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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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FY2016 Annual Report · American River Bankshares
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2016 Annual Report 
Giving Business More Reach 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO  

Locations and Lending Area  

Total Return Performance    

Our Team  

Selected Financial Data  

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

Report of Management on Internal Control 
Over Financial Reporting  

Report of Independent Registered 
Public Accounting Firm  

Consolidated Balance Sheets, 
December 31, 2016 and 2015  

Consolidated Statements of Income for the 
Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) 
for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in 
Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended 
December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for 
the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  

Selected Quarterly Information  

1 

2 

2 

3 

4 

5 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

36 

83 

ANNUAL  REPORT  COPIES.  American  River  Bankshares  will  provide  its  security  holders  and 
interested  parties,  without  charge,  a  copy  of  its  2016  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 our web site at www.envisionreports.com/AMRB.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 YEAR IN REVIEW 

Dear Valued Shareholder, 

We are pleased to report that 2016 was a year of strong performance in earnings per share 
and shareholder appreciation. Net income grew substantially as a result of growth in net 
interest  income,  a  reduction  in  overhead,  and  noteworthy  positive  outcome  in  the  credit 
area  which  resulted  in  significant  loan  recoveries.  These  successes  were  the  result  of 
strategic  decisions  made  in  prior  years  and  coupled  with  the  success  of  the  stock 
repurchase  program,  earning  per  share  increased  significantly.    These  positive  results 
enabled the Company to restart the quarterly cash dividend. Our culture dictates that we 
strive  to  maintain  our  solid  market  position  while  continuing  to  invest  in  strategies  that 
will drive American River Bankshares’ value and enhance our brand strength. 

SHAREHOLDER  VALUE.  For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016,  the  Company 
increased earnings per share by 34% to $0.94 per share.  Drivers included an increase in 
net interest income, a decrease in overhead expenses and a credit to the loan loss provision, 
as  well  as,  repurchases  of  our  common  stock.    Total  share  appreciation  in  2016  was  43% 
and tangible book value per share grew to $10.14 at year end. 

EARNINGS PER SHARE DRIVER. The majority of our income was derived from net 
interest  income,  which  increased  by  $236,000.  We  also  reported  a  reduction  in  our  
overhead  expenses  of  $244,000,  and  a  $1.3  million  credit  to  the  provision  for  loan  losses. 
These  factors  contributed  to  a  22%  growth  in  net  income  for  2016.  Share  repurchases 
enabled  us  to  further  augment  this  solid  net  income  growth.  In  2016,  we  repurchased 
716,897 shares which helped with the 34% growth in earnings per share. 

BALANCE  SHEET GROWTH.  Core deposits*  grew  by  $15.7  million for  the  year  with 
the  growth  coming  from  noninterest-bearing  deposits,  which  grew  6%  or  $10.6  million.  
Loans outstanding increased by 12% or $35.0 million. 

In addition to internal factors, the Company’s share appreciation can be partly attributed 
to  external  market  forces.  The  entire  financial  services  industry  experienced  the  positive 
impact  as  a  result  of  anticipated  changes  due  to  the  Presidential  election  including  a 
reduction in corporate income taxes, higher interest rates, and less regulatory burden. 

Maintaining  a  steady  trajectory  requires  that  we  increase  net  interest  income,  while 
continuing  overhead  expense  management.  Company  growth  will  be  led  by  an  ongoing 
client-centered experience and value realized from excellent employee service in providing 
financial solutions. 

We appreciate your support, as well as, the trust you place in our Company. 

Sincerely, 

Charles D. Fite 
Chairman of the Board 

David T. Taber 
President & CEO 

*The Company considers all deposits except time deposits as core deposits. 

1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OUR LOCATIONS          

TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE  

Period Ending 

Index 
American River Bankshares 
NASDAQ Composite 
SNL Bank NASDAQ 

12/31/11  12/31/12  12/31/13  12/31/14  12/31/15  12/31/16 
332.09 
219.89 
265.56 

207.69 
164.57 
171.31 

232.53 
201.98 
191.53 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

151.87 
117.45 
119.19 

207.03 
188.84 
177.42 

Source: SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA 

2 
 
 
 
  
 
 
OUR TEAM 

AMERICAN RIVER BANK AND  
BANKSHARES BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

AMERICAN RIVER BANK  
LEADERSHIP TEAM 

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

William A. Robotham, CPA 
Vice-Chairman of the Board 
Former Executive Partner, Pisenti & 
Brinker LLP 

Stephen H. Waks, Esq. 
Corporate Secretary 
Attorney-at-Law and Owner, Waks Law 
Corporation 

Kimberly A. Box 
President & Chief Executive Officer, 
Gatekeeper Innovation, Inc. 

Robert J. Fox, CPA 
Retired Partner, Gallina LLP 

Jeffery Owensby 
Partner, Kennaday Leavitt Owensby PC 

David T. Taber 
President & Chief Executive Officer, 
American River Bankshares 

Philip A. Wright 
President & Owner, Wright Investments 
Inc. dba Wright Realty 

Michael A. Ziegler 
President & Chief Executive Officer, 
PRIDE Industries 

ANNUAL MEETING 
The 2017 annual meeting of American 
River Bankshares will be held at 3:00 
p.m. on May 18, 2017 at:  

Rancho Cordova City Hall 
American River Room North 
2729 Prospect Park Drive 
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 

David T. Taber 
President & Chief Executive Officer 

Kevin B. Bender 
EVP & Chief Operating Officer 

Mitchell A. Derenzo 
EVP & Chief Financial Officer 

Loren E. Hunter 
EVP & Chief Credit Officer 

Lisa R. Cisneros 
SVP & Retail Banking Manager 

Erica C. Fernandez 
SVP & Commercial Banking Manager 

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

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

TRANSFER AGENCY 
Computershare Trust Company 
P.O. Box 43070 
Providence, RI 02940-3070 
(800) 962 4284 
www-us.computershare.com/Investor/

3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

As of and for the Years Ended December 31, 
(In thousands, except per share amounts and ratios) 

Operations Data:
Net interest income
Provision for loan and lease losses
Noninterest income
Noninterest expenses
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
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)
Net interest margin (2) (3)
Net loans and leases to deposits
Net (recoveries) 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
Dividend payout ratio (1)

Capital Ratios:
Leverage capital ratio
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
Total risk-based capital ratio

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

$

$

$
$
$
$
$

$

20,243
(1,344)
2,045
13,836
9,796
3,392
6,404

0.95
0.94
0.00
12.59
10.14

651,450
324,086
544,806
83,850

$

$

$
$
$
$
$

$

20,007
—
2,015
14,080
7,942
2,674
5,268

0.70
0.70
0.00
11.72
9.50

634,640
289,102
530,690
86,075

$

$

$
$
$
$
$

$

18,797 
(541)
2,177 
14,862 
6,653 
2,292 
4,361 

0.54 
0.54 
0.00 
11.08 
9.06 

617,754 
258,057 
510,693 
89,647 

$

$

$
$
$
$
$

$

17,391
200
2,015
14,891
4,315
1,258
3,057

0.34
0.34
0.00
10.25
8.33

592,753
251,747
483,690
87,020

$

$

$
$
$
$
$

$

19,405
1,365
2,774
16,747
4,067
860
3,207

0.34
0.34
0.00
10.08
8.33

596,389
252,118
478,256
93,994

7.60%
9.43%
1.00%
60.81%
3.62%
59.49%

(0.39%)

0.01%

1.47%
13.20%
0%

10.50%
19.02%
20.27%

6.03%
7.42%
0.85%
62.87%
3.63%
54.48%

0.12%

0.56%

1.69%
14.02%
0%

10.97%
19.34%
20.59%

4.98%
6.12%
0.72%
69.96%
3.54%
50.53%

(0.20%) 

0.63%

2.01%
14.47%
0%

11.60%
21.60%
22.85%

3.38%
4.13%
0.52%
75.61%
3.45%
52.05%

0.25%

0.77%

2.08%
15.31%
0%

11.88%
21.95%
23.20%

3.42%
4.15%
0.55%
73.69%
3.91%
52.72%

0.93%

2.12%

2.24%
15.97%
0%

12.82%
23.87%
25.13%

(1) On January 25, 2017, the Company reinstated the payment of quarterly cash dividends.
(2) Fully taxable equivalent.
(3) Excludes the amortization of intangible assets.
(4) Nonperforming loans and leases consist of loans and leases past due 90 days or more and still accruing and nonaccrual loans and leases.

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

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) legislation promulgated by the United States Congress and actions taken by 
governmental agencies that may impact the U.S. financial system; (2) the risks presented by economic volatility and recession, which could 
adversely affect credit quality, collateral values, including real estate collateral, investment values, liquidity and loan originations and loan 
portfolio delinquency rates; (3) variances in the actual versus projected growth in assets and return on assets; (4) potential loan and lease losses; 
(5) potential expenses associated with resolving nonperforming 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 increased capital and regulatory 
compliance requirements and 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, cybersecurity and other 
operational systems failures, breach or fraud; (14) potential 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 military conflicts in connection with the conduct of the war on 
terrorism by the United States and its allies, negative 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 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 2016 Form 10-K and other cautionary statements and information set forth 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 subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 
8-K. 

5  
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

This Annual Report contains certain non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measures in addition to results 
presented in accordance with GAAP.  These measures include tangible book value and taxable equivalent basis.  Management has presented 
these non-GAAP financial measures in this Annual Report because it believes that they provide useful and comparative information to assess 
trends in the Company’s financial position reflected in the results and facilitate comparison of our performance with the performance of our 
peers. 

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

In accordance with industry standards, certain designated net interest income amounts are presented on a taxable equivalent basis, including the 
calculation of net interest margin and the efficiency ratio.  The Company believes the presentation of net interest margin on a taxable 
equivalent basis using a 34% effective tax rate allows comparability of net interest margin with industry peers by eliminating the effect of the 
differences in portfolios attributable to the proportion represented by both taxable and tax-exempt loans and investments. The efficiency ratio is 
a measure of a banking company’s overhead as a percentage of its revenue. The Company derives this ratio by dividing total noninterest 
expense by the sum of the taxable equivalent net interest income and the total noninterest income. 

Tangible Equity (non-GAAP financial measures) 

Tangible common stockholders’ equity (tangible book value) excludes goodwill and other intangible assets.  The Company believes the 
exclusion of goodwill and other intangible assets to create “tangible equity” facilitates the comparison of results for ongoing business 
operations.  The Company’s management internally assesses its performance based, in part, on these non-GAAP financial measures. 

Critical Accounting Policies 

General 

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

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses 

The allowance for loan and lease losses is an estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the Company’s credit portfolio that have 

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

The allowance for loan and lease losses is determined based upon estimates that can and do change when the actual risk, loss events, 

or changes in other factors, occur. The analysis of the allowance uses a historical loss view as an indicator of future losses and as a result could 
differ from the actual losses incurred in the future. 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 factors, or some combination of these), 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.” 

Stock-Based Compensation 

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

6Goodwill   

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. 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. Impairment exists when a reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value. At December 31, 2016, the Company’s 
reporting unit had positive equity and the Company elected to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that 
the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, including goodwill. The qualitative assessment indicated that it was more likely 
than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, resulting in no impairment. 

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 
deferred tax assets are included in accrued interest receivable and other assets. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, 
in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The Company 
conducted an analysis to assess the need for a valuation allowance at December 31, 2016, and determined that no valuation allowance was 
required. As part of this assessment, all available evidence, including both positive and negative, was considered to determine whether based on
the weight of such evidence, a valuation allowance on the Company’s deferred tax assets was needed. A valuation allowance is deemed to be 
needed when, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that some portion 
or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The future realization of the deferred tax asset depends on the existence of sufficient taxable 
income within the carryback and carry forward periods. 

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. Only tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not 
recognition threshold are recognized. 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. 

Overview 

The Company recorded net income in 2016 of $6,404,000, an increase of $1,136,000 (21.6%) from $5,268,000 in 2015. Diluted 

earnings per share were $0.94 for 2016 and $0.70 for 2015. For 2016, the Company realized a return on average equity of 7.60% and a return 
on average assets of 1.00%, as compared to 6.03% and 0.85%, respectively, in 2015. 

7  
  
  
  
Net income for 2015 increased $907,000 (20.8%) from $4,361,000 in 2014. Diluted earnings per share for 2014 were $0.54. For 2014, 
the Company realized a return on average equity of 4.98% and return on average assets of 0.72%. Table One below provides a summary of the 
components of net income for the years indicated (dollars in thousands): 

Table One: Components of Net Income 

Interest income*
Interest expense
Net interest income*
Provision for loan and lease losses
Noninterest income
Noninterest expense
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)

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

21,618 
(910)
20,708 
1,344 
2,045 
(13,836)
(3,392)
(465)
6,404 

638,276 

1.00% 

$

$

$

21,340
(961)
20,379
—
2,015
(14,080)
(2,674)
(372)
5,268

623,049

0.85%

$

$

$

20,242
(1,168)
19,074 
541
2,177
(14,862)
(2,292)
(277)
4,361 

605,247

0.72%

Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America all share and per share data is adjusted for stock 

dividends and stock splits. There were no stock dividends or stock splits in 2016, 2015 or 2014. 

During 2016, total assets of the Company increased $16,810,000 (2.6%) from $634,640,000 at December 31, 2015 to $651,450,000 at 
December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, net loans totaled $324,086,000, up $34,984,000 (12.1%) from the ending balance of $289,102,000 
at December 31, 2015. Deposits increased $14,116,000 or 2.7% from $530,690,000 at December 31, 2015 to $544,806,000 at December 31, 
2016. Shareholders’ equity decreased $2,225,000 or 2.6% from $86,075,000 at December 31, 2015 to $83,850,000 at December 31, 2016. The 
Company ended 2016 with a leverage capital ratio of 10.5% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 20.3% compared to a leverage capital ratio of 
11.0% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 20.6% at the end of 2015. 

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 3.62% in 2016, 3.63% in 2015, and 3.54% in 2014. The fully taxable 

equivalent net interest income was up $329,000 (1.6%), from $20,379,000 in 2015 to $20,708,000 in 2016. The fully taxable equivalent net 
interest income was up $1,312,000 (6.9%), from $19,067,000 in 2014 to $20,379,000 in 2015. 

The fully taxable equivalent interest income component increased $278,000 (1.3%) from $21,340,000 in 2015 to $21,618,000 in 2016. 

The increase in the fully taxable equivalent interest income for 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 is comprised of two components - 
rate (down $613,000) and volume (up $891,000). The rate decrease primarily occurred in the loan portfolio. While average loans increased by 
$27,009,000 (9.7%) from $279,728,000 during 2015 to $306,737,000 during 2016, due to the overall lower interest rate environment, the new 
loans added were at lower yields than the existing loans. Yield on loans decreased from 5.01% in 2015 to 4.88% in 2016 and contributed to a 
decrease of $399,000 in loan interest income. The investment portfolio also contributed to the decrease in interest income. The yield on the 
investments decreased from 2.60% in 2015 to 2.51% in 2016 and contributed to a decrease of $217,000 in interest income. This decrease in 
investment income due to rates can also be attributed to the lower overall rate environment as proceeds from paid down securities were 
invested at lower rates. The volume increase of $891,000 was primarily from the increase of $1,346,000 in average loans mentioned above and 
partially offset by a decrease of $454,000 in investments. When compared to 2015, average investment securities decreased $17,168,000 
(6.1%) from $281,344,000 in 2015 compared to $264,176,000 in 2016, as a portion of these funds helped fund the increase in loans. 

8The fully taxable equivalent interest income component increased $1,098,000 (5.4%) from $20,242,000 in 2014 to $21,340,000 in 

2015. The increase in the fully taxable equivalent interest income for 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 is comprised of two 
components - rate (down $285,000) and volume (up $1,383,000). The rate decrease primarily occurred in the loan portfolio. While average 
loans increased by $25,830,000 (10.2%) from $253,898,000 during 2014 to $279,728,000 during 2015, due to the overall lower interest rate 
environment, the new loans added were at lower yields than the existing loans. Yield on loans decreased from 5.37% in 2014 to 5.01% in 2015 
and contributed to a decrease of $1,076,000 in loan interest income. The decrease of $1,076,000 in interest income created from the decrease in 
rates on the loan balances was partially offset by an increase in rates on the investment portfolio resulting in an increase of $790,000 related to 
the investments. This increase in investment income due to rates can be attributed to a slowdown in the mortgage refinance market. As 
mortgage refinancing slows it also reduces the principal prepayments that the Company receives on the mortgage backed securities, which 
reduces the premium amounts amortized on the bonds. A lower amount of amortized premium results in higher interest income. The volume 
increase of $1,383,000 was primarily from the increase of $1,466,000 in average loans mentioned above and partially offset by a decrease of 
$83,000 in investments. When compared to 2014, average investment securities decreased $3,092,000 (1.1%) from $284,436,000 in 2014 
compared to $281,344,000 in 2015. 

