Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Banks - Regional / American River Bankshares

American River Bankshares

amrb · NASDAQ Financial Services
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Ticker amrb
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Financial Services
Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 51-200
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FY2010 Annual Report · American River Bankshares
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2 0 1 0   a n n u a l   r e p o r t

Annual Report Copies 

American River Bankshares will provide its security holders and interested parties, 

without charge, a copy of its 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the 

financial statements and schedules thereto, as filed with the Securities and Exchange 

Commission. To request a copy by mail, please contact American River Bankshares. To 

view a pdf version online, please go to www.envisionreports.com/AMRB. 

2

Table of Contents

Letter from the Chairman and CEO ............................................................................................................3

Total Return Performance ............................................................................................................................4

Our Locations ..............................................................................................................................................4

Financial Highlights .....................................................................................................................................5

Our Team .....................................................................................................................................................7

Selected Financial Data ................................................................................................................................9

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations .........................10

Selected Quarterly Information ..................................................................................................................33

Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting ......................................................34

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ........................................................................35

Consolidated Balance Sheet, December 31, 2010 and 2009 .......................................................................36

Consolidated Statement of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 ....................37

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended  
December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 ..........................................................................................................38

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 ..............39

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ...............................................................................................42

T H I S   P A G E   H A S   B E E N   I N T E N T I O N A L L Y   L E F T   B L A N K .

2

Letter from the Chairman and CEO

Dear Fellow Shareholder, 

Focus on Fundamentals. American River Bankshares focused its efforts in 2010 on 
building new relationships and improving asset quality.

Despite the high credit costs related to collection and valuation allowances, we ended 
2010 with a modest profit.  

Our diligent efforts with our credit challenges resulted in some positive results. Year 
over year, classified loans were down 28.6% and loans past due 30-89 days were 
down 27.0%. 

Loan demand remains off from normal levels as some businesses continue to struggle, 
have become debt averse or can handle with cash on hand what growth they are 
experiencing. In 2010, we originated $35 million in new loans, slightly less than half 
of the production in 2009. 

American River Bank, Bank of Amador and North Coast Bank continue to employ 
a business model of relationship management, with the heart of the strategy being 
obtaining the principal operating account for both business and personal clients. 
These actions produced an $18.6 million or 6% increase in core deposits. 

We remain well-capitalized with $90 million in total shareholders’ equity and very 
liquid, which puts us in a position to take advantage of opportunities within the 
communities we serve. 

In 2011, American River Bankshares will continue its approach of strategic-minded 
growth and a focus on fundamentals, especially in the area of asset quality. Economic 
recovery remains slow and uncertain, but we have the confidence that we are 
positioned correctly for the future success of our Company. 

Thank you for your continued investment and for the trust and confidence you have 
placed in our Company.

Sincerely,  

CHARLES D. FITE 
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD 

DAVID T. TABER 
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

3

 
 
 
 
 
T O T A L   R E T U R N   P E R F O R M A N C E

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

12/31/05 

12/31/06 

12/31/07 

13/31/08 

12/31/09 

12/31/10

12/31/05 

12/31/06 

12/31/07 

12/31/08 

12/31/09 

12/31/10

  American River Bankshares 

 NASDAQ Composite 

 SNL Bank NASDAQ 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00 

117.41 

110.39 

112.27 

91.15 

122.15 

88.14 

59.46 

73.32 

64.01 

47.84 

106.57 

51.93 

36.52

125.91

61.27

S O U RC E :   S N L   F I N A N C I A L   L C ,   C H A R L OT T E S V I L L E ,  VA

O U R   L O C A T I O N S

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES HEADQUARTERS 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA

AMERICAN RIVER BANK

1  BRADSHAW PLAZA

2  CAPITOL MALL

3  FAIR OAKS VILLAGE

4  POINT WEST

5  ROSEVILLE

BANK OF AMADOR

6  BUCKHORN

7 

8 

IONE

JACKSON

NORTH COAST BANK

9  HEALDSBURG

10  SANTA ROSA

4

9

S A N T A   R O S A

10

R O S E V I L L E

4

12

5

3

S A C R A M E N T O

6

7

8

J A C K S O N

S A N   F R A N C I S C O

S T O C K T O N

 
 
 
 
Financial Highlights 

N E T   I N T E R E S T   M A R G I N    N I M 

L O A N   M I X

E
G
A
T
N
E
C
R
E
P

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

5.03

5.10

5.03

4.90

Construction &  
Land Development  
$15,971

Multi-Family RE  
$6,968

4.49

Residential RE  
$26,099

Other 
$23,170

Owner  
Occupied CRE 
$117,154

2006

2007

2009

2010

2008

Y E A R

Commercial 
$58,261

Investor CRE 
$98,922

C A P I T A L   R A T I O S

11.59

10.70

7.81

7.72

11.50

8.32

18.39

20.33

12.45

12.55

E
G
A
T
N
E
C
R
E
P

25

20

15

10

5

0

2006

2007

2008

Y E A R

2009

2010

  Leverage Ratio 

  Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

5

D E P O S I T   M I X

4
7
5
,
0
6
1
$

S
D
N
A
S
U
O
H
T

N

I

S
R
A
L
L
O
D

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0

9
2
8
,
1
3
1
$

6
6
6
,
2
3
1
$

7
9
3
,
7
2
1
$

5
6
7
,
2
2
1
$

6
6
3
,
6
1
1
$

3
4
1
,
9
1
1
$

9
1
9
,
5
0
1
$

0
8
9
,
2
3
1
$

8
2
3
,
8
1
1
$

4
1
6
,
1
3
1
$

5
2
4
,
3
3
1
$

6
3
6
,
7
3
1
$

6
3
6
,
6
2
1
$

8
3
2
,
0
1
1
$

4
1
8
,
1
4
$

3
9
8
,
6
3
$

7
7
5
,
3
4
$

9
3
6
,
5
3
$

2006

2007

1
8
5
,
5
4
$

8
3
4
,
3
3
$

2008

Y E A R

4
5
1
,
0
5
$

4
3
2
,
6
3
$

5
7
0
,
5
4
$

7
3
5
,
5
4
$

2009

2010

  Noninterest-Bearing Deposits 

 Interest Checking 

 Money Market 

 Savings 

 Time Deposit

B U S I N E S S   F O C U S E D   D E P O S I T S

Time 
23%

Savings 
10%

Noninterest- 
Bearing 
27%

Interest Checking 
10%

Money Market 
30%

Personal  
28%

Business  
72%

6

 
 
 
Our Team

A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K   A N D 
B A N K S H A R E S   B O A R D   O F   
D I R E C T O R S

Charles D. Fite 
Chairman of the Board 
President, Fite Development Co.

Roger J. Taylor, DDS 
Vice-Chairman of the Board 
Executive Director—Impax  
Health Prime

Stephen H. Waks, Esq.
Secretary to the Board 
Attorney-at-Law and Owner— 
Waks Law Corporation

Robert J. Fox, CPA
Partner—Gallina LLP

William A. Robotham, CPA
Executive Partner—Pisenti &  
Brinker LLP

David T. Taber
President & CEO—American  
River Bankshares

Philip A. Wright
Owner—Prudential California Realty

Michael A. Ziegler
President & CEO—Pride Industries

A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S 
E X E C U T I V E   T E A M

S T O C K   L I S T I N G

American River Bankshares trades on 
the NASDAQ Global Select Stock 
Market under the symbol “AMRB”

I N V E S T O R   R E L A T I O N S

American River Bankshares 
3100 Zinfandel Drive, Suite 450 
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 
(916) 851-0123 
investor.relations@amrb.com 
www.amrb.com

T R A N S F E R   A G E N T

Computershare Trust Company 
P.O. Box 43078  
Providence, RI 02940 
1-800-942-5909 
www.computershare.com

A N N U A L   M E E T I N G

The 2011 annual meeting of American 
River Bankshares will be held at 3:00 
p.m. on May 19, 2011 at: 

Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova 
11211 Point East Drive 
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742

David T. Taber 
President & CEO

Mitchell A. Derenzo
EVP & Chief Financial Officer

Douglas E. Tow
EVP & Chief Credit Officer

Kevin B. Bender
EVP & Chief Operating Officer

N O R T H   C O A S T   B A N K   R E G I O N A L 
C O M M U N I T Y   B A N K   B O A R D

Raymond F. Byrne 
President, North Coast Bank

Pam Chanter 
Vice President—Vantreo  
Insurance Brokers

Robert Hillmann 
Movie Producer-Director 
President Renergy BioConverter 

Herb Liberman 
Economic Development Coordinator 
Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce & 
Visitors Bureau

William A. Robotham, CPA

Stephen E. Schwitalla 
CEO—Sonoma County  
Vintners Co-op

Philip A. Wright

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

7

T H I S   P A G E   H A S   B E E N   I N T E N T I O N A L L Y   L E F T   B L A N K .

8

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES A ND SUB SIDI AR IES— SE LECTED FI NA NC IA L  DATA

Selected Financial Data

Financial Summary
The following table presents certain consolidated financial information concerning the business of the Company and its 
subsidiaries. This information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements, the notes thereto, and 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in this report. All per share data has been retroactively restated to reflect stock 
dividends and stock splits. 

IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND RATIOS

AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

2010 

 2009 

2008 

2007 

2006

Operations Data:

Net interest income 

Provision for loan and lease losses 

Noninterest income 

Noninterest expenses 

Income before income taxes 

Income taxes (benefit) 

Net income    

Share Data:

Earnings per share—basic 

Earnings per share—diluted 
Cash dividends per share 1 
Book value per share 

Tangible book value per share 

Balance Sheet Data:

Assets 

Loans and leases, net 

Deposits  

Shareholders’ equity 

Financial Ratios:

Return on average equity 

Return on average tangible equity 

Return on average assets 
Efficiency ratio 2, 3 
Net interest margin 2 
Net loans and leases to deposits 

Net charge-offs to average loans & leases 

Nonperforming loans and leases to total 

loans and leases 4 

Allowance for loan and lease losses to total  

loans and leases 

Average equity to average assets 

Capital Ratios: 

Leverage capital ratio 

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 

Total risk-based capital ratio 

$ 

22,256 

$ 

24,032 

$ 

25,925 

$ 

26,402 

$ 

27,066

7,365 

1,804 

16,470  

225  

(251) 

476 

0.05  

0.05  

0.00  

9.07 

7.37 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

8,530 

2,269 

15,811  

1,960  

374 

1,586 

0.26  

0.26  

0.29  

8.87 

7.15 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,743 

2,168 

14,201  

12,149  

4,578 

7,571 

1.30  

1.30 

0.57 

10.95 

7.98 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

450 

2,599 

14,833  

13,718  

5,240 

8,478 

1.40  

1.39  

0.55  

10.22 

7.23 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

320

2,443

14,388 

14,801 

5,739

9,062

1.42 

1.39 

0.53 

10.00

7.14

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

578,940 

$ 

594,418 

$ 

563,157 

$ 

573,685 

$ 

604,003

338,533 

465,122 

89,544 

0.53% 

0.66% 

0.08% 

66.87% 

4.49% 

72.78% 

2.12% 

376,322 

469,755 

87,345 

2.44% 

3.31% 

0.28% 

58.45% 

4.90% 

80.11% 

1.62% 

412,356 

437,061 

63,447 

12.39% 

17.32% 

1.32% 

48.92% 

5.03% 

94.35% 

0.42% 

394,975 

455,645 

59,973 

14.01% 

19.78% 

1.47% 

49.49% 

5.10% 

86.68% 

0.11% 

382,993

493,875

62,371

14.48%

20.33%

1.50%

47.11%

5.03%

77.55%

0.03%

6.52% 

5.46% 

1.49% 

1.86% 

0.02%

2.19% 

15.28% 

12.55% 

19.07% 

20.33% 

2.06% 

11.36% 

12.45% 

17.13% 

18.39% 

1.41% 

10.62% 

8.32% 

11.50% 

10.25% 

1.47% 

10.52% 

7.72% 

10.70% 

9.45% 

1.51%

10.38%

7.81%

11.59%

10.34%

1  On July 27, 2009, the Company announced that the Board of Directors temporarily suspended the payment of cash dividends, until such time that it was prudent to 

reestablish the payment of cash dividends. Regulatory approval will be required before the payment of cash dividends may be reestablished. 

2  Fully taxable equivalent.

3  Excludes the amortization of intangible assets.

4  Non-performing loans and leases consist of loans and leases past due 90 days or more and still accruing and nonaccrual loans and leases. 

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ER ICAN R I VE R B A NK SHARES AND SUBS IDIAR IES— MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operations

The following is American River Bankshares management’s 
discussion and analysis of the significant changes in income 
and expense accounts for the years ended December 31, 2010, 
2009, and 2008.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking 
Statements
Certain matters discussed or incorporated by reference in 
this Annual Report including, but not limited to, matters 
described herein,” 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 materially from 
those projected. Factors that could cause or contribute to 
such differences include, but are not limited to, the following:  
(1) the duration of financial and economic volatility and 
decline and actions taken by the United States Congress 
and governmental agencies, including the United States 
Department of the Treasury, to deal with challenges to the 
U.S. financial system; (2) the risks presented by a continued 
economic recession, which could adversely affect credit quality, 
collateral values, including real estate collateral, investment 
values, liquidity and loan originations and loan portfolio 
delinquency rates; (3) variances in the actual versus projected 
growth in assets and return on assets; (4) potential continued 
or increasing loan and lease losses; (5) potential increasing 
levels of expenses associated with resolving non-performing 
assets as well as regulatory changes; (6) changes in the interest 
rate environment including interest rates charged on loans, 
earned on securities investments and paid on deposits and 
other borrowed funds; (7) competitive effects; (8) potential 
declines in fee and other noninterest income earned associated 
with economic factors as well as regulatory changes; (9) 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; (10) changes in the regulatory environment 
including government intervention in the U.S. financial 
system; (11) changes in business conditions and inflation; 

(12) changes in securities markets, public debt markets, and 
other capital markets; (13) potential data processing and other 
operational systems failures or fraud; (14) potential continued 
decline in real estate values in our operating markets; (15) 
the effects of uncontrollable events such as terrorism, the 
threat of terrorism or the impact of the current military 
conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq and the conduct of the war 
on terrorism by the United States and its allies, worsening 
financial and economic conditions, natural disasters, and 
disruption of power supplies and communications; (16) 
changes in accounting standards, tax laws or regulations and 
interpretations of such standards, laws or regulations; (17) 
projected business increases following any future strategic 
expansion could be lower than expected; (18) the goodwill we 
have recorded in connection with acquisitions could become 
impaired, which may have an adverse impact on our earnings; 
(19) the reputation of the financial services industry could 
experience further deterioration, which could adversely affect 
our ability to access markets for funding and to acquire and 
retain customers; and (20) 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 our 2010 Form 10-K and other cautionary 
statements and information contained in this report should be 
carefully considered and understood as being applicable to all 
related forward-looking statements contained in this report, 
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 reports filed 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on 
Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K.

10

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Critical Accounting Policies

Stock-Based Compensation

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, peer group 
experience 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 historical factors that we use. Other 
estimates that we use are related to the expected useful lives of 
our depreciable assets. 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.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

The allowance for loan and lease losses is an estimate of the 
credit loss risk in our loan and lease portfolio. 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) 
“Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan,” 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 one indicator of 
future losses and as a result could differ from the loss incurred 
in the future. If the allowance for loan and lease losses falls 
below that deemed adequate (by reason of loan and lease 
growth, actual losses, the effect of changes in risk ratings, 
or some combination of these factors), the Company has a 
strategy for supplementing the allowance for loan and lease 
losses, over the short term.  For further information regarding 
our allowance for loan and lease losses, see “Allowance for 
Loan and Lease Losses Activity.” 

The Company recognizes compensation expense over the 
vesting 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 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.

Goodwill  

Business combinations involving the Company’s acquisition 
of the equity interests or net assets of another enterprise or 
the assumption of net liabilities in an acquisition of branches 
constituting a business may give rise to goodwill. Goodwill 
represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over 
the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed in transactions accounted for under the 
purchase method of accounting. The value of goodwill is 
ultimately derived from the Company’s ability to generate 
net earnings after the acquisition. A decline in net earnings 
could be indicative of a decline in the fair value of goodwill 
and result in impairment. For that reason, goodwill is assessed 
for impairment at a reporting unit level at least annually 
following the year of acquisition.  The Company performed 
an evaluation of the goodwill, recorded as a result of the Bank 
of Amador acquisition, during the fourth quarter of 2010 
and determined that there was no impairment. While the 
Company believes all assumptions utilized in its assessment 
of goodwill for impairment are reasonable and appropriate, 
changes in earnings, the effective tax rate, historical earnings 
multiples and the cost of capital could all cause different 
results for the calculation of the present value of future cash 
flows. 

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 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 tax bases. 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 

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

11

AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

deferred tax assets are included in accrued interest receivable 
and other assets.

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes 
under “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” Under 
the provisions of Accounting for Uncertainty in Income 
Taxes, only tax positions that met the more-likely-than-not 
recognition threshold are recognized. 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 taken are 
not offset or aggregated with other positions. 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 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 
election has been made to record interest expense related to tax 
exposures in tax expense, if applicable, and the exposure for 
penalties related to tax exposures in tax expense, if applicable.

Other Events
In February 2010, in connection with the Bank’s regularly 
scheduled 2009 FDIC examination, the Bank entered into a 
Memorandum of Understanding (the “Memorandum”) with 
the FDIC and the California Commissioner of Financial 
Institutions. The Memorandum covers actions to be taken 
by the Board of Directors and management to, among other 
matters, (i) enhance BSA compliance; (ii) reduce the Bank’s 
level of classified assets and further strengthen and improve 
the Bank’s asset quality; (iii) obtain regulatory approval prior 
to paying any cash dividends; and (iv) maintain the Bank’s 
Tier 1 Leverage capital ratio at not less than 8% and a Total 
Risk-Based capital ratio of not less than 11%. As of December 
31, 2010, the foregoing ratios for the Bank were 11.8% 
and 19.1%, respectively. The Company believes that the 
Bank is currently in compliance in all material respects with 
the actions described in the Memorandum. Consequently, 
the Company does not expect these actions to significantly 
change its business strategy in any material respect; however, 
noncompliance with provisions of the Memorandum could 
result in regulatory enforcement actions that could have a 
material adverse effect upon the Company. 

Overview
The Company recorded net income in 2010 of $476,000, 
down from $1,586,000 in 2009. Diluted earnings per share 
for 2010 were $0.05, a decrease of $0.21 from the $0.26 
recorded in 2009. For 2010, the Company realized a return 
on average equity of 0.53% and a return on average assets of 
0.08%, as compared to 2.44% and 0.28% for 2009. 

12

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net income for 2009 was $5,985,000 (79.1%) lower than the $7,571,000 recorded in 2008. In 2008, diluted earnings per share 
were $1.30, return on average assets was 1.32% and return on average equity was 12.39%. Table One below provides a summary 
of the components of net income for the years indicated: 

T A B L E   O N E :   C O M P O N E N T S   O F   N E T   I N C O M E    

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED:  

Net interest income* 

Provision for loan and lease losses 

Noninterest income 

Noninterest expense 

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 

Tax equivalent adjustment 

Net income 

Average total assets              

Net income as a percentage of average total assets 

* Fully taxable equivalent basis (FTE)

2010 

2009 

2008

 $ 

22,465 

$ 

24,331 

$ 

26,277

(7,365) 

    1,804 

 (16,470) 

251 

(209) 

476 

584,114 

0.08% 

$ 

$ 

(8,530) 

2,269 

(15,811) 

(374) 

(299) 

1,586 

572,473 

0.28% 

(1,743)

2,168

(14,201)

(4,578)

(352) 

7,571

575,046

1.32%

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

All share and per share data for 2008 has been adjusted for a 
5% stock dividend distributed on December 18, 2008. There 
were no stock dividends distributed in 2010 or 2009. 

During 2010, total assets of the Company decreased 
$15,478,000 (2.6%) to a total of $578,940,000 at year-end. 
At December 31, 2010, net loans totaled $338,533,000, down 
$37,789,000 (10.0%) from the ending balance on December 
31, 2009. Deposits decreased $4,633,000 or 1.0% during 
2010 resulting in ending deposit balances of $465,122,000. 
Shareholders’ equity increased 2.5% during 2010, increasing 
by $2,199,000 to end the year at $89,544,000. The Company 
ended 2010 with a Tier 1 capital ratio of 12.6% and a total 
risk-based capital ratio of 20.3% compared to Tier 1 capital 
ratio of 12.5% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 18.4% at 
the end of 2009.

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, securities, Federal 
funds sold and interest-bearing deposits in other banks) over 
the interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds. Net interest 
margin is net interest income expressed as a percentage of 
average earning assets.

