  9.2%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital  15.3%  14.8%  N/A   N/A 
Total Risk-Based Capital  16.6%  15.9%  N/A   N/A 
                 
American River Bank                
Leverage Ratio  9.5%  9.3%  6.5%  6.5%
Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital  15.5%  14.9%  N/A   7.0%
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital  15.5%  14.9%  N/A   8.5%
Total Risk-Based Capital  16.7%  16.1%  N/A   10.5%

On February 12, 2020, the Company paid a $0.07 per common share cash dividend to shareholders of $8,128,000 (10.9%) from $74,721,000 at December 31, 2018. The increase results from net income for the period ($3,993,000), stock based compensation ($363,000), and the increase from other comprehensive income ($4,772,000), exceeding the payment ofrecord on January 29, 2020. This 2020 quarterly dividend follows four quarterly cash dividends, ($1,000,000).

totaling $0.24 per share, paid in 2019. Capital ratios are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that capital exceeds the prescribed regulatory requirements areand is adequate to meet future needs, and whetherneeds. Accordingly, we cannot provide any assurance that we will continue to raise additional capitalpay cash dividends at the same historical rates, or return capital to shareholders.at all. Management believes that both the Company and American River Bank met all of their capital adequacy requirements as of September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018.2019.

 

Effective January 1, 2015, bank holding companies with consolidated assets of $1 Billion or more ($3 Billion or more effective August 30, 2018) and banks like American River Bank must comply with new minimum capital ratio requirements which have been fully phased in. The capital requirements consist of the following: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital to total risk weighted assets ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital to total risk weighted assets ratio of 6%; (iii) a total capital to total risk weighted assets ratio of 8%; and (iv) a Tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets (“leverage”) ratio of 4%.

 

In addition, a “capital conservation buffer,” was established which is now fully phased-in and requires maintenance of a minimum of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to total risk weighted assets in excess of the regulatory minimum capital ratio requirements described above. The 2.5% buffer increases the minimum capital ratios to (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%, and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. The new buffer requirement was phased-in between January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2019. The buffer requirement for 2018 was 1.875% and became fully phased in on January 1, 2019, increasing to 2.50%. If the capital ratio levels of a banking organization fall below the capital conservation buffer amount, the organization will be subject to limitations on (i) the payment of dividends; (ii) discretionary bonus payments; (iii) discretionary payments under Tier 1 instruments; and (iv) engaging in share repurchases.

On January 24, 2018, the Company approved and authorized a 5% stock repurchase program for 2018 (the “2018 Program”). See Part II, Item 2, for additional disclosure regarding the 2018 Program. In addition, on February 13, 2019 and May 15, 2019, the Company paid cash dividends of $0.05 per common share to shareholders of record on January 30, 2019 and May 1, 2019, respectively, and on August 14, 2019 the Company paid cash dividends of $0.07 per common share to shareholders of record on July 31, 2019. These 2019 quarterly cash dividends follow four quarterly cash dividends, totaling $0.20 per share, paid in 2018.

Inflation

The impact of inflation on a financial institution differs significantly from that exerted on manufacturing or other commercial concerns primarily because its assets and liabilities are largely monetary. In general, inflation primarily affects the Company and its subsidiaries through its effect on market rates of interest, which affects the Company’s ability to attract loan customers. Inflation affects the growth of total assets by increasing the level of loan demand and potentially adversely affects capital adequacy because loan growth in inflationary periods can increase at rates higher than the rate that capital grows through retention of earnings which may be generated in the future. In addition to its effects on interest rates, inflation increases overall operating expenses. Inflation has not had a significant effect upon the results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries during the periods ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and 2018.2019.

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Liquidity

Liquidity management refers to the Company’s ability to provide funds on an ongoing basis to meet fluctuations in deposit levels as well as the credit needs and requirements of its clients. Both assets and liabilities contribute to the Company’s liquidity position. Federal funds lines, short-term investments and securities, and loan and lease repayments contribute to liquidity, along with deposit increases, while loan and lease funding and deposit withdrawals decrease liquidity. The Company assesses the likelihood of projected funding requirements by reviewing historical funding patterns, current and forecasted economic conditions and individual client funding needs. Commitments to fund loans and outstanding standby letters of credit at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 were approximately $37,117,000$30,524,000 and $300,000,$60,000, respectively. Such loan commitments relate primarily to revolving lines of credit and other commercial loans and to real estate construction loans. Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