Interest expense was $51,000 (5.3%) lower in 2016 compared to 2015, decreasing from $961,000 to $910,000. The primary decrease 

in interest expense relates to lower rates (down $53,000). Rates paid on interest bearing liabilities decreased one basis point from 0.27% to 
0.26% in 2015 compared to 2014. The average balances on interest bearing liabilities were $351,095,000 (or $4,957,000 and 1.4% lower) in 
2016 compared to $356,052,000 in 2015. Despite the slightly lower average balances, the Company experienced a slight increase in interest 
expense of $2,000 due to volume as a result of an increase in the higher cost other borrowings which increased from $14,092,000 in 2015 to 
$17,201,000 in 2016 and had a $32,000 impact on the increase in interest expense due to volume. This increase was offset by a decrease in 
interest expense of $30,000 related to deposit balances. 

Interest expense was $207,000 (17.7%) lower in 2015 compared to 2014, decreasing from $1,168,000 to $961,000. The primary 

decrease in interest expense relates to lower rates (down $222,000). Rates paid on interest bearing liabilities decreased six basis points from 
0.33% to 0.27% in 2014 compared to 2015. The average balances on interest bearing liabilities were $356,052,000 (or $180,000 and 0.1% 
higher) in 2015 compared to $355,872,000 in 2014. The higher balances had only a slight impact on the overall interest expense. 

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. 

9Table Two: Analysis of Net Interest Margin on Earning Assets 

Year Ended December 31,
(Taxable Equivalent Basis)  
(dollars in thousands)

Assets:

Earning assets:

2016

2015

2014

Avg 
Balance   

 Interest  

Avg 
Yield  

Avg 
Balance   

Interest  

Avg  
Yield  

Avg 
Balance   

Interest  

Avg 
Yield  

Taxable loans and leases (1)
Tax-exempt loans and leases (2)
Taxable investment Securities
Tax-exempt investment securities (2)  
Corporate stock
Federal funds sold
Interest bearing deposits in other 

  $289,699   $14,008
967
  5,755
867
14
—

  17,038  
  240,149  
  23,952  
75  
—  

4.84% $270,267
5.68%
9,461
2.40% 255,137
26,128
3.62%
79
18.67%
—
—

$13,547
481
6,280
1,015
12
—

5.01%  $253,434
464
5.08% 
  257,308
2.46% 
  27,051
3.88% 
77
15.19% 
—
— 

$13,609
29
5,528
1,057
15
—

5.37%
6.25%
2.15%
3.91%
19.48%
—

banks

Total earning assets
Cash & due from banks
Other assets
Allowance for loan & lease losses

996  
  571,909  
  33,806  
  37,753  
(5,192) 

7  
  21,618  

  0.70% 
  3.78% 

994  
  562,066  
26,313
39,941
(5,271) 

5  
21,340  

  0.50% 
  3.80% 

1,000  
  539,334  
  28,533
  42,924

(5,544) 

4  
20,242  

  0.40%
  3.75%

  $638,276  

  $623,049  

  $605,247  

Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity:
Interest bearing liabilities:

NOW & MMDA
Savings
Time deposits
Other borrowings

Total interest bearing liabilities
Demand deposits
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Shareholders’ equity

Net interest income &  

margin (3)

  $190,237  
  60,543  
  83,114  
  17,201  
  351,095  
  196,434  
6,494  
  554,023  
  84,253  
  $638,276  

146
19
565
180  
910  

0.08% $196,120
58,910
0.03%
86,930
0.68%
14,092  
  1.05% 
  356,052  
  0.26% 
173,130

244
29
544
144  
961  

0.12%  $201,412
  53,806
0.05% 
  89,392
0.63% 
  11,262  
  1.02% 
  355,872  
  0.27% 
  155,537

420
40
561
147  
1,168  

0.21%
0.07%
0.63%
  1.31%
  0.33%

6,537  

535,719
87,330  
  $623,049  

6,275  

  517,684
  87,563  
  $605,247  

    $20,708  

3.62% 

    $20,379  

3.63% 

    $19,074  

3.54%

(1) Loan and lease interest includes loan and lease fees of $253,000, $322,000 and $307,000 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(2) Includes taxable-equivalent adjustments that primarily relate to income on certain loans and securities that is exempt from federal income 

taxes.  The effective federal statutory tax rate was 34% in 2016, 2015 and 2014.

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

10  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Table Three:  Analysis of Volume and Rate Changes on Net Interest Income and Expenses
Year ended December 31, 2016 over 2015 (dollars in thousands)
Increase (decrease) in interest income and expense due to change in:

Interest-earning assets:
   Taxable net loans and leases (1)(2)
Tax-exempt net loans and leases (3)

   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, 2015 over 2014 (dollars in thousands)  
Increase (decrease) in interest income and expense due to change in:

Interest-earning assets:
   Taxable net loans and leases (1)(2)
Tax-exempt net loans and leases (3)

   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)

$

$

$

$

974   
372   
(369)  
(85)  
(1)  
—   
—   
891   

(7)  
1   
(24)  
32   
2   
889   

Volume

904   
562   
(47)  
(36)  
—   
—   
—   
1,383   

(11)  
4   
(15)  
37   
15   
1,368   

$

$

$

$

(532)
133
(156)
(63)
3
—
2   
(613)  

(91)
(11)
45
4   
(53)  
(560)  

Net Change  
442
$
505
(525)
(148)
2
—
2 
278 

(98)
(10)
21
36 
(51)
329 

$

Rate (4) 

(966)
(110)
799
(6)
(3)
—
1   
(285)  

(165)
(15)
(2)
(40)  
(222)  
(63)  

$

  Net Change  
(62)
452
752
(42)
(3)
—
1 
1,098 

(176)
(11)
(17)
(3)
(207)
1,305 

$

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

loans and leases.

(2) Loan and lease fees of $253,000, $322,000 and $307,000 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, have been 

included in the interest income computation.

(3) Includes taxable-equivalent adjustments that primarily relate to income on certain loans and securities that is exempt from federal income 

taxes.  The effective federal statutory tax rate was 34% in 2016, 2015 and 2014.

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

11  
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses 

The Company experienced net loan and lease recoveries of $1,191,000 or 0.39% of average loans and leases during 2016 compared to net loan 
and lease losses of $326,000 or 0.12% of average loans and leases during 2015. As a result of the net recoveries in 2016, the Company reduced 
the allowance for loan and lease losses by recording a negative provision for loan and lease losses of $1,344,000. As a result of the improving 
credit quality over the past several years and a reduction in historical loan loss rates the Company did not require any loan or lease loss 
provision in 2015. The level of nonperforming loans and leases, which began to increase during the economic cycle of 2007 through 2010, 
reached a high of $22,571,000 at December 31, 2010, but has decreased to $19,000 at December 31, 2016. For additional information see the 
“Nonaccrual, Past Due and Restructured Loans and Leases” 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 (dollars in thousands): 

Table Four: Components of Noninterest Income

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2014

2016

Service charges on deposit accounts
Income from OREO properties
Merchant fee income
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance
Life insurance death benefit
Gain on sale, impairment and call of securities
Other

$

  $

$

502
279
377
322
—  
314
251   
2,045    $

498    $
335   
378   
316   
—   
251   
237   
2,015    $

562
365
413
284
99
208
246 
2,177 

Noninterest income increased $30,000 (1.5%) to $2,045,000 in 2016 from the 2015 level. The increase from 2015 to 2016 was 
primarily related to higher gains on sale of securities offset by lower earnings on OREO properties. Gain on sales of securities increased 
$63,000 (25.1%) from 2015 to 2016 while income from OREO properties decreased $56,000 (16.7%) during that same time period. The 
decrease in OREO income resulted from the sale of the Bank’s only remaining income producing OREO property in the first quarter of 2016. 

Noninterest income decreased $162,000 (7.4%) to $2,015,000 in 2015 from the 2014 level. The decrease from 2014 to 2015 was 

primarily related to lower fees from service charges on deposit accounts (down $64,000 or 11.4%) and no life insurance death benefits in 2015 
as compared to $99,000 in 2014. The decrease in service charges is related to a decrease in insufficient funds income. 

Salaries and Benefits 

Salaries and benefits were $8,435,000 (down $93,000 or 1.1%) for 2016 as compared to $8,528,000 in 2015. The decrease in salary 

and benefits was due in part to lower employee benefits which decreased $102,000 (7.2%) from $1,422,000 in 2015 to $1,320,000 in 2016. The 
decrease in other employee benefits, which includes health care related benefits, 401(k) matching, and employee placement fees, was primarily 
related to lower employer paid health care insurance and lower employee placement fees paid in 2016. 

Salaries and benefits were decreased $248,000 (2.8%) to $8,528,000 for 2015 as compared to $8,776,000 in 2014. The decrease in 

salary and benefits was due in part to lower incentive compensation expense and lower employee benefits. Incentive accruals decreased 
$182,000, from $672,000 in 2014 to $490,000 in 2015 and other employee benefits decreased $107,000 (7.0%) from $1,529,000 in 2014 to 
$1,422,000 in 2015. The decrease in incentive compensation was primarily due to the Company not achieving all of the incentive targets under 
Company incentive plans in 2015. The decrease in other employee benefits, which includes health care related benefits, 401(k) matching, and 
employee placement fees, was primarily related to lower employee placement fees paid in 2015. 

Other Real Estate Owned 

The total other real estate owned (“OREO”) expense in 2016 was $246,000 (down $76,000 or 23.6%) compared to $322,000 in 2015. 

The primary reason for the decrease in OREO related expenses is due to the sale of a number of properties, including office buildings which 
have high operating expenses, and lower property write-downs. Operating expenses on the properties held in 2016 totaled $128,000 compared 
to $245,000 in 2015. In 2016, the gains on sale, which offset the overall OREO expense, were higher than in 2015. Gains from properties sold 
in 2016 totaled $257,000 compared to a loss of $1,000 in 2015. These reductions were offset by higher write-downs in 2016. In 2016, write-
downs were $376,000 compared to $76,000 in 2015. This increase in the write-downs in 2016 was related to a single property that was 
evaluated during the first quarter of 2016. This property was eventually sold in 2016 for a gain of $89,000. 

12  
  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In 2015, the OREO expense decreased by $42,000 (11.5%) to $322,000 compared to $364,000 in 2014. The primary reason for the 
decrease in OREO related expenses is due to the sale of a number of properties and lower property write-downs. In 2015, write-downs were 
$76,000 compared to $165,000 in 2014. This decrease is related to a fewer number of owned properties and some stability in the real estate 
market. Operating expenses on the properties held in 2015 totaled $245,000 compared to $430,000 in 2014. In 2014, the gains on sale, which 
offset the overall OREO expense, were higher than in 2015. Gains from properties sold in 2014 totaled $231,000 compared to a loss of $1,000 
in 2015. 

Occupancy, Furniture and Equipment 

Occupancy expense decreased $8,000 (0.1%) during 2016 to $1,175,000, compared to $1,183,000 in 2015. Furniture and equipment 

expense decreased $38,000 (5.5%) during 2016 to $652,000 compared to $690,000 in 2015. The decrease in the furniture and equipment 
expense resulted from lower maintenance expense on the Company’s equipment. 

Occupancy expense decreased $5,000 (0.4%) during 2015 to $1,183,000, compared to $1,188,000 in 2014. Furniture and equipment 

expense decreased $34,000 (4.7%) during 2015 to $690,000 compared to $724,000 in 2014. The decrease in the furniture and equipment 
expense resulted from lower depreciation on the Company’s furniture and equipment. 

Regulatory Assessments 

Regulatory assessments include fees paid to the California Department of Business Oversight (the “DBO”) and the Federal Deposit 

Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). FDIC assessments decreased $68,000 (21.0%) during 2016 to $256,000, compared to $324,000 in 2015. 
The majority of this decrease relates to a lower assessment rate as a result of lower nonperforming assets and that the Deposit Insurance Fund 
reached the FDIC’s target level of 1.15% during 2016, which resulted in lower assessments for community banks such as American River 
Bank. The assessments paid to the DBO in 2016 were $72,000 compared to $71,000 in 2015. 

FDIC assessments decreased $39,000 (10.7%) during 2015 to $324,000, compared to $363,000 in 2014. The majority of this decrease 
relates to a lower assessment rate as a result of lower nonperforming assets. The assessments paid to the DBO in 2015 were $71,000 compared 
to $70,000 in 2014. 

Other Expenses 

Table  Five  below  provides  a  summary  of  the  components  of  the  other  noninterest  expenses  for  the  periods  indicated  (dollars  in

thousands): 

Professional fees
Outsourced item processing
Directors’ expense
Telephone and postage
Stationery and supplies
Advertising and promotion
Other operating expenses

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2016

2014

995
366
417
357
141
129
595   
3,000   

$

$

863   
360   
402   
368   
143   
164   
662   
2,962   

$

$

1,182
355
394
357
193
160
736 
3,377 

$

$

Other expenses were $3,000,000 (up $38,000 or 1.3%) for 2016 as compared to $2,962,000 for 2015. The increase in other expenses 

occurred primarily in the professional expense category. Professional expenses, which primarily include legal, accounting and other 
professional services, increased $132,000 (15.3%), from $863,000 in 2015 to $995,000 in 2016. Much of this increase is related to network 
administration fees. Network administration fees increased from $278,000 to $441,000 related to additional work performed by the network 
vendor, including full hosting of the Company’s computer network. The overhead efficiency ratio on a taxable equivalent basis for 2016 was 
60.8% as compared to 62.9% in 2015. 

13  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other expenses were down $415,000 (12.3%) to $2,962,000 for 2015 as compared to $3,377,000 for 2014. The decrease in other 

expenses occurred primarily in the professional expense category. Professional expenses, which primarily include legal, accounting and other 
professional services, decreased $319,000 (27.0%), from $1,182,000 in 2014 to $863,000 in 2015. Legal expenses decreased $255,000 (61.6%) 
from $414,000 in 2014 to $255,000 during 2015. This decrease is primarily related to a lower number of problem loan credits and OREO 
properties. The overhead efficiency ratio on a taxable equivalent basis for 2014 was 70.0%. 

Provision for Income Taxes 

The effective tax rate on income was 34.6%, 33.7%, and 34.5% in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The effective tax rate differs 

from the federal statutory tax rate due to state tax expense (net of federal tax effect) of $697,000, $516,000, and $419,000 in these years. Tax-
exempt income of $1,681,000, $1,412,000, and $1,194,000 from investment securities, loans, and bank-owned life insurance in these years 
helped to reduce the effective tax rate. The higher level of income taxes and effective tax rate in 2016 compared to 2015 resulted from the 
Company’s higher level of taxable income. Taxable income increased $1,854,000 (23.3%) from $7,942,000 in 2015 to $9,796,000 in 2016. 

Balance Sheet Analysis 

The Company’s total assets were $651,450,000 at December 31, 2016 as compared to $634,640,000 at December 31, 2015, 
representing an increase of $16,810,000 (2.6%). The average balances of total assets during 2016 were $638,276,000, up $15,227,000 or 2.4% 
from the 2015 average of $623,049,000. 

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 classified as 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. The Company did not have any investment securities classified as trading in any of the years indicated 
below.  

Table Six: Investment Securities Composition 

(dollars in thousands) 

Available-for-sale (at fair value)
Debt securities:

US Government Agencies and US Government-Sponsored Agencies
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate debt securities

Equity securities:
Corporate stock

Total available-for-sale investment securities

Held-to-maturity (at amortized cost) 
Debt securities:

US Government Agencies and US Government-Sponsored Agencies

Total held-to-maturity investment securities

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$
$

229,785   
22,612   
1,519   

104   
254,020   

483   
483   

$

$

$
$

246,185
26,013
1,551

70
273,819

623
623

$

$

$
$

261,115
26,289
1,583

77
289,064

862
862

14  
  
  
  
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities totaling $916,000 were recorded, net of $372,000 in tax liabilities, as 

accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2016 and net unrealized gains on available-for-sale 
investment securities totaling $3,504,000 were recorded, net of $1,401,000 in tax liabilities, as accumulated other comprehensive income 
within shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2015. 