The Company’s fully taxable equivalent net interest margin 
was 4.49% in 2010, 4.90% in 2009, and 5.03% in 2008. 
The fully taxable equivalent net interest income was down 
$1,866,000 (7.7%) in 2010 compared to 2009. The fully 

taxable equivalent net interest income was down $1,946,000 
(7.4%) in 2009 compared to 2008. 

The fully taxable equivalent interest income component 
decreased from $29,421,000 in 2009 to $25,915,000 in 
2010, representing an 11.9% decrease. The decrease in the 
fully taxable equivalent interest income for 2010 compared 
to the same period in 2009 is comprised of two components 
- rate (down $2,695,000) and volume (down $811,000). The 
rate decrease can be attributed to the overall lower interest 
rate environment, forgone interest on nonaccrual loans, and 
lower average loans replaced with higher average investment 
securities. During 2010, foregone interest income on 
nonaccrual loans was approximately $1,736,000, compared 
to foregone interest of $1,281,000 during 2009. The average 
balance of earning assets increased 0.9% from $496,202,000 
in 2009 to $500,882,000 in 2010, however, much of the 
increase relates to an increase in investment securities, offset 
by a decrease in loan balances. When compared to 2009, 
average loan balances were down $42,094,000 (10.4%) to 
$362,445,000 for 2010 and average investment securities 
were up $47,982,000 (53.3%) to $138,031,000 for 2010. 
The overall low interest rate environment, the negative effect 
of the foregone interest on loans, and the change in the asset 
mix (lower loan totals and higher investment security totals) 
resulted in a 76 basis point decrease in the yield on average 
earning assets from 5.93% for 2009 to 5.17% for 2010. The 
volume decrease of $811,000 occurred mainly as a result of the 
decrease in average loans. The market in which the Company 
operates continues to see a slowdown in new loan volume as 
existing and potential new borrowers continue to pay down 
debt and delay expansion plans.

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

13

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The fully taxable equivalent interest income component 
decreased from $33,905,000 in 2008 to $29,421,000 in 
2009, representing a 13.2% decrease. The decrease in the fully 
taxable equivalent interest income for 2009 compared to the 
same period in 2008 is comprised of two components—rate 
(down $3,100,000) and volume (down $1,384,000). The 
decline in rates can be attributed to decreases implemented by 
the Company on the loans and leases during 2007 and 2008 
in response to the Federal Reserve Board (the “FRB”) decreases 
in the Federal funds and discount rates. Decreases by the FRB 
have resulted in ten rate reductions totaling 500 basis points 
from September 2007 to December 31, 2009. In addition, 
interest forgone on nonaccrual loans in 2009 increased when 
compared to 2008. Net interest income forgone on nonaccrual 
loans was approximately $1,281,000 during 2009 compared 
to $647,000 during 2008. The overall decreasing interest rate 
environment and the negative effect of the higher nonaccrual 
loans resulted in a 54 basis point decrease in the yield on 
average earning assets from 6.47% for 2008 to 5.93% for 
2009. The volume decrease occurred due to a 5.0% decrease in 
average earning assets. The overall decrease in the average assets 
balance during that time period is mainly related to a decrease 
in loans and leases and investment securities balances. Loan 
and lease balances are down as the overall production for new 
loans is down. The investment securities balances are lower 
as the Company implemented a strategy to use the proceeds 
from principal reductions and maturing investment securities 
to provide funding for a decrease in average borrowings and 
to increase average noninterest-bearing cash balances. The 
increase in cash balances was used to bolster liquidity during 
an unsettling time in the banking environment. 

This strategy to reduce the balances in investment securities 
resulted in a 15.8% decrease in average investment securities 
from $106,949,000 during 2008 to $90,049,000 during 
2009, while average noninterest-bearing cash balances 
increased $21,804,000 or 113.2% from $19,260,000 during 
2008 to $41,064,000 during 2009. 

Interest expense was $1,640,000 (32.2%) lower in 2010 
compared to 2009. The average balances on interest bearing 
liabilities were $19,366,000 (5.0%) lower in 2010 compared 
to 2009. The lower balances accounted for a $719,000 
decrease in interest expense. Average borrowings were down 
$29,287,000 (58.9%) as the Company replaced higher cost 
borrowings with lower cost checking and money market 
accounts. Average deposit balances increased $16,449,000 
or 3.6% from $452,728,000 during 2009 to $469,177,000 
during 2010. The Company continues to have success 
attracting new deposit relationships, as a direct result of its 
business development efforts. As a result of the lower overall 
interest rate environment, the decrease in rates accounted for 
a $921,000 reduction in interest expense for 2010 compared 
to 2009. Rates paid on interest bearing liabilities decreased 38 
basis points between 2009 to 2010 from 1.32% to 0.94%. 

Interest expense decreased $2,538,000 (33.3%) in 2009 
compared to 2008. The average balances of interest-bearing 
liabilities were $3,276,000 (0.9%) higher in 2009 compared 
to 2008. The higher balances, especially in the level of 
average time deposits accounted for a $168,000 increase in 
interest expense. This increase was offset by lower rates, which 
accounted for a $2,706,000 decrease in interest expense in 
2009. Rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased 67 
basis points between 2008 to 2009 from 1.99% to 1.32%. 

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 past 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), computed on a daily average basis, 
and changes in average interest rates.

14

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

T A B L E   T W O :   A N A L Y S I S   O F   N E T   I N T E R E S T   M A R G I N   O N   E A R N I N G   A S S E T S

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

(TAXABLE EQUIVALENT BASIS) 

Assets:

Earning assets
  Loans and leases 1 
  Taxable investment securities 

  Tax-exempt investment  

   securities 2 
  Corporate stock 

  Federal funds sold 

Interest bearing deposits in  
   other banks 

  2010 

  2009 

  2008 

Avg 
  Balance 

Interest 

  Avg 
  Yield 

Avg 
  Balance 

Interest 

Avg 
  Yield 

Avg 
  Balance 

Interest 

  Avg
  Yield

$ 362,445  $  22,227 

 6.13%  $  404,539  $  25,378 

  6.27%  $ 410,293  $  28,512  

 6.95%

  122,381  

2,840  

 2.32% 

67,480 

2,763  

  4.09% 

79,675  

3,711  

 4.66%

     15,628  

843  

 5.39%     

 22,541  

       1,215  

  5.39% 

27,102  

1,428  

 5.27%

22 

   - 

406 

- 

  - 

- 

- 

28 

 11 

6 

 21.43% 

    - 

- 

172 

   486 

22 

 12.79%

 10  

 2.06%

5 

 1.23% 

 1,603 

    59 

  3.68% 

 4,838 

 222 

 4.59%

Total earning assets 

   500,882 

    25,915  

 5.17% 

   496,202 

  29,421  

  5.93% 

  522,566 

  33,905  

 6.47%

  Cash & due from banks 

  Other assets 

  Allowance for loan & lease  

losses 

48,318 

43,142 

(8,228)    

 $ 584,114  

Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity:

Interest bearing liabilities:

41,064 

42,208 

(7,001) 

 $ 572,473  

19,260

39,330

(6,110)

  $ 575,046

  NOW & MMDA 

  Savings 

  Time deposits 

  Other borrowings 

 $ 182,495  

1,327  

 0.73% 

  $ 163,141  

1,375  

  0.84% 

 $ 164,531  

1,929  

 1.17%

41,510  

224 

 0.54% 

34,392  

   229 

  0.67% 

36,033  

 324 

 0.90%

  121,050  

      1,401  

 1.16% 

  137,601  

      2,399  

  1.74% 

  121,479  

      3,648 

  3.00%

20,458 

498 

 2.43% 

49,745 

1,087 

  2.19% 

59,560 

1,727 

 2.90%

Total interest bearing liabilities 

   365,513  

3,450  

 0.94% 

  384,879 

5,090 

  1.32% 

  381,603 

7,628  

 1.99%

Demand deposits 

Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Shareholders’ equity 

   124,122  

5,221 

  494,856  

89,258  

$ 584,114 

  117,594 

4,993 

  507,466 

65,007 

  126,125 

6,234 

  513,962 

61,084

  $  572,473  

  $ 575,046

Net interest income & margin 3 

  $  22,465 

 4.49% 

  $  24,331 

  4.90% 

  $  26,277 

 5.03%

1  Loan and lease interest includes loan and lease fees of $56,000, $46,000 and $250,000 in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. 

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 34% in 2010 and 2009 and 35% in 2008. 

3  Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average earning assets.

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

T A B L E   T H R E E :     
A N A LY S I S   O F   V O L U M E   A N D   R AT E   C H A N G E S   O N   N E T   I N T E R E S T   I N C O M E   A N D   E X P E N S E S

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 OVER 2009 

Increase (decrease) due to change in:

Interest-earning assets:
  Net loans and leases 1, 2 
  Taxable investment securities 
  Tax-exempt investment securities 3 
  Corporate stock 

  Federal funds sold & other 

Interest bearing deposits in other banks 

Total           

Interest-bearing liabilities:

  Demand deposits 

  Savings deposits 
  Time deposits 

  Other borrowings 

Total           

Interest differential 

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 OVER 2008 

Increase (decrease) due to change in:

Interest-earning assets:
  Net loans and leases 1, 2 
  Taxable investment securities 
  Tax-exempt investment securities 3 
  Corporate stock 

  Federal funds sold & other 

Interest bearing deposits in other banks 

Total           

Interest-bearing liabilities:

  Demand deposits 

  Savings deposits 

  Time deposits 

  Other borrowings 

Total           

Interest differential 

Volume 

Rate 4  

  Net Change

$ 

(2,641) 

$ 

(510) 

$ 

(3,151)

2,248 

(373) 

(1) 

- 

(44) 

(811) 

163 

47 
(289) 

 (640) 

(719) 

(2,171) 

1 

(5) 

- 

(10) 

77

(372)

(6)

-

(54)

(2,695) 

(3,506)

(211) 

(52) 
(709) 

51  

(921)  

(48)

(5)
(998)

(589)

(1,640)

$ 

(92) 

$ 

(1,774) 

$ 

(1,866)

Volume 

Rate 4  

  Net Change

$ 

(400) 

(568) 

(240) 

(18) 

(10) 

(148) 

(1,384) 

(16) 

(15) 

484 

(285) 

168 

$ 

(2,734) 

$ 

(3,134)

(380) 

27 

2 

- 

(15)  

(3,100) 

(538) 

(80) 

(1,733) 

(355) 

(2,706)  

(948)

(213)

(16)

(10)

(163)

(4,484)

(554)

(95)

(1,249)

(640)

(2,538)

$  

(1,552) 

$ 

(394) 

$ 

(1,946)

1  The average balance of non-accruing loans and leases is immaterial as a percentage of total loans and leases and, as such, has been included in net loans and leases.

2  Loan and lease fees of $56,000, $46,000 and $250,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, have been included in the interest income 

computation.

3  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 34% in 2010 and 2009 and 35% in 2008. 

4  The rate/volume variance has been included in the rate variance. 

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Provision for Loan and Lease Losses
The Company provided $7,365,000 for loan and lease losses in 
2010 as compared to $8,530,000 for 2009. Net loan and lease 
losses for 2010 were $7,689,000 as compared to $6,539,000 
in 2009. In 2010, net loan and lease losses as a percentage of 
average loans outstanding were 2.12% compared to 1.62% in 
2009. In 2008, the Company provided $1,743,000 for loan 
and lease losses and net charge-offs were $1,708,000. The 
Company has continued to provide significant amounts to 
the reserve for loan and lease losses for 2010 resulting from a 
continued high level of nonperforming loans and leases, due 

mainly to the overall challenging economy in the Company’s 
market areas and the United States, overall. Although loan 
chargeoffs increased from 2009 to 2010, the provision for loan 
and lease losses decreased for 2010 compared to 2009.  Many 
of the loan chargeoffs in 2010 had specific reserves on those 
loans which were reduced as the loan balances were partially 
charged off. At December 31, 2010, specific reserves were 
$1,619,000 compared to $3,810,000 as of December 31, 
2009. For additional information see the “Allowance for Loan 
and Lease Losses Activity.”

Service Charges and Fees and Other Income
Table Four below provides a summary of the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated

T A B L E   F O U R :   C O M P O N E N T S   O F   N O N I N T E R E S T   I N C O M E

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

Service charges on deposit accounts 

Merchant fee income 

Earnings on Bank owned life insurance 

Income from residential lending division 

Accounts receivable servicing fees 

Gain (loss) on sale, call and impairment of securities 

Other   

$ 

2010 

866 

420 

277 

- 

- 

7 

234 

2009 

2008

$ 

1,018 

$ 

437 

246 

7 

35 

270 

256 

741

482

395

283

170

(119)

216

$ 

1,804  

$ 

2,269 

$ 

2,168

Noninterest income was down $465,000 (20.5%) to 
$1,804,000 in 2010 from the 2009 level. The decrease from 
2009 to 2010 was primarily related to lower service charges on 
deposit accounts (down $152,000 or 14.9%) and lower gain 
on sale of securities (down $263,000 or 97.4%). The lower 
service charges on deposit accounts resulted from decreased 
fees on overdrawn checking accounts (down $147,000 or 
24.2%). 

Noninterest income was up $101,000 (4.7%) to $2,269,000 
in 2009 from the 2008 level. The increase from 2008 to 
2009 was primarily related to higher service charges on 
deposit accounts (up $277,000 or 37.4%) and gain on sale 
of securities. The higher service charges on deposit accounts 
resulted from increased fees on overdrawn checking accounts 
(up $183,000 or 43.3%) and higher service fees on checking 
accounts (up $86,000 or 34.1%). The difference in the gain 
on sale of securities resulted from a loss in 2008 related to an 
impairment charge of $245,000 on the Company’s investment 
in Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) 
preferred stock. During 2009, the Company also experienced 
lower income from fees on accounts receivable servicing, 
which resulted from lower overall volume (down $135,000 or 
79.4%); lower fees from residential lending, which resulted 

from lower volume (down $276,000); and lower income 
from bank owned life insurance, which resulted from lower 
yields on the bank owned life insurance investments (down 
$149,000 or 37.7%).

Salaries and Benefits
Salaries and benefits were $7,876,000 (up $597,000 or 
8.2%) for 2010 as compared to $7,279,000 in 2009. The 
increase in salary and benefits was due in part to a decrease in 
direct costs associated with the production of new loans. The 
Company allocates the direct costs of originating loans as a 
credit to salary expense in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles. As loan volume decreases the Company 
allocates less direct costs of loan production against salary 
expense. The offset from direct cost reimbursement decreased 
$221,000 (32.8%) from $674,000 in 2009 to $453,000 
in 2010. Overall salary expense increased $80,000 (1.3%) 
mainly due to the additional staff added to the loan collection 
and workout department. Employee benefits, which include 
employee health insurance, increased $279,000 (27.8%). The 
average FTE’s decreased from 117 in 2009 to 113 during 2010 
and, at the end of 2010, the full-time equivalent staff was 111, 
down 7 from 118 at the end of 2009. 

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Salaries and benefits were $7,279,000 (down $408,000 or 
5.3%) for 2009 as compared to $7,687,000 in 2008. The 
decrease in salary and benefit expense is primarily related 
to a decrease in the average full-time equivalent employees 
(“FTE”). The average FTE’s decreased from 123 in 2008 
to 117 during 2009 and, at the end of 2009, the full-time 
equivalent staff was 118, down 4 from 122 at the end of 2008. 

Other Real Estate Owned
The total other real estate owned (“OREO”) expense in 
2010 was $1,210,000 compared to $1,441,000 in 2009. The 
reduced expense ($231,000 or 16.0%) is related to lower 
valuation allowances in 2010 as compared to 2009. OREO 
expense increased from $1,000 in 2008 to $1,441,000 due to 
an increase in the number of foreclosed properties in 2009.

Occupancy, Furniture and Equipment
Occupancy expense decreased $118,000 (8.5%) during 
2010 to $1,271,000, compared to $1,389,000 in 2009. The 
majority of the decrease relates to lower rent associated with 
the Company’s banking offices. Furniture and equipment 
expense was $720,000 in 2010 compared to $759,000 in 
2009, representing a $39,000 (5.1%) decrease. 

Occupancy expense decreased $106,000 (7.1%) during 
2009 to $1,389,000, compared to $1,495,000 in 2008. The 
majority of the decrease relates to lower rent associated with 
the Company’s decision to relocate its banking office in Santa 
Rosa. Furniture and equipment expense was $759,000 in 
2009 compared to $774,000 in 2008, representing a $15,000 
(1.9%) decrease. The decrease in furniture and equipment 
expense relates primarily to lower technology related 
maintenance.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”)
FDIC assessments increased $653,000 (84.8%) during 2010 
to $1,423,000, up from $770,000 in 2009. The increase 
relates to increased assessments from the FDIC based on 
the growth in the Company’s deposits balances, changes to 
the Bank’s assessment category, and to cover higher expenses 
incurred by the FDIC.

FDIC assessments increased $619,000 (409.9%) during 2009 
to $770,000, up from $151,000 in 2008. The increase relates 
to increased assessments from the FDIC.

Other Expenses
Table Five below provides a summary of the components of 
the other noninterest expenses for the periods indicated:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

Professional fees 

Telephone and postage 

Directors’ expense 

Outsourced item processing 

Advertising and promotion 

Stationery and supplies 

Amortization of intangible assets 

Other operating expenses 

2010 

2009 

2008

$ 

1,191 

$ 

1,061 

$ 

336 

371 

414 

198 

208 

242 

375 

390 

369 

232 

205 

263 

1,010 

1,278 

$ 

3,970 

$ 

4,173 

$ 

936

403

321

391

339

274

286

1,143

4,093

Other expenses were $3,970,000 (down $203,000 or 4.9%) 
for 2010 as compared to $4,173,000 for 2009. Professional 
fees increased $130,000 (12.3%) due in part to higher legal, 
accounting, and other professional services to comply with 
changes in the regulatory environment and to resolve problem 
loans. This increase was offset by reductions in several other 
expense related items as the Company continued to focus on 
reducing expenses and outside services. The overhead efficiency 
ratio on a taxable equivalent basis for 2010 was 66.9% as 
compared to 58.5% in 2009. Much of the increase is related to 
the increase in salaries and benefits and FDIC assessments and 
overall lower revenue.

Other expenses were $4,173,000 (up $80,000 or 2.0%) for 
2009 as compared to $4,093,000 for 2008. Professional 

fees increased $125,000 (13.4%) due in part to higher legal, 
accounting, and other professional services to comply with 
changes in the regulatory environment and to resolve problem 
loans. This increase was offset by reductions in several other 
expense related items as the Company continued to focus on 
reducing expenses and services. The overhead efficiency ratio 
on a taxable equivalent basis for 2009 was 58.5% as compared 
to 48.9% in 2008.

(Benefit from) Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rate on income was (-111.6%), 19.1%, and 
37.7% in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The effective 
tax rate differs from the federal statutory tax rate due to state 
tax (benefit) expense (net of federal tax effect) of ($66,000), 

18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

$59,000, and $802,000 in these years. Tax-exempt income 
of $894,000, $1,125,000, and $1,415,000 from investment 
securities and bank owned life insurance in these years helped 
to reduce the effective tax rate. The benefit recorded in 2010 
and the lower effective tax rate in 2009 results from the 
Company realizing the benefits of tax-free income related to 
such items as municipal bonds and bank owned life insurance 
against an overall lower amount of taxable income.

Balance Sheet Analysis
The Company’s total assets were $578,940,000 at December 
31, 2010 as compared to $594,418,000 at December 31, 
2009, representing a decrease of $15,478,000 (2.6%). 
The average balances of total assets during 2010 were 
$584,114,000, up $11,641,000 or 2.0% from the 2009 total 
of $572,473,000. 

Investment Securities
The Company classifies its investment securities as trading, 
held-to-maturity or available-for-sale. 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; as part of our contingency 
funding plan; and in response to changes in interest rates, 
prepayment rates and similar factors. Table Six below 
summarizes the values of the Company’s investment securities 
held on December 31 of the years indicated. 

T A B L E   S I X :   I N V E S T M E N T   S E C U R I T I E S   C O M P O S I T I O N

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE (AT FAIR VALUE) 

Debt securities: 

  Mortgage-backed securities 

  Obligations of states and political subdivisions   

Equity securities:

  Corporate stock 

2010 

2009 

2008

$ 

138,644 

$ 

15,792 

76,009 

20,587 

$  

32,232

31,012

79 

86 

90

Total available-for-sale investment securities 

$ 

154,515 

$ 

96,682 

$ 

63,334

Held-to-maturity (at amortized cost)

Debt securities: 

  Mortgage-backed securities 

Total held-to-maturity investment securities 

$ 

$ 

6,149 

6,149 

$ 

$ 

12,331 

12,331 

$ 

$ 

24,365

24,365

See Table Fifteen for a breakdown of the investment securities 
by maturity and the corresponding weighted average yields.