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The Company’s sources of liquidity consist of cash and due from correspondent banks, overnight funds sold to correspondent banks, unpledged marketable investments and loans held for sale and/or pledged for secured borrowings. At September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, consolidated liquid assets totaled $152.0$138.0 million or 21.1%19.3% of total assets compared to $226.5$141.5 million or 32.9%19.6% of total assets on December 31, 2018.2019. In addition to liquid assets, the Company maintains two short-term unsecured lines of credit in the amount of $17,000,000 with two of its correspondent banks. At September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, the Company had $17,000,000 available under these credit lines. Additionally, the Bank is a member of the FHLB. At September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, the Bank could have arranged for up to $147,126,000$160,047,000 in secured borrowings from the FHLB. These borrowings are secured by pledged mortgage loans and investment securities. At September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, the BankCompany had advances, borrowings and commitments (including letters of credit) outstanding of $15,500,000, leaving $131,626,000$144,547,000 available under these FHLB secured borrowing arrangements. TheAmerican River Bank also has a secured borrowing arrangement with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. The borrowing can be secured by pledging selected loans and investment securities. At September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, the Bank’sCompany’s borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve Bank was $9,322,000.$6,527,000. The Company serves primarily a business and professional customer base and, as such, its deposit base is susceptible to economic fluctuations. Accordingly, management strives to maintain a balanced position of liquid assets and borrowing capacity to offset the potential runoff of these volatile and/or cyclical deposits.

Liquidity is also affected by portfolio maturities and the effect of interest rate fluctuations on the marketability of both assets and liabilities. The Company can sell any of its unpledged securities held in the available-for-sale category to meet liquidity needs. Furthermore, the Bank can pledge additional unencumbered securities to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and the FHLB.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Items

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments consist of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized on the balance sheet.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party for commitments to extend credit and letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company applies the same credit policies to commitments and letters of credit as it does for loans included on the consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018,2019, commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit were the only financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. The Company has not entered into any contracts for financial derivative instruments such as futures, swaps, options or similar instruments. Loan commitments and standby letters of credit were $37,417,000$30,584,000 and $34,637,000$40,624,000 at September 30, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018,2019, respectively. As a percentage of net loans and leases these off-balance sheet items represent 10.1%7.9% and 10.9%10.3%, respectively. See also, Note 3 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein for additional information about the Company’s off-balance sheet items. The Company has certain ongoing commitments under operating leases. These commitments do not significantly impact operating results.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Overview. Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. The Company’s market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its loan, investment and deposit functions. The goal for managing the assets and liabilities of the Company is to maximize shareholder value and earnings while maintaining a high quality balance sheet without exposing the Company to undue interest rate risk. The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the interest rate risk management policies. The Company has an Enterprise Risk Management Committee, made up of Company management that establishes and monitors guidelines to control the sensitivity of earnings to changes in interest rates.

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Asset/Liability Management. Activities involved in asset/liability management include but are not limited to lending, accepting and placing deposits and investing in securities. Interest rate risk is the primary market risk associated with asset/liability management. Sensitivity of earnings to interest rate changes arises when yields on assets change in a different time period or in a different amount from that of interest costs on liabilities. To mitigate interest rate risk, the structure of the balance sheet is managed with the goal that movements of interest rates on assets and liabilities are correlated and contribute to earnings even in periods of volatile interest rates. The asset/liability management policy sets limits on the acceptable amount of variance in net interest margin and market value of equity under changing interest environments. The Company uses simulation models to forecast earnings, net interest margin and market value of equity.

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Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis Interest rate sensitivity is a function of the repricing characteristics of the portfolio of assets and liabilities. These repricing characteristics are the time frames within which the interest-bearing assets and liabilities are subject to change in interest rates either at replacement, repricing or maturity. Interest rate sensitivity management focuses on the maturity of assets and liabilities and their repricing during periods of changes in market interest rates. Interest rate sensitivity is measured as the difference between the volumes of assets and liabilities in the current portfolio that are subject to repricing at various time horizons. The differences are known as interest sensitivity gaps. A positive cumulative gap may be equated to an asset sensitive position. An asset sensitive position in a rising interest rate environment will cause a bank’s interest rate margin to expand. This results as floating or variable rate loans reprice more rapidly than fixed rate certificates of deposit that reprice as they mature over time. Conversely, a declining interest rate environment will cause the opposite effect. A negative cumulative gap may be equated to a liability sensitive position. A liability sensitive position in a rising interest rate environment will cause a bank’s interest rate margin to contract, while a declining interest rate environment will have the opposite effect.

Table Eleven below summarizes the effect on net interest income (NII) of a ±100 and ±200 basis point change in interest rates as measured against a constant rate (no change) scenario.

Table Eleven: Interest Rate Risk Simulation of Net Interest as of September 30, 2019      
(dollars in thousands) 

$ Change in NII

from Current

12 Month Horizon

  

$ Change in NII

from Current

24 Month Horizon

 
Variation from a constant rate scenario        
+100bp $391  $1,234 
+200bp $742  $2,256 
-100bp $(342) $(1,513)
-200bp $(824) $(3,900)

Simulation of earnings is the primary tool used to measure the sensitivity of earnings to interest rate changes. Using computer-modeling techniques, with specialized software built for this specific purpose for financial institutions, the Company is able to estimate the potential impact of changing interest rates on earnings, net interest margin and market value of equity. A balance sheet is prepared using detailed inputs of actual loans, securities and interest-bearing liabilities (i.e. deposits/borrowings). The balance sheet is processed using multiple interest rate scenarios. The scenarios include a rising rate forecast, a flat rate forecast and a falling rate forecast which take place within a one-year time frame. The net interest income is measured over one-year and two-year periods assuming a gradual change in rates over the twelve-month horizon. The simulation modeling attempts to estimate changes in the Company’s net interest income utilizing a detailed current balance sheet. Table Eleven below summarizes the effect on net interest income (NII) of a ±100 and ±200 basis point change in interest rates as measured against a constant rate (no change) scenario.