Management periodically evaluates each investment security in a loss position for other than temporary impairment relying primarily 

on industry analyst reports, observation of market conditions and interest rate fluctuations. Management has the ability and intent to hold 
securities with established maturity dates until recovery of fair value, which may be until maturity, and believes it will be able to collect all 
amounts due according to the contractual terms for all of the underlying investment securities; therefore, management does not consider these 
investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired. See Table Fifteen, “Securities Maturities and Weighted Average Yields,” 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, 2016, these categories accounted for approximately 11%, 58%, 22%, 3%, 5%, 0%, 1% 
and 0%, respectively, of the Company’s loan portfolio. This mix was relatively unchanged compared to 12%, 68%, 8%, 5%, 5%, 0%, 1% and 
1%, respectively, at December 31, 2015, with the exception of an increase in multi-family loans which increased from 8% of the portfolio in 
2015 to 22% of the portfolio in 2016. While the portfolio contains both commercial and residential construction, the Company’s focus has been 
on commercial construction, as such, the balance of single-family residential loans has decreased from $5,155,000 or 35.5% of the construction 
balance at December 31, 2015 to $2,467,000 or 26.9% of the construction balance at December 31, 2016. Also, as noted in Table 7 below, 
lease financing receivable, agriculture, and consumer loan balances have decreased as the Company’s primary focus is commercial and real 
estate loans. 

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 $89 million in new loans in 2016. This 
production was partially offset by normal pay downs and payoffs, but still resulted in an overall net increase in net loans and leases of $35.0 
million (12.1%) from December 31, 2015. Included in the $89 million in new loans in 2016 was a $24.4 million pool of performing multi-
family loans purchased from another financial institution. These purchased loans consisted of nineteen (19) loans primarily in the Company’s 
market areas and two loans in San Diego County. The market in which the Company operates has begun to show demand for credit products as 
the continued low rate environment and expectations for economic expansion have increased refinancing as well as new loan activity. Table 
Seven below summarizes the composition of the loan and lease portfolio for the past five years as of December 31. 

Table Seven: Loan and Lease Portfolio Composition 

(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
Real estate:

Commercial
Multi-family
Construction
Residential

Lease financing receivable
Agriculture
Consumer

Deferred loan fees, net
Allowance for loan and lease losses
Total net loans and leases

2016

2015

December 31,
2014

2013

2012

$

35,374

$

36,195

$

25,186   

$

24,545

$

30,811

191,129
73,373
9,180
15,718
404
2,302
1,650
329,130
(222)
(4,822)
324,086

$

199,591
23,494
14,533
14,200
732
2,431
3,122
294,298
(221)
(4,975)
289,102

$

193,871   
14,167   
8,028   
13,309   
1,286   
2,882   
4,916   
263,645   
(287)  
(5,301)  
258,057   

$

184,204
11,085
9,633
17,703
1,344
3,120
5,772
257,406
(313)
(5,346)
251,747

$

180,126
9,155
6,918
17,701
1,509
3,340
8,569
258,129
(230)
(5,781)
252,118

$

15  
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 and working capital and loans for equipment or vehicle purchases. 
Consumer loans include traditional consumer products such as secured and unsecured personal loans and loans to finance the purchase of autos, 
boats and recreational vehicles. Construction loans are generally comprised of commitments to customers within the Company’s service area 
for construction of owner-occupied commercial properties. Other real estate loans consist primarily of loans secured by first trust deeds on 
commercial or multi-family properties, typically with maturities from 3 to 10 years and original loan-to-value ratios generally from 65% to 
75%. In general, except in the case of loans under SBA programs, the Company does not make long-term mortgage loans. 

“Subprime” real estate loans generally refer to residential mortgages made to higher-risk borrowers with lower credit and/or income 

histories. Within the banking 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 led to an increase in 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015. 

Average loans and leases in 2016 were $306,737,000 which represents an increase of $27,009,000 (9.7%) compared to the average in 

2015. Average loans and leases in 2015 were $279,728,000 which represents an increase of $25,830,000 (10.2%) compared to the average in 
2014. 

Risk Elements 

The Company assesses and manages credit risk on an ongoing basis through a total credit culture that emphasizes excellent credit 

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

Ultimately, underlying trends in economic and business cycles influence credit quality. American River Bank’s business is 
concentrated in the Sacramento Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a diversified economy, but with a large State of California government 
presence and employment base; in Sonoma County, which is focused on businesses within the two communities in which the Bank has offices 
(Santa Rosa and Healdsburg); and in Amador County, in which the Bank is primarily focused on businesses within the three communities in 
which it has offices (Jackson, Pioneer, and Ione). The economy of Sonoma County is diversified with professional services, manufacturing, 
agriculture and real estate investment and construction, while the economy of Amador County is reliant upon government, services, retail trade, 
manufacturing industries and Indian gaming. 

The Company has significant extensions of credit and commitments to extend credit that are secured by real estate. The ultimate 

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

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. 

16  
  
  
  
  
In management’s judgment, a concentration exists in real estate loans which represented approximately 88% of the Company’s loan 

and lease portfolio at December 31, 2016 and 86% at December 31, 2015. Management believes that the residential land portion of the 
Company’s loan portfolio carries more than the normal credit risk, due primarily to curtailed demand for new and resale residential property, 
relative to pre-recession levels, a resulting oversupply of unsold residential land, 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 by 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 decline in the economy in general, or 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 are structured with the intent to minimize losses; however, there is no assurance that losses will not occur. 
The Company’s loan practices and underwriting standards include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) maintaining a thorough 
understanding of the Company’s 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. 

Nonaccrual, Past Due and Restructured Loans and Leases 

Management places loans and leases on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due or if a loss is expected, unless the loan 

or lease is well secured and in the process of collection. Loans and leases are partially or fully charged off when, in the opinion of management, 
collection of such amount appears unlikely. 

The recorded investments in nonperforming loans and leases, which includes nonaccrual loans and leases and loans and leases that 

were 90 days or more past due and on accrual, totaled $19,000 and $1,643,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The $19,000 in 
nonperforming loans and leases at December 31, 2016 were comprised of two consumer loans.  At December 31, 2015, the $1,643,000 in 
nonperforming loans consisted of four real estate loans totaling $1,493,000, four consumer loans totaling $120,000 and a single commercial 
loan totaling $30,000. 

Table Eight:  Nonperforming Loans and Leases

(dollars in thousands)
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
Total nonperforming loans and leases

2016

2015

December 31,
2014

2013

2012

$

$

—
—
—
—

—
—
—
19
19

$

$

—
—
—
—

30
1,493
—
120
1,643

$

$

—   
—   
—   
—   

666   
845   
—   
142   
1,653   

$

$

80
—
—
—

766
977
—
156
1,979

$

$

—
—
—
—

2,352
2,897
3
222
5,474

17  
  
  
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income recognized from payments received on nonaccrual loans and leases was approximately $115,000 in 2016, $59,000 in 

2015 and $84,000 in 2014. 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. 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, 2016. Management is not aware of any potential problem loans, 
which were accruing and current at December 31, 2016, where serious doubt exists as to the ability of the borrower to comply with the present 
repayment terms and that would result in a significant loss to the Company apart from those loans identified in the Bank’s impairment analysis.

Management monitors the Company’s performance metrics including the ratios related to nonperforming loans and leases. From 2008 
to 2010, the Company experienced an increase in nonperforming loans and leases. In 2011, the focused efforts of the previous years resulted in 
a decrease in these levels. From 2012 to 2016, the level of nonperforming loans and leases continued to decrease to a level below the amount 
reported at December 31, 2008. However, the variations in the amount of nonperforming loans and leases does not directly impact the level of 
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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 

Impaired Loans and Leases 

The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to 

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

The recorded investment in loans and leases that were considered to be impaired totaled $17,297,000 at December 31, 2016 and had a 

related valuation allowance of $421,000. The average recorded investment in impaired loans and leases during 2016 was approximately 
$17,503,000. As of December 31, 2015, the recorded investment in loans and leases that were considered to be impaired totaled $21,365,000 
and had a related valuation allowance of $899,000. The average recorded investment in impaired loans and leases during 2015 was 
approximately $20,818,000. As of December 31, 2014, the recorded investment in loans and leases that were considered to be impaired totaled 
$25,120,000 and had a related valuation allowance of $1.603,000. The average recorded investment in impaired loans and leases during 2014 
was approximately $24,127,000. 

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Activity 

The Company maintains an allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) to cover probable losses inherent in the loan and lease 

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

18  
  
The adequacy of the ALLL and the level of the related provision for loan and lease losses is determined based on management’s 

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

The ALLL totaled $4,822,000 or 1.47% of total loans and leases at December 31, 2016, $4,975,000 or 1.69% of total loans and leases 

at December 31, 2015, and $5,301,000 or 2.01% at December 31, 2014. The decrease in the allowance for loan and lease losses from 
$4,975,000 at December 31, 2015 to $4,822,000 at December 31, 2016, was mainly due to a decrease in historical losses impacting the loss 
factor used in calculating the reserve on loans collectively valued for impairment and a reduction in the valuation allowances held for impaired 
loans. The Company establishes general and specific reserves in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 
of America. The ALLL is composed of categories of the loan and lease portfolio based on loan type and loan rating; however, the entire 
allowance is available to cover actual loan and lease losses. While management uses available information to recognize possible losses on loans 
and leases, future additions to the allowance may be necessary, based on changes in economic conditions and other matters. In addition, various 
regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s ALLL. Such agencies may require the 
Company to provide additions to the allowance based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination. 

The allowance for loans and leases as a percentage of nonperforming loans and leases was 25,379.0% at December 31, 2016 and 

302.8% at December 31, 2015. The allowance for loans and leases as a percentage of impaired loans and leases was 27.9% at December 31, 
2016 and 23.3% at December 31, 2015. Of the total nonperforming and impaired loans and leases outstanding as of December 31, 2016, there 
were $4,244,000 in loans or leases that had been reduced by partial charge-offs of $809,000. 

At December 31, 2016, there was $11,244,000 in impaired loans or leases that did not carry a specific reserve. Of this amount, 

$3,869,000 were loans or leases that had previous partial charge-offs and $7,375,000 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 flow value exceeded the loan or lease balance. Prior to 
2013, the Company had been operating in a market that had experienced significant decreases in real estate values of commercial, residential, 
land, and construction properties. As such, the Company continues to focus 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 twelve 
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 ALLL 

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

It is the policy of management to maintain the allowance for loan and lease losses at a level believed to be adequate for known and 

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

19Table Nine below summarizes, for the periods indicated, the activity in the ALLL. 

Table Nine: Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses 

(dollars in thousands)

Average loans and leases outstanding

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 (recovered) charged off
(Reductions) additions to allowance (credited) 

charged to operating expenses

Allowance for loan and lease losses at end of 

$

$

$

$

2016
306,737

4,975

—
93
34
—
127

660
534
124
—
1,318
(1,191)

(1,344)

Year Ended December 31,
2014
253,898 

$

$

2015
279,728

2013
252,807

5,301

$

5,346 

$

5,781

609
—
6
1
616

123
165
2
—
290
326

—

— 
— 
76 
— 
76 

256 
163 
150 
3 
572 
(496)

(541)

377
534
1
26
938

215
88
—
—
303
635

200

$

$

2012
282,136

7,041

302
2,038
505
9
2,854

21
172
30
6
229
2,625

1,365

period  

$

4,822

$

4,975

$

5,301 

$

5,346

$

5,781

Ratio of net (recoveries) charge-offs to average 

loans and leases outstanding  

Provision for loan and lease losses to average 

loans and leases outstanding

Allowance for loan and lease losses to total loans 

and leases, at end of period

Allowance for loan and lease losses to 

nonperforming loans and leases, at end of 
period

(0.39%)

0.12%

(0.20%) 

0.25%

0.93%

(0.44%)

—

(0.21%) 

0.08%

0.48%

1.47%

1.69%

2.01%  

2.08%

2.24%

  25,378.95%

302.80%

320.69%  

270.14%

105.61%

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, 2016. 

20  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Table Ten:  Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses by Loan Category
(dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Commercial
Real estate
Agriculture
Consumer
Lease financing receivable
Unallocated
Total

Commercial
Real estate
Agriculture
Consumer
Lease financing receivable
Unallocated
Total

Percent of loans 
in each category
to total loans

12% $
86%
1%
1%

Amount
860
3,729
77
78
1
230
100% $ 4,975

—
—

Percent of loans 
in each category
to total loans  

  Amount
12%  $ 1,430
86%    3,429
62
124
2
254
100%  $ 5,301

1%   
1%   

— 
— 

Percent of loans 
in each category
to total loans

10%
86%
1%
2%
1%

—
100%

  Amount
855
  $
3,600
64
24
1
278
  $ 4,822

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

Percent of loans
in each category
to total loans

Amount
10% $ 1,351
3,835
86%
87
1%
262
2%
3
1%
243
—
100% $ 5,781

Percent of loans 
in each category
to total loans  

12%   
83%   
1%   
3%   
1%   
— 
100%   

  Amount
885
  $
4,010
80
161
4
206
  $ 5,346

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 

The balance in OREO at December 31, 2016 consisted of two properties acquired through deeds in lieu of foreclosure. The balance in 

OREO at December 31, 2015 consisted of three properties, all of which were sold in 2016. During 2016, the Company received $3,432,000 
from the net proceeds of the sale of the three OREO properties with net gains of $257,000. The $3,432,000 proceeds included $1,746,000 in 
cash proceeds and $1,686,000 was financed by the Bank. Prior to the sale, the Company recognized a write-down of $376,000 to the OREO 
expense on one of the three properties. During 2016, the Company also added two properties, one of which had a market value greater than the 
recorded book value. The OREO balance was increased for the market value adjustment by $239,000 with a corresponding charge to loan 
recoveries of $66,000 (to recapture a previous write-down) and a charge to OREO income of $173,000. There was $1,348,000 in other real 
estate owned at December 31, 2016 with no valuation allowance and $3,551,000 in other real estate owned at December 31, 2015 with no 
valuation allowance. 

Deposits 

At December 31, 2016, total deposits were $544,806,000 representing an increase of $14,116,000 (2.7%) from the December 31, 2015 

balance of $530,690,000. The Company’s deposit growth plan for 2016 was to concentrate its efforts on increasing noninterest-bearing 
demand, interest-bearing money market and interest-bearing checking, and savings accounts, while continuing to focus on reducing overall 
interest expense. Due to these efforts, the Company experienced increases during 2016 in noninterest-bearing demand ($10,565,000 or 5.5%), 
interest-bearing checking ($3,328,000 or 5.4%), and savings ($5,679,000 or 9.6%) and decreases in money market ($3,844,000 or 2.8%) and 
time deposit ($1,612,000 or 1.9%) accounts. The decrease in money market accounts is related to the plan to reduce interest expense as the 
Company evaluated the rate structure on some of the higher cost money market accounts and reduced the interest rates on some relationships. 

21 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Other Borrowed Funds 

Other borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2016 consist of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”). The 

following table summarizes these borrowings (dollars in thousands): 

2016

2015

2014

Amount

Rate

Amount

Rate

Amount

Rate

Short-term borrowings:  

FHLB advances 

Long-term borrowings:  

FHLB advances 

$

$

3,500   

1.01%

12,000   

1.32%

$

$

3,500

1.28% 

7,500

1.24% 

$

$

3,500

0.92%

7,500

1.39%

The maximum amount of short-term borrowings at any month-end during 2016, 2015 and 2014, was $25,500,000, $11.500,000, and 

$3,500,000, 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
3,500
$
2017
1.01%

Long-term

$

12,000
2018 to 2020

1.32%

The Company has the ability to enter into letters of credit with the FHLB. There were no letters of credit outstanding as of December 
31, 2016 or 2015. There were no draws upon any letter of credit in 2016 or 2015 and management does not expect to draw upon these sources 
of liquidity 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. 

On January 21, 2015, the Company approved and authorized a stock repurchase program for 2015 (the “2015 Program”). The 2015 

Program authorized the repurchase during 2015 of up to 5% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. In addition, on July 15, 
2015, the Company approved and authorized an additional amount of 5% to be purchased under the 2015 Program. During 2015, the Company 
repurchased 790,989 shares of its common stock at an average price of $9.92 per share. On January 20, 2016, the Company approved and 
authorized a stock repurchase program for 2016 (the “2016 Program”). The 2016 Program authorized the repurchase during 2016 of up to 5% 
of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. In addition, on April 20, 2016, the Company approved and authorized an additional 
amount of 5% to be purchased under the 2016 Program. During 2016, the Company repurchased 716,897 shares of its common stock at an 
average price of $10.34 per share 

On January 25, 2017, the Company approved and authorized a stock repurchase program for 2017 (the “2017 Program”). The 2017 

Program authorized the repurchase during 2017 of up to 5% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, or approximately 
333,086 shares based on the 6,661,726 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2016. Any repurchases under the 2017 Program will be made 
from time to time by the Company in the open market as conditions allow. All such transactions will be structured to comply with Commission 
Rule 10b-18 and all shares repurchased under the 2017 Program will be retired. The number, price and timing of the repurchases will be at the 
Company’s sole discretion and the 2017 Program may be re-evaluated depending on market conditions, capital and liquidity needs or other 
factors. Based on such re-evaluation, the Board of Directors may suspend, terminate, modify or cancel the 2017 Program at any time without 
notice. 

The Company did not repurchase any shares in 2011 or 2010 and repurchased 575,389 shares in 2012, 849,404 shares in 2013, and 

424,462 in 2014. Share amounts have been adjusted for stock dividends and/or splits. 