Loans and Leases
The Company concentrates its lending activities 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) consumer 
loans. At December 31, 2010, these categories accounted for 
approximately 17%, 62%, 2%, 5%, 7%, 1%, 2% and 4%, 
respectively, of the Company’s loan portfolio. This mix was 
relatively unchanged compared to 19%, 58%, 2%, 7%, 7%, 
1%, 2% and 4% at December 31, 2009. Continuing focus in 
the Company’s market area, new borrowers developed through 
the Company’s marketing efforts, and credit extensions 

expanded to existing borrowers resulted in the Company 
originating approximately $35 million in new loans in 2010. 
Normal pay downs, loan chargeoffs, and loans transferred 
to OREO, resulted in an overall decrease in total loans and 
leases of $38,286,000 (10.0%) from December 31, 2009. The 
market in which the Company operates continues to see a 
slowdown in new loan volume as existing borrowers continue 
to pay down debt and delay expansion plans. The Company 
reported net decreases in balances for commercial loans 
($14,360,000 or 19.8%), commercial real estate ($7,609,000 
or 3.4%), multi-family real estate ($1,508,000 or 17.8%), 
real estate construction ($11,511,000 or 41.9%), residential 
real estate ($823,000 or 3.1%), lease financing receivable 
($1,154,000 or 29.4%), agriculture ($270,000 or 3.6%), and 
consumer loans ($1,051,000 or 7.4%). Table Seven below 
summarizes the composition of the loan and lease portfolio for 
the past five years as of December 31.

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

T A B L E   S E V E N :   L O A N   A N D   L E A S E   P O R T F O L I O   C O M P O S I T I O N

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

DECEMBER 31, 

Commercial   

Real estate:

  Commercial   

  Multi-family 

  Construction  

  Residential  

Lease financing receivable 

Agriculture  

Consumer   

Deferred loan fees, net 

Allowance for loan and lease losses 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007 

2006

$ 

58,261 

$ 

72,621 

$ 

90,625 

$ 

94,632 

$ 

85,859

216,076 

223,685 

218,626 

191,774 

6,968 

15,971 

26,099 

2,766 

7,202 

13,202 

8,476 

27,482 

26,922 

3,920 

7,472 

14,253 

8,938 

48,664 

24,706 

4,475 

8,015 

14,796 

5,830 

66,022 

20,120 

4,070 

8,177 

10,750 

346,545 

384,831 

418,845 

401,375 

(427) 

(7,585) 

(600) 

(7,909) 

(571) 

(5,918) 

(517) 

(5,883) 

175,643

3,618

90,314

8,689

6,375

7,362

11,712

389,572

(705)

(5,874)

Total net loans and leases 

$ 

338,533 

$ 

376,322 

$ 

412,356 

$ 

394,975 

$ 

382,993

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 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, 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 
and residential properties typically with maturities from 3 to 
10 years and original loan-to-value ratios generally from 65% 
to 75%. Agriculture loans consist primarily of vineyard loans 
and development loans to plant vineyards. In general, except in 
the case of loans under SBA programs or Farm Services Agency 
guarantees, the Company does not make long-term mortgage 
loans. Up until 2008, American River Bank had a residential 
lending division to assist customers in securing most forms of 
longer term single-family mortgage financing. American River 
Bank acted as a broker between American River Bank’s clients 
and the loan wholesalers. American River Bank received an 
origination fee for loans closed. 

“Subprime” real estate loans generally refer to residential 
mortgages made to higher-risk borrowers with lower credit 
and/or income histories. Within the industry, many of these 
loans were originated with adjustable interest rates that reset 
upward after an introductory period. These “subprime” 
loans coupled with declines in housing prices have led to an 
increase in the banking industry’s default rates resulting in 
many instances of increased foreclosure rates as the adjustable 
interest rates reset to higher levels. The Company did not 
have any such “subprime” loans at December 31, 2010 and 
December 31, 2009.

Average loans and leases in 2010 were $362,445,000 which 
represents a decrease of $42,094,000 (10.4%) compared to 
the average in 2009. Average loans and leases in 2009 were 
$404,539,000 which represented a decrease of $5,754,000 
(1.4%) over the average in 2008.

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. In addition, the 
Company is taking actions to further strengthen and improve 

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

its asset quality in accordance with an informal agreement 
arising out of its 2009 regulatory examination including, 
among other matters, enhancement of existing procedures 
for appraisals and re-appraisals on secured loans and other 
real estate owned, and problem loan identification, including 
identification of impaired loans and leases and identification of 
troubled debt restructured loans (“TDRs”).

Ultimately, underlying trends in economic and business cycles 
may 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. 
American River Bank operates in Sonoma County, through 
North Coast Bank, a division of American River Bank, whose 
business is focused on businesses within the two communities 
in which it has offices (Santa Rosa and Healdsburg) and in 
Amador County, through Bank of Amador, a division of 
American River Bank, whose business is focused on businesses 
and consumers within the three communities in which it has 
offices (Jackson, Pioneer, and Ione), as well as a diversified 
residential construction loan business in numerous Northern 
California counties. 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 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 
rate and terms, vacancy rates, absorption and sale rates; real 
estate values, supply and demand factors, and rates of return; 
operating expenses; inflation; and sufficiency of repayment 
sources independent of the real estate including, in some 
instances, personal guarantees. 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 flow 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. 

In management’s judgment, a concentration exists in real 
estate loans which represented approximately 76.5% of the 
Company’s loan and lease portfolio at December 31, 2010, 
up from 74.5% at December 31, 2009. Management believes 
that the residential land and residential construction portion 
of the Company’s loan portfolio carries more than the normal 
credit risk it has seen in the past several years due primarily 
to severely curtailed demand for new and resale residential 
property, a large supply of unsold residential land and new and 
resale homes, and observed reductions in values throughout 
the Company’s market area. Management has responded by 
evaluating loans that it considers to carry any significant risk 
above the normal risk of collectability and taking actions 
where possible to reduce credit risk exposure by methods  
that include, but are not limited to, seeking liquidation of the 
loan by the borrower, seeking additional tangible collateral or 
other repayment support, converting the property through 
judicial or non-judicial foreclosure proceedings, and other 
collection techniques. 

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 continued substantial 
further decline in the economy in general, or a continued 
additional decline in real estate values in the Company’s 
primary 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. Management believes 
that its lending practices and underwriting standards will tend 
to minimize losses in an economic downturn; however, it is 
uncertain whether losses will occur under such circumstances. 
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 service 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.

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

21

AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Nonaccrual, Past Due and Restructured  
Loans and Leases
Management generally 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 nonaccrual loans and leases and 
loans and leases that were 90 days or more past due and on 
accrual totaled $22,571,000 and $20,964,000 at December 
31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Of the $22,571,000 in 
non-performing loans and leases at December 31, 2010, 
there were twenty-nine real estate loans totaling $18,735,000; 
fifteen commercial loans totaling $3,491,000; seven consumer 

loans totaling $317,000; and three leases totaling $28,000. 
At December 31, 2009, the $20,964,000 in non-performing 
loans consisted of twenty-seven real estate loans totaling 
$14,048,000; thirteen commercial loans totaling $6,143,000; 
seven consumer loans totaling $718,000; and five leases 
totaling $55,000. 

The net interest due on nonaccrual loans and leases but 
excluded from interest income was approximately $1,736,000 
during 2010, $1,281,000 during 2009, and $647,000 during 
2008. Interest income recognized from payments received on 
nonaccrual loans and leases was approximately $338,000 in 
2010, $79,000 in 2009 and in 2008 it was not significant.

Table Eight below sets forth nonaccrual loans and leases and 
loans and leases past due 90 days or more and on accrual as of 
year-end for the past five years.

T A B L E   E I G H T :   N O N  P E R F O R M I N G   L O A N S   A N D   L E A S E S

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

December 31, 

Past due 90 days or more and still accruing:

   Commercial   

   Real estate    

   Lease financing receivable 

   Consumer and other 

Nonaccrual: 

   Commercial   

   Real estate  

   Lease financing receivable 

   Consumer and other 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007 

2006

$ 

-  

- 

- 

- 

3,491 

18,735 

28 

317 

$ 

 -  

$ 

-  

 $ 

-  

$ 

- 

- 

- 

6,143 

14,048 

55 

718 

444 

22 

8 

261 

5,487 

19 

- 

455 

- 

- 

148 

6,787 

50 

- 

- 

13

-

-

-

12

53

-

78

Total non-performing loans and leases 

$ 

22,571 

$ 

20,964 

$ 

6,241 

$ 

7,440 

$ 

Management monitors the Company’s performance metrics 
including those ratios related to non-performing loans and 
leases. Since 2008, the Company has experienced an increase 
in the non-performing loan and lease ratios. However, these 
increases do not directly impact the Company’s allowance 
for loan and lease losses as management monitors each of the 
loans and leases for loss potential or probability of loss on an 
individual basis using generally accepted accounting principles.

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 December 31, 2010. Management is 
not aware of any potential problem loans, which were accruing 
and current at December 31, 2010, 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. 

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 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 or lease. The 
Company generally does not apply this definition to smaller-
balance loans that are collectively evaluated for credit risk. In 
assessing whether a loan or lease is impaired, the Company 
reviews all 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, except in the instance 

22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

where management believes it is prudent to do otherwise. The 
recorded investment in loans and leases that were considered 
to be impaired totaled $40,237,000 at December 31, 2010 
and had a related valuation allowance of $1,619,000. The 
average recorded investment in impaired loans and leases 
during 2010 was approximately $44,594,000. As of December 
31, 2009, the recorded investment in loans and leases that 
were considered to be impaired totaled $41,937,000 and 
had a related valuation allowance of $3,810,000. The average 
recorded investment in impaired loans and leases during 
2009 was approximately $29,947,000. As of December 31, 
2008, the recorded investment in loans and leases that were 
considered to be impaired totaled $6,083,000 and had a 
related valuation allowance of $788,000. The average recorded 
investment in impaired loans and leases during 2008 was 
approximately $8,291,000. 

As of December 31, 2010, the Company had sixty TDRs, 
and of these there were seventeen extensions totaling 
$3,990,000, fifteen term outs totaling $1,744,000, ten rate 
reductions totaling $6,249,000, six changes to amortizing 
loans totaling $3,252,000, five interest only structure changes 
totaling $7,006,000, and one court ordered restructure 
totaling $683,000. All were performing as agreed except for 
five rate reductions totaling $4,427,000, three extensions 
totaling $101,000, two interest only structure changes 
totaling $2,190,000, and one term out totaling $16,000. The 
Company requires that TDRs can be returned to accrual status 
after the borrower makes six consecutive payments on the 
restructured loan or lease and the borrower has demonstrated 
the capacity to continue to make payments.

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 
estimated range 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. 

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 the following:  
(i) history of actual charge-offs (ii) local and regional economic 
conditions, (iii) the financial condition of the borrowers, 
(iv) loan impairment and the related level of expected charge-

offs, (v) evaluation of industry trends, (vi) industry and other 
concentrations, (vii) loans and leases which are contractually 
current as to payment terms but demonstrate a higher 
degree of risk as identified by management, (viii) continuing 
evaluations of the performing loan portfolio, (ix) ongoing 
review and evaluation of problem loans identified as having 
loss potential, (x) quarterly review by the Board of Directors, 
and (xi)  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 borrowers’ 
business, valuation of collateral, the determination of impaired 
loans or leases and exposure to potential losses. 

The allowance for loan and lease losses totaled $7,585,000 
or 2.19% of total loans and leases at December 31, 
2010, $7,909,000 or 2.06% of total loans and leases at 
December 31, 2009, and $5,918,000 or 1.41% at December 
31, 2008. The Company establishes general and specific 
reserves in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles. 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 allowance for loans and leases as a percentage of non-
performing loans and leases was 33.6% at December 31, 
2010 and 37.7% at December 31, 2009. The allowance for 
loans and leases as a percentage of impaired loans and leases 
was 18.9% at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. 
Of the total non-performing and impaired loans and leases 
outstanding as of December 31, 2010, there were $13,950,000 
in loans or leases that had been reduced by partial charge-offs 
of $6,478,000. As these loan or lease balances are charged 
off the remaining balances, following analysis, normally 
do not require specific reserves and are not eligible for 
general reserves. The impact on credit ratios is such that the 
Company’s allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage 
may be lower, however, the partial charge-offs have reduced  
the potential future losses related to those credits. 

At December 31, 2010, there were $22,168,000 in impaired 
loans or leases that did not carry a specific reserve. Of this 
amount, $10,861,000 were loans or leases that had previous 
partial charge-offs and $11,307,000 in loans or leases that 
were analyzed and determined not to require a specific reserve 
or charge-off because the collateral value or discounted cash 

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23

AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

flow value exceeded the loan or lease balance. The Company 
has been operating in a market that has 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. The collateral evaluations performed by 
the Company are updated as necessary, which is generally once 
every six months, and are reviewed by a qualified credit officer.  

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 allowance for loan and lease losses when management 
believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. 
Generally, a loan or lease is charged off when estimated losses 
related to impaired loans and leases are identified. If the loan 
is collateralized by real estate the impaired portion will be 
charged off to the allowance for loan and lease losses unless 
it in the process of collection, in which case a specific reserve 
may be warranted. If the collateral is other than real estate the 
Company will typically charge off the impaired portion of a 
loan, unless it is in the process of collection, in which case 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. Based on information currently available 
to analyze inherent credit risk, which includes but is not 
limited to economic factors, overall credit quality, historical 
delinquencies and a history of actual charge-offs, management 
believes that the provision for loan and lease losses and the 
allowance for loan and lease losses are prudent and adequate. 
Adjustments may be made based on differences from estimated 
loan and lease growth, the types of loans constituting this 
growth, changes in risk ratings within the portfolio, and 
general economic conditions. However, no prediction of the 
ultimate level of loans and leases charged off in future periods 
can be made with any certainty. 

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 adjustments to the allowance 
based on their judgment of information available to them at 
the time of their examination. Table Nine summarizes, for the 
periods indicated, the activity in the ALLL.

24

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

T A B L E   N I N E :   A L L O W A N C E   F O R   L O A N   A N D   L E A S E   L O S S E S

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007 

2006

Average loans and leases outstanding 

$ 

362,445 

$ 

404,539 

$ 

410,293 

$ 

390,488 

$ 

381,465

$ 

7,909 

$ 

5,918  

$ 

5,883 

$ 

5,874 

$ 

5,679

Allowance for loan & lease losses at beginning 

of period  

Loans and leases charged off:

  Commercial   

  Real estate 

  Consumer   

  Lease financing receivable 

Total 

Recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off:

  Commercial   

  Real estate 

  Consumer   

  Lease financing receivable 

Total 

Net loans and leases charged off 

Additions to allowance charged to operating

2,570 

5,048 

173 

30 

7,821 

63 

68 

1 

- 

132 

7,689 

2,944 

3,257 

216 

171 

6,588 

33 

1 

8 

7 

49 

422 

1,114 

 139 

59 

1,734 

12 

- 

- 

14 

26 

6,539 

1,708 

301 

72 

 105 

70 

548 

41 

- 

- 

66 

107 

441 

450 

71

-

 1

78

150

6

-

9

10

25

125

320

  expenses  

7,365 

8,530 

1,743 

Allowance for loan and lease losses at end  

of period  

$ 

7,585 

$ 

7,909 

$ 

5,918 

$ 

5,883 

$ 

5,874

Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans  

and leases outstanding 

Provision for loan and lease losses to average  

2.12% 

1.62% 

loans and leases outstanding  

2.03% 

2.11% 

.42% 

.42% 

.11% 

.12% 

.03%

.08%

Allowance for loan and lease losses to loans and  
leases, net of deferred fees, at end of period  

2.19% 

2.06% 

1.41% 

1.47% 

1.51%

As part of its loan review process, management has allocated 
the overall allowance based on specific identified problem 
loans and leases, qualitative factors, uncertainty inherent in 
the estimation process and historical loss data. A risk exists 
that future losses cannot be precisely quantified or attributed 
to particular loans or leases or classes of loans and leases. 

Management continues to evaluate the loan and lease portfolio 
and assesses current economic conditions that will affect 
management’s conclusion as to future allowance levels. Table 
Ten below summarizes the allocation of the allowance for loan 
and lease losses for the five years ended December 31, 2010. 

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

T A B L E   T E N :   A L L O W A N C E   F O R   L O A N   A N D   L E A S E   L O S S E S   B Y   L O A N   C A T E G O R Y

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

Commercial    

Real estate 

Agriculture      

Consumer   

Lease financing receivable 

December 31, 2010 

December 31, 2009 

December 31, 2008 

  Percent of 
Loans In 
Each  
Category 
 to Total Loans  

$ 

16.8% 

76.5% 

2.1% 

3.8% 

0.8% 

Amount 

2,178 

5,009 

203 

426 

93 

  Percent of 
Loans In 
Each 
Category 
 to Total Loans 

18.9% 

74.5% 

1.9% 

3.7% 

1.0% 

Amount 

$ 

1,644 

   4,030 

8 

170 

66 

  Percent of
Loans In 
Each 
Category 
 to Total Loans

21.6%

71.8%

1.9%

3.5%

1.2%

$ 

Amount 

2,556 

 4,574 

 228 

220 

7 

Total allocated  

$ 

7,585 

100.0% 

$ 

7,909 

100.0% 

$ 

5,918 

100.0%

December 31, 2007 

December 31, 2006 

  Percent of 
Loans In 
Each  
Category 
 to Total Loans  

$ 

23.6% 

70.7% 

2.0% 

2.7% 

1.0% 

Amount 

1,269 

4,332 

7 

131 

135 

  Percent of
Loans In 
Each 
Category 
 to Total Loans

22.1%

71.4%

1.9%

3.0%

1.6%

$ 

Amount 

1,369 

4,314 

8 

108 

84 

Commercial    

Real estate 

Agriculture  

Consumer   

Lease financing receivable 

Total allocated  

$ 

5,883 

100.0% 

$ 

5,874 

100.0%

book value of the properties by $705,000. During 2009, 
the valuation process resulted in $1,074,000 in book value 
reductions.

Deposits
At December 31, 2010, total deposits were $465,122,000 
representing a decrease of $4,633,000 (1.0%) from the 
December 31, 2009 balance of $469,755,000. The Company’s 
deposit growth plan for 2010 was to concentrate its efforts 
on increasing noninterest-bearing demand, interest-bearing 
money market and NOW accounts, and savings accounts. 
Due to these efforts, the Company experienced increases 
during 2010 in noninterest-bearing ($8,308,000 or 7.0%), 
money market ($6,022,000 or 4.6%) and savings ($9,303,000 
or 25.7%) and decreases in time deposits ($23,187,000 or 
17.4%) and interest-bearing checking ($5,079,000 or 10.1%).

The allocation presented should not be interpreted as an 
indication that charges to the allowance for loan and lease 
losses will be incurred in these amounts or proportions, or that 
the portion of the allowance allocated to each loan and lease 
category represents the total amounts available for charge-offs 
that may occur within these categories.

Other Real Estate Owned
During 2010, the Company received $3,195,000 from the 
net proceeds of the sale of nineteen OREO properties with 
net losses of $103,000 recognized on these sales. There was 
$2,796,000 in other real estate owned at December 31, 2010 
with a valuation allowance of $100,000 and $2,523,000 in 
other real estate owned at December 31, 2009 with a valuation 
allowance of $15,000. 

The balance in OREO at December 31, 2010 consisted of 
twelve properties acquired through foreclosure. The balance in 
OREO at December 31, 2009 consisted of thirteen properties. 
During 2010, the Company acquired eighteen properties 
through foreclosure totaling $4,692,000. The Company 
periodically obtains property valuations to determine whether 
the recorded book value is considered fair value. During 2010, 
this valuation process resulted in the Company reducing the 

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Other Borrowed Funds
Other borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2010 consist of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”). 
The following table summarizes these borrowing:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

Short-term borrowings:

FHLB advances 

Long-term borrowings:

FHLB advances 

2010 

2009 

2008 

Amount 

Rate 

Amount 

Rate 

Amount 

Rate

$ 

7,000 

2.40% 

$ 

14,500 

2.84% 

$ 

43,231 

1.83%

$ 

10,000 

2.41% 

$ 

17,000 

2.40% 

$ 

14,000 

3.19%

The maximum amount of short-term borrowings at any month-end during 2010, 2009 and 2008, was $9,500,000, $69,448,000, 
and $59,000,000, 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

Amount   

Maturity   

Average rates 

  Short-term 

$ 

7,000 

2011 

2.40% 

Long-term

$ 

10,000

 2012 to 2014

2.41%

The Company has also been issued a total of $9,000,000 as of 
December 31, 2010 and $8,000,000 as of December 31, 2009 
in letters of credit by the FHLB which have been pledged to 
secure Local Agency Deposits. The letters of credit act as a 
guarantee of payment to certain third parties in accordance 
with specified terms and conditions. The letters of credit were 
not drawn upon in 2010 or 2009 and management does not 
expect to draw upon these lines in the foreseeable future.