Table Eleven: Interest Rate Risk Simulation of Net Interest as of March 31, 2020

(dollars in thousands) 

$ Change in NII
from Current
12 Month Horizon

       

$ Change in NII
from Current
24 Month Horizon

 
Variation from a constant rate scenario        
+100bp $315  $1,099 
+200bp $650  $2,249 
-100bp $(135) $(837)
-200bp $(424) $(2,184)

After a review of the model results as of September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, the Company does not consider the fluctuations from the base case, to have a material impact on the Company’s projected results and are within the tolerance levels outlined in the Company’s interest rate risk polices. The simulations of earnings do not incorporate any management actions, which might moderate the negative consequences of interest rate deviations. Therefore, they do not reflect likely actual results, but serve as reasonable estimates of interest rate risk.

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

Interest rate sensitivity is a function of the repricing characteristics of the portfolio of assets and liabilities. These repricing characteristics are the time frames within which the interest-bearing assets and liabilities are subject to change in interest rates either at replacement, repricing or maturity. Interest rate sensitivity management focuses on the maturity of assets and liabilities and their repricing during periods of changes in market interest rates. Interest rate sensitivity is measured as the difference between the volumes of assets and liabilities in the current portfolio that are subject to repricing at various time horizons. The differences are known as interest sensitivity gaps. A positive cumulative gap may be equated to an asset sensitive position. An asset sensitive position in a rising interest rate environment will cause a bank’s interest rate margin to expand. This results as floating or variable rate loans repricemore rapidly than fixed rate certificates of deposit that reprice as they mature over time. Conversely, a declining interest rate environment will cause the opposite effect. A negative cumulative gap may be equated to a liability sensitive position. A liability sensitive position in a rising interest rate environment will cause a bank’s interest rate margin to contract, while a declining interest rate environment will have the opposite effect.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of September 30, 2019.March 31, 2020. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materiallysignificantly affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, these controls.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, the Company and/or its subsidiaries is a party to claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company’s management is not aware of any significant pending legal proceedings to which either it or its subsidiaries may be a party or has recently been a party, which will have a significant adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company or its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no significant changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2018,2019, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2019.2020, except as described below.

TheCOVID-19pandemic has significantly impacted the State of California and our business. We have already experienced an adverse impact on our business as result of the pandemic. The ultimate impact on our business and financial results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the scope and duration of the pandemic and actions taken by governmental authorities in response to the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains, lowered equity market valuations, created significant volatility and disruption in financial markets, and increased unemployment levels. In addition, the pandemic has resulted in temporary closures of many businesses and the institution of social distancing and sheltering-in-place requirements in many states and communities.Our operations, like those of other financial institutions, are significantly influenced by economic conditions in California, including the strength of the real estate market and construction industry. As a result, the demand for our products and services has been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted.

Furthermore, the pandemic could influence the recognition of credit losses in our loan portfolios and increase our allowance for credit losses, particularly as businesses remain closed and as more customers are expected to draw on their lines of credit or seek additional loans to help finance their businesses. For the period ending March 31, 2020, we increased our allowance for loan losses by $495,000, primarily as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, because of changing economic and market conditions affecting issuers, we may be required to recognize other-than-temporary impairments in future periods on the securities we hold as well as reductions in other comprehensive income. Our business operations may also be disrupted if significant portions of our workforce are unable to work effectively, including because of illness, quarantines, government actions, or other restrictions in connection with the pandemic, and we have already temporarily reduced hours at our branches and staff are working remotely. In response to the pandemic, we haveimplemented loan programs to allow borrowers to defer loan principal and interest payments and are participating in the Small Business Administration’s (“SBA’s”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act to help provide loans to our business clients to provide them with additional working capital to enable them to retain their employees.We and our customers have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent to which theCOVID-19pandemic continues to negatively impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as our regulatory capital and liquidity ratios, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the scope and duration of the pandemic and actions taken by governmental authorities and other third parties in response to the pandemic.

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

The Company did not repurchase any shares during 20182019 or the first ninethree months of 20192020 and does not currently have a stock repurchase program in place.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

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Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit  
Number Document Description
   
(31.1) Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
   
(31.2) Certifications of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
   
(32.1) Certification of American River Bankshares by its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
   
101.INS XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema*
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation*
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition*
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label*
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation*
   
  *Filed herewith
  ** Furnished herewith
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES
   
NovemberMay 7, 20192020By:/s/ DAVID E. RITCHIE, JR.
  David E. Ritchie, Jr.
  President and
  Chief Executive Officer
   
 AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES
   
NovemberMay 7, 20192020By:/s/ MITCHELL A. DERENZO
  Mitchell A. Derenzo
  Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
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