22  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
 
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 of December 
31, 2016 and 2015, the most recent regulatory notification categorized American River Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory 
framework for prompt corrective action plan. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed 
the Bank’s categories. 

At December 31, 2016, shareholders’ equity was $83,850,000, representing a decrease of $2,225,000 (2.6%) from $86,075,000 at 

December 31, 2015. The decrease resulted from repurchases of common stock of $7,414,000 and a decrease in other comprehensive income of 
$1,559,000, as a result of the decrease in the unrealized gain on securities due to an increase in interest rates, exceeding the additions from net 
income of $6,404,000 for the period and the stock based compensation of $344,000. In 2015, shareholders’ equity decreased $3,572,000 (5.1%) 
from $89,647,000 at December 31, 2014. The decrease resulted from the reductions in other comprehensive income and repurchases of 
common stock exceeding the additions from net income for the period and the increase in stock based compensation. 

Table Eleven below lists the Company’s and American River Bank’s actual capital ratios at December 31, 2016 and 2015, as well as 

the minimum capital ratios for capital adequacy. 

Table Eleven: Capital Ratios 

American River Bankshares:
Leverage ratio
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital
Total Risk-Based Capital

American River Bank:
Leverage ratio
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital
Total Risk-Based Capital

At December 31,
2016

2015

Minimum Regulatory 
Capital Requirements 

10.5%
19.0%
20.3%

10.6%
18.9%
18.9%
20.2%

11.0%
19.3%
20.6%

11.0%
19.1%
19.1%
20.3%

4.60%
6.60%
8.60%

4.60%
5.10%
6.60%
8.60%

Capital ratios are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that capital exceeds the prescribed regulatory minimums and is adequate to 

meet future needs. At December 31, 2016, American River Bank’s ratios were in excess of the regulatory definition of “well capitalized.” 
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. 

In July 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued interim final rules that revised and replaced the then current risk-based 

capital requirements in order to implement the “Basel III” regulatory capital reforms released by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision 
and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. The Basel III reforms reflected in the final 
rules included an increase in the risk-based capital requirements and certain changes to capital components and the calculation of risk-weighted 
assets. 

Effective January 1, 2015, bank holding companies with consolidated assets of $1 Billion or more and banks like American River 
Bank were required to comply with new minimum capital ratio requirements to be phased-in between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2019, 
which would consist of the following: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital to total risk weighted assets ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital to 
total risk weighted assets ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (iii) a total capital to total risk weighted assets ratio of 8% (unchanged from current 
rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets (“leverage”) ratio of 4%. 

23  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
In addition, a “capital conservation buffer,” is established which when fully phased-in will require maintenance of a minimum of 2.5% 

of common equity Tier 1 capital to total risk weighted assets in excess of the regulatory minimum capital ratio requirements described above. 
The 2.5% buffer will increase the minimum capital ratios to (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%, 
and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. The new buffer requirement will be phased-in between January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2019. If the 
capital ratio levels of a banking organization fall below the capital conservation buffer amount, the organization will be subject to limitations 
on (i) the payment of dividends; (ii) discretionary bonus payments; (iii) discretionary payments under Tier 1 instruments; and (iv) engaging in 
share repurchases. The minimum capital regulatory requirement in Table 11 above include the capital conservation buffer of 0.625% as of 
December 31, 2016. 

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

Asset/Liability Management. Activities involved in asset/liability management include but are not limited to lending, accepting and 

placing deposits and investing in securities. Interest rate risk is the primary market risk associated with asset/liability management. Sensitivity 
of earnings to interest rate changes arises when yields on assets change in a different time period or in a different amount from that of interest 
costs on liabilities. To mitigate interest rate risk, the structure of the balance sheet is managed with the goal that movements of interest rates on 
assets and liabilities are correlated and contribute to earnings even in periods of volatile interest rates. The asset/liability management policy 
sets limits on the acceptable amount of variance in net interest margin and market value of equity under changing interest environments. The 
Company uses simulation models to forecast earnings, net interest margin and market value of equity. 

Simulation of earnings is the primary tool used to measure the sensitivity of earnings to interest rate changes. Using computer-

modeling techniques, with specialized software built for this specific purpose for financial institutions, the Company is able to estimate the 
potential impact of changing interest rates on earnings, net interest margin and market value of equity. A balance sheet is prepared using 
detailed inputs of actual loans, securities and interest-bearing liabilities (i.e. deposits/borrowings). The balance sheet is processed using 
multiple interest rate scenarios. The scenarios include a rising rate forecast, a flat rate forecast and a falling rate forecast which take place 
within a one-year time frame. The net interest income is measured over a one and a two year periods assuming a gradual change in rates over 
the twelve-month horizon. The simulation modeling attempts to estimate changes in the Company’s net interest income utilizing a detailed 
current balance sheet. 

After a review of the model results as of December 31, 2016, the Company does not consider the fluctuations from the base case, to 

have a material impact on the Company’s projected results and are within the tolerance levels outlined in the Company’s interest rate risk 
polices. The simulations of earnings do not incorporate any management actions, which might moderate the negative consequences of interest 
rate deviations. Therefore, they do not reflect likely actual results, but serve as reasonable estimates of interest rate risk. 

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis 

Interest rate sensitivity is a function of the repricing characteristics of the portfolio of assets and liabilities. These repricing 

characteristics are the time frames within which the interest-bearing assets and liabilities are subject to change in interest rates either at 
replacement, repricing or maturity. Interest rate sensitivity management focuses on the maturity of assets and liabilities and their repricing 
during periods of changes in market interest rates. Interest rate sensitivity is measured as the difference between the volumes of assets and 
liabilities in the current portfolio that are subject to repricing at various time horizons. The differences are known as interest sensitivity gaps. A 
positive cumulative gap may be equated to an asset sensitive position. An asset sensitive position in a rising interest rate environment will 
cause a bank’s interest rate margin to expand. This results as floating or variable rate loans 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. 

24  
  
  
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, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 

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, 2016 were approximately $19,728,000 and $238,000, 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, 2016, consolidated liquid assets totaled $224.2 million or 34.4% 
of total assets compared to $229.7 million or 36.2% of total assets on December 31, 2015. In addition to liquid assets, the Company maintains 
short-term lines of credit in the amount of $17,000,000 with two of its correspondent banks. At December 31, 2016, the Company had 
$17,000,000 available under these credit lines. Additionally, American River Bank is a member of the FHLB. At December 31, 2016, 
American River Bank could have arranged for up to $115,687,000 in secured borrowings from the FHLB. These borrowings are secured by 
pledged mortgage loans and investment securities. At December 31, 2016, the Company had $100,187,000 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. Based on the amount of assets pledged at the Federal Reserve Bank at 
December 31, 2016, the Company’s borrowing capacity was $11,068,000. 

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. 

25  
  
The maturity distribution of certificates of deposit is set forth in Table Thirteen below for the period 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. 

Table Thirteen:  Certificates of Deposit Maturities
December 31, 2016
(dollars in thousands)
Three months or less
Over three months through six months
Over six months through twelve months
Over twelve months
Total

Less than $250,000 Over $250,000 
16,045 
9,970 $
$
17,887 
6,245
6,174
873 
11,031 
14,734
45,836 
37,123 $

$

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. 

Table Fourteen:  Loan and Lease Maturities (Gross Loans and Leases)
December 31, 2016

(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
Real estate
Agriculture
Consumer
Leases
Total

One year
or less

One year through
five years

Over
five years

$

$

8,234
10,044
469
206
28
18,981

$

$

14,611
64,861
1,833
1,193
376
82,874

$

$

12,529 
214,495 
— 
251 
— 
227,275 

Total

35,374
289,400
2,302
1,650
404
329,130

$

$

Loans and leases shown above with maturities greater than one year include $190,260,000 of variable interest rate loans and 
$119,889,000 of fixed interest 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. 

Table Fifteen: Securities Maturities and Weighted Average Yields 

(Taxable Equivalent Basis)
December 31,

(dollars in thousands)
Available-for-sale securities:
State and political subdivisions

Maturing within 1 year
Maturing after 1 year but within 5 years
Maturing after 5 years but within 10 years
Maturing after 10 years

U.S. Government Agencies and U.S.-Sponsored Agencies
Other

Maturing after 1 year but within 5 years
Non-maturing

Total investment securities

2016

Carrying 
Amount

Weighted
Average 
Yield

2015
Weighted 
Average  
Yield

2014
Weighted
Average 
Yield

Carrying 
Amount

Carrying 
Amount

$

580
2,328
14,486
5,218
229,785

1,519
104
$ 254,020

5.39% $
4.35%
4.36%
3.23%
2.04%

494
3,746
15,543
6,230
246,185

1,551
4.88%
0.00%
70
2.21% $ 273,819

2.40%  $
5.93% 
4.29% 
4.29% 
2.11% 

176
2,401
12,608
11,104
261,115

1,583
4.88% 
0.00% 
77
2.35%  $ 289,064

Held-to-maturity securities:
U.S. Government Agencies and U.S.-Sponsored Agencies
Total investment securities

$
$

483
483

5.43% $
5.43% $

623
623

4.68%  $
4.68%  $

862
862

7.14%
5.10%
4.46%
4.04%
2.12%

4.88%
0.00%
2.34%

4.60%
4.60%

26 
 
The yields on tax-exempt obligations have been computed on a tax equivalent basis. Yields may not represent actual future income to 

be recorded. Timing of principal prepayments on mortgage-backed securities may increase or decrease depending on market factors and the 
borrowers’ ability to make unscheduled principal payments. Fast prepayments on bonds that were purchased with a premium will result in a 
lower yield and slower prepayments on premium bonds will result in a higher yield, the opposite would be true for bonds purchased at a 
discount. 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $3,779,000, $3,779,000 and $3,686,000, respectively. 

The carrying values of available-for-sale securities include net unrealized gains of $916,000, $3,504,000 and $5,618,000 at December 

31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The carrying values of held-to-maturity securities do not include unrealized gains or losses; however, 
the net unrecognized gains at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $38,000, $46,000 and $60,000, 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, 2016, 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. At origination, 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 following financial instruments represent off-balance-sheet credit 
risk: 

Commitments to extend credit (dollars in thousands):

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

Letters of credit

December 31,

2016

2015

$

$

$

251

10,027
9,450   
19,728   

238   

$

$

$

727 

13,999 
12,004 
26,730 

238 

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 sheets. 

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 
nonperforming 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, 2016.  

Table Sixteen: Contractual Obligations 

(dollars in thousands)    

Long-Term Debt
Capital Lease Obligations
Operating Leases
Purchase Obligations
Certificates of Deposit
Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the 
Company’s Balance Sheet under GAAP

Total

Payments due by period

Total

15,500
—
3,963
—
82,959

4,329
106,751

$

$

Less than
1 year

3,500
—
715
—
57,194

123
61,532

$

$

1-3 years

3-5 years

$

$

7,000   
—   
1,274   
—   
14,132   

113   
22,519   

$

$

5,000
—
996
—
11,633

90
17,719

More than
5 years

$

$

—
—
978
—
—

4,003
4,981

Included in the table are amounts payable under the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan, Deferred Fees Plan and salary 
continuation agreements listed in the “Other Long-Term Liabilities…” category. At December 31, 2016, these amounts represented $4,329,000 
most of which is anticipated to be primarily payable at least five years in the future. 

27 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2016, 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 the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based upon 
such assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2016, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective 
based upon those criteria. 

This Annual Report 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. 

David T. Taber
President and Chief Executive Officer

Mitchell A. Derenzo
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

28  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crowe Horwath LLP  
Independent Member Crowe Horwath International

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  

The Shareholders and Board of Directors 
American River Bankshares 
Rancho Cordova, California 

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  American  River  Bankshares  and  subsidiaries  (the  “Company”)  as  of 
December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity 
and  cash  flows  for  each  of  the  three  years  in  the  period  ended  December  31,  2016.  These  financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of  the
Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 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 in
accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States).  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  in  accordance  with  the
standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes 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 financial position of American
River Bankshares and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 

Sacramento, California
February 23, 2017

29 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

December 31, 2016 and 2015 
(Dollars in thousands) 

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; fair value of $521 in 2016  and $669 in 2015

Loans and leases, less allowance for loan and lease losses of $4,822 in 2016 and $4,975 in 2015 (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
Goodwill (Note 4)
Bank-owned life insurance (Note 16)
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 – 6,661,726 shares 

in 2016 and 7,343,649 shares in 2015

Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes (Note 5)

Total shareholders’ equity

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

2016

2015

$

27,589
999

$

23,727
750

254,020
483

324,086
1,362
3,779
1,348
16,321
14,805
6,658   
651,450   

201,113
343,693   

$

$

273,819
623

289,102
1,407
3,779
3,551
16,321
14,483
7,078 
634,640 

190,548
340,142 

$

$

544,806

530,690

3,500
12,000
7,294   

3,500
7,500
6,875 

567,600   

548,565 

42,484
40,822

544   

83,850   

49,554
34,418
2,103 

86,075 

$

651,450   

$

634,640 

30  
  
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

2016

2015

2014

Interest income:

Interest and fees on loans and leases:

Taxable
Exempt from Federal income taxes

Interest on deposits in banks
Interest and dividends on investment securities:

Taxable
Exempt from Federal income taxes

Total interest income

Interest expense:

Interest on deposits (Note 9)
Interest on borrowings

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 on sale and call of investment securities (Note 5)
Income from other real estate owned properties
Other income (Note 15)

Total noninterest income

Noninterest expense:

Salaries and employee benefits (Notes 6 and 16)
Other real estate expense
Occupancy (Notes 8, 12 and 17)
Furniture and equipment (Notes 8 and 12)
Regulatory assessments
Other expense (Notes 4 and 15)

Total noninterest expense

Income before provision for income taxes

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

$

$

$

$

$

$

13,566
345
5

6,292
760 

20,968 

817
144 

961 

$

13,609
22
4

5,528
802 

19,965 

1,021
147 

1,168 

20,007

18,797

— 

(541) 

20,007 

19,338 

14,008 
723 
7 

5,769 
646 

21,153 

730 
180 

910 

20,243 

(1,344) 

21,587 

502 
314 
279 
950 

498
251
335
931 

2,045 

2,015 

8,435 
246 
1,175 
652 
328 
3,000 

8,528
322
1,183
690
395
2,962 

562
208
365
1,042 

2,177 

8,776
364
1,188
724
433
3,377 

13,836 

14,080 

14,862 

9,796 

3,392 

6,404 

0.95 

0.94 

— 

$

$

$

$

7,942

2,674 

5,268 

0.70 

0.70 

— 

$

$

$

$

6,653

2,292 

4,361 

0.54 

0.54 

— 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

31AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(Dollars in thousands) 

Net income
Other comprehensive income:

(Decrease) increase in net unrealized gains on investment securities
Deferred tax benefit (expense)
(Decrease) increase in net unrealized gains on investment securities, net of tax

Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income
Tax effect

Realized gains, net of tax

2016

2015

2014

$

6,404   

$

5,268

$

4,361

(2,274)  
905   
(1,369)  

(314)  
124   
(190)  

(1,863)
745   
(1,118)  

(251)
101   
(150)  

3,954
(1,581)
2,373 

(208)
83 
(125)

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

(1,559)  

(1,268)  

2,248 

Comprehensive income

$

4,845   

$

4,000   

$

6,609 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

32  
  
  
 
 
   
   
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(Dollars in thousands) 

  Accumulated

Balance, January 1, 2014

Net income
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment 

securities (Note 5)

Shares
8,489,247

—

—

Retirement of common stock (Note 13)
Net restricted stock award activity and related compensation expense
Stock option compensation expense

(424,462) 
24,830

—   

(4,148) 
147
19   

Common Stock

  Retained  
  Amount   Earnings  
24,789   

61,108

Other
  Comprehensive
Income
(Net of Taxes)  

1,123

Total
Share-
  holders’
Equity
87,020

—

—

4,361   

—

4,361

—   

—   
—   
—   

2,248

2,248

—
—
— 

(4,148)
147
19 

Balance, December 31, 2014

8,089,615

57,126

29,150   

3,371

89,647

Net income
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment 

securities (Note 5)

—

—

—

—

Retirement of common stock (Note 13)
Net restricted stock award activity and related compensation expense
Stock option compensation expense

(790,989)
45,023

—   

(7,843)
236
35   

5,268   

—

5,268

—   

—   
—   
—   

(1,268)

(1,268) 

—
—
— 

(7,843)
236
35 

Balance, December 31, 2015

7,343,649

49,554

34,418   

2,103

86,075

Net income
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment 

securities (Note 5)

—

—

—

—

Retirement of common stock (Note 13)
Net restricted stock award activity and related compensation expense
Stock options exercised
Stock option compensation expense