Capital Resources
The current and projected capital position of the Company 
and the impact of capital plans and long-term strategies are 
reviewed regularly by management. The Company’s capital 
position represents the level of capital available to support 
continuing operations and expansion. 

The Company, through a Board of Directors authorized plan, 
may repurchase, as conditions warrant, up to 6.5% annually 
of the Company’s common stock. The repurchases are to be 
made from time to time in the open market as conditions 
allow and will be structured to comply with SEC Rule 10b-18. 
Management reports monthly to the Board of Directors on 
the status of the repurchase program. The Board of Directors 
has reserved the right to suspend, terminate, modify or cancel 
the repurchase program at any time for any reason. Effective 
July 27, 2009, the Company temporarily suspended the 
stock repurchases. The Company relies on distributions from 
the Bank in the form of cash dividends in order to fund its 
repurchase program. As a result of a regularly scheduled FDIC 

examination in 2009, the Company entered into an informal 
agreement in February 2010 with the FDIC and the DFI  
to take certain actions including restricting the payment  
of cash dividends. As a result, any future cash dividends  
from the Bank will require prior approval from its regulators. 
The Company did not repurchase any shares in 2010 or  
2009, repurchased 115,815 shares in 2008, 426,668 shares  
in 2007, 299,410 shares in 2006, 92,986 shares in 2005, 
11,869 shares in 2004, 1,915 shares in 2003 and 83,747 
shares in 2002. Share amounts have been adjusted for stock 
dividends and/or splits. 

The Company and American River Bank are subject to 
certain regulatory capital requirements administered by the 
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. 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 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. As a result of a regularly 
scheduled 2009 FDIC examination, the Company entered 

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

into an informal agreement with the FDIC and the DFI to 
take certain actions including maintaining the Bank’s Tier 1 
Leverage capital ratio at not less than 8% and a Total Risk-
Based capital ratio of not less than 11%. As of December 31, 
2010, the foregoing capital ratios for the Bank were 11.8% 
and 19.2%, respectively. We believe that we are currently in 
compliance in all material respects with the actions described 
in the agreement, including the capital ratios as described 
above. See “Other Events” herein for more information 
regarding the informal agreement. 

At December 31, 2010, shareholders’ equity was $89,544,000, 
representing an increase of $2,199,000 (2.5%) from 
$87,345,000 at December 31, 2009. The increase results 
from the addition of the net income for the period, the 

stock based compensation expense, and the increase in 
other comprehensive income. In 2009, shareholders’ equity 
increased $23,898,000 (37.7%) from 2008. This increase was 
attributable principally to the public offering the Company 
undertook in the fourth quarter of 2009. The ratio of 
total risk-based capital to risk adjusted assets was 20.3% at 
December 31, 2010 compared to 18.4% at December 31, 
2009. Tier 1 risk-based capital to risk-adjusted assets was 
19.1% at December 31, 2010 and 17.1% at December 31, 
2009. 

Table Eleven below lists the Company’s actual capital ratios at 
December 31, 2010 and 2009 as well as the minimum capital 
ratios for capital adequacy. 

T A B L E   E L E V E N :   C A P I T A L   R A T I O S

Capital to Risk-Adjusted Assets 

Leverage ratio   

Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital 

Total Risk-Based Capital 

At December 31, 

 Minimum Regulatory

2010 

12.6% 

19.1% 

20.3% 

2009 

Capital Requirements

12.4% 

17.1% 

18.4% 

4.00%

4.00%

8.00%

Capital ratios are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that 
capital exceeds the prescribed regulatory minimums and is 
adequate to meet future needs. American River Bank’s ratios 
are in excess of the regulatory definition of “well capitalized.”

The Company filed an application with the U.S. Treasury to 
preserve its opportunity to participate in the Capital Purchase 
Program (“CPP”) and received approval of its application 
on November 21, 2008. However, the Board of Directors 
subsequently determined that participation in the CPP was 
not in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders 
after evaluation of the CPP and due diligence reviews of the 
CPP agreements and documentation and other financial 
factors, and with advice of such advisors as the Company’s 
Board of Directors deemed appropriate. The Company 
gave notice to the U.S. Treasury on January 20, 2009 of its 
intention not to participate in the CPP and instead raised 
$25.3 million (in gross proceeds) in a public offering in 
December 2009 to augment capital. 

Management believes that the Company’s capital is adequate 
to support current operations and anticipated growth and 
currently foreseeable future capital requirements of the 
Company and its subsidiaries.

Market Risk Management
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 
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 a 
Risk Management Committee that establishes and monitors 
guidelines to control the sensitivity of earnings to changes in 
interest rates. 

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 consolidated 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 

28

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

environments. The Company uses simulation models to 
forecast earnings, net interest margin and market value  
of equity.

Simulation of earnings is the primary tool used to measure 
the sensitivity of earnings to interest rate changes. Using 
computer-modeling techniques, the Company is able to 
estimate the potential impact of changing interest rates on 
earnings. A balance sheet forecast is prepared quarterly using 
inputs of actual loans and leases, securities and interest bearing 
liabilities (i.e. deposits/borrowings) positions as the beginning 
base. The forecast balance sheet is processed against three 

interest rate scenarios. The scenarios include a 200 basis point 
rising rate forecast, a flat rate forecast and a 200 basis point 
falling rate forecast which take place within a one year time 
frame. The net interest income is measured during the year 
assuming a gradual change in rates over the twelve-month 
horizon. The simulation modeling indicated below attempts 
to estimate changes in the Company’s net interest income 
utilizing a forecast balance sheet projected from year-end 
balances. Table Twelve below summarizes the effect on net 
interest income (NII) of a ±200 basis point change in interest 
rates as measured against a constant rate (no change) scenario. 

T A B L E   T W E L V E :     
I N T E R E S T   R A T E   R I S K   S I M U L A T I O N   O F   N E T   I N T E R E S T   A S   O F   D E C E M B E R   3 1 ,   2 0 1 0

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS 

Variation from a constant rate scenario 

+200bp   

-200bp 

$ Change in NII

  from Current 12 Month Horizon

$ 

$ 

289

(1,739)

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 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. 

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 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 material 
effect upon the results of operations of the Company during 
the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

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 December 31, 

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2010 were approximately $42,448,000 and $10,033,000, 
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. 

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. On December 31, 2010, consolidated 
liquid assets totaled $128.1 million or 22.1% of total 
assets compared to $79.8 million or 13.4% of total assets 
on December 31, 2009. In addition to liquid assets, the 
Company maintains a short-term line of credit in the amount 
of $10,000,000 with a correspondent bank. At December 31, 
2010, the Company had $10,000,000 available under this 
credit line. Additionally, American River Bank is a member 
of the FHLB. At December 31, 2010, American River 
Bank could have arranged for up to $81,165,000 in secured 
borrowings from the FHLB. These borrowings are secured 
by pledged mortgage loans and investment securities. At 
December 31, 2010, the Company had $55,165,000 available 
under these secured borrowing arrangements. American 

River Bank also has a secured borrowing arrangement with 
the Federal Reserve Bank. The borrowing can be secured 
by pledging selected loans and investment securities. At 
December 31, 2010, the Company’s borrowing capacity at  
the Federal Reserve Bank was $30,702,000. 

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 to volatile and 
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. These securities are also available to pledge as 
collateral for borrowings if the need should arise. American 
River Bank can also pledge additional securities to borrow 
from the Federal Reserve Bank and the FHLB.

The maturity distribution of certificates of deposit is set forth 
in Table Thirteen below for the periods presented. These 
deposits are generally more rate sensitive than other deposits 
and, therefore, are more likely to be withdrawn to obtain 
higher yields elsewhere if available. 

T A B L E   T H I R T E E N :   C E R T I F I C A T E S   O F   D E P O S I T   M A T U R I T I E S

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

DECEMBER 31, 2010 

Three months or less  

Over three months through six months 

Over six months through twelve months 

Over twelve months 

Total 

Less than $100,000 

Over $100,000

$ 

9,206 

7,255 

8,693 

6,937 

$ 

44,878

9,239

11,996

12,034

$ 

32,091 

$ 

78,147

Loan and lease demand also affects the Company’s liquidity position. Table Fourteen below presents the maturities of loans and 
leases for the period indicated.

T A B L E   F O U R T E E N :   L O A N   A N D   L E A S E   M A T U R I T I E S    G R O S S   L O A N S   A N D   L E A S E S 

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

DECEMBER 31, 2010 

Commercial   

Real estate    

Agriculture  

Consumer   

Leases   

Total 

30

$ 

One year 
or less 

25,958 

44,295 

963 

1,164 

63 

$ 

One year 
through 
five years 

27,091 

92,509 

6,239 

 4,575 

2,590 

Over 
five years 

Total

$ 

5,212 

$ 

58,261

128,310 

   265,114

 - 

7,463 

113 

7,202

13,202

2,766

$ 

72,443 

$ 

133,004 

$ 

141,098 

$ 

346,545

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Loans and leases shown above with maturities greater than one 
year include $192,244,000 of floating interest rate loans and 
$81,858,000 of fixed rate loans and leases.

The carrying amount, maturity distribution and weighted 
average yield of the Company’s investment securities available-
for-sale and held-to-maturity portfolios are presented in Table 

Fifteen below. The yields on tax-exempt obligations have been 
computed on a tax equivalent basis. Table Fifteen does not 
include FHLB Stock, which does not have stated maturity 
dates or readily available market values. The balance in FHLB 
Stock at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $3,486,000, 
$3,922,000 and $3,922,000, respectively.

T A B L E   F I F T E E N :   S E C U R I T I E S   M A T U R I T I E S   A N D   W E I G H T E D   A V E R A G E   Y I E L D S

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

DECEMBER 31,   

(TAXABLE EQUIVALENT BASIS) 

Available-for-sale securities:

State and political subdivisions

2010 

2009 

2008 

  Carrying 
Amount 

  Weighted 
  Average 
Yield 

  Carrying 
Amount 

  Weighted 
  Average 
Yield 

  Carrying 
Amount 

  Weighted 
  Average 
Yield

  Maturing within 1 year 

$ 

499 

5.24% 

$ 

3,749 

4.40% 

$ 

2,055 

4.42%

  Maturing after 1 year but within  

  5 years   

  Maturing after 5 years but within  

  10 years  

  Maturing after 10 years 

Mortgage-backed securities 

Other

  Non-maturing 

5,782 

6.07% 

7,397 

6.10% 

12,228 

5.42%

5,511 

4,000 

138,644 

5.78% 

5.47% 

2.84% 

4,473 

4,968 

76,009 

6.21% 

5.77% 

3.50% 

11,782 

4,948 

32,232 

79 

0.00% 

86 

0.00% 

89 

Total investment securities 

$  154,515 

3.14% 

$   96,682 

3.97% 

$ 

63,334 

Held-to-maturity securities:

Mortgage-backed securities 

Total investment securities 

$ 

$ 

6,149 

6,149 

4.49% 

$ 

12,331 

4.49% 

$   12,331 

4.48% 

4.48% 

$ 

$ 

24,365 

24,365 

6.08%

5.77%

4.89%

0.00%

5.26%

4.89%

4.89%

The carrying values of available-for-sale securities include 
net unrealized gains of $2,848,000, $377,000 and $673,000 
at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The 
carrying values of held-to-maturity securities do not include 
unrealized gains or losses; however, the net unrealized gains 
at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $323,000, 
$558,000 and $524,000, respectively. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
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.

As of December 31, 2010, commitments to extend credit 
and 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. Real estate 
commitments are generally secured by property with a loan-
to-value ratio of 55% to 75%. In addition, the majority of the 
Company’s commitments have variable interest rates.

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 uses 
the same credit policies in making commitments and letters 
of credit as it does for loans included on the consolidated 
balance sheet. The following financial instruments represent 
off-balance-sheet credit:

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

DECEMBER 31, 

Commitments to extend credit:

2010 

2009

  Revolving lines of credit secured by 1-4 family residences 

$ 

5,964 

$ 

6,615

  Commercial real estate, construction and land 

  development commitments secured by real estate 

  Other unused commitments, principally commercial loans 

Letters of credit  

12,746 

23,738 

42,448 

10,033 

$ 

$ 

18,202

43,008

67,825

10,190

$ 

$ 

Certain financial institutions have elected to use special 
purpose vehicles (“SPV”) to dispose of problem assets. The 
SPV is typically a subsidiary company with an asset and 
liability structure and legal status that makes its obligations 
secure even if the parent corporation goes bankrupt. Under 
certain circumstances, these financial institutions may exclude 
the problem assets from their reported impaired and non-
performing assets. The Company does not use those vehicles  
or any other structures to dispose of problem assets.

Contractual Obligations
The Company leases certain facilities at which it conducts 
its operations. Future minimum lease commitments under 
non-cancelable operating leases are noted in Table Sixteen 
below. Table Sixteen below presents certain of the Company’s 
contractual obligations as of December 31, 2010. Included  
in the table are amounts payable under the Company’s 
Deferred Compensation and Deferred Fees Plans and are 
listed in the “Other Long-Term Liabilities…” category. At 
December 31, 2010, these amounts represented $2,330,000 
and are anticipated to be primarily payable at least five years  
in the future.

T A B L E   S I X T E E N :   C O N T R A C T U A L   O B L I G A T I O N S

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD 

Long-Term Debt 

Capital Lease Obligations 

Operating Leases 

Purchase Obligations 

Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the  
Company’s Balance Sheet under GAAP 

Total 

  Less Than 
1 Year 

1–3 Years 

3–5 Years 

  More Than 
5 Years

$ 

10,000 

$ 

- 

5,026 

- 

2,330 

- 

- 

783 

- 

- 

$ 

5,000 

$ 

5,000 

$ 

- 

1,571 

- 

- 

- 

1,400 

- 

- 

-

-

1,272

-

2,330

3,602

Total    

$ 

17,356 

$ 

783 

 $ 

6,571 

$ 

6,400 

$ 

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

S E L E C T E D   Q U A R T E R L Y   I N F O R M A T I O N    U N A U D I T E D 

IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

2010

Interest income  

Net interest income 

Provision for loan and lease losses 

Noninterest income 

Noninterest expense 

Income (loss) before taxes 

Net income        

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share 

Cash dividends per share 

Price range, common stock 

2009

Interest income  

Net interest income 

Provision for loan and lease losses 

Noninterest income 

Noninterest expense 

Income (loss) before taxes 

Net income (loss) 

Basic earnings (loss) per share 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share 

Cash dividends per share 

Price range, common stock 

  March 31, 

June 30, 

 September 30,  December 31,

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

6,714 

5,772 

1,641 

461 

4,185 

407 

306 

.03 

.03 

- 

$ 

$ 

6,473 

5,582 

2,011 

460 

4,055 

(24) 

54 

.01 

.01 

- 

$ 

$ 

6,344 

5,506 

2,025 

441 

3,972 

(50) 

 39 

.00 

.00 

- 

6,175

5,396

1,688

442

4,258

(108)

77

.01

.01

-

$  7.50–8.50 

$  7.25–8.91 

$  5.65–7.58 

$  5.50–6.49

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

7,751 

6,339 

1,229 

510 

3,601 

2,019 

  1,283 

.22 

.22 

.143 

$ 

$ 

7,321 

6,018 

3,800 

649 

4,239 

(1,372) 

(704) 

(0.12) 

(0.12) 

.143 

$ 

7,163 

5,928 

1,001 

597 

4,268 

1,256 

6,887

5,747

2,500

513

3,703

57

     827 

     180

$ 

.14 

.14 

- 

.03

.03

-

$  7.02–10.97 

$  7.90–12.15 

$  7.45–10.99 

$  6.00–7.98

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

33

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Report of Management on Internal Control Over  
Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting  
for the Company (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f ) and 15d-15(f ) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). 

The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has assessed the effectiveness 
of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, presented in conformity with accounting 
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In making this assessment, management used the criteria applicable 
to the Company as set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—
Integrated Framework. Based upon such assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2010, the Company’s internal 
control over financial reporting is effective based upon those criteria.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public 
accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the 
Company’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission  
that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

David T. Taber 
President and Chief Executive Officer  

Mitchell A. Derenzo 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

34

 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Shareholders and Board of Directors 
American River Bankshares

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of American River Bankshares and subsidiaries (the “Company”) 
as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and 
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010. These consolidated financial statements are 
the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial 
statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated 
financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an 
audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting 
as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an 
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. 
An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial 
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the 
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated 
financial position of American River Bankshares and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated results 
of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010, in 
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Sacramento, California 
March 3, 2011

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

35

AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

C O N S O L I D A T E D   B A L A N C E   S H E E T

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009 

Assets

Cash and due from banks 

Interest-bearing deposits in banks 

Investment securities (Note 5):

  Available-for-sale, at fair value 

  Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost 

Loans and leases, less allowance for loan and lease losses of 

  $7,585 in 2010 and $7,909 in 2009 (Notes 6, 7, 12 and 17)   

Premises and equipment, net (Note 8) 

Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco stock  

Other real estate owned, net (Note 2) 

Goodwill (Note 4) 

Intangible assets (Note 4) 

Accrued interest receivable and other assets (Notes 11 and 16) 

Liabilities And Shareholders’ Equity

Deposits:

  Noninterest-bearing 

Interest-bearing (Note 9) 

Total deposits 

Short-term borrowings (Note 10) 

Long-term borrowings (Note 10) 

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities (Note 16) 

Total liabilities 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

Shareholders’ equity (Notes 13 and 14):

  Common stock—no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized;

issued and outstanding—9,874,867 shares in 2010 and 9,845,533 shares in 2009  

  Retained earnings 

  Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes (Notes 5 and 18) 

Total shareholders’ equity 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2010 

2009

$ 

31,871 

$ 

58,493

2,248

154,515 

6,149 

96,682

12,331

338,533 

376,322

2,026 

3,486 

2,696 

16,321 

402 

20,693 

2,094

3,922

2,508

16,321

644

25,101

$ 

578,940 

$ 

594,418

$ 

126,636 

$ 

118,328

338,486 

465,122 

7,000 

10,000 

7,274 

489,396 

71,814 

16,021 

1,709 

89,544 

351,427

469,755

14,500

17,000

5,818

507,073

71,578

15,545

222

87,345

$ 

578,940 

$ 

594,418

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S T A T E M E N T   O F   I N C O M E

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,  

Interest income:

Interest and fees on loans and leases 

Interest on Federal funds sold 

Interest on deposits in banks 

Interest and dividends on investment securities:

  Taxable   

  Exempt from Federal income taxes 

  Dividends   

Total interest income 

Interest expense:

Interest on deposits (Note 9) 

Interest on borrowings (Note 10) 

Total interest expense 

Net interest income 

Provision for loan and lease losses (Note 7) 

Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses 

Noninterest income:

  Service charges 

  Gain (loss) on sale, call and impairment of investment securities (Note 5) 

  Other income (Note 15) 

Total noninterest income 

Noninterest expense:

  Salaries and employee benefits (Notes 6 and 16) 

  FDIC assessments 

  Occupancy (Notes 8, 12 and 17) 

  Other real estate expense 

  Furniture and equipment (Notes 8 and 12) 

  Other expense (Notes 4 and 15) 

Total noninterest expense 

Income before provision for income taxes 

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes (Note 11) 

Net income 

Basic earnings per share (Note 13) 

Diluted earnings per share (Note 13) 

Cash dividends per share of issued and outstanding 

common stock, adjusted for stock dividends 

2010 

2009 

2008

$ 

22,227 

$ 

25,378 

$ 

28,512

5 

59 

2,840 

634 

25,706 

2,952 

498 

3,450 

22,256 

7,365 

14,891 

866 

7 

931 

1,804 

7,876 

1,423 

1,271 

1,210 

720 

3,970 

2,763 

917 

5 

29,122 

4,003 

1,087 

5,090 

24,032 

8,530 

15,502 

1,018 

270 

981 

2,269 

7,279 

770 

1,389 

1,441 

759 

4,173 

16,470 

15,811 

225 

(251) 

476 

0.05 

0.05 

- 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,960 

374 

1,586 

0.26 

0.26 

0.29 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

10

222

3,711

1,080

18

33,553

5,901

1,727

7,628

25,925

1,743

24,182

741

(119)

1,546

2,168

7,687

151

1,495

1

774

4,093

14,201

12,149

4,578

7,571

1.30

1.30

0.57

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S T A T E M E N T   O F   C H A N G E S   I N   S H A R E H O L D E R S ’   E Q U I T Y

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, 2009 AND 2008

                    Common Stock 

Shares 

Amount 

Retained 
Earnings 

  Accumulated
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income 
  (Net of Taxes) 

Total 
  Shareholders’ 
Equity 

Total
Comprehensive 
Income

Balance, January 1, 2008 

  5,590,277 

$ 

45,668 

$ 

14,204 

$ 

101 

$ 

59,973

Comprehensive income (Note 18):

  Net income 

  Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

  Net change in unrealized gains on available-

for-sale investment securities 

Total comprehensive income 

Cash dividend ($0.57 per share)  

(Note 14)   

Fractional shares redeemed for  

stock dividend 

5% stock dividend (Note 13) 

Stock options exercised 

Stock option compensation 

275,048 

37,258 

Retirement of common stock (Note 13) 

(110,300) 

Balance, December 31, 2008 

  5,792,283 

Comprehensive income (Note 18):

  Net income 

  Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

  Net change in unrealized gains on  

  available-for-sale investment securities 

Total comprehensive income 

Cash dividend ($0.29 per share)  

(Note 14)   

Issuance of new shares, net of  

7,571 

7,571 

$ 

7,571

296 

296 

296

$ 

7,867

(3,317) 

(2,841) 

15,617 

397 

(3,317)

(10)

354

290

(1,710)

63,447

(10) 

2,841 

354 

290 

(1,710) 

47,433 

1,586 

1,586 

$ 

1,586

(175) 

(175) 

(175)

$ 

1,411

(1,658) 

(1,658)

23,901

34

210

issuance costs ($6.25 per share) 

  4,048,000 

23,901 

Stock options exercised 

Stock option compensation 

5,250 

34 

210 

Balance, December 31, 2009 

  9,845,533 

71,578 

15,545 

222 

87,345

Comprehensive income (Note 18):

  Net income 

  Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

  Net change in unrealized gains on available-

for-sale investment securities (Note 5) 

Total comprehensive income 

Restricted stock awarded and  

476 

476 

$ 

476

1,487 

1,487 

1,487

1,963

$ 

related compensation expense 

29,334 

Stock option compensation 

47 

189 

47

189

Balance, December 31, 2010 

  9,874,867 

$ 

71,814 

$ 

16,021 

$ 

1,709 

$ 

89,544

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES—CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S T A T E M E N T   O F   C A S H   F L O W S

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

Cash flows from operating activities:

  Net income 

  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash  provided by operating activities:

  Provision for loan and lease losses 

(Decrease) increase in deferred loan and lease  origination fees, net 

  Depreciation and amortization 

  Amortization of investment security premiums  and discounts, net 

  Provision for accounts receivable servicing receivable  allowance for losses  

(Gain) loss on sale, call and impairment of  investment securities 

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies 

  Provision for deferred income taxes 

  Stock-based compensation expense 

  Tax benefit from exercise of stock options   

  Loss on sale/write-down of other real estate owed 

  Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable and  other assets 

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable and  other liabilities 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities:

  Proceeds from the sale of investment securities 

  Proceeds from called available-for-sale investment  securities 

  Proceeds from matured available-for-sale investment  securities 

  Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities 

  Proceeds from principal repayments for available-for-sale 

2010 

2009 

2008

$ 

476 

$ 

1,586 

$ 

7,571

7,365 

(173) 

785 

2,689 

(4) 

(7) 

(277) 

(327) 

236 

908 

3,991 

1,456 

17,118 

9,032 

670 

3,365 

8,530 

29 

832 

399 

171

(270) 

(246) 

(957) 

210 

(12) 

1,106

(6,705) 

1,228 

5,901 

9,995 

1,080 

2,954 

1,743

54

822

137

119

(395)

(446)

290

(85)

1,762

(1,035)

10,537

24,225

1,455

11,615

(90,443) 

(61,448) 

(29,629)

  mortgage-backed securities 

19,204 

13,517 

8,137

  Proceeds from principal repayments for held-to-maturity

  mortgage-backed securities 

  Net (increase) decrease in interest-bearing deposits in banks 

  Net decrease (increase) in loans and leases 

  Net decrease in accounts receivable servicing receivables 

  Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned  

  Purchases of equipment 

  Capitalized additions to other real estate owned 

  Net decrease (increase) in FHLB stock 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities 

(Continued)

6,310 

(2,248) 

26,307 

40 

3,195 

(475) 

436 

(24,607) 

12,163 

4,248 

23,238 

1,029 

2,808 

(548) 

(26)

9,010 

10,469

703

(21,335)

430

61

(670)

(1,122)

4,339

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES— CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S T A T E M E N T   O F   C A S H   F L O W S    C O N T I N U E D 

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

Cash flows from financing activities:

2010 

2009 

2008

  Net increase (decrease) in demand, interest-bearing and  savings deposits 

$ 

18,554 

$ 

32,249 

$ 

(35,198)

  Net (decrease) increase in time deposits 

(Decrease) increase in long-term borrowings 

  Decrease in short-term borrowings 

  Exercise of stock options 

  Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 

  Cash paid to repurchase common stock 

  Payment of cash dividends 

  Cash paid for fractional shares 

  Net proceeds from stock issuance 

Net cash (used in) provided by in financing activities 

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   

(23,187) 

(7,000) 

(7,500) 

(19,133) 

(26,622) 

58,493 

445 

3,000 

(28,731) 

22 

12 

(2,486) 

23,901

28,412 

43,323 

15,170 

16,614

14,000

(8,372)

269

85

(1,710)

(3,329)

(10)

(17,651)

(2,775)

17,945

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

$ 

31,871 

$ 

58,493 

$ 

15,170

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

  Cash paid during the year for:

Interest expense 

Income taxes 

Non-cash investing activities:

  Real estate acquired through foreclosure 

  Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale 

investment securities 
Non-cash financing activities:

  Dividends declared and unpaid 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

3,526 

190 

4,274 

2,471 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

5,208 

2,452 

4,793 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(296) 

$ 

$ 

7,913

5,010

2,158

502

828

40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
T H I S   P A G E   H A S   B E E N   I N T E N T I O N A L L Y   L E F T   B L A N K .

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

41

AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: THE BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY

American River Bankshares (the “Company”) was 
incorporated under the laws of the State of California in 1995 
under the name of American River Holdings and changed 
its name in 2004 to American River Bankshares. 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. As a 
community oriented bank holding company, the principal 
communities served are located in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo,  
El Dorado, Amador, and Sonoma counties.

The Company owns 100% of the issued and outstanding 
common shares of its banking subsidiary, American River 
Bank (“ARB” or the “Bank”). ARB was incorporated in 
1983. ARB 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. ARB operates five banking offices 
in Sacramento and Placer counties, two banking offices in 
Sonoma County under the name North Coast Bank, a division 
of ARB, and three banking offices in Amador County under 
the name Bank of Amador, a division of ARB. The Company 
also owns one inactive subsidiary, American River Financial.

ARB does not offer trust services or international banking 
services and does not plan to do so in the near future. The 
deposits of ARB are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance 
Corporation (the “FDIC”) up to applicable legal limits.

The Bank was participating in the Federal Deposit Insurance 
Corporation’s (FDIC) Transaction Account Guarantee 
Program. Under that program, through December 31, 2010, 

all noninterest-bearing transaction accounts were  
fully guaranteed by the FDIC for the entire amount in the 
account. Coverage under the Transaction Account Guarantee 
Program was in addition to and separate from the coverage 
available under the FDIC’s general deposit insurance rules. 
Although coverage under the Transaction Account Guarantee 
Program expired December 31, 2010, the FDIC adopted 
a final rule amending its deposit insurance regulations on 
November 15, 2010 to implement Section 343 of the Dodd-
Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act 
providing for unlimited deposit insurance for noninterest-
bearing transaction accounts for two years starting December 
31, 2010.

In February 2010, in connection with the Bank’s regularly 
scheduled 2009 FDIC examination, the Bank entered into 
a Memorandum of Understanding (Memorandum) with 
the FDIC and the California Department of Financial 
Institutions (the “DFI”). The Memorandum covers actions 
to be taken by the Board of Directors and management to 
enhance BSA compliance; reduce the Bank’s level of classified 
assets and further strengthen and improve the Bank’s asset 
quality; requesting regulatory approval prior to paying any 
cash dividends; and maintaining the Bank’s Tier 1 leverage 
capital ratio at not less than 8% and a total risk-based capital 
ratio of not less than 11%. As of December 31, 2010, the 
foregoing capital ratios for the Bank were 11.8% and 19.2%, 
respectively. The Company believes that it is currently in 
compliance in all material respects with the actions described 
in the Memorandum. Consequently, the Company does not 
expect these actions to significantly change its business strategy 
in any material respect.

42

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

General
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company and 
its subsidiaries conform with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the United States of America and prevailing 
practices within the financial services industry.

Gains or losses on the sale of investment securities are 
computed on the specific identification method. Interest 
earned on investment securities is reported in interest income, 
net of applicable adjustments for accretion of discounts and 
amortization of premiums.

Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ 
balances to conform to classifications used in 2010.

Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of 
the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material 
intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated 
in consolidation.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in 
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States of America requires management to make 
estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions 
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date 
of the consolidated financial statements and the reported 
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. 
Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and  
due from banks and Federal funds sold are considered to  
be cash equivalents. Generally, Federal funds are sold for  
one-day periods.

Investment Securities
Investments are classified into the following categories:

•  Available-for-sale securities, reported at fair value, with 
unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and 
reported, net of taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss) within shareholders’ equity.

•  Held-to-maturity securities, which management has the 

positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, reported at 
amortized cost, adjusted for the accretion of discounts and 
amortization of premiums.

Management determines the appropriate classification of its 
investments at the time of purchase and may only change the 
classification in certain limited circumstances. All transfers 
between categories are accounted for at fair value. There were 
no transfers in the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. 
As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company did not 
have any trading securities.

An investment security is impaired when its carrying value 
is greater than its fair value. Investment securities that are 
impaired are evaluated on at least a quarterly basis and more 
frequently when economic or market conditions warrant 
such an evaluation to determine whether a decline in their 
value is other than temporary. Management utilizes criteria 
such as the magnitude and duration of the decline and the 
intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment 
in the securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for an 
anticipated recovery in fair value, in addition to the reasons 
underlying the decline, to determine whether the loss in value 
is other than temporary. The term “other than temporary” is 
not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but 
indicates that the prospects for a near-term recovery of value 
is not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence 
to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the 
carrying value of the investment. Once a decline in value is 
determined to be other than temporary and management does 
not intend to sell the security or it is more likely than not that 
management will not be required to sell the security before 
recovery, only the portion of the impairment loss representing 
credit exposure is recognized as a charge to earnings, with 
the balance recognized as a charge to other comprehensive 
income (loss). If management intends to sell the security or it 
is more likely than not that management will be required to 
sell the security before recovering its forecasted cost, the entire 
impairment loss is recognized as a charge to earnings.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
Investments in Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco 
(the “FHLB”) stock are carried at cost and are redeemable at 
par with certain restrictions. Investments in FHLB stock are 
necessary to participate in FHLB programs.

Loans and Leases
Loans and leases are reported at the principal amounts 
outstanding, adjusted for unearned income, deferred loan 
origination fees and costs, purchase premiums and discounts, 
write-downs and the allowance for loan and lease losses. Loan 
and lease origination fees, net of certain deferred origination 
costs, and purchase premiums and discounts, are recognized as 
an adjustment to the yield of the related loans and leases.

The accrual of interest on loans and leases is discontinued 
when, in the opinion of management, there is an indication  
that the borrower may be unable to meet payment 
requirements within an acceptable time frame relative to the 
terms stated in the loan agreement. Upon such discontinuance, 

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AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

all unpaid accrued interest is reversed against current income 
unless the loan or lease is well secured and in the process of 
collection. Interest received on nonaccrual loans and leases is 
either applied against principal or reported as interest income, 
according to management’s judgment as to the collectibility 
of principal. Generally, loans and leases are restored to 
accrual status when the obligation is brought current and 
has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a 
reasonable period of time and the ultimate collectibility of the 
total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.

Direct financing leases are carried net of unearned income. 
Income from leases is recognized by a method that 
approximates a level yield on the outstanding net investment 
in the lease.

Loan Sales and Servicing
Included in the loan and lease portfolio are Small Business 
Administration (SBA) loans and Farm Service Agency 
guaranteed loans that may be sold in the secondary market. At 
the time the loan is sold, the related right to service the loan 
is either retained, with the Company earning future servicing 
income, or released in exchange for a one-time servicing-
released premium. A portion of this premium may be required 
to be refunded if the borrower defaults or the loan prepays 
within ninety days of the settlement date. There were no sales 
of loans subject to these recourse provisions at December 
31, 2010, 2009 and 2008. Loans subsequently transferred 
to the loan portfolio are transferred at the lower of cost or 
market value at the date of transfer. Any difference between 
the carrying amount of the loan and its outstanding principal 
balance is recognized as an adjustment to yield by the interest 
method. There were no loans held for sale at December 31, 
2010 and 2009.

SBA and Farm Service Agency loans with unpaid balances of 
$449,000 and $503,000 were being serviced for others as of 
December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company 
also serviced loans that are participated with other financial 
institutions totaling $6,673,000 and $6,764,000 as of 
December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Servicing rights acquired through 1) a purchase or 2) the 
origination of loans which are sold or securitized with 
servicing rights retained are recognized as separate assets 
or liabilities. Servicing assets or liabilities are recorded at 
the difference between the contractual servicing fees and 
adequate compensation for performing the servicing, and are 
subsequently amortized in proportion to and over the period 
of the related net servicing income or expense. Servicing assets 
are periodically evaluated for impairment. Servicing assets were 
not considered material for disclosure purposes at December 
31, 2010 and 2009.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
The allowance for loan and lease losses is an estimate of credit 
losses inherent in the Company’s credit portfolio that have 
been incurred as of the balance-sheet date. The allowance is 
established through a provision for loan and lease losses which 
is charged to expense. Additions to the allowance are expected 
to maintain the adequacy of the total allowance after credit 
losses and loan growth. Credit exposures determined to be 
uncollectible are charged against the allowance. Cash received 
on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to 
the allowance. The overall allowance consists of two primary 
components, specific reserves related to impaired credits and 
general reserves for inherent losses related to credits that are 
not impaired.

A loan or lease is considered impaired when, based on current 
information and events, it is probable that the Company will 
be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and 
interest, according to the contractual terms of the original 
agreement. Loans determined to be impaired are individually 
evaluated for impairment. When a loan or lease is impaired, 
the Company measures impairment based on the present 
value of expected future cash flows discounted at the credit’s 
effective interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, 
it may measure impairment based on a credit’s observable 
market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the credit is 
collateral dependent. A loan or lease is collateral dependent if 
the repayment of the credit is expected to be provided solely 
by the underlying collateral.

A restructuring of a debt constitutes a troubled debt 
restructuring (“TDR”) if the Company for economic or legal 
reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties grants 
a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise 
consider. Restructured workout loans typically present an 
elevated level of credit risk as the borrowers are not able to 
perform according to the original contractual terms. Loans or 
leases that are reported as TDRs are considered impaired and 
measured for impairment as described above.

The determination of the general reserve for loans and 
leases that are not impaired is based on estimates made by 
management, to include, but not limited to, consideration 
of historical losses by portfolio segment, internal asset 
classifications, and qualitative factors to include economic 
trends in the Company’s service areas, industry experience and 
trends, geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, 
the Company’s underwriting policies, the character of the 
credit portfolio, and probable losses inherent in the portfolio 
taken as a whole.

The Company determines a separate allowance for each 
portfolio segment. These portfolio segments include 
commercial and industrial, real estate construction (including 
land and development loans), residential real estate, multi-

44

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

family real estate, commercial real estate, leases, agriculture 
and consumer loans. The allowance for loan and lease losses 
attributable to each portfolio segment, which includes both 
impaired credits and credits that are not impaired, is combined 
to determine the Company’s overall allowance, which is 
included on the consolidated balance sheet and available for  
all loss exposures.

The Company assigns a risk rating to all loans except pools of 
homogeneous loans and periodically performs detailed reviews 
of all such loans over a certain threshold to identify credit risks 
and to assess the overall collectability of the portfolio. These 
risk ratings are also subject to examination by independent 
specialists engaged by the Company and the Company’s 
regulators. During these internal reviews, management 
monitors and analyzes the financial condition of borrowers 
and guarantors, trends in the industries in which borrowers 
operate and the fair values of collateral securing these loans. 
These credit quality indicators are used to assign a risk rating 
to each individual credit. The risk ratings can be grouped into 
six major categories, defined as follows:

Pass—A pass loan is a strong credit with no existing or 
known potential weaknesses deserving of management’s  
close attention.

Watch—A watch credit is a loan or lease that otherwise meets 
the definition of a standard or minimum acceptable quality 
loan, but which requires more than normal attention due to 
any of the following items: deterioration of borrower financial 
condition less severe than those warranting more adverse 
grading, deterioration of repayment ability and/or collateral 
value, increased leverage, adverse effects from a downturn in 
the economy, local market or industry, adverse changes in local 
or regional employer, management changes (including illness, 
disability, and death), and adverse legal action. Payments are 
current per the terms of the agreement. If conditions persist or 
worsen, a more severe risk grade may be warranted.

Special Mention—A special mention credit is a loan or lease 
that has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s 
close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses 
may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for 
the credit or in the Company’s position at some future date. 
Special Mention credits are not adversely classified and do 
not expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant adverse 
classification.

Substandard—A substandard credit is a loan or lease that is 
not adequately protected by the current sound worth and 
paying capacity of the borrower or the value of the collateral 
pledged, if any. Credits classified as substandard have a well-
defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation 
of the debt. Well defined weaknesses include a project’s lack 
of marketability, inadequate cash flow or collateral support, 

failure to complete construction on time or a project’s failure 
to fulfill economic expectations. They are characterized by the 
distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if 
the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful—Credits classified as doubtful are loans or leases 
that have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as 
substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses 
make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently 
known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable  
and improbable.

Loss—Credits classified as loss are loans or leases considered 
uncollectible and charged off immediately.

The general reserve component of the allowance for loan 
and lease losses also consists of reserve factors that are based 
on management’s assessment of the following for each 
portfolio segment: (1) inherent credit risk, (2) historical losses 
and (3) other qualitative factors. These reserve factors are 
inherently subjective and are driven by the repayment risk 
associated with each portfolio segment described below.

Land and construction—Land and construction loans generally 
possess a higher inherent risk of loss than other real estate 
portfolio segments. A major risk arises from the necessity to 
complete projects within specified cost and time lines. Trends 
in the construction industry significantly impact the credit 
quality of these loans, as demand drives construction activity. 
In addition, trends in real estate values significantly impact the 
credit quality of these loans, as property values determine the 
economic viability of construction projects.

Commercial real estate—Commercial real estate mortgage loans 
generally possess a higher inherent risk of loss than other real 
estate portfolio segments, except land and construction loans. 
Adverse economic developments or an overbuilt market impact 
commercial real estate projects and may result in troubled 
loans. Trends in vacancy rates of commercial properties impact 
the credit quality of these loans. High vacancy rates reduce 
operating revenues and the ability for properties to produce 
sufficient cash flow to service debt obligations.

Commercial and industrial—Commercial and industrial 
loans generally possess a lower inherent risk of loss than real 
estate portfolio segments because these loans are generally 
underwritten to existing cash flows of operating businesses. 
Debt coverage is provided by business cash flows and 
economic trends influenced by unemployment rates and other 
key economic indicators are closely correlated to the credit 
quality of these loans.

Multi-family—Multi-family loans are non-construction term 
mortgages for the acquisition, refinance, or improvement 
of residential rental properties with generally more than 4 
dwelling units. Underwriting is generally based on borrower 

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AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

creditworthiness, sufficiency of net operating income to service 
the bank loan payment, and a prudent loan-to-value ratio, 
among other factors.

Residential—Residential loans are generally loans to purchase 
or refinance 1-4 unit single-family residences, either owner-
occupied or investor-owned. Some residential loans are short 
term to match their intended source of repayment through sale 
or refinance. The remainder are fixed or floating-rate term first 
mortgages with an original maturity between 2 and 10 years, 
generally with payments based on a 25-30 year amortization.

Leases—Leases originated by the bank are non-consumer 
finance leases (as contrasted with operating leases) for the 
acquisition of titled and non-titled business equipment. Leases 
are generally amortized over a period from 36 to 84 months, 
depending on the useful life of the equipment acquired. 
Residual (balloon) payments at lease end range from 0-20% of 
original cost, and are a non-optional obligation of the lessee. 
Lessees are contractually responsible for all costs, expenses, 
taxes, and liability associated with the leased equipment.

Agricultural land and production—Loans secured by crop 
production and livestock are especially vulnerable to two risk 
factors that are largely outside the control of Company and 
borrowers: commodity prices and weather conditions.