(716,897)
33,474
1,500

—   

(7,414)
291
13
40   

6,404   

—

6,404

—   

—   
—   
—   
—   

(1,559)

(1,559)

—
—
—
— 

(7,414)
291
13
40 

Balance, December 31, 2016

6,661,726    $ 42,484    $ 40,822    $

544 

  $ 83,850 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

33  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(Dollars in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

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

2016

2015

2014

$

6,404   

$

5,268

$

4,361

Provision for loan and lease losses
Increase (decrease) in deferred loan and lease origination fees, net
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of investment security premiums and discounts, net
Gain on sale and call of investment securities
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
Gain on life insurance death benefit
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
Stock-based compensation expense
Loss (gain) on sale or write-down of other real estate owned
Fair value adjustment to acquired other real estate owned
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 available-for-sale 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 mortgage-backed 

securities

Proceeds from principal repayments for held-to-maturity mortgage-backed securities
Purchases of bank owned life insurance
Net (increase) decrease in interest-bearing deposits in banks
Net increase in loans and leases
Net proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
Death benefit from life insurance policy
Capitalized additions to other real estate
Purchases of equipment
Net (increase) decrease in FHLB stock

(1,344)  
1   
420   
2,940   
(314)  
(322)  
—   
(283)  
331   
118   
(239)  
1,734   
419   

9,865   

12,655   
1,550   
1,100   
(47,292)  

46,570   
140   
—   
(249)  
(33,064)  
1,747   
—   
—   
(375)  
—   

—
(66)
430
3,160
(251)
(316)
—
473
271
70
—
(723)
461   

8,777   

23,764
—
175
(62,958)

49,242
239
—
250
(30,979)
1,153
—
(127)
(319)
(93)  

(541)
(26)
438
4,647
(208)
(284)
(99)
(74)
166
(66)
—
298
371 

8,983 

23,804
1,160
105
(83,049)

41,014
324
(1,350)
—
(5,932)
2,283
252
(54)
(456)
(438)

Net cash used in investing activities

(17,218)  

(19,653)  

(22,337)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

34  
  
  
 
 
   
   
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(Continued) 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(Dollars in thousands) 

Cash flows from financing activities:

Net increase in demand, interest-bearing and savings deposits
Net decrease in time deposits
Cash paid to repurchase common stock
Proceeds from exercised options
Increase (decrease) in long-term borrowings
Decrease in short-term borrowings

Net cash provided by financing activities

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

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 or deed in lieu of foreclosure
Loans resulting from sale of other real estate owned

2016

2015

2014

$

15,728   
(1,612)  
(7,414)  
13   
4,500   
—   

$

23,114
(3,117) 
(7,843)
—
—
—   

31,545
(4,542) 
(4,148)
—
(500)
(4,500)

11,215   

12,154   

17,855 

3,862   

1,278

4,501

23,727   

22,449   

17,948 

27,589   

$

23,727   

$

22,449 

908   
2,790   

1,109   
1,686   

$
$

$
$

961
2,495

—
—

$
$

$
$

1,234
2,415

189
—

$

$

$
$

$
$

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

35  
  
 
 
   
   
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
    
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

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 regional 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  four  full-service  banking  offices  in  Sacramento  County,  one  full-service  banking 
office in Placer County, two full-service banking offices in Sonoma County, and three full-service banking offices in Amador County. 
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.  

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. 

Reclassifications 

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ balances to conform to classifications used in 2016. Reclassifications had no
affect on prior year net income or shareholders’ equity. 

Principles of Consolidation 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  Company  and  its  wholly-owned  subsidiaries.  All  material 
intercompany transactions and accounts among the Company and its subsidiaries 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. 

36  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

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. 

Interest-Bearing Deposits in Banks 

Interest-bearing deposits in banks mature within one year and are carried at cost. 

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
during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. 

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. 

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. For debt securities, 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. 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. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through 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. 

37  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Loans and Leases 

Loans  and  leases  that  management  has  both  the  intent  and  ability  to  hold  for  the  foreseeable  future  or  until  maturity  or  payoff  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. 

For all classes of loans and leases, the accrual of interest 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, 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 collectability 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 collectability 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. Loans subsequently 
transferred to the loan portfolio are transferred at the lower of cost or fair 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, 2016 and 2015. 

SBA and Farm Service Agency loans with unpaid balances of $170,000 and $202,000 were being serviced for others as of December
31,  2016  and  2015,  respectively.  The  Company  also  serviced  loans  that  are  participated  with  other  financial  institutions  totaling
$7,740,000 and $7,942,000 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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  initially  recorded  at  fair  value  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, 2016
and 2015. 

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses 

The allowance for loan and lease losses is an estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the Company’s credit portfolio that have 
been incurred as of the balance-sheet date. The allowance is 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  typically  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 probable losses related to credits that are not impaired. 

38  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (Continued) 

For all classes of the portfolio, 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. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the
probability of collecting scheduled principle and interest payments when due. Impaired loans are individually evaluated to determine
the extent of impairment, if any, except for smaller-balance loans that are collectively evaluated for credit risk. 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 
original 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 sale or operation of the underlying collateral. 

For  all  portfolio  segments,  a  restructuring  of  a  debt  constitutes  a  troubled  debt  restructuring  (“TDR”)  if  the  Company  grants  a 
concession to the borrower for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties 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. 

For all portfolio segments, 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, real estate
construction  (including  land and development  loans), residential  real estate,  multi-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 as a 
component of loans and leases on the consolidated balance sheet and available for all loss exposures. 

The Company assigns a risk rating to all 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 the 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. 

39  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (Continued) 

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 inadequate cash flow or collateral support, a
project’s lack of marketability, 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. 

Real  Estate-  Commercial  –  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. 

Real Estate- Construction – These 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. 

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

40  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (Continued) 

Real  Estate-  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. 

Commercial  –  Commercial  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. 

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

Consumer – The consumer loan portfolio  is 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. Also included in the consumer loan portfolio are home equity lines of credit.
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 California Department of 
Business Oversight, 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  probable  incurred
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. 

41  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO) 

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.  Any  excess  of  the  fair  value  over  the  loan
balance  less  estimated  selling  costs  is  recorded  as  noninterest income-other  income.  A  valuation  allowance  for  losses  on  other  real
estate may be maintained to provide for temporary declines in value. The valuation 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 2016, the Company received $1,747,000 in net
proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned with net gains of $257,000 recognized on the sale. Also during 2016, the Company
realized a market value adjustment as the collateral received in partial settlement of a loan obligation had a fair value greater than the
loan  obligation.  The market adjustment was  recognized as $173,000  in  noninterest income and $66,000 was used to  reduce a prior
loan loss. During 2015, the Company received $1,153,000 in net proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned with net losses of
$1,000 recognized on the sale. The recorded investment in other real estate owned totaled $1,348,000 and $3,551,000 at December 31,
2016 and 2015, respectively, and had related valuation allowance of zero at each date. 

Premises and Equipment 

Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Land is not depreciated. 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 
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. 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.  Impairment  exists  when  a  reporting  unit’s  carrying  value  of  goodwill  exceeds  its  fair 
value.  At  December  31,  2016,  the  Company  had  one  reporting  unit  and  that  reporting  unit  had  positive  equity  and  the  Company
elected to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded
its carrying value, including goodwill. The qualitative assessment indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the
reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, resulting in no impairment. 

Bank-Owned Life Insurance 

The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount 
that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges 
or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. 

42  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Income Taxes

The Company files its income taxes on a consolidated basis with its subsidiaries. The allocation of income tax expense 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 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, 2016 and 2015 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 consists of net income
and other comprehensive 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  statements  of  comprehensive
income.

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 or restricted stock, result in the issuance of common stock
that share in the earnings of the Company. The treasury stock method has been applied to determine the dilutive effect of stock options
and restricted stock in computing diluted EPS. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for all stock splits and stock dividends
through the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements. There were no stock splits or stock dividends in 2016, 2015 or
2014.

43AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Stock-Based Compensation 

At  December  31,  2016,  the  Company  had  two  stock-based  compensation  plans,  which  are  described  more  fully  in  Note  13.
Compensation  expense,  net  of  related  tax  benefits,  recorded  in  2016,  2015  and  2014  totaled  $215,000,  $176,000  and  $107,000,  or
$0.03, $0.02 and $0.01 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 the dividend yield, option life and forfeiture rate within the valuation
model. The expected option life represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for 
the period representing the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. 
2014  

2015  

Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected option life in years
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year

0.0%   

28.1%
1.92%
7
3.24

$

0.0% 
20.7%
2.10%
7
2.44

$

There were no options granted in 2016 under either stock-based compensation plans. 

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 voting and 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. The following is a summary of 
stock-based compensation information as of or for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014: 

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

$

$
$
$
$
$
$

$

2016

2015
(Dollars in thousands)
$
3   

—

$

$
$
$
$
$
$

$

13   
41   
331   
116   
215   
99   

1.3   
376   

1.6   

—
24
271
94
176
165

2.0
530

1.6

$
$
$
$
$
$

$

2014

—

—
14
166
59
107
104

2.1
273

1.2

44  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Operating Segments 

While  the  chief  decision-makers  monitor  the  revenue  streams  of  the  various  products  and  services,  operations  are  managed  and
financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis. Operating segments are aggregated into one as operating results for all 
segments  are  similar.  Accordingly,  all  of  the  financial  service  operations  are  considered  by  management  to  be  aggregated  in  one
reportable operating segment. 

Recently Issued Financial Accounting Pronouncements 

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-
01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This ASU addresses certain aspects of recognition, 
measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments by making targeted improvements to GAAP as follows: (1) require
equity  investments  (except  those  accounted  for  under  the  equity  method  of  accounting  or  those  that  result  in  consolidation  of  the
investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure
equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting
from  observable  price  changes  in  orderly  transactions  for  the  identical  or  a  similar  investment  of  the  same  issuer;  (2)  simplify  the
impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify
impairment.  When  a  qualitative  assessment  indicates  that  impairment  exists,  an  entity  is  required  to  measure  the  investment  at  fair
value; (3) eliminate the requirement to disclose the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost for entities that are
not  public  business  entities;  (4)  eliminate  the  requirement  for  public  business  entities  to  disclose  the  method(s)  and  significant
assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the
balance sheet; (5) require public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments
for disclosure purposes; (6) require an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the
fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability
at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; (7) require separate presentation of financial assets and
financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (that is, securities or loans and receivables) on the balance
sheet  or  the  accompanying  notes  to  the  financial  statements;  and  (8)  clarify  that  an  entity  should  evaluate  the  need  for  a  valuation
allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. ASU
No. 2016-01 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted as 
of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption only for provisions (3) and (6) above. Early adoption of the other provisions mentioned
above is not permitted. The Company has performed a preliminary evaluation of the provisions of ASU No. 2016-01. Based on this 
evaluation, the Company has determined that ASU No. 2016-01 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial 
position, results of operations or cash flows. 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases.” Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize the 
following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases): 1) a lease liability, which is the present value of a lessee’s obligation 
to make lease payments, and 2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a
specified  asset  for  the  lease  term.  Lessor  accounting  under  the  new  guidance  remains  largely  unchanged  as  it  is  substantially
equivalent  to  existing  guidance  for  sales-type  leases,  direct  financing  leases,  and  operating  leases.  Leveraged  leases  have  been 
eliminated, although lessors can continue to account for existing leveraged leases using the current accounting guidance. Other limited
changes were made to align lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and the new revenue recognition standard. All entities 
will classify leases to determine how to recognize lease-related revenue and expense. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures will be
required  by  lessees  and  lessors  to  meet  the  objective  of  enabling  users  of  financial  statements  to  assess  the  amount,  timing,  and
uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The intention is to require enough information to supplement the amounts recorded in
the  financial  statements  so  that  users  can  understand  more  about  the  nature  of  an  entity’s  leasing  activities.  ASU  No.  2016-02  is 
effective  for  interim  and  annual  reporting  periods  beginning  after  December  15,  2018;  early  adoption  is  permitted.  All  entities  are
required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases 

45  
  
  
  
  
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. They have the option to
use certain relief; full retrospective application is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2016-
02. The Company has determined that the provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 may result in an increase in assets to recognize the present
value  of  the  lease  obligations  with  a  corresponding  increase  in  liabilities,  however,  the  Company  does  not  expect  this  to  have  a
material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 

In  March  2016,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2016-09,  “Improvements  to  Employee  Share-Based  Payment  Accounting.”  This  ASU 
includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the 
financial statements. Some of the key provisions of this new ASU include: (1) companies will no longer record excess tax benefits and
certain tax deficiencies in additional paid-in capital (“APIC”). Instead, they will record all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as
income  tax  expense  or  benefit  in  the  income  statement,  and  APIC  pools  will  be  eliminated.  The  guidance  also  eliminates  the
requirement that excess tax benefits be realized before companies can recognize them. In addition, the guidance requires companies to
present excess tax benefits as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity; (2) increase the
amount  an  employer  can  withhold  to  cover  income  taxes  on  awards  and  still  qualify  for  the  exception  to  liability  classification  for
shares used to satisfy the employer’s statutory income tax withholding obligation. The new guidance will also require an employer to
classify  the  cash  paid  to  a  tax  authority  when  shares  are  withheld  to  satisfy  its  statutory  income  tax  withholding  obligation  as  a
financing activity on its statement of cash flows (current guidance did not specify how these cash flows should be classified); and (3)
permit companies to make an accounting policy election for the impact of forfeitures on the recognition of expense for share-based 
payment awards. Forfeitures can be estimated, as required today, or recognized when they occur. ASU No. 2016-09 is effective for 
interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption was permitted, but all of the guidance must
be adopted in the same period. The Company has evaluated the provisions of ASU No. 2016-09 to determine the potential impact of 
the new standard and has determined that it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of 
operations or cash flows. 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” This ASU significantly 
changes  how  entities  will  measure  credit  losses  for  most  financial  assets  and  certain  other  instruments  that  aren’t  measured  at  fair 
value  through net income.  In issuing the standard, the FASB is  responding to criticism  that today’s  guidance delays recognition  of
credit losses. The standard will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model. The new model, referred to as
the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, will apply to: (1) financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized
cost, and (2) certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. This includes, but is not limited to, loans, leases, held-to-maturity securities, 
loan commitments, and financial guarantees. The CECL model does not apply to available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities. For AFS 
debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to what they do today, except that the
losses  will  be  recognized  as  allowances  rather  than  reductions  in  the  amortized  cost  of  the  securities.  As  a  result,  entities  will
recognize improvements to estimated credit losses immediately in earnings rather than as interest income over time, as they do today.
The ASU also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. ASU 2016-13 also expands the 
disclosure  requirements  regarding  an  entity’s  assumptions,  models,  and  methods  for  estimating  the  allowance  for  loan  and  lease 
losses. In addition, entities will need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator,
disaggregated  by  the  year  of  origination.  ASU  No.  2016-13  is  effective  for  interim  and  annual  reporting  periods  beginning  after
December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Entities
will apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting 
period  in  which  the  guidance  is  effective  (i.e.,  modified  retrospective  approach).  While  the  Company  is  currently  evaluating  the
provisions  of  ASU  No.  2016-13  to  determine  the  potential  impact  the  new  standard  will  have  on  the  Company’s  Consolidated 
Financial Statements, it has taken steps to prepare for the implementation when it becomes effective, such as forming an internal task
force, gathering pertinent data, consulting with outside professionals, and evaluating its current IT systems. 

46  
  
  
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

3.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The  following  tables  present  information  about  the  Company’s  assets  and  liabilities  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  and 
nonrecurring  basis  as  of  December  31,  2016  and  December  31,  2015.  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. 