Home equity lines of credit—The degree of risk in residential 
real estate lending depends primarily on the loan amount 
in relation to collateral value, the interest rate and the 
borrower’s ability to repay in an orderly fashion. These loans 
generally possess a lower inherent risk of loss than other real 
estate portfolio segments. Economic trends determined by 
unemployment rates and other key economic indicators are 
closely correlated to the credit quality of these loans. Weak 
economic trends indicate that the borrowers’ capacity to repay 
their obligations may be deteriorating.

Installment—An installment loan portfolio is usually 
comprised of a large number of small loans scheduled to be 
amortized over a specific period. Most installment loans are 
made directly for consumer purchases, but business loans 
granted for the purchase of heavy equipment or industrial 
vehicles may also be included. Economic trends determined 
by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators 
are closely correlated to the credit quality of these loans. Weak 
economic trends indicate that the borrowers’ capacity to repay 
their obligations may be deteriorating.

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 Board 
of Directors and management determine that changes are 

warranted based on those reviews, the allowance is adjusted. In 
addition, the Company’s primary regulators, the FDIC and the 
DFI, as an integral part of their examination process, review 
the adequacy of the allowance. These regulatory agencies may 
require additions to the allowance based on their judgment 
about information available at the time of their examinations.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance- 
Sheet Credit Exposures
The Company also maintains a separate allowance for 
off-balance-sheet commitments. Management estimates 
anticipated losses using historical data and utilization 
assumptions. The allowance for off-balance-sheet 
commitments is included in accrued interest payable  
and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

Other Real Estate Owned
Other real estate owned includes real estate acquired in full 
or partial settlement of loan obligations. When property is 
acquired, any excess of the recorded investment in the loan 
balance and accrued interest income over the estimated fair 
market value of the property less estimated selling costs 
is charged against the allowance for loan and lease losses. 
A valuation allowance for losses on other real estate may 
be maintained to provide for temporary declines in value. 
The allowance is established through a provision for losses 
on other real estate which is included in other expenses. 
Subsequent gains or losses on sales or writedowns resulting 
from permanent impairments are recorded in other income 
or expense as incurred. During 2010, the Company received 
$3,195,000 in net proceeds from the sale of other real 
estate owned with net losses of $103,000 recognized on the 
sale. During 2009, the Company received $2,808,000 in 
net proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned with 
net losses of $17,000 recognized on the sale. The recorded 
investment in other real estate owned totaled $2,796,000 and 
$2,523,000 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and 
had related valuation allowances of $100,000 and $15,000, 
respectively.

Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is 
determined using the straight-line method over the estimated 
useful lives of the related assets. The useful life of the building 
and improvements is forty years. The useful lives of furniture, 
fixtures and equipment are estimated to be three to ten years. 
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the 
asset or the term of the related lease, whichever is shorter. 
When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and 
related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed 
from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized 
in income for the period. The cost of maintenance and repairs 
is charged to expense as incurred. Impairment of long-lived 

46

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

assets is evaluated by management based upon an event or 
changes in circumstances surrounding the underlying assets 
which indicate long-lived assets may be impaired.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Business combinations involving the Company’s acquisition 
of equity interests or net assets of another enterprise or the 
assumption of net liabilities in an acquisition of branches 
constituting a business may give rise to goodwill. Goodwill 
represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the 
net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed in transactions accounted for under the purchase 
method of accounting. The value of goodwill is ultimately 
derived from the Company’s ability to generate net earnings 
after the acquisition and is not deductible for tax purposes. 
A decline in net earnings could be indicative of a decline in 
the fair value of goodwill and result in impairment. For that 
reason, goodwill is assessed for impairment at least annually.

Intangible assets are comprised of core deposit intangibles 
which represent the estimated fair value of the long-term 
deposit relationships that were assumed when the Company 
acquired Bank of Amador in December 2004. Core deposit 
intangibles are amortized using a method that approximates 
the expected run-off of the deposit base, which, in this case, 
is eight years. Management evaluates the recoverability and 
remaining useful life annually to determine whether events or 
circumstances warrant a revision to the intangible assets or the 
remaining amortization period.

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 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 tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities 
are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on 
the date of enactment. The deferred provision for income taxes 
is the result of the net change in the deferred tax asset and 
deferred tax liability balances during the year. This amount, 
combined with the current taxes payable or refundable, 
results in the income tax expense for the current year. On the 
consolidated balance sheet, net deferred tax assets are included 
in accrued interest receivable and other assets.

The determination of the amount of deferred income tax 
assets which are more likely than not to be realized is primarily 
dependent on projections of future earnings, which are subject 
to uncertainty and estimates that may change given economic 

conditions and other factors. The realization of deferred 
income tax assets is assessed and a valuation allowance is 
recorded if it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of 
the deferred tax assets will not be realized. “More likely than 
not” is defined as greater than a 50% chance. All available 
evidence, both positive and negative is considered to determine 
whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation 
allowance is needed. Based upon the Company’s analysis of 
available evidence, the Company determined that it is “more 
likely than not” that all of the deferred income tax assets as 
of December 31, 2010 and 2009 will be fully realized and 
therefore no valuation allowance was recorded.

The Company uses a comprehensive model for recognizing, 
measuring, presenting and disclosing in the financial 
statements tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a 
tax return. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is 
“more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained 
in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed 
to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax 
benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on 
examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely 
than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. Interest expense and 
penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits, if any, are 
classified as income tax expense in the consolidated statement 
of income.

Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is reported in addition to net 
income for all periods presented. Comprehensive income 
is a more inclusive financial reporting methodology that 
includes disclosure of other comprehensive income (loss) 
that historically has not been recognized in the calculation of 
net income. Unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s 
available-for-sale investment securities are included in other 
comprehensive income (loss), adjusted for realized gains or 
losses included in net income. Total comprehensive income 
and the components of accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss) are presented in the consolidated statement of 
changes in shareholders’ equity.

Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”), which excludes dilution, 
is computed by dividing income available to common 
shareholders by the weighted-average number of common 
shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the 
potential dilution that could occur if securities or other 
contracts to issue common stock, such as stock options, result 
in the issuance of common stock that shares in the earnings 
of the Company. The treasury stock method has been applied 
to determine the dilutive effect of stock options in computing 
diluted EPS. EPS is retroactively adjusted for stock splits and 
stock dividends for all periods presented. There were no stock 
splits or stock dividends in 2010.

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AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Stock-Based Compensation
At December 31, 2010, the Company has two stock-based 
compensation plans, which are described more fully in 
Note 13. Compensation expense, net of related tax benefits, 
recorded in 2010, 2009 and 2008 totaled $204,000, $155,000 
and $254,000, or $0.02, $0.03 and $0.04 per diluted share, 
respectively. Compensation expense is recognized over the 
vesting period on a straight line accounting basis.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date 
of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton based option valuation 
model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. 
Because Black-Scholes-Merton based option valuation models 
incorporate ranges of assumptions for inputs, those ranges are 
disclosed. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility 
of the Company’s stock and other factors. The Company 
uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee 
termination within the valuation model. The expected term 
of options granted represents the period of time that options 
granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for 
periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the 
U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

Restricted stock awards are grants of shares of the Company’s 
common stock that are subject to forfeiture until specific 
conditions or goals are met. Conditions may be based on 
continuing employment or service and/or achieving specified 

performance goals. During the period of restriction, Plan 
participants holding restricted share awards have no voting or 
cash dividend rights. The restrictions lapse in accordance with 
a schedule or with other conditions determined by the Board 
of Directors as reflected in each award agreement. Upon the 
vesting of each restricted stock award, the Company issues the 
associated common shares from its inventory of authorized 
common shares. All outstanding awards under the Plan 
immediately vest in the event of a change of control of the 
Company. The shares associated with any awards that fail to 
vest become available for re-issuance under the Plan.

Dividend yield   

Expected volatility 

Risk-free interest rate 

Expected option life in years 

Weighted average fair value  
of options granted during  
the year   

2009 

6.74% 

24.6% 

2.18% 

7 

2008

  3.53% to 4.62%

  21.3% to 24.3%

  3.38% to 3.45%

7

$ 

0.69 

$ 

2.75

There were no options granted in 2010 under either stock-
based compensation plans.

The following is a summary of stock-based compensation 
information as of or for the years ended December 31, 2010,  
2009 and 2008:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

Total intrinsic value of options exercised 

Aggregate cash received for option exercises 

Total fair value of options vested 

Total compensation cost, options and restricted stock 

Tax benefit recognized 

Net compensation cost, options and restricted stock 

Total compensation cost for nonvested option awards not yet recognized 

Weighted average years for compensation cost for nonvested options to be  

recognized  

Total compensation cost for restricted stock not yet recognized  

Weighted average years for compensation cost for restricted stock to be recognized 

There were no restricted stock awards in 2009 or 2008.

2010 

2009 

2008

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

- 

- 

248 

236 

32 

204 

216 

1.1 

158

1.7

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

28 

22 

298 

210 

55 

155 

377 

1.5 

285

269

254

290

36

254

717

2.9

48

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Adoption of New Financial Accounting Standards

Transfers of Financial Assets

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board 
(“FASB”) issued FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 
2009-16, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets 
(Statement 166), which amends previously issued accounting 
guidance to enhance accounting and reporting for transfers 
of financial assets, including securitizations or continuing 
exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. 
Prior to the issuance of Statement 166, transfers under 
participation agreements and other partial loan sales fell under 
the general guidance for transfers of financial assets. Statement 
166 introduces a new definition for a participating interest 
along with the requirement for partial loan sales to meet the 
definition of a participating interest for sale treatment to 
occur. If a participation or other partial loan sale does not 
meet the definition, the portion sold should remain on the 
books and the proceeds recorded as a secured borrowing until 
the definition is met. Additionally, existing provisions were 
retained which require (i) the transferred assets to be isolated 
from the originating institution (transferor), (ii) that the 
transferor does not maintain effective control through certain 
agreements to repurchase or redeem the transferred assets and 
(iii) that the purchasing institution (transferee) has the right 
to pledge or exchange the assets acquired. The new provisions 
became effective on January 1, 2010 and early adoption was 
not permitted. The impact of adoption was not material to 
the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of 
operations or cash flows.

Fair Value Measurements

In January 2010, the FASB issued FASB ASU 2010-06, 
Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, 
which amends and clarifies existing standards to require 
additional disclosures regarding fair value measurements. 
Specifically, the standard requires disclosure of the amounts 
of significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the 
fair value hierarchy and the reasons for these transfers, the 
reasons for any transfers in or out of Level 3, and information 

in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements about 
purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis. 
This standard clarifies that reporting entities are required 
to provide fair value measurement disclosures for each 
class of assets and liabilities—previously separate fair value 
disclosures were required for each major category of assets 
and liabilities. This standard also clarifies the requirement 
to disclose information about both the valuation techniques 
and inputs used in estimating Level 2 and Level 3 fair 
value measurements. Except for the requirement to disclose 
information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements 
in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements on a 
gross basis, these disclosures are effective for the year ended 
December 31, 2010. The requirement to separately disclose 
purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements of recurring Level 3 
measurements becomes effective for the Company for the year 
beginning on January 1, 2011. The Company adopted this 
new accounting standard as of January 1, 2010 and the impact 
of adoption was not material to the Company’s consolidated 
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Disclosures about Credit Quality

In July 2010, the FASB issued FASB ASU 2010-20, 
Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables 
and the Allowance for Credit Losses. ASU 2010-20 requires 
more robust and disaggregated disclosures about the credit 
quality of financing receivables (loans) and allowances for 
loan and lease losses, including disclosure about credit quality 
indicators, past due information and modifications of finance 
receivables. The disclosures as of the end of a reporting period 
are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending 
on and after December 15, 2010. The disclosures about 
activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective 
for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or 
after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance 
has significantly expanded disclosure requirements related to 
accounting policies and disclosures related to the allowance 
for loan and lease losses but did not have an impact on 
the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of 
operations or cash flows.

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

49

AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 3: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

Financial assets:

  Cash and due from banks 

Interest-bearing deposits in banks 

Investment securities 

  Loans and leases, net 

  FHLB stock 

  Accounts receivable servicing

receivables 

  Accrued interest receivable 

  Cash surrender value of life

insurance policies 

Financial liabilities:

  Deposits  

  Short-term borrowings 

  Long-term borrowings 

  Accrued interest payable 

December 31, 2010 

December 31, 2009 

  Carrying 
  Amount 

  Estimated   
Fair 
Value 

  Carrying 
  Amount 

  Estimated 
Fair 
Value

$ 

31,871 

$ 

31,871 

$ 

58,493 

$ 

58,493

2,248 

160,664 

338,533 

3,486 

2,248 

160,987 

332,964 

3,486 

1,876 

1,876 

109,013 

376,322 

3,922 

35 

1,941 

109,571

370,057

3,922

35

1,941

11,019 

11,019 

10,742 

10,742

$ 

465,122 

$ 

465,985 

$ 

469,755 

$ 

470,530

7,000 

10,000 

268 

7,000 

10,523 

268 

14,500 

17,000 

344 

14,500

17,816

344

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.

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.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the 
Company to estimate the fair value of its financial instruments 
at December 31, 2010 and 2009:

Cash and due from banks: For cash and due from banks, the 
carrying amount is estimated to be fair value.

Interest-bearing deposits in banks: The fair values of interest-
bearing deposits in banks are estimated by discounting 
their future cash flows using rates at each reporting date for 
instruments with similar remaining maturities offered by 
comparable financial institutions.

Investment securities: For investment securities, fair values are 
based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted 
market prices are not available, fair values are estimated using 
quoted market prices for similar securities and indications of 
value provided by brokers.

Loans and leases:  For variable-rate loans and leases that reprice 
frequently with no significant change in credit risk, fair values 
are based on carrying values. The fair values for other loans 
and leases are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, 

50

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 3: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

using interest rates being offered at each reporting date for 
loans and leases with similar terms to borrowers of comparable 
creditworthiness. The carrying amount of accrued interest 
receivable approximates its fair value.

Commitments to extend credit: The fair value of commitments 
are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar 
agreements, net of origination fees. These fees were not 
material at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

FHLB stock: The carrying amount of FHLB stock 
approximates its fair value. This investment is carried at cost 
and is redeemable at par with certain restrictions.

Accounts receivable servicing receivables: The carrying amount of 
accounts receivable servicing receivables approximates their fair 
value because of the relatively short period of time between the 
origination of the receivables and their expected collection.

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies: The fair value of 
life insurance policies are based on cash surrender values at 
each reporting date as provided by insurers.

Deposits:  The fair values for non-maturing deposits are, by 
definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the 
reporting date represented by their carrying amount. Fair 
values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using 
a discounted cash flow analysis using interest rates offered 
at each reporting date for certificates with similar remaining 
maturities. The carrying amount of accrued interest payable 
approximates its fair value.

Short-term and long-term borrowings: The fair value of short-
term borrowings is estimated to be the carrying amount. 
The fair value of long-term borrowings is estimated using a 
discounted cash flow analysis using interest rates currently 
available for similar debt instruments.

The following tables present information about the Company’s 
assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and 
nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2010 and 2009. They 
indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques 
utilized by the Company to determine such fair value. In 
general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize 
quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical 
assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability 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 
inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities 
in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that 
are observable for the asset 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 certain cases, the 
inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels 
of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair 
value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in 
its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level 
input that is significant to 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 judgment and considers factors specific to the asset  
or liability.

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51

AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 3: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

Quoted Prices 
in Active 
  Markets for   
Identical 
  Assets 
(Level 1) 

  Significant 
  Other 
  Observable   
Inputs 
(Level 2) 

  Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs 
(Level 3) 

Total 
Losses

December 31, 2010 

  Fair Value   

Assets and liabilities measured on a

recurring basis:

  Available-for-sale securities:

  Mortgage-backed securities 

$ 

138,644 

$ 

138,644 

  Obligations of states and

  political subdivisions 

  Corporate stock 

Total recurring   

Assets and liabilities measured on a

  nonrecurring basis:

Impaired loans:

  Commercial:

  Commercial 

  Real estate:

  Commercial 

  Multi-family 

  Construction 

  Residential 

  Other:

  Leases 

  Agriculture 

  Consumer 

  Other real estate owned 

15,792 

79 

$ 

154,515 

$ 

$ 

75 

75 

15,792 

4 

$ 

154,440 

$ 

- 

$ 

-

$ 

4,197 

$ 

3,870 

$ 

327 

$ 

(275)

18,504 

1,214 

2,298 

2,098 

27 

129 

490 

2,696 

6,388 

2,298 

1,085 

129

2,696 

12,116 

1,214 

1,013 

27

490 

(381)

(93)

(952)

(162)

109

(908)

Total nonrecurring 

$ 

31,653 

$ 

- 

$ 

16,466 

$ 

15,187 

$ 

(2,662)

52

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 3: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

December 31, 2009 

  Fair Value   

Assets and liabilities measured on a

recurring basis:

  Available-for-sale securities:

Quoted Prices 
in Active 
  Markets for   
Identical 
  Assets 
(Level 1) 

  Significant 
  Other 
  Observable   
Inputs 
(Level 2) 

  Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs 
(Level 3) 

Total 
Losses

  Mortgage-backed securities 

$ 

76,009 

$ 

76,009 

  Obligations of states and

  political subdivisions 

  Corporate stock 

Total recurring   

Assets and liabilities measured on a

  nonrecurring basis:

Impaired loans:

  Commercial:

  Commercial 

  Real estate:

  Commercial 

  Multi-family 

  Construction 

  Residential 

  Other:

  Leases 

  Agriculture 

  Consumer 

  Other real estate owned 

20,587 

86 

$ 

96,682 

$ 

$ 

78 

78 

20,587 

8 

$ 

96,604 

$ 

- 

$ 

-

$ 

5,092 

$ 

4,614 

$ 

478 

$ 

(1,238)

7,946 

3,758 

822 

21 

322 

500 

2,508 

6,919 

1,027 

(923)

2,929 

822

21

322 

454 

2,508 

829 

(1,453)

46

(19)

(1,089)

Total nonrecurring 

$ 

20,969 

$ 

- 

$ 

18,589 

$ 

2,380 

$ 

(4,722)

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

53

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 3: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

There were no significant transfers between Levels 1 and 2 
during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

Impaired loans with a carrying value of $30,711,000 at 
December 31, 2010 were written down to $28,957,000, 
resulting in an impairment charge of $1,754,000, which was 
included in earnings for the period. Impaired loans with a 
carrying value of $22,094,000 at December 31, 2009 were 
written down to a fair value of $18,461,000, resulting in an 
impairment charge of $3,633,000, which was included in 
earnings for the period.

Other real estate owned with a carrying value of $3,604,000 
at December 31, 2010 was written down to $2,696,000, 
resulting in an impairment charge of $908,000, which was 
included in earnings for the period. Other real estate owned 
with a carrying value of $3,597,000 at December 31, 2009 
was written down to a fair value of $2,508,000, resulting in 
an impairment charge of $1,089,000, which was included in 
earnings for the period.

There were no material changes in the valuation techniques 
used during 2010. The following methods were used  
to estimate the fair value of each class of financial  
instrument above:

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

Impaired loans—The fair value of impaired loans is based on 
the fair value of the collateral for all collateral dependent loans 
and is estimated using a discounted cash flow model for other 
impaired loans.

Other real estate owned—Other real estate owned represents 
real estate which the Company has taken control of in partial 
or full satisfaction of loans. The fair value of other real estate 
owned is based on property appraisals at the time of transfer 
and as appropriate thereafter, less costs to sell.

NOTE 4: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, goodwill totaled 
$16,321,000. Goodwill is evaluated annually for impairment 
under the provisions of the codification Topic 350, Goodwill 
and Other Intangibles. Management determined that no 
impairment recognition was required for the years ended 
December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008. Goodwill is not 
deductible for tax purposes.