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

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

December 31, 2016

Financial assets:

Cash and due from banks
Interest-bearing deposits in banks
Available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities
FHLB stock
Loans and leases, net
Accrued interest receivable

Financial liabilities:

Deposits:

Noninterest-bearing
Savings
Money market
NOW accounts
Time Deposits

Short-term borrowings
Long-term borrowings
Accrued interest payable

Carrying    
Amount    

Fair Value Measurements Using:

Level 1    

Level 2    

Level 3    

Total

$ 27,589
999
254,020
483
3,779
324,086
1,824

$ 201,113
64,740
131,342
64,652
82,959
3,500
12,000
62

$ 27,589
—
60
—
N/A
—
—

$201,113
64,740
131,342
64,652
—
3,500
—
—

$

—   
999   
253,960   
521   
N/A   
—   
937   

$

—
—
—
—
N/A
  329,110
887

$

$

—   
—   
—   
—   
83,720   
—   
12,110   
62   

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

$ 27,589
999
254,020
521
N/A
329,110
1,824

$201,113
64,740
131,342
64,652
83,720
3,500
12,110
62

47  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

3.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2015

Financial assets:

Cash and due from banks
Interest-bearing deposits in banks
Available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities
FHLB stock
Loans and leases, net
Accrued interest receivable

Financial liabilities:

Deposits:

Noninterest-bearing
Savings
Money market
NOW accounts
Time Deposits

Short-term borrowings
Long-term borrowings
Accrued interest payable

Carrying    
Amount    

Fair Value Measurements Using:

Level 1    

Level 2    

Level 3    

Total

$ 23,727
750
273,819
623
3,779
289,102
1,885

$ 190,548
59,061
135,186
61,324
84,571
3,500
7,500
60

$ 23,727
—
24
—
N/A
—
—

$190,548
59,061
135,186
61,324
—
3,500
—
—

$

—   
752   
273,795   
669   
N/A   
—   
1,077   

$

—
—
—
—
N/A
  292,444
808

$

$

—   
—   
—   
—   
85,165   
—   
7,502   
60   

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

$ 23,727
752
273,819
669
N/A
292,444
1,885

$190,548
59,061
135,186
61,324
85,165
3,500
7,502
60

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  values  of  its  financial  instruments  at
December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015: 

Cash  and  due  from  banks:  The  carrying  amounts  of  cash  and  short-term  instruments  approximate  fair  values  and  are  classified  as
Level 1. 

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
and are classified as Level 2. 

Investment securities: For investment securities, fair values are based on quoted market prices, where available, and are classified as 
Level  1.  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 and are classified as Level 2. 

FHLB  stock:  FHLB  stock  is  not  publically  traded,  as  such,  it  is  not  practicable  to  determine  the  fair  value  of  FHLB  stock  due  to 
restrictions placed on its transferability. 

48  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

3.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

Loans  and leases:  Fair  values  of  loans,  excluding  loans  held  for  sale,  are  estimated as  follows:   For  variable  rate  loans  that  reprice
frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values resulting in a Level 3 classification.
Fair  values for  other  loans  are  estimated using discounted cash flow  analyses,  using  interest rates  currently  being offered for  loans
with  similar  terms  to  borrowers  of  similar  credit  quality  also  resulting  in  a  Level  3  classification.  Impaired  loans  are  valued  at  the
lower of cost or fair value. The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price. 

Deposits: The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g. interest and non-interest checking, savings, and certain types of money 
market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e. their carrying amount) resulting
in a Level 1 classification. For time deposits, the fair values for fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash
flow methodology that applies market interest rates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits resulting
in a Level 2 classification. 

Short-term and long-term borrowings: The fair value of short-term borrowings is estimated to be the carrying amount and is classified 
as Level 1. The fair value of long-term borrowings is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis using interest rates currently 
available for similar debt instruments and are classified as Level 2. 

Accrued  interest  receivable  and  payable:  The  carrying  amount  of  accrued  interest  receivable  and  accrued  interest  payable
approximates fair value resulting in a Level 2 or 3 classification consistent with the asset or liability with which it is associated. 

Off-balance  sheet  instruments:  Fair  values  for  off-balance  sheet,  credit-related  financial  instruments  are  based  on  fees  currently 
charged  to  enter  into  similar  agreements,  taking  into  account  the  remaining  terms  of  the  agreements  and  the  counterparties’  credit 
standing. The fair value of commitments was not material at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. They are excluded from the
following tables. 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis are presented in the following table: 

(Dollars in thousands) 

December 31, 2016

  Fair Value  

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

Significant 
Other  
Observable 
Inputs  
(Level 2)   

Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs  
(Level 3)

Total Gains
(Losses)  

Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:

Available-for-sale securities:

U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored 

Agencies

Corporate Debt Securities
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate stock

$ 229,785 $
1,519
22,612
104  

— $ 229,785   $
1,519    
—
22,612    
—
44    
60  

Total recurring

  $ 254,020   $

60   $ 253,960   $

— $
—
—
—  

—   $

—
—
—
— 

— 

49  
  
  
  
 
     
     
     
 
 
     
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

3.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2016

  Fair Value  

Assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring 

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

Significant 
Other  
Observable 
Inputs  
(Level 2)   

Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs  
(Level 3)

Total Gains
(Losses)  

basis:
Impaired loans:

Real estate:

Commercial
Residential

Other real estate owned:

Commercial
Land

$

3,535 $
334

— $
—

—   $
—    

3,535 $
334

—
—

386
961  

—
—  

—    
—    

386
961  

(25)  
173 

Total nonrecurring

  $

5,216   $

—   $

—   $

5,216   $

148 

(Dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2015

  Fair Value  

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

Significant 
Other 
Observable
Inputs 
(Level 2)   

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs  
(Level 3)

Total Gains
(Losses)  

Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:

Available-for-sale securities:

U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored 

Agencies

Corporate Debt Securities
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate stock

$ 246,185 $
1,551
26,013
70  

— $ 246,185   $
1,551    
—
26,013    
—
46    
24  

Total recurring

  $ 273,819   $

24   $ 273,795   $

— $
—
—
—  

—   $

—
—
—
— 

— 

Assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring 

basis:
Impaired loans:

Real estate:

Commercial

Other real estate owned:

Commercial
Land

$

3,900 $

— $

—   $

3,900 $

(334)

2,522
1,029  

—
—  

—    
—    

2,522
1,029  

—
— 

Total nonrecurring

  $

7,451   $

—   $

—   $

7,451   $

(334) 

50  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
     
     
     
 
     
     
 
     
     
 
     
 
 
     
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
     
     
     
 
 
     
 
     
     
     
 
     
     
 
     
     
 
     
 
 
     
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

3.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies consist predominately of residential mortgage-backed securities. There were no 
transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the years ended December 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015. 

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, and are considered 
Level 1, or evaluated using pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other market information
and  are  considered  Level  2.  Pricing  applications  apply  available  information,  as  applicable,  through  processes  such  as  benchmark
curves, benchmarking to like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. 

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

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

4.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, goodwill totaled $16,321,000. Goodwill is evaluated annually for impairment and was most recently
evaluated  in  December  2011  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, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company did not have other intangible assets. 

51  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

5.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The  amortized  cost  and  estimated  fair  value  of  investment  securities  at  December  31,  2016  and  2015  consisted  of  the  following
(dollars in thousands): 

Available-for-Sale

Debt securities:

2016

Amortized 
Cost

Gross  
Unrealized
Gains

Gross  
Unrealized
Losses

Estimated 
Fair  
Value

U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate Debt Securities

$ 229,118
22,436
1,501

$

$

2,150   
559   
18   

(1,483)
(383)
—

$ 229,785
22,612
1,519

Equity securities:
Corporate stock

49   

55   

—   

104 

$ 253,104   

$

2,782   

$

(1,866)  

$ 254,020 

2015

Amortized
Cost

Gross 
Unrealized
Gains

Gross 
Unrealized
Losses

Estimated 
Fair 
Value

Debt securities:

U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate Debt Securities

$ 244,056
24,706
1,502

$

$

3,059   
1,307   
49   

(930)
—
—

$ 246,185
26,013
1,551

Equity securities:
Corporate stock

51   

19   

—   

70 

$ 270,315   

$

4,434   

$

(930)  

$ 273,819 

U.S.  Government  Agencies  and  U.S.  Government-sponsored  Agencies  consist  predominately  of  residential  mortgage-backed 
securities.  Net  unrealized  gains  on  available-for-sale  investment  securities  totaling  $916,000  were  recorded,  net  of  $372,000  in  tax 
liabilities,  as  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  within  shareholders’  equity  at  December 31,  2016.  Proceeds  and  gross 
realized  gains  from  the  sale,  impairment  and  call  of  available-for-sale  investment  securities  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016
totaled  $14,205,000  and  $314,000,  respectively.  There  were  no  transfers  of  available-for-sale  investment  securities  during  the  year 
ended December 31, 2016. 

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities totaling $3,504,000 were recorded, net of $1,401,000 in tax liabilities, 
as  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  within  shareholders’  equity  at  December 31,  2015.  Proceeds  and  gross  realized  gains 
from  the  sale,  impairment  and  call  of  available-for-sale  investment  securities  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  totaled
$23,764,000  and  $251,000,  respectively.  There  were  no  transfers  of  available-for-sale  investment  securities  during  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015. 

52  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

5.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

Proceeds  and  gross  realized  gains  from  the  sale,  impairment  and  call  of  available-for-sale  investment  securities  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2014 totaled $24,964,000 and $208,000, respectively. 

Held-to-Maturity

Debt securities:

2016

Amortized
Cost

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains

Gross 
Unrealized
Losses

Estimated 
Fair 
Value

U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies

$

483   

$

38   

$

—   

$

521 

2015

Amortized
Cost

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses

Estimated 
Fair 
Value

Debt securities:

U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies

$

623   

$

46   

$

—   

$

669 

There were no sales or transfers of held-to-maturity investment securities for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities at December 31, 2016 by contractual maturity are shown below
(dollars in thousands). 

Available-for-Sale

Held-to-Maturity

Amortized
Cost

Estimated 
Fair 
Value

Amortized
Cost

Estimated
Fair  
Value

Within one year
After one year through five years
After five years through ten years
After ten years

$

2,077
2,264
14,114
5,482   

$

2,099   
2,328   
14,486   
5,218   

Investment securities not due at a single maturity date:
U.S. Government Agencies and Sponsored Agencies
Corporate stock

229,118

49   

229,785   
104   

$ 253,104   

$ 254,020   

$

$

483
—   

483   

$

$

521
— 

521 

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. 

53  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
  
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

5.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

Investment securities with amortized costs totaling $44,552,000 and $56,836,000 and estimated fair values totaling $44,944,000 and
$57,665,000 were pledged to secure State Treasury funds on deposit, public agency and bankruptcy trustee deposits and borrowing
arrangements (see Note 10) at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

Investment securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized and classified according to the duration
of the loss period as follows (dollars in thousands): 

Less than 12 Months
Fair  
Value    

Unrealized 
Losses

2016
12 Months or More
Fair  
Value    

Unrealized
Losses

Total

Fair  
Value    

Unrealized
Losses

Available-for-Sale

Debt securities:

U.S. Government Agencies and 

Sponsored Agencies

$ 111,870

$

(1,415)

$

5,010

$

(68)  

$ 116,880

$

(1,483)

Obligations of states and political 

subdivisions

8,319   

(383)  

—   

—   

8,319   

(383)

$ 120,189   

$

(1,798)  

$

5,010   

$

(68)  

$ 125,199   

$

(1,866) 

Less than 12 Months
Fair  
Value    

Unrealized 
Losses

2015
12 Months or More
Fair 
Value    

Unrealized 
Losses

Total

Fair 
Value    

Unrealized 
Losses

Available-for-Sale

Debt securities:

U.S. Government Agencies and 

Sponsored Agencies

$ 93,265

$

(813)

$

5,251

$

(117)  

$ 98,516

$

(930)

Obligations of states and political 

subdivisions

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

— 

$ 93,265   

$

(813)  

$

5,251   

$

(117)  

$ 98,516   

$

(930) 

At December 31, 2016, the Company held 219 securities of which 70 were in a loss position for less than twelve months and three
were in a loss position for twelve months or more. These three securities were are mortgage-backed securities. 

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

54  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

6.

LOANS AND LEASES

Outstanding loans and leases are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands): 

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

$

December 31,

2016

2015

$

191,129
9,180
73,373
15,718
35,374
404
2,302
1,650   

199,591
14,533
23,494
14,200
36,195
732
2,431
3,122 

329,130

294,298

(222)
(4,822)  

(221)
(4,975)

$

324,086   

$

289,102 

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 $190,181,000 and $160,626,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively (see Note 10). 

The components of the Company’s lease financing receivable are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands): 

December 31,

2016

2015

$

$

$

422
—
(18)  

404   

$

774
—
(42)

732 

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,
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021

Total lease payments receivable 

$

211
178
33
—
— 

$

422 

Salaries and employee benefits totaling $289,000, $257,000 and $244,000 have been deferred as loan and lease origination costs for
the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

55  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

7.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES

The following tables show the activity in the allowance for loan and lease losses for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and
2014 and the allocation of the allowance for loan and lease losses as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 by portfolio segment and
by impairment methodology (dollars in thousands): 

  Commercial    Commercial    Multi-Family   Construction    Residential    Leases   Agriculture    Consumer    Unallocated  

Total

Real Estate

Other

December 31, 2016

Allowance for Loan and Lease 

Losses

Beginning balance
Provision for loan losses
Loans charged-off
Recoveries

  $

860    $
(665)    
—     
660     

2,369    $
(653)    
(93)    
427     

$

228
623
—
—  

$

813
(474) 
—
107   

$

319
(66) 
—
—   

$

1
—
—
—  

77    $
(13)    
—     
—     

$

78
(144) 
(34)
124   

230
48
—
—  

$

4,975
(1,344) 
(127)
1,318 

Ending balance allocated to 

portfolio segments

Ending balance:

Individually evaluated for 

impairment

Ending balance:

Collectively evaluated for 

impairment

Loans

  $

855    $

2,050    $

851   $

446    $

253    $

1   $

64    $

24    $

278   $

4,822 

  $

11    $

246    $

2   $

—    $

133    $ —   $

29    $

—    $

—   $

421 

  $

844    $

1,804    $

849   $

446    $

120    $

1   $

35    $

24    $

278   $

4,401 

Ending balance

  $

35,374    $

191,129    $

73,373   $

9,180    $

15,718    $ 404   $

2,302    $

1,650    $

—   $329,130 

Ending balance:

Individually evaluated for 

impairment

Ending balance:

Collectively evaluated for 

  $

157    $

14,154    $

482   $

—    $

2,147    $ —   $

357    $

—    $

—   $ 17,297 

impairment

  $

35,217    $

176,975    $

72,891   $

9,180    $

13,571    $ 404   $

1,945    $

1,650    $

—   $311,833 

56  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
      
      
      
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

7.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

  Commercial    Commercial   Multi-Family   Construction   Residential    Leases   Agriculture   Consumer    Unallocated  

Total

Real Estate

Other

December 31, 2015

Allowance for Loan and Lease 

Losses

Beginning balance
Provision for loan losses
Loans charged-off
Recoveries

  $

1,430    $
(84)    
(609)    
123     

2,317   $
—  
—  
52  

$

130
98
—
—  

$

583
230
—
—  

$

399
(193) 
—
113   

$

2
—
(1)
—  

62   $
15  
—  
—  

$

124
(42) 
(6)
2   

$

254
(24)
—
—  

5,301
—
(616) 
290 

Ending balance allocated to 

portfolio segments

Ending balance:

Individually evaluated for 

impairment

Ending balance:

Collectively evaluated for 

impairment

Loans

  $

860    $

2,369   $

228   $

813   $

319    $

1   $

77   $

78    $

230   $

4,975 

  $

25    $

598   $

5   $

—   $

204    $ —   $

38   $

29    $

—   $

899 

  $

835    $

1,771   $

223   $

813   $

115    $

1   $

39   $

49    $

230   $

4,076 

Ending balance

  $

36,195    $

199,591   $

23,494   $

14,533   $

14,200    $ 732   $

2,431   $

3,122    $

—   $294,298 

Ending balance:

Individually evaluated for 

impairment

Ending balance:

Collectively evaluated for 

  $

121    $

17,866   $

488   $

—   $

2,452    $ —   $

370   $

68    $

—   $ 21,365 

impairment

  $

36,074    $

181,725   $

23,006   $

14,533   $

11,748    $ 732   $

2,061   $

3,054    $

—   $272,933 

57  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
 
 
      
   
 
   
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

7.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

  Commercial   Commercial    Multi-Family    Construction   Residential    Leases    Agriculture    Consumer    Unallocated  

Total

Real Estate

Other

December 31, 2014

Allowance for Loan and Lease 

Losses

Beginning balance
Provision for loan losses
Loans charged-off
Recoveries

  $

885   $
289  
—  
256  

2,401    $
(135)    
—     
51     

$

242
(205) 
—
93   

$

542
39
—
2  

$

825
(443) 
—
17   

$

4
(5) 
—
3   

80    $
(18)    
—     
—     

$

161
(111) 
(76)
150   

$

206
48
—
—  

5,346
(541) 
(76)
572 

Ending balance allocated to 

portfolio segments

Ending balance:

Individually evaluated for 

impairment

Ending balance:

Collectively evaluated for 

impairment

Loans

  $

1,430   $

2,317    $

130    $

583   $

399    $

2    $

62    $

124    $

254   $

5,301 

  $

344   $

949    $

38    $

—   $

237    $ —    $

13    $

22    $

—   $

1,603 

  $

1,086   $

1,368    $

92    $

583   $

162    $

2    $

49    $

102    $

254   $

3,698 

Ending balance

  $

25,186   $

193,871    $

14,167    $

8,028   $

13,309    $1,286    $

2,882    $

4,916    $

—   $263,645 

Ending balance:

Individually evaluated for 

impairment

Ending balance:

Collectively evaluated for 

  $

769   $

20,457    $

496    $

—   $

2,862    $ —    $

381    $

155    $

—   $ 25,120 

impairment

  $

24,417   $

173,414    $

13,671    $

8,028   $

10,447    $1,286    $

2,501    $

4,761    $

—   $238,525 

58  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
      
      
 
 
 
   
 
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
      
      
 
 
 
   
 
      
      
 
 
   
 
      
      
 
 
 
   
 
      
      
 
 
   
 
      
      
 
 
 
   
 
      
      
 
 
   
 
      
      
 
 
 
   
 
      
      
 
 
 
   
 
      
      
 
 
   
 
      
      
 
 
 
   
 
      
      
 
 
   
 
      
      
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

7.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

The  following  tables  show  the  loan  portfolio  allocated  by  management’s  internal  risk  ratings  as  of  December 31,  2016  and  2015 
(dollars in thousands): 

December 31, 2016
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade

Real Estate

Other Credit Exposure

 Commercial  Commercial  Multi-Family  Construction  Residential  Leases    Agriculture    Consumer   Total

 $

Grade:
Pass
Watch
Special mention  
Substandard
Doubtful

31,733  $
157   
721   
2,763   
—   

166,769  $
21,328   
3,032   
—   
—   

68,615 $
4,758
—
—
—  

6,770 $
2,410
—
—
—  

12,773 $ 404    $

1,773
—   
710
—   
462
—   
—   —   

$

1,945 
357 
— 
— 
—   

1,093 $290,102
31,099
4,682
3,247
— 

316
219
22
—  

Total

 $

35,374  $

191,129  $

73,373  $

9,180  $

15,718  $ 404    $

2,302    $

1,650  $329,130 

December 31, 2015
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade

Real Estate

Other Credit Exposure

 Commercial  Commercial  Multi-Family  Construction  Residential  Leases    Agriculture    Consumer   Total

 $

Grade:
Pass
Watch
Special mention  
Substandard
Doubtful

32,216  $
1,073   
—   
2,906   
—   

172,755  $
17,318   
8,363   
1,155   
—   

23,001 $
493
—
—
—  

6,371 $
8,162
—
—
—  

10,593 $ 732    $
2,099
—   
697
—   
811
—   
—   —   

$

2,061 
370 
— 
— 
—   

2,136 $249,865
29,893
9,493
5,047
— 

378
433
175
—  

Total

 $

36,195  $

199,591  $

23,494  $

14,533  $

14,200  $ 732    $

2,431    $

3,122  $294,298 

59  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
    
    
    
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
    
    
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
    
    
    
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
    
    
    
 
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

7.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

The following tables show an aging analysis of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands): 

December 31, 2016

30-59 Days
Past Due   

60-89 Days 
Past Due   

Past Due
Greater 
Than 
90 Days   

Total Past 
Due

   Current   Total Loans  

Past Due 
Greater Than 
90 Days and 

Accruing   Nonaccrual 

Commercial:

Commercial

Real estate:

Commercial
Multi-family
Construction
Residential

Other:

Leases
Agriculture
Consumer

 $

—  $

— $

— $

— $ 35,374 $

35,374  $

— $

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
—  

—
—
—
—

—
—
—  

—
—
—
—

—
—
—  

— 191,129  
— 73,373  
—
9,181  
— 15,719  

191,129   
73,373   
9,181   
15,719   

—
—
—  

404  
2,302  
1,650   

404   
2,302   
1,650   

—
—
—
—

—
—
—  

Total

 $

—  $

—  $

—  $

—  $329,130  $

329,130  $

—  $

—

—
—
—
—

—
—
19 

19 

60  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
    
 
  
  
 
    
  
  
 
    
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
    
  
  
 
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
    
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

7.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

December 31, 2015

30-59 Days
Past Due   

60-89 Days 
Past Due   

Past Due
Greater 
Than 
90 Days   

Total Past 
Due

   Current   Total Loans  

Past Due 
Greater Than 
90 Days and 

Accruing   Nonaccrual 

 $

—  $

— $

30 $

30 $ 36,165 $

36,195  $

— $

30

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
367  

359
—
—
—

—
—
—  

499
—
—
338

858

198,733  
— 23,494  
— 14,533  
13,862  

338

199,591   
23,494   
14,533   
14,200   

—
—
—  

—
—
367  

732  
2,431  
2,755   

732   
2,431   
3,122   

—
—
—
—

—
—
—  

1,155
—
—
338

—
—
120 

Commercial:

Commercial

Real estate:

Commercial
Multi-family
Construction
Residential

Other:

Leases
Agriculture
Consumer

Total

 $

367  $

359  $

867  $

1,593  $292,705  $

294,298  $

—  $

1,643 

61  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
    
 
  
  
 
    
  
  
 
    
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
    
  
  
 
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
    
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

7.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

The following tables show information related to impaired loans as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(dollars in thousands): 

With no related allowance recorded:

Commercial
Real estate:

Commercial
Multi-family
Residential

Other:

Consumer

With an allowance recorded:

Commercial
Real estate:

Commercial
Multi-family
Residential

Other:

Agriculture
Consumer

Total:

Commercial
Real estate:

Commercial
Multi-family
Residential

Other:
Agriculture
Consumer

December 31, 2016

Recorded
Investment    

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance    

Related 
Allowance    

Average 
Recorded 
Investment    

Interest 
Income 
Recognized 

$

— $

— $

—    $

— $

10,910
—
334

11,540
—
421

—   

—   

—   
—   
—   

—   

11,011
—
337

—   

—

558
1
15

3 

  $

11,244    $

11,961    $

—    $

11,348    $

577 

$

157

$

157

$

11    $

161

$

3,244
482
1,813

357
—   

3,336
482
1,813

357
—   

246   
2   
133   

29   
—   

3,308
485
1,837

364
—   

11

168
33
87

21
— 

  $

6,053    $

6,145    $

421    $

6,155    $

320 

$

157

$

157

$

11    $

161

$

14,154
482
2,147

14,876
482
2,234

357
—   

357
—   

246   
2   
133   

29   
—   

14,319
485
2,174

364
—   

11

726
34
102

21
3 

  $

17,297    $

18,106    $

421    $

17,503    $

897 

62  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

7.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

With no related allowance recorded:

Commercial
Real estate:

Commercial
Residential

Other:

Consumer

With an allowance recorded:

Commercial
Real estate:

Commercial
Multi-family
Residential

Other:

Agriculture
Consumer

Total:

Commercial
Real estate:

Commercial
Multi-family
Residential

Other:

Agriculture
Consumer

December 31, 2015

Recorded
Investment    

Unpaid 
Principal
Balance    

Related  
Allowance    

Average 
Recorded 
Investment    

Interest 
Income 
Recognized 

$

— $

— $

—    $

— $

12,269
338

12,902
338

—   

—   

—   
—   

—   

12,345
338

—   

  $

12,607    $

13,240    $

—    $

12,683    $

$

121

$

121

$

25    $

99

$

5,597
488
2,114

370
68   

5,693
488
2,201

370
68   

598   
5   
204   

38   
29   

4,953
492
2,140

375
76   

—

595
—

— 

595 

9

320
29
91

18
— 

  $

8,758    $

8,941    $

899    $

8,135    $

467 

$

121

$

121

$

25    $

99

$

17,866
488
2,452

18,595
488
2,539

370
68   

370
68   

598   
5   
204   

38   
29   

17,298
492
2,478

375
76   

9

915
29
91

18
— 

  $

21,365    $

22,181    $

899    $

20,818    $

1,062 

63  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

7.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

With no related allowance recorded:

Commercial
Real estate:

Commercial
Residential

Other:

Consumer

With an allowance recorded:

Commercial
Real estate:

Commercial
Multi-family
Residential

Other:

Agriculture
Consumer

Total:

Commercial
Real estate:

Commercial
Multi-family
Residential

Other:

Agriculture
Consumer

December 31, 2014

Recorded
Investment    

Unpaid 
Principal
Balance    

Related  
Allowance    

Average 
Recorded 
Investment    

Interest 
Income 
Recognized 

$

— $

— $

—    $

— $

10,684
338

10,882
338

37   

37   

—   
—   

—   

10,512
340

37   

3

518
7

2 

  $

11,059    $

11,257    $

—    $

10,889    $

530 

$

769

$

769

$

344    $

758

$

9,773
496
2,524

381
118   

9,773
496
2,524

381
118   

949   
38   
237   

13   
22   

8,917
501
2,553

386
123   

4

562
20
114

21
2 

  $

14,061    $

14,061    $

1,603    $

13,238    $

723 

$

769

$

769

$

344    $

758

$

7

20,457
496
2,862

20,655
496
2,862

381
155   

381
155   

949   
38   
237   

13   
22   

19,429
501
2,893

386
160   

1,080
20
121

21
4 

  $

25,120    $

25,318    $

1,603    $

24,127    $

1,253 

The recorded investment in loans and leases that were considered to be impaired totaled $17,297,000 at December 31, 2016 and had a
related  valuation  allowance  of  $421,000.  The  average  recorded  investment  in  impaired  loans  and  leases  during  2016  was
approximately $17,503,000. 

The recorded investment in loans and leases that were considered to be impaired totaled $21,365,000 at December 31, 2015 and had a
related  valuation  allowance  of  $899,000.  The  average  recorded  investment  in  impaired  loans  and  leases  during  2015  was
approximately $20,818,000. 

Non-accrual loans and leases totaled approximately $19,000 and $1,643,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. There were
no loans and leases past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Interest income
on  non-accrual  loans  is  generally  recognized  on  a  cash  basis  and  was  approximately  $115,000,  $59,000  and  $84,000  for  the  years 
ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 

64  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

7.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

Troubled Debt Restructurings 

There were no modifications considered as troubled debt restructurings made during the period ended December 31, 2016. During the
period ended December 31, 2015, the terms of certain loans were modified as troubled debt restructurings. The modification of the
terms  of  such  loans  included  one  or  a  combination  of  the  following:  a  reduction  of  the  stated  interest  rate  or  an  extension  of  the
maturity date. 

Modifications  involving  a  reduction  of  the  stated  interest  rate  of  the  loan  were  for  periods  ranging  from  three  years  to  nine  years.
Modifications involving an extension of the maturity date were for periods ranging from six months to nine years. 

The Company has not committed to lend additional amounts as of December 31, 2016 to borrowers with outstanding loans that are
classified as troubled debt restructurings.  

There were no payment defaults on troubled debt restructurings within 12 months following the modification during the year ended
December 31, 2016. 

A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms. 

The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings during the year ended December 31, 2015 (dollars
in thousands): 

Troubled debt restructurings:

Commercial
Consumer
Real estate – residential
Real estate – commercial

Total

Pre- 
Modification 
Outstanding 
Recorded 
Investment    

Post- 
Modification 
Outstanding 
Recorded
Investment  

Number 
of Loans    

$

1  
1  
2  
1   

$

26
23
407
644   

26
23
407
644 

5   

$

1,100   

$

1,100 

The  troubled  debt  restructurings  described  above  increased  the  allowance  for  loan  and  lease  losses  by  $59,000  and  resulted  in  no
charge-offs of during the year ended December 31, 2015. 

The Company has not committed to lend additional amounts as of December 31, 2015 to borrowers with outstanding loans that are
classified as troubled debt restructurings.  

There were no payment defaults on troubled debt restructurings within 12 months following the modification during the year ended
December 31, 2015. 

In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the
borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. This evaluation is performed
under the Company’s internal underwriting policy. 

65  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

8.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment consisted of the following (dollars in thousands): 

Land
Building and improvements
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Leasehold improvements

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

December 31,

2016

2015

$

$

206
830
5,973
1,688   

8,697

206
845
5,831
1,565 

8,447

(7,335)  

(7,040) 

$

1,362   

$

1,407 

Depreciation and amortization included in occupancy and furniture and equipment expense totaled $420,000, $430,000 and $438,000
for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

9.

INTEREST-BEARING DEPOSITS

Interest-bearing deposits consisted of the following (dollars in thousands): 

Savings
Money market
NOW accounts
Time, $250,000 or more
Other time

December 31,

2016

2015

$

64,740
131,342
64,652
45,836
37,123   

$

59,061
135,186
61,324
46,827
37,744 

$

343,693   

$

340,142 

The Company held $29,000,000 in certificates of deposit for the State of California as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. This amount
represents 5.3% of total deposit balances at December 31, 2016 and 5.5% at December 31, 2015. 

Aggregate annual maturities of time deposits are as follows (dollars in thousands): 

Year Ending 
December 31,

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

$

57,194
8,854
5,278
3,163
8,470
— 

$

82,959 

66  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

9.

INTEREST-BEARING DEPOSITS (Continued)

Interest expense recognized on interest-bearing deposits consisted of the following (dollars in thousands): 

Savings
Money market
NOW accounts
Time Deposits

10.

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2016

2014

$

$

19   
128   
18   
565   

$

29
218
26
544   

40
383
36
562 

$

730   

$

817   

$

1,021 

The  Company  has  $17,000,000  in  unsecured  short-term  borrowing  arrangements  to  purchase  Federal  funds  with  two  of  its
correspondent banks. There were no advances under the borrowing arrangements as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. 

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  $15,500,000  were  outstanding  from  the  FHLB  at  December  31,  2016,  bearing  fixed  interest  rates  ranging  from
1.01% to 1.52% and maturing between May 22, 2017 and July 13, 2020. Advances totaling $11,000,000 were outstanding from the
FHLB at December 31, 2015, bearing fixed interest rates ranging from 0.45% to 1.91% and maturing between January 19, 2016 and
July  12,  2019.  Amounts  available  under  the  borrowing  arrangement  with  the  FHLB  at  December 31,  2016  and  2015  totaled
$100,187,000 and $78,326,000, respectively. 

In addition, the Company entered into a secured borrowing agreement with the FRB in 2008. The borrowing arrangement is secured
by pledging selected loans (see Note 6) and investment securities (see Note 5). There were no advances outstanding as of December
31,  2016  and  2015.  Amounts  available  under  the  borrowing  arrangement  with  the  FRB  at  December  31,  2016  and  2015  totaled
$11,068,000 and $11,371,000, respectively. 

The following table summarizes these borrowings (dollars in thousands): 

Short-term portion of borrowings
Long-term borrowings

December 31,

2016

2015

Amount

$

$

3,500
12,000   

15,500   

Weighted 
Average 
Rate

Amount

Weighted 
Average 
Rate

1.01% 
1.32%  

1.25%  

$

$

3,500 
7,500   

11,000   

1.28% 
1.24%

1.26%

67  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

10.

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Continued)

Maturities on these borrowings are as follows (dollars in thousands): 

Year Ending  
December 31,

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

11.

INCOME TAXES

$

3,500
2,000
5,000
5,000
—
— 

$

15,500 

The  provision  for  (benefit  from)  income  taxes  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015,  and  2014  consisted  of  the  following
(dollars in thousands): 

2016

Current
Deferred

Provision for income taxes

2015

Current
Deferred

Provision for income taxes

2014

Current
Deferred

Provision for income taxes

Federal

State

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,701
(308)  

2,393   

1,482

409   

1,891   

1,754

(99)  

1,655   

$

$

$

$

$

$

974
25   

999   

719
64   

783   

612
25   

637   

$

$

$

$

$

$

3,675
(283) 

3,392 

2,201
473 

2,674 

2,366
(74)

2,292 

68  
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

11.

INCOME TAXES (Continued)

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

Deferred tax assets:

Allowance for loan and lease losses
Other real estate owned
Deferred compensation
Future state tax deduction
Other

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities
Future liability of state deferred tax assets
Deferred loan costs
Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends
Other real estate owned
Premises and equipment

Total deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets

December 31,

2016

2015

$

2,207
—
2,688
347
197 

5,439 

(372)
(392)
(229)
(211)
(77)
(38)

(1,319)

$

2,275
30
2,519
241
252 

5,317 

(1,401)
(401)
(223)
(211)
—
(273)

(2,509)

$

4,120 

$

2,808 

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. Furthermore, with few exceptions, the Company is no longer 
subject to the examination by federal taxing authorities for the years ended before December 31, 2013 and by state and local taxing 
authorities  for  years  before  December  31,  2012.  The  unrecognized  tax  benefits  and  changes  therein  and  the  interest  and  penalties 
accrued by the Company as of December 31, 2016 were not significant. 