Other intangible assets are comprised of core deposit 
intangibles totaling $402,000 and $644,000 at December 31, 
2010 and 2009, respectively. Amortization of the intangible 

included in other expense totaled $242,000, $263,000 and 
$286,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 
2008, respectively. The remaining balance will be amortized 
over the next 1.9 years and is estimated as follows 

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS:

YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 

2011   

2012   

$ 

$ 

219

183

402

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 5: INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities at December 31, 2010 and 2009 consisted of the following:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

Available-for-Sale

Debt securities:

2010 

  Amortized   
Cost 

  Gross 
  Unrealized   
  Gains 

  Gross 
  Unrealized   
  Losses 

  Estimated 
Fair 
Value

  U.S. Government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 

$ 

135,915 

$ 

3,156 

$ 

  Obligations of states and political subdivisions   
Equity securities:

  Corporate stock 

15,675 

77 

242 

8 

(427) 

(125) 

$ 

138,644

15,792

(6) 

79

$ 

151,667 

$ 

3,406 

$ 

(558) 

$ 

154,515

2009 

  Amortized   
Cost 

  Gross 
  Unrealized   
  Gains 

  Gross 
  Unrealized   
  Losses 

  Estimated 
Fair 
Value

Debt securities:

  U.S. Government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 

$ 

  Obligations of states and political subdivisions   
Equity securities:

  Corporate stock 

75,823 

20,400 

$ 

82 

772 

347 

11 

$ 

$ 

(586) 

(160) 

76,009

20,587

(7) 

86

$ 

96,305 

$ 

1,130 

$ 

(753) 

$ 

96,682

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities 
totaling $2,848,000 were recorded, net of $1,139,000 in tax 
liabilities, as accumulated other comprehensive income within 
shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2010. Proceeds and 
gross realized gains from the sale and call of available-for-sale 
investment securities for the year ended December 31, 2010 
totaled $9,702,000 and $7,000, respectively. There were no 
transfers of available-for-sale investment securities during the 
year ended December 31, 2010.

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities 
totaling $377,000 were recorded, net of $155,000 in tax 
liabilities, as accumulated other comprehensive income within 
shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2009. Proceeds and 

gross realized gains from the sale and call of available-for-sale 
investment securities for the year ended December 31, 2009 
totaled $11,075,000 and $270,000, respectively. There were 
no transfers of available-for-sale investment securities during 
the year ended December 31, 2009.

Proceeds and gross realized gains from the sale and call of 
available-for-sale investment securities for the year ended 
December 31, 2008 totaled $25,680,000 and $126,000, 
respectively.

During 2008 management determined that one equity security 
(FNMA Preferred Stock) had a loss considered to be other-
than-temporary. The Company recorded an impairment 
charge of $245,000 in 2008.

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

55

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
                     
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
                     
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 5: INVESTMENT SECURITIES (CONTINUED)

Held-to-Maturity

Debt securities:

  U.S. Government guaranteed

  mortgage-backed securities 

Debt securities:

  U.S. Government guaranteed

  mortgage-backed securities 

2010 

  Amortized   
Cost 

  Gross 
  Unrealized   
  Gains 

  Gross 
  Unrealized   
  Losses 

  Estimated 
Fair 
Value

$ 

6,149 

$ 

323 

$ 

- 

$ 

6,472

2009 

  Amortized   
Cost 

  Gross 
  Unrealized   
  Gains 

  Gross 
  Unrealized   
  Losses 

  Estimated 
Fair 
Value

$ 

12,331 

$ 

558 

$ 

- 

$ 

12,889

There were no sales or transfers of held-to-maturity investment securities for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities at December 31, 2010 by contractual maturity are shown 
below (dollars in thousands).

Within one year  

After one year through five years 

After five years through ten years 

After ten years   

Investment securities not due at 

  a single maturity date:

  Mortgage-backed securities 

  Corporate stock 

Available-for-Sale 

Held-to-Maturity 

  Amortized   
Cost 

  Estimated   
Fair 
Value 

  Amortized 
Cost 

  Estimated 
Fair 
Value

$ 

495 

$ 

5,657 

5,433 

4,090 

15,675 

499

5,782

5,511

4,000

15,792

135,915 

138,644 

77 

79 

$ 

151,667 

$ 

154,515 

$ 

$ 

6,149 

6,149 

$ 

$ 

6,472

6,472

56

 
                      
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                      
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

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.

secure treasury tax and loan accounts, State Treasury funds on 
deposit, public agency and bankruptcy trustee deposits and 
borrowing arrangements (see Note 10) at December 31, 2010 
and 2009, respectively.

Investment securities with amortized costs totaling 
$47,729,000 and $58,510,000 and estimated fair values 
totaling $49,839,000 and $59,816,000 were pledged to 

Investment securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 
2010 and 2009 are summarized and classified according to the 
duration of the loss period as follows:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

Available-for-Sale

Debt securities:

  U.S. Government guaran-

teed mortgage-backed

  securities 

  Obligations of states

  and political sub-

  divisions  

  Corporate stock 

Available-for-Sale

Debt securities:

  U.S. Government guaran-

teed mortgage-backed

  securities 

  Obligations of states
  and political sub-

  divisions  

  Corporate stock 

2010 

 Less than 12 Months 

12 Months or More 

Total 

Fair 
  Value 

 Unrealized  
  Losses 

Fair 
  Value 

 Unrealized  
  Losses 

Fair 
  Value 

 Unrealized 
  Losses 

$ 

29,535 

$ 

(427) 

$ 

29,535 

$ 

(427)

5,169 

5 

(125) 

(2) 

$ 

34,709 

$ 

(554) 

$ 

$ 

5 

5 

$ 

$ 

(4) 

(4) 

5,169 

10 

$ 

34,714 

$ 

(125)

(6)

(558)

2009 

 Less than 12 Months 

12 Months or More 

Total 

Fair 
  Value 

 Unrealized  
  Losses 

Fair 
  Value 

 Unrealized  
  Losses 

Fair 
  Value 

 Unrealized 
  Losses 

$ 

41,046 

$ 

(527) 

$ 

2,752 

$ 

(59) 

$ 

43,798 

$ 

(586)

4,081 

5 

(80) 

(3) 

2,641 

3 

(80) 

(4) 

6,722 

8 

$ 

45,132 

$ 

(610) 

$ 

5,396 

$ 

(143) 

$ 

50,528 

$ 

(160)

(7)

(753)

At December 31, 2010, the Company held 168 securities of 
which 29 were in a loss position for less than twelve months 
and 5 were in a loss position for twelve months or more. Of 
the 34 securities 15 are mortgage-backed securities, 11 are 
obligations of states and political sub-divisions and 8 are 
corporate stocks.

The unrealized loss on the Company’s investments in 
mortgage-backed securities and obligations of states and 
political sub-divisions 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 maturity, 
management does not consider these investments to be other-
than-temporarily impaired.

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 6: LOANS AND LEASES

Outstanding loans and leases are summarized as follows:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

DECEMBER 31, 

Real estate—commercial 

Real estate—construction 

Real estate—multi-family 

Real estate—residential 

Commercial   

Lease financing receivable 

Agriculture  

Consumer   

Deferred loan and lease origination fees, net 

Allowance for loan and lease losses 

2010 

2009

$ 

216,076 

$ 

223,685

15,971 

6,968 

26,099 

58,261 

2,766 

7,202 

13,202 

27,482

8,476

26,922

72,621

3,920

7,472

14,253

346,545 

384,831

(427) 

(7,585) 

(600)

(7,909)

$ 

338,533 

$ 

376,322

Certain loans are pledged as collateral for available borrowings with the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco  
(the “FRB”). Pledged loans totaled $201,749,000 and $222,923,000 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively (see Note 10).

The components of the Company’s lease financing receivable are summarized as follows:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

DECEMBER 31, 

Future lease payments receivable 

Residual interests 

Unearned income 

  Net lease financing receivable 

Future lease payments receivable are as follows:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,

2011   
2012   

2013   

2014   

2015   

Total lease payments receivable 

2010 

2009

$ 

2,908 

$ 

4,246

104 

(246) 

85

(411)

$ 

2,766 

$ 

3,920

$ 

1,165
955

553

151

84

$ 

2,908

Salaries and employee benefits totaling $453,000, $674,000 and $910,000 have been deferred as loan and lease origination costs 
for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 7: ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES

Changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses were as follows:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

Balance, beginning of year 

Provision charged to operations 

Losses charged to allowance 

Recoveries  

Balance, end of year 

$ 

$ 

2010 

7,909 

7,365 

(7,821) 

132 

2009 

5,918 

8,530 

(6,588) 

49 

$ 

2008

5,883

1,743

(1,734)

26

$ 

7,585 

$ 

7,909 

$ 

5,918

Allocation of the allowance for loan and lease losses as of December 31, 2010 by portfolio segment and by impairment 
methodology:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

Real Estate 

Other 

Commercial    Commercial 

 Multi-Family   Construction    Residential 

Leases 

  Agriculture 

 Consumer    Unallocated 

Total 

Ending balance allocated to portfolio segments  $  2,574  $ 

2,715 

$ 

115 

$  1,090 

$ 

581 

$ 

7 

$ 

131 

$ 

221 

$ 

151  $  7,585

Ending balance:

Individually evaluated for impairment 

$ 

274  $ 

1,160 

$ 

22 

$ 

- 

$ 

152 

$ 

- 

$ 

- 

$ 

11 

$ 

-  $  1,619

Ending balance:

  Collectively evaluated for impairment  

$  2,300  $ 

1,555 

$ 

93 

$  1,090 

$ 

429 

$ 

7 

$ 

131 

$ 

210 

$ 

151  $  5,966

Loans

Ending balance   

Ending balance:

$ 58,261  $ 216,076 

$  6,968 

$ 15,971 

$ 26,099 

$  2,766 

$  7,202 

$ 13,202 

$ 

-  $ 346,545

Individually evaluated for impairment 

$  8,257  $  21,186 

$  2,596 

$  4,695 

$  2,676 

$ 

- 

$ 

129 

$ 

698 

$ 

-  $  40,237

Ending balance:

  Collectively evaluated for  impairment 

$ 50,004  $ 194,890 

$  4,372 

$ 11,276 

$ 23,423 

$  2,766 

$  7,073 

$ 12,504 

$ 

-  $ 306,308

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 7: ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (CONTINUED)

The loan portfolio allocated by management’s internal risk ratings as of December 31, 2010:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

Grade:

  Pass   

  Watch  

  Special mention 

  Substandard  

  Doubtful  

Total 

Grade:

  Pass   

  Watch  

  Special mention 

  Substandard  

  Doubtful  

Total 

Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade 

Real Estate 

  Commercial 

  Commercial 

  Multi-Family 

 Construction 

  Residential

$ 

39,335 

$ 

175,319 

$ 

3,515 

4,228 

11,012 

171 

11,021 

11,713 

18,023 

$ 

4,371 

1,214 

1,383 

7,884 

1,632 

1,178 

5,277 

$ 

21,928

953

3,218

$ 

58,261 

$ 

216,076 

$ 

6,968 

$ 

15,971 

$ 

26,099

Other Credit Exposure 

Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade 

Leases 

  Agriculture 

  Consumer

$ 

2,740 

$ 

6,484 

$ 

12,277

589 

129 

26 

514

178

217

16

$ 

2,766 

$ 

7,202 

$ 

13,202

Aging analysis of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2010:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

  30-59 Days 
Past Due 

  60-89 Days 
Past Due 

Past Due 
Greater 
Than 
90 Days 

Total Past 
Due 

Current 

Past Due
  Greater Than 
 90 Days and 
Accruing 

  Total Loans 

 Nonaccrual

Commercial:

  Commercial 

$ 

219 

$ 

19 

$ 

3,346 

$ 

3,584 

$ 

54,677 

$ 

58,261 

$ 

3,491

Real estate:

  Commercial 

  Multi-family 

  Construction 

  Residential  

Other:

  Leases   

  Agriculture  

  Consumer   

1,207 

3,140 

10,101 

14,448 

201,628 

216,076 

795 

1,835 

366 

123 

8 

1,383 

2,859 

1,149 

28 

129 

221 

1,383 

4,694 

2,310 

28 

129 

352 

5,585 

11,277 

23,789 

2,738 

7,073 

12,850 

6,968 

15,971 

26,099 

2,766 

7,202 

13,202 

10,975

1,383

4,694

1,554

28

129

317

Total 

$ 

2,344 

$ 

5,368 

$ 

19,216 

$ 

26,928 

$  319,617 

$  346,545 

$ 

- 

$  22,571

60

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 7: ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (CONTINUED)

Impaired loans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

With no related allowance

recorded:

  Commercial:

  Commercial 

  Real estate:

  Commercial 

  Multi-family 

  Construction 

  Residential 

  Other:

  Agriculture 

  Consumer 

With an allowance recorded:

  Commercial:

  Commercial 

  Real estate:

  Commercial 

  Multi-family 

  Residential  

  Other:

  Consumer   

Total:

  Commercial:

  Commercial 

  Real estate:

  Commercial 

  Multi-family 

  Construction 

  Residential  

  Other:

  Agriculture  

  Consumer   

  Recorded 
  Investment   

  Unpaid 
  Principal 
  Balance 

  Related 
  Allowance   

  Average 
  Recorded 
  Investment   

Interest 
Income 
  Recognized

$ 

5,026 

$ 

5,418 

$ 

5,042 

$ 

9,066 

1,382 

4,695 

1,663 

129 

207 

12,149 

2,382 

7,064 

1,835 

322 

207 

14,013 

1,383 

6,545 

1,593 

206 

317 

137

424

70

43

50

4

16

$ 

22,168 

$ 

29,377 

$ 

- 

$ 

29,099 

$ 

744

$ 

3,231 

$ 

3,231 

$ 

274 

$ 

3,452 

$ 

12,120 

1,214 

1,013 

12,584 

1,214 

1,013 

1,160 

22 

152 

9,369 

1,321 

861 

491 

491 

11 

492 

$ 

18,069 

$ 

18,533 

$ 

1,619 

$ 

15,495 

$ 

$ 

8,257 

$ 

8,649 

$ 

274 

$ 

8,494 

$ 

21,186 

2,596 

4,695 

2,676 

129 

698 

24,733 

3,596 

7,064 

2,848 

322 

698 

1,160 

22 

152 

11 

23,382 

2,704 

6,545 

2,454 

206 

809 

196

456

44

51

24

771

333

880

114

43

101

4

40

$ 

40,237 

$ 

47,910 

$ 

1,619 

$ 

44,594 

$ 

1,515

The recorded investment in loans and leases that were 
considered to be impaired totaled $40,237,000 at December 
31, 2010 and had a related valuation allowance of $1,619,000. 
The average recorded investment in impaired loans and leases 
during 2010 was approximately $44,594,000.

The recorded investment in loans and leases that were 
considered to be impaired totaled $41,937,000 at December 
31, 2009 and had a related valuation allowance of $3,810,000. 
The average recorded investment in impaired loans and leases 
during 2009 was approximately $29,947,000.

Non-accrual loans and leases totaled approximately 
$22,571,000 and $20,964,000 at December 31, 2010 and 
2009, respectively. There were no loans and leases past due 90 
days or more and still accruing interest at December 31, 2010 
and 2009. Interest income on non-accrual loans is generally 
recognized on a cash basis and was approximately $338,000 
and $79,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 
2009, and not significant for 2008. Interest foregone on non-
accrual loans was approximately $1,736,000, $1,281,000 and 
$647,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 
2008, respectively.

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61

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 8: PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment consisted of the following:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

DECEMBER 31, 

Land   

Building and improvements 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment 

Leasehold improvements 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  

$ 

$ 

2010 

206 

734 

5,180 

1,567 

7,687 

2009

206

730

7,017

1,758

9,711

(5,661) 

(7,617)

$ 

2,026 

$ 

2,094

Depreciation and amortization included in occupancy and furniture and equipment expense totaled $543,000, $569,000 and 
$539,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

NOTE 9: INTEREST-BEARING DEPOSITS

Interest-bearing deposits consisted of the following:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

DECEMBER 31, 

Savings   

Money market   

NOW accounts  

Time, $100,000 or more 

Other time  

2010 

2009

$ 

45,537 

$ 

36,234

137,636 

45,075 

78,147 

32,091 

131,614

50,154

98,061

35,364

$ 

338,486 

$ 

351,427

The Company held $29,000,000 in certificates of deposit for the State of California as of December 31, 2010 and 2009. This 
amount represents 6.2% of total deposit balances at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

Aggregate annual maturities of time deposits are as follows:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 

2011   

2012   

2013   

2014   

2015   

Thereafter   

62

$ 

91,267

9,350

5,952

1,333

2,249

87

$ 

110,238

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 9: INTEREST-BEARING DEPOSITS (CONTINUED)

Interest expense recognized on interest-bearing deposits consisted of the following:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

Savings   

Money market   

NOW accounts  

Time, $100,000 or more 

Other time  

2010 

2009 

$ 

224 

$ 

229 

$ 

1,268 

59 

806 

595 

1,304 

71 

1,481 

918 

$ 

2,952 

$ 

4,003 

$ 

2008

324

1,861

68

2,249

1,399

5,901

NOTE 10: BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

The Company has a $10,000,000 unsecured short-term 
borrowing arrangement to purchase Federal funds with one 
of its correspondent banks. There were no advances under the 
borrowing arrangement as of December 31, 2010 and 2009.

In addition, the Company has a line of credit available with 
the FHLB which is secured by pledged mortgage loans (see 
Note 6) and investment securities (see Note 5). Borrowings 
may include overnight advances as well as loans with a 
term of up to thirty years. Advances totaling $17,000,000 
were outstanding from the FHLB at December 31, 2010, 
bearing fixed interest rates ranging from 1.85% to 3.78% 
and maturing between March 2, 2011 and January 13, 2014. 
Advances totaling $31,500,000 were outstanding from the 

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

Short-term portion of borrowings 

Long-term borrowings 

FHLB at December 31, 2009, bearing fixed interest rates 
ranging from 1.60% to 3.78% and maturing between January 
19, 2010 and January 13, 2014. Amounts available under the 
borrowing arrangement with the FHLB at December 31, 2010 
and 2009 totaled $55,160,000 and $54,047,000, respectively.

In addition, the Company entered into a secured borrowing 
agreement with the FRB in 2008. The borrowing is secured by 
pledging selected loans (see Note 6) and investment securities 
(see Note 5). There were no advances outstanding as of 
December 31, 2010 and 2009. Amounts available under the 
borrowing arrangement with the FRB at December 31, 2010 
and 2009 totaled $30,702,000 and $36,353,000, respectively.

The following table summarizes these borrowings:

December 31, 

2010 

2009 

  Weighted 
  Average 

  Amount 

Rate 

  Amount 

$ 

$ 

7,000 

10,000 

17,000 

2.40% 

2.41% 

2.40% 

$ 

$ 

14,500 

17,000 

31,500 

  Weighted 
  Average 

Rate 

2.84%

2.40%

2.60%

The Company has also been issued $9,000,000 in letters of 
credit by the FHLB, included in the amounts available from 
the FHLB previously discussed, which have been pledged to 
secure Local Agency Deposits. The letters of credit act as a 

guarantee of payment to certain third parties in accordance 
with specified terms and conditions. The letters of credit were 
not drawn upon in 2010 and management does not expect 
these lines to be drawn in the future.

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63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 11: INCOME TAXES

The (benefit from) provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 consisted of the following:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

2010

Current   

Deferred  

Benefit from income taxes 

2009

Current   

Deferred  

Provision for income taxes 

2008

Current   

Deferred  

Provision for income taxes 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consisted of the following:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

DECEMBER 31, 

Deferred tax assets:

  Allowance for loan and lease losses 

  Future benefit of state tax deduction 

  Other real estate owned 

  Deferred compensation 

  Other   

Total deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities:

  Core deposit intangible 

  Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment

  securities   

Investment mark to market 

  Future liability of state deferred tax assets 
  Deferred loan costs 

  Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends 

  Premises and equipment 

Total deferred tax liabilities 

Net deferred tax assets 

Federal 

State 

Total

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2 

$ 

74 

$ 

(140) 

(187) 

(138) 

$ 

(113) 

$ 

824 

(540) 

284 

3,617 

(263) 

3,354 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

507 

(417) 

90 

1,407 

(183) 

1,224 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

76

(327)

(251)

1,331

(957)

374

5,024

(446)

4,578

2010 

2009

$ 

3,401 

$ 

3,546

123

280

1,715

218

5,882

(289)

(155)

(24)

(372)
(355)

(268)

703 

1,747 

236 

6,087 

(180) 

(1,139) 

(17) 

(459) 
(310) 

(238) 

(15) 

(2,358) 

(1,463)

$ 

3,729 

$ 

4,419

64

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 11: INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns 
in the United States and California jurisdictions. There 
are currently no pending federal, state or local income tax 
examinations by tax authorities. With few exceptions, the 
Company is no longer subject to the examination by federal 
taxing authorities for the years ended before December 31, 
2006 and by state and local taxing authorities for years before 
December 31, 2005. The unrecognized tax benefits and 

changes therein and the interest and penalties accrued by the 
Company as of December 31, 2010 were not significant.

The provision for income taxes differs from amounts 
computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate of 
34.0% in 2010, 34.0% in 2009 and 35.0% in 2008 to income 
before income taxes. The significant items comprising these 
differences consisted of the following:

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

Federal income tax statutory rate 

State franchise tax, net of Federal tax effect 

Tax benefit of interest on obligations of states and political subdivisions 

Tax-exempt income from life insurance policies 

Stock option compensation expense 

Other   

Effective tax rate 

2010 

34.0 % 

(29.5)% 

(93.0)% 

(42.0)% 

17.0 % 

1.9 % 

(111.6)% 

2009 

34.0 % 

3.0 % 

(15.2)% 

(4.3)% 

1.3 % 

0.3 % 

19.1 % 

2008

35.0 %

6.6 %

(2.9)%

(1.1)%

0.5 %

(0.4)%

37.7 %

NOTE 12: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases
The Company leases branch facilities, administrative offices 
and various equipment under noncancelable operating leases 
which expire on various dates through the year 2019. Certain 
of the leases have five year renewal options. One of the branch 
facilities is leased from a current member of the Company’s 
Board of Directors (see Note 17).

Future minimum lease payments are as follows:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 

2011   

2012   

2013   

2014   

2015   

Thereafter   

$ 

$ 

783

783

788

729

671

1,272

5,026

Rental expense included in occupancy, furniture and 
equipment expense totaled $956,000, $1,050,000 and 
$1,110,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 
2008, respectively.

Financial Instruments With Off-Balance-Sheet Risk
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 
standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying 
degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the 
amount recognized on the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of 
nonperformance by the other party for commitments to 
extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by 
the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company 
uses the same credit policies in making commitments and 
standby letters of credit as it does for loans included on the 
consolidated balance sheet.

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65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 12: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

The following financial instruments represent off-balance-sheet credit risk:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

DECEMBER 31, 

Commitments to extend credit:

  Revolving lines of credit secured by 1-4 family residences 

  Commercial real estate, construction and land

  development commitments secured by real estate 

  Other unused commitments, principally commercial loans 

Standby letters of credit 

2010 

2009

$ 

5,964 

$ 

6,615

12,746 

23,738 

42,448 

10,033 

$ 

$ 

18,202

43,008

67,825

10,190

$ 

$ 

At inception, real estate commitments are generally secured 
by property with a loan to value ratio of 55% to 75%. In 
addition, the majority of the Company’s commitments have 
variable interest rates.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a 
customer as long as there is no violation of any conditions 
established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed 
expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require 
payment of a fee. Since some of the commitments are expected 
to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment 
amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. 
Each client’s creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case 
basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary 
upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit 
evaluation of the borrower. Collateral held varies but may 
include accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and deeds 
of trust on residential real estate and income-producing 
commercial properties.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued 
to guarantee the performance or financial obligation of a client 
to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of 
credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending 
loans to clients. 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 December 31, 
2010 and 2009. The Company recognizes these fees as  
revenue over the term of the commitment or when the 
commitment is used.

Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk
The Company grants real estate mortgage, real estate 
construction, commercial, agricultural and consumer loans 
to clients throughout Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, Amador, El 
Dorado, and Sonoma counties.

In management’s judgment, a concentration exists in real 
estate-related loans which represented approximately 76% and 
74% of the Company’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2010 
and 2009, respectively. A continued substantial decline in 
the economy in general, or a continued decline in real estate 
values in the Company’s primary market areas in particular, 
could have an adverse impact on collectibility of these loans. 
However, personal and business income represent the primary 
source of repayment for a majority of these loans.

Correspondent Banking Agreements
The Company maintains funds on deposit with other federally 
insured financial institutions under correspondent banking 
agreements. The Company did not have any uninsured 
deposits at December 31, 2010.

Contingencies
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which 
arise in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of 
management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect 
to such actions will not materially affect the consolidated 
financial position or results of operations of the Company.

66

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 13: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Earnings Per Share
A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations is as follows:

DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 

December 31, 2010

Basic earnings per share 

Effect of dilutive stock options 

Diluted earnings per share 

December 31, 2009

Basic earnings per share 

Effect of dilutive stock options 

Diluted earnings per share 

December 31, 2008

Basic earnings per share 

Effect of dilutive stock options 

Diluted earnings per share 

  Weighted 
Average 
  Number of 
Shares 
  Outstanding 

Net 
Income 

  Per-Share 
Amount

$ 

$ 

476 

9,846 

$ 

0.05

3

476 

9,849 

$ 

0.05

$ 

1,586 

6,031 

$ 

0.26

$ 

1,586 

6,038 

$ 

0.26

7

$ 

7,571 

5,811 

$ 

1.30

$ 

7,571 

5,825 

$ 

1.30

14

Stock Based Compensation
In 2000, the Board of Directors adopted and the Company’s 
shareholders approved a stock option plan (the “2000 
Plan”), under which 379,571 options remain outstanding 
at December 31, 2010. On March 17, 2010, the Board of 
Directors adopted the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan. The 2010 
Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders on May 20, 
2010. The total number of authorized shares that are available 
for issuance under the 2010 Plan is 1,447,495. The 2010 
Plan provides 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. 
Awards granted under the 2000 Plan were either incentive 
stock options or nonqualified stock options. The 2010 Plan 
and the 2000 Plan (collectively the “Plans”), under which 

equity incentives may be granted to employees and directors 
under incentive and nonstatutory agreements, require that 
the option price may not be less than the fair market value of 
the stock at the date the option is granted. The option awards 
under the Plans 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 under the 
Plans are exercisable until their expiration; however, no new 
options will be awarded under the 2000 Plan. The Plans do 
not provide for the settlement of awards in cash and new 
shares are issued upon exercise of an option.

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AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 13: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

A summary of the outstanding and vested stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2010 is as follows:

Outstanding 

Nonvested 

Balance, January 1, 2010 

  Options vested 

  Options expired or canceled 

Balance, December 31, 2010 

A summary of options as of December 31, 2010 is as follows:

Weighted average exercise price of nonvested stock options 

Aggregate intrinsic value of nonvested stock options 

Weighted average remaining contractual term in years of

  nonvested stock options 

Number of vested stock options 

Weighted average exercise price per share 

Aggregate intrinsic value 

Weighted average remaining contractual term in years 

RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES 

$  8.50-11.66  

$  11.67-12.37   

$  12.38-12.65   

$  12.66-16.18   

$  16.19-16.77   

$  16.78-18.10   

$  18.11-18.23   

$  18.24-24.07   

  Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 
  Per Share 

$ 

$ 

$ 

17.20 

22.15 

17.18 

Shares 

381,021 

(1,450) 

379,571 

Shares 

180,597 

(59,352) 

(1,450) 

119,795 

  Number of 
Options 
  Outstanding 
 December 31, 
2010 

  Weighted 
Average 
  Remaining 
  Contractual 
Life 

61,903 

33,562 

  8.14 years 

  2.22 years 

1,575 

  7.39 years 

927 

  2.39 years 

58,942 

48,399 

36,174 

  7.15 years 

  3.31 years 

  4.27 years 

138,089 

  5.50 years 

379,571 

  Weighted 
Average 
Fair Value 
  Per Share

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

3.19

4.08

5.12

2.73

15.09

-

7.18

259,776

18.15

-

4.72

  Number of 
Options 
  Exercisable 
 December 31, 

2010

12,398

33,562

630

927

23,576

48,399

36,169

104,115

259,776

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company awarded 
29,334 shares of restricted common stock under the 
Company’s 2010 Equity Incentive Plan to certain employees 
and to directors. Grant date fair value is determined by the 
market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of 
grant. The aggregate value of these shares at the grant date 
amounts to approximately $205,000 or $6.99 per share and 
is recognized ratably as compensation expense or director 
expense over the vesting periods. The shares of common 
stock granted pursuant to such agreements vest in increments 
over one to five years from the date of grant. The Company 
recognized $47,000 in compensation expense and director 
expense related to restricted stock in 2010. The intrinsic value 
of the restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2010 was 
approximately $176,000. The weighted average contractual 
term over which the restricted stock will vest is 1.68 years as 
of December 31, 2010. 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. New shares are issued upon vesting of 
the restricted common stock.

Common Stock Repurchase Program
On January 16, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company 
authorized a stock repurchase program that allows for the 
repurchase of up to six and one half percent (6.5%) annually 
of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. 
The repurchases under this plan can be made from time to 
time in the open market as conditions allow. Management 
reports monthly to the Board of Directors on the status of the 

68

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 13: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

repurchase program. The Board of Directors has reserved the 
right to suspend, terminate, modify or cancel the repurchase 
programs at any time for any reason. The 6.5% percent 
program announced in 2008 replaced a program announced in 
2001 whereby the Company had the ability to repurchase up 
to five percent (5.0%) annually of the Company’s outstanding 
shares of common stock. On July 24, 2009, the Board 
of Directors temporarily suspended the Company’s stock 
repurchase program.

NOTE 14: REGULATORY MATTERS

Dividends
Upon declaration by the Board of Directors of the Company, 
all shareholders of record will be entitled to receive dividends. 
The California Financial Code restricts the total dividend 
payment of any state banking association in any calendar 
year to the lesser of (1) the bank’s retained earnings or 
(2) the bank’s net income for its last three fiscal years, less 
distributions made to shareholders during the same three-year 
period. In addition, subject to prior regulatory approval, any 
state banking association may request an exception to this 
restriction. In May, September and December 2008, and 
in March and June of 2009, ARB requested, and received 
approval for, equal payments of $1,000,000. The effect of 
the payments is such that ARB could continue to provide 
dividends to the Company.

In 2009 and 2008, the Company declared cash dividends in 
the amount of $0.29 and $0.57, respectively, per common 
share. The amounts have been adjusted to reflect 5% stock 
dividends declared in 2008. There is no assurance, however, 
that any dividends will be paid in the future since they 
are subject to regulatory restrictions, and dependent upon 
earnings, financial condition and capital requirements of 
the Company and its subsidiaries. On July 24, 2009, the 
Board of Directors temporarily suspended the payment of 
cash dividends until such time as it is prudent to reestablish 
payment of cash dividends. As a result there were no cash 
dividends declared or paid in 2010. Currently, any future cash 
dividends from the Bank to the Company will require prior 
regulatory approval.

Stock Dividend
The Board of Directors declared a 5% stock dividend 
November 19, 2008. As appropriate, per share and relevant 
data in the consolidated financial statements have been 
retroactively restated to reflect the stock dividend.

Regulatory Capital
The Company and ARB are subject to certain regulatory 
capital requirements administered by the Board of Governors 
of the Federal Reserve System and 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. 
As a result of a regularly scheduled 2009 FDIC examination, 
management entered into a Memorandum of Understanding 
(MOU) with its regulators to take certain actions, including 
maintenance of certain capital ratios as described in “Note 1, 
The Business of the Company” herein.

Under capital adequacy guidelines, the Company and ARB 
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. 
These quantitative measures are established by regulation and 
require that minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 
capital to risk-weighted assets and of Tier 1 capital to average 
assets be maintained. Capital amounts and classification are 
also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about 
components, risk weightings and other factors.

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69

AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 14: REGULATORY MATTERS (CONTINUED)

ARB is also subject to additional capital guidelines under the 
regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be 
categorized as well capitalized, ARB must maintain minimum 
total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as 
set forth in the table below.

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

Leverage Ratio

American River Bankshares and Subsidiaries 

Minimum regulatory requirement 

American River Bank 

Minimum requirement for “Well-Capitalized” institution

  under prompt corrective action provisions 

Minimum regulatory requirement 

Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio

American River Bankshares and Subsidiaries 

Minimum regulatory requirement 

American River Bank 

Minimum requirement for “Well-Capitalized” institution

  under prompt corrective action provisions 

Minimum regulatory requirement 

Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio

American River Bankshares and Subsidiaries 

Minimum regulatory requirement 

American River Bank 

Minimum requirement for “Well-Capitalized” institution

  under prompt corrective action provisions 

Minimum regulatory requirement 

Management believes that the Company and ARB met all 
their capital adequacy requirements as of December 31, 2010 
and 2009.

December 31, 

2010 

2009 

  Amount 

Ratio 

  Amount 

Ratio 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

71,112 

22,663 

66,371 

28,207 

22,566 

71,112 

14,913 

66,371 

22,239 

14,826 

75,809 

30,058 

71,041 

37,357 

29,886 

12.6% 

4.0% 

11.8% 

5.0% 

4.0% 

19.1% 

4.0% 

17.9% 

6.0% 

4.0% 

20.3% 

8.0% 

19.2% 

10.0% 

8.0% 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

70,158 

22,535 

65,385 

28,059 

22,447 

70,158 

16,384 

65,385 

24,463 

16,309 

75,313 

32,989 

70,516 

41,050 

32,840 

12.4%

4.0%

11.7%

5.0%

4.0%

17.1%

4.0%

16.0%

6.0%

4.0%

18.4%

8.0%

17.3%

10.0%

8.0%

70

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 15: OTHER NONINTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE

Other noninterest income consisted of the following:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

Merchant fee income 

Accounts receivable servicing fees 

Income from residential lending division 

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance

  policies (Note 16) 

Other   

Other noninterest expense consisted of the following:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

Professional fees 

Outsourced item processing 

Directors’ expense 

Telephone and postage 

Amortization of intangible assets 

Stationery and supplies 

Advertising and promotion 

Other operating expenses 

2010 

2009 

2008

$ 

420 

$ 

437 

$ 

35 

7 

246 

256 

981 

277 

234 

931 

$ 

$ 

482

170

283

395

216

$ 

1,546

2010 

2009 

2008

$ 

1,191 

$ 

1,061 

$ 

414 

371 

336 

242 

208 

198 

369 

390 

375 

263 

205 

232 

1,010 

1,278 

$ 

3,970 

$ 

4,173 

$ 

936

391

321

403

286

274

339

1,143

4,093

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71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 16: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

American River Bankshares 401(k) Plan
The American River Bankshares 401(k) Plan has been in place 
since January 1, 1993 and is available to all employees. Under 
the plan, the Company will match 100% of each participants’ 
contribution up to 3% of annual compensation plus 50% of 
the next 2% of annual compensation. Employer Safe Harbor 
matching contributions are 100% vested upon entering 
the plan. The Company’s contributions totaled $173,000, 
$176,000 and $200,000 for the years ended December 31, 
2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Company contracts with an administrator for an 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan which allows employees 
to purchase the Company’s stock at fair market value as 
of the date of purchase. The Company bears all costs of 
administering the Plan, including broker’s fees, commissions, 
postage and other costs actually incurred.

American River Bankshares Deferred  
Compensation Plan
The Company has established a Deferred Compensation 
Plan for certain members of the management team and a 
Deferred Fee Agreement for Non-Employee Directors for 
the purpose of providing the opportunity for participants to 
defer compensation. Participants of the management team, 
who are selected by a committee designated by the Board of 
Directors, may elect to defer annually a minimum of $5,000 
or a maximum of eighty percent of their base salary and all of 
their cash bonus. Directors may also elect to defer up to one 
hundred percent of their monthly fees. The Company bears all 
administration costs and accrues interest on the participants’ 
deferred balances at a rate based on U.S. Government Treasury 
rates plus 4.0%. This rate was 6.5% at December 31, 2010. 

Deferred compensation, including interest earned, totaled 
$2,330,000, $2,167,000 and $2,023,000 at December 31, 
2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The expense recognized 
under this plan totaled $150,000, $116,000 and $142,000 
for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, 
respectively.

Salary Continuation Plan
The Company has agreements to provide certain current 
executives, or their designated beneficiaries, with annual 
benefits for up to 15 years after retirement or death. These 
benefits are substantially equivalent to those available under 
life insurance policies purchased by the Company on the 
lives of the executives. The Company accrues for these future 
benefits from the effective date of the agreements until the 
executives’ expected final payment dates in a systematic and 
rational manner. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the 
Company had accrued $867,000 and $764,000, respectively, 
for potential benefits payable. This payable approximates the 
then present value of the benefits expected to be provided at 
retirement. The expense recognized under this plan totaled 
$153,000, $141,000 and $188,000 for the years ended 
December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

In connection with these plans, the Company invested in 
single premium life insurance policies with cash surrender 
values totaling $11,019,000 and $10,742,000 at December 
31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. On the consolidated balance 
sheet, the cash surrender value of life insurance policies is 
included in accrued interest receivable and other assets. 
Tax-exempt income on these policies, net of expense, totaled 
approximately $277,000, $246,000 and $395,000 for the 
years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

72

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 17: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions with related parties, including Directors and affiliates. 
These transactions include borrowings from the Company with substantially the same terms, including rates and collateral, as 
loans to unrelated parties. The following is a summary of the aggregate activity involving related party borrowers during 2010:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

Balance, January 1, 2010 

  Disbursements 

  Amounts repaid 

$ 

4,051

38

(113)

Balance, December 31, 2010 

$ 

3,976

Undisbursed commitments to related parties,

  December 31, 2010 

$ 

5

The Company also leases one of its branch facilities from a current member of the Company’s Board of Directors. Rental payments 
to the Director totaled $101,000, $87,000 and $85,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

NOTE 18: OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

At December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company had other comprehensive income (loss) as follows:

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 

Other comprehensive income:

  Unrealized holding gain 

  Less reclassification adjustment for realized

  gains included in net income 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

Other comprehensive loss:

  Unrealized holding loss 

  Less reclassification adjustment for realized

  gains included in net income 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

Other comprehensive income:

  Unrealized holding gains 

  Less reclassification adjustment for realized

  gains included in net income 

  Before Tax 

Tax 
(Expense) 
Benefit 

After Tax

$ 

2,478 

$ 

(987) 

$ 

1,491

7 

(3) 

4

$ 

2,471 

$ 

(984) 

$ 

1,487

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(26) 

$ 

10 

$ 

(16)

270 

(111) 

(296) 

$ 

121 

$ 

159

(175)

628 

$ 

(258) 

$ 

126 

502 

(52) 

$ 

(206) 

$ 

370

74

296

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73

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AM ERI CAN RI VER  BA NK SHARES A ND SUB SIDIAR IES—NOTES TO CONSOLID ATED  FINANCIA L STATEMENTS

NOTE 19: PARENT ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

C O N D E N S E D   B A L A N C E   S H E E T

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,  

Assets

Cash and due from banks 

Investment in subsidiaries 

Other assets  

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Liabilities:

  Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Shareholders’ equity:

  Common stock 

  Retained earnings 

  Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes 

Total shareholders’ equity 

C O N D E N S E D   S T A T E M E N T   O F   I N C O M E

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,  

Income:

2010 

2009

$ 

6,157 

$ 

84,803 

2,461 

6,067

82,572

2,165

$ 

93,421 

$ 

90,804

$ 

3,877 

$ 

3,877 

71,814 

16,021 

1,709 

89,544 

3,459

3,459

71,578

15,545

222

87,345

$ 

93,421 

$ 

90,804

2010 

2009 

2008

  Dividends declared by subsidiaries—eliminated in consolidation 

$ 

  Management fee from subsidiaries—eliminated in consolidation 

$ 

4,057 

$ 

1,655 

4,057 

26 

5,738 

2,696 

404 

325 

684 

4,109 

1,629 

(49) 

1,580 

6 

4,560

3,706

39

8,305

2,582

390

248

668

3,888

4,417

3,113

7,530

41

7,571

$ 

1,586 

$ 

  Other income 

Total income   

Expenses:

  Salaries and employee benefits 

  Professional fees 

  Directors’ expense 

  Other expenses 

Total expenses  

(Loss) income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 

Equity in undistributed (distributed) income of subsidiaries 

Income before income taxes 

Income tax benefit 

Net income 

29 

4,086 

3,125 

360 

308 

645 

4,438 

(352) 

699 

347 

129 

476 

$ 

74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBS IDIARI ES—NOTES  TO CONS OLIDATED FIN AN CI A L S TAT EME NT S

NOTE 19: PARENT ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S T A T E M E N T   O F   C A S H   F L O W S

DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,  

Cash flows from operating activities:

  Net income 

  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net

  cash provided by operating activities:

(Distributed) undistributed earnings of

  subsidiaries 

  Decrease in dividends receivable from

  subsidiaries 

  Equity-based compensation expense 

Increase in other assets 

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities:

  Purchase of equipment 

Investment in subsidiary 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities:

  Cash dividends paid 

  Exercise of stock options, including tax benefit  

  Cash paid to repurchase common stock 

  Cash paid for fractional shares 

  Net proceeds from stock issuance 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   

2010 

2009 

2008

$ 

476 

$ 

1,586 

$ 

7,571

(699) 

49 

(3,113)

236 

(193) 

418 

238 

(148) 

(148) 

- 

90 

6,067 

210 

(267) 

495 

2,073 

(50) 

(19,000)

(19,050) 

(2,486) 

33 

23,901

21,448 

4,471 

1,596 

840

291

(104)

220

5,705

(26)

(26)

(3,328)

354

(1,710)

(10)

(4,694)

985

611

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

$ 

6,157 

$ 

6,067 

$ 

1,596

2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A M E R I C A N   R I V E R   B A N K S H A R E S

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
T H I S   P A G E   H A S   B E E N   I N T E N T I O N A L L Y   L E F T   B L A N K .

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