The provision  for  income  taxes  differs  from  amounts  computed  by  applying  the  statutory Federal  income  tax  rate  of  34% in  2016, 
2015 and 2014 to income before income taxes. The significant items comprising these differences consisted of the following: 

Federal income tax statutory rate
State franchise tax, net of Federal tax effect
Tax benefit of interest on loans to/investments in states and political 

subdivisions

Tax-exempt income from life insurance policies
Equity compensation expense
Other

Effective tax rate

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2016

2014

34.0% 
7.1%

(4.7)% 
(1.1)%
0.1%
(0.8)%

34.0% 
6.5%

(4.5)% 
(1.3)%
0.1%
(1.1)%

34.0% 
6.3%

(4.0)% 
(1.9)%
0.1%
— 

34.6%

33.7%

34.5%

69AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

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 2024. 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,

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

$

715
691
583
515
481
978 

$

3,963 

Rental expense included in occupancy, furniture and equipment expense totaled $858,000, $837,000 and $872,000 for the years ended
December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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. 

The following financial instruments represent off-balance-sheet credit risk (dollars in thousands): 

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

December 31,

2016

2015

$

$

$

251

$

727

10,027
9,450   

19,728   

238   

$

$

13,999
12,004 

26,730 

238 

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 rates. 

70  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

12.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

Financial Instruments With Off-Balance-Sheet Risk (Continued) 

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a client 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 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. 

Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk 

The Company grants real estate mortgage, real estate construction, commercial, agricultural and consumer loans to clients throughout
Northern California. 

In management’s judgment, a concentration exists in real estate-related loans which represented approximately 88% and 86% of the 
Company’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 
collectability  of  these  loans.  However,  personal  and  business  income  represents  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 had $6,237,000 in uninsured deposits at December 31, 2016. The Company had $4,126,000 in uninsured deposits at
December 31, 2015. 

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. 

71  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

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, 2016

Basic earnings per share

Weighted
Average
Number of
Shares 
Outstanding   

Net 
Income    

Per-Share
Amount  

$

6,404   

6,747   

$

0.95 

Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation

—   

36   

Diluted earnings per share

December 31, 2015

Basic earnings per share

$

6,404   

6,783   

$

0.94 

$

5,268   

7,561

$

0.70

Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation

—   

18   

Diluted earnings per share

December 31, 2014

Basic earnings per share

$

5,268   

7,579   

$

0.70 

$

4,361   

8,130

$

0.54

Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation

—   

14   

Diluted earnings per share

$

4,361   

8,144   

$

0.54 

Stock  options  for  98,783  shares,  188,735  shares  and  211,024  shares  of  common  stock  were  not  considered  in  computing  diluted
earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, because they were antidilutive. 

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 
109,562  options  remain  outstanding  at  December  31,  2016.  On  March  17,  2010,  the  Board  of  Directors  adopted  the  2010  Equity
Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). The 2010 Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders on May 20, 2010. The total number of 
authorized shares that are available for issuance under the 2010 Plan is 1,376,819. 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 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. 

72  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
  
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
  
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
  
 
    
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

13.

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

Stock Based Compensation (Continued)  

A summary of the outstanding and nonvested stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2016 is as follows: 

Outstanding

Nonvested

Balance, January 1, 2016

Options granted
Options vested
Options exercised
Options expired or canceled

Balance, December 31, 2016

Shares    

248,411
—
—
(1,500)
(60,888)  

186,023   

A summary of options as of December 31, 2016 is as follows: 

Nonvested:
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

Vested:
Number of vested stock options
Number of options expected to vest
Weighted average exercise price per share
Aggregate intrinsic value
Weighted average remaining contractual term in years

Range of Exercise Prices

$7.07- $11.66
$11.67- $18.10
$18.11 - $24.07

Weighted 
Average  
Exercise  
Price  
Per Share    

15.19   
—   
—   
8.50   
22.29   

$
$
$
$
$

$

Shares    

59,528
—
(15,285)
—
—   

12.92   

44,243   

Weighted 
Average 
Grant Date 
Fair Value 
Per Share  

$
$
$
$
$

$

2.78
—
2.69
—
— 

2.81 

9.05
$
$ 268,085
7.71

141,780
44,243
$
14.12
$ 472,875
2.41

Number of 
Options  
Outstanding  
December 31,
2016

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Life

Number of 
Options  
Exercisable 
December 31, 
2016

113,667  
36,808  
35,548  

  5.60 years
  1.15 years
  0.14 years   

186,023  

69,430
36,802
35,548 

141,780 

73  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

13.

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

Restricted Stock 

There were 34,888 shares of restricted stock awarded during 2016. Of the 34,888 restricted common shares, 10,094 will vest one year
from  the  date  of  the  award  and  1,829  will  vest  20%  per  year  from  the  date  of  the  award.  The  remaining  22,965  are  considered
performance  based  awards.  The  awards  can  be  earned  based  upon  the  stock  performance  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  in 
relationship to the common stock of the Company’s peer group. The number of shares can be adjusted by up to 150% of the award if
outstanding  performance  is  reached  or  can  be  forfeited  if  minimum  performance  is  not  reached.  Of  the  22,965  performance  based
awards issued in 2016, 5,312 were additional awards based on performance of the Company’s common stock and related to the awards 
initially awarded in 2015 for the 2015-2016 performance period. The additional shares were earned as the target was exceeded and the
employees received 125% of the initial award. The remaining 17,833 awards are related to the 2016-2017 performance period and vest 
one year and a day after the two year performance period or January 1, 2019. The weighted average contractual term over which the
restricted stock  will  vest  is  1.50  years.  There were  45,023  shares of  restricted  stock  awarded during  2015.  Of the 45,023 restricted
common shares, 12,552 will vest one year from the date of the award and 11,939 will vest 20% per year from the date of the award.
The remaining 20,532 are considered performance based awards. The awards can be earned based upon the stock performance of the
Company’s common stock in relationship to the common stock of the Company’s peer group. The number of shares can be adjusted 
by up to 150% of the award if outstanding performance is reached or can be forfeited if minimum performance is not reached. The
awards vest one year and a day after the two year performance period or January 1, 2018. The weighted average contractual term over
which the restricted stock will vest is 1.64 years. 

Restricted Stock

Nonvested at January 1, 2016

Awarded
Vested
Cancelled

Nonvested at December 31, 2016

Weighted
Average 
Grant Date 
Fair Value  

Shares

57,516

34,888
(19,166)
(1,414)  

71,824   

$

$
$
$

$

9.21

10.14
9.10
9.32 

9.69 

The  shares  awarded  to  employees  and  directors  under  the  restricted  stock  agreements  vest  on  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. 

14.

REGULATORY MATTERS

Dividends 

Upon declaration by the Board of Directors of the Company, all shareholders of record will be entitled to receive dividends. 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.  There  were  no  cash  dividends
declared or paid in 2016, 2015 or 2014. 

74  
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

14.

REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

Dividends (Continued) 

As a California corporation, the Company’s ability to pay cash dividends is subject to restrictions set forth in the California General 
Corporation Law (the “Corporation Law”). The Corporation Law provides that neither a corporation nor any of its subsidiaries shall 
make a distribution to the corporation’s shareholders unless the board of directors has determined in good faith either of the following: 
(1)  the  amount  of  retained  earnings  of  the  corporation  immediately  prior  to  the  distribution  equals  or  exceeds  the  sum  of  (A)  the
amount of the proposed distribution plus (B) the preferential dividends arrears amount; or (2) immediately after the distribution, the
value of the corporation’s assets would equal or exceed the sum of its total liabilities plus the preferential rights amount. The good 
faith  determination  of  the  board  of  directors  may  be  based  upon  (1)  financial  statements  prepared  on  the  basis  of  reasonable
accounting practices and principles, (2) a fair valuation, or (3) any other method reasonable under the circumstances; provided, that a
distribution may not be made if the corporation or subsidiary making the distribution is, or is likely to be, unable to meet its liabilities
(except those whose payment is otherwise adequately provided for) as they mature. The term “preferential dividends arrears amount”
means the amount, if any, of cumulative dividends in arrears on all shares having a preference with respect to payment of dividends
over the class or series to which the applicable distribution is being made, provided that if the articles of incorporation provide that a
distribution can be made without regard to preferential dividends arrears amount, then the preferential dividends arrears amount shall
be zero. The term “preferential rights amount” means the amount that would be needed if the corporation were to be dissolved at the 
time  of  the  distribution  to  satisfy  the  preferential  rights,  including  accrued  but  unpaid  dividends,  of  other  shareholders  upon
dissolution that are superior to the rights of the shareholders receiving the distribution, provided that if the articles of incorporation
provide that a distribution can be made without regard to any preferential rights, then the preferential rights amount shall be zero. 

In addition, the California Financial Code restricts the total dividend payment of any state banking corporation 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 corporation may
request an exception to this restriction. 

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. 

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 of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the
most recent regulatory notification categorized American River Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt
corrective action plan. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s 
categories. 

75  
  
  
  
  
  
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

14.

REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

Regulatory Capital (Continued) 

Effective  January  1,  2015,  bank  holding  companies  with  consolidated  assets  of  $1  Billion  or  more  and  banks  like  American  River
Bank must comply with new minimum capital ratio requirements to be phased-in between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2019, which 
would consist of the following: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital to total risk weighted assets ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital
to total risk weighted assets ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (iii) a total capital to total risk weighted assets ratio of 8% (unchanged
from current rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets (“leverage”) ratio of 4%. 

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

To be categorized as well capitalized, ARB must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, common equity Tier 1 risk-
based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table below. 

Management believes that the Company and ARB met all their capital adequacy requirements as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. 

Leverage Ratio

American River Bankshares and Subsidiaries
Minimum regulatory requirement *

American River Bank
Minimum requirement for “Well-Capitalized” institution
Minimum regulatory requirement*

Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio

American River Bank
Minimum requirement for “Well-Capitalized” institution
Minimum regulatory requirement*

2016

Amount    

December 31,

2015

Ratio  
(Dollars in thousands)

Amount    

Ratio  

$ 66,985
$ 25,513

$ 67,369
$ 31,874
$ 25,499

$ 67,369
$ 23,132
$ 16,014

10.5%   
4.6%  

$ 67,651
$ 24,673

10.6%  
5.0%  
4.6%  

$ 68,079
$ 30,826
$ 24,661

18.9%  
6.5%  
5.1%  

$ 68,079
$ 23,237
$ 16,065

11.0%  
4.0%

11.0%
5.0%
4.0%

19.1%
6.5%
4.5%

76  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

14.

REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

Regulatory Capital (Continued)

Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio

American River Bankshares and Subsidiaries
Minimum regulatory requirement*

American River Bank
Minimum requirement for “Well-Capitalized” institution
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
Minimum regulatory requirement*

2016

Amount    

December 31,

2015

Ratio  
(Dollars in thousands)

Amount    

Ratio  

$ 66,985
$ 21,128

$ 67,369
$ 28,499
$ 21,352

$ 71,392
$ 28,204

$ 71,822
$ 35,624
$ 28,499

19.0%   
6.6%  

$ 67,651
$ 20,988

18.9%  
8.0%  
6.6%  

$ 68,079
$ 28,559
$ 21,420

20.3%  
8.6%  

$ 72,031
$ 27,984

20.2%  
10.0%  
8.6%  

$ 72,548
$ 35,750
$ 28,559

19.3%  
6.0%

19.1%
8.0%
6.0%

20.6%
8.0%

20.3%
10.0%
8.0%

* Ratio for regulatory requirement includes the capital conservation buffer of 0.625% as of December 31, 2016.

15.

OTHER NONINTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE

Other noninterest income consisted of the following (dollars in thousands): 

Merchant fee income
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies (Note 16)
Other

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2016

2014

$

$

$

377
322
251   

$

378 
316 
237   

413
284
345 

950   

$

931   

$

1,042 

77  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

15.

OTHER NONINTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE (Continued)

Other noninterest expense consisted of the following (dollars in thousands): 

Professional fees
Outsourced item processing
Directors’ expense
Telephone and postage
Stationery and supplies
Advertising and promotion
Other operating expenses

16.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

American River Bankshares 401(k) Plan 

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2016

2014

$

$

995   
366   
417   
357   
141   
129   
595   

$

863
360
402
368
143
164
662   

1,182
355
394
357
193
160
736 

$

3,000   

$

2,962   

$

3,377 

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 participant’s 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 $195,000, $202,000 and $178,000 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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 5.76% at December 31,
2016.  Deferred  compensation,  including  interest  earned,  totaled  $2,994,000  and  $2,837,000  at  December 31,  2016  and  2015,
respectively.  The  expense  recognized  under  this  plan  totaled  $168,000,  $156,000  and  $150,000  for  the  years  ended  December  31,
2016, 2015 and 2014, 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,  2016  and  2015,  the
Company  had  accrued  $1,335,000  and  $1,252,000,  respectively,  for  potential  benefits  payable.  This  payable  approximates  the  then
present value of the benefits expected to be provided at retirement and is included in accrued interest payable and other liabilities on
the consolidated balance sheet. The expense recognized under this plan totaled $178,000, $168,000 and $142,000 for the years ended
December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

78  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

16.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

Salary Continuation Plan (Continued) 

In connection with these plans, the Company invested in single premium life insurance policies with cash surrender values totaling
$14,803,000  and  $14,482,000  at  December  31,  2016  and  2015,  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  $322,000,  $316,000  and  $383,000  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014,
respectively. In 2014 $99,000 of this tax-exempt income was from the death benefit proceeds of a life insurance policy on a former 
employee. 

17.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions with related parties, including Directors and affiliates. The
following is a summary of the aggregate activity involving related party borrowers during 2016 (dollars in thousands): 

Balance, January 1, 2016

Disbursements
Amounts repaid

Balance, December 31, 2016

$

$

3,231

—
(2,491) 

740 

There are no undisbursed commitments to related parties as of December 31, 2016. 

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 $110,000, $108,000 and $107,000 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

79  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

18.

PARENT ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS 

December 31, 2016 and 2015 
(Dollars in thousands) 

Cash and due from banks
Investment in subsidiaries
Other assets

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

2016

2015

$

$

259
84,234

347   

191
86,503
333 

$

84,840   

$

87,027 

$

990   

$

990   

42,484
40,822

544   

952 

952 

49,554
34,418
2,103 

83,850   

86,075 

$

84,840   

$

87,027 

80  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

18.

PARENT ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(Dollars in thousands) 

2016

2015

2014

Income:

Dividends declared by subsidiaries – eliminated in consolidation
Management fee from subsidiaries – eliminated in consolidation Other income  

$

7,675   
—   

$

7,900

$

—   

Total income

Expenses:

Professional fees
Directors’ expense
Other expenses

Total expenses

7,675   

7,900   

91   
285   
203   

579   

97
285
204   

586   

Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries

7,096   

7,314

Equity in (distributed) undistributed income of subsidiaries

Income before income taxes

Income tax benefit

Net income

(930)  

(2,287)  

6,166   

5,027

238   

241   

$

6,404   

$

5,268   

$

4,361 

4,250
— 

4,250 

89
280
212 

581 

3,669

453 

4,122

239 

81  
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Continued) 

18.

PARENT ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(Dollars in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating 

activities:
Distributed (undistributed) earnings of subsidiaries
Equity-based compensation expense
Increase in other assets
Increase in other liabilities

2016

2015

2014

$

6,404 

$

5,268

$

4,361

2,088 
331 
(1,393)  
39 

2,287
271
(206)
36   

(453)
166
(44)
80 

Net cash provided by operating activities

7,469 

7,656   

4,110 

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercised options
Cash paid to repurchase common stock

13 
(7,414)  

—
(7,843)  

—
(4,148)

Net cash used in financing activities

(7,401)   

(7,843)  

(4,148) 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

68 

191 

(187)

378   

(38)

416 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

259 

$

191   

$

378 

82  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited)  

(In thousands, except per share and price range of common stock)

 2016

Interest income
Net interest income
Provision for loan and lease losses
Noninterest income
Noninterest expense
Income before taxes
Net income

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Cash dividends per share
Price range, common stock

 2015

Interest income
Net interest income
Provision for loan and lease losses
Noninterest income
Noninterest expense
Income before taxes
Net income

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Cash dividends per share
Price range, common stock

March 31,

June 30,

September 30,

December 31,

$

$

$

$

5,276
5,042
—
754
3,791
2,005
1,372

.19
.19
—
$9.71-10.98

4,902
4,654
—
585
3,813
1,426
956

.12
.12
—
$9.23-9.98

$

$

$

$

$

5,229
5,008
—
363
3,415
1,956
1,304

5,304
5,081
(668)
399
3,346
2,802
1,813

.19
.19
—
$9.69-10.97

$

.28
.27
—
  $10.15-10.91

5,283
5,039
—
507
3,415
2,131
1,386

.18
.18
—
$9.10-9.95

$

$

5,458
5,218
—
490
3,432
2,276
1,469

.20
.20
—
$9.15-10.35

$

$

$

$

5,344
5,112
(676)
529
3,284
3,033
1,915

.29
.29
—
$10.59-15.99

5,325
5,096
—
433
3,420
2,109
1,457

.20
.20
—
$9.40-11.19

83 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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