American River Bankshares Reports Third Quarter 2014 Results


SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 16, 2014) - American River Bankshares (NASDAQ: AMRB) today reported net income of $1.1 million, or $0.14 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2014 compared to $893,000, or $0.10 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2013. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, net income was $3.2 million or $0.39 per diluted share, compared to $2.2 million or $0.24 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

"We are pleased with our 63% increase in earnings per share year over year," said David Taber, President and CEO of American River Bankshares. "The signs of an improving economy were manifested in our solid growth of core deposits as our business clients continue to increase their liquidity. This has impacted their desire to borrow. We still have a tremendous amount to accomplish in leveraging our deposits, our people and our capital."

Financial Highlights

  • Nonperforming assets ("NPAs") declined to $7.9 million, or 1.28% of total assets at September 30, 2014, compared to $9.5 million, or 1.60% of total assets at December 31, 2013, and $10.5 million, or 1.74% of total assets a year ago. Other real estate owned ("OREO") decreased 21.4% to $5.2 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $6.6 million at December 31, 2013, and declined 7.5% compared to $5.6 million one year ago.

  • The allowance for loan and lease losses was $5.5 million (2.16% of total loans and leases) at September 30, 2014, compared to $5.3 million (2.08% of total loans and leases) at December 31, 2013 and $5.6 million (2.18% of total loans and leases) one year ago. The allowance for loan and lease losses to nonperforming loans and leases increased to 301.5% at September 30, 2014, from 270.1% at December 31, 2013 and 114.9% one year ago.

  • The Company's subsidiary, American River Bank, remains above the well-capitalized regulatory guidelines. At September 30, 2014, American River Bank's Leverage ratio was 11.8% compared to 11.9% at December 31, 2013 and 12.5% one year ago; the Tier 1 Risk Based Capital ratio was 21.7% compared to 22.0% at December 31, 2013 and 23.2%one year ago; and the Total Risk Based Capital ratio was 22.9% compared to 23.3% at December 31, 2013 and 24.4% one year ago. 

  • The third quarter 2014 net interest margin was 3.49%, down from 3.66% for the second quarter of 2014 and up from 3.44% for the third quarter of 2013. 

  • Shareholders' equity was $88.2 million at September 30, 2014 compared to $87.0 million at December 31, 2013 and $89.8 million at September 30, 2013. Tangible book value per share was $8.88 at September 30, 2014 compared to $8.33 per share at December 31, 2013 and $8.31 per share at September 30, 2013. Book value per share was $10.90 per share at September 30, 2014 compared to $10.25 per share at December 31, 2013 and $10.16 per share from a year ago.

Northern California Economic Update, September 30, 2014

Each quarter, management at American River Bank prepares an industry and economic report for internal use that analyzes the past six to eight rolling quarters within the three primary markets in which the Company does business -- Greater Sacramento Area and Sonoma and Amador Counties. Sources of economic and industry information include: Voit Real Estate Services market reports, Keegan & Coppin Company, Inc., Trulia Real Estate Search, ycharts/housing, the State of California Economic Development Department, US Census, CBRE, Pacific Union and Sacramento Association of Realtors. In general, previous reports noted that economic indicators in these markets began trending upwards near the end of 2011, had mixed results through 2012 but ended the year on a positive note, and results for 2013 were positive. Through the first three quarter of 2014 most trends are generally positive. Residential home sales, trending positive throughout 2012 and the third quarter of 2013, slowed in the last quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014, but have improved in the second and third quarters of 2014. The positive trends in commercial real estate from fourth quarter of 2012 to the end of 2013 continue in 2014. After year-over-year improvement, unemployment in the third quarter of 2014 is lower in California and in all three of our markets. This is coupled with increases in the number of employed workers in all of our markets.

Commercial Real Estate. In the Greater Sacramento Area, office vacancies at the end September 2014 were 14.9%, down from 15.5% at year end 2013; retail vacancies dropped to 8.9% at the end of September 2014 compared to 9.4% at the end of 2013; and industrial vacancy is 10.0%, down from 11.5% at year-end 2013. Vacancy trends for all three property types are positive. In the third quarter of 2014, Sonoma County commercial real estate vacancies improved in all market segments; for the year, office property vacancies have dropped from 20.2% to 19.3% and industrial vacancies dropped from 10.0% to 8.5% and retail vacancies dropped from 4.7% to 4.2%. Absorption of commercial real estate continues to be positive in both the Greater Sacramento Area and Sonoma County. As of the end of September 2014, absorption in all market segments has been positive in seven of the past eight quarters. Sonoma County does not measure retail absorption but, with a 4.2% vacancy rate, the retail market remains strong in the County. In the Greater Sacramento Area, over the last two years, commercial lease rates have shown little change; office rates have been in the $1.74/SF to $1.78/SF range, retail has ranged from $1.31/SF to $1.35/SF, and industrial has ranged from $0.35/SF to $0.37/SF. Lease rates in Sonoma County are generally positive through the end of June 2014; office leases have ranged from a low of $1.31/SF to the current rate of $1.73/SF (adjusted for a triple net basis); retail leases are $1.54/SF, the highest in four quarters; and industrial rates, after dropping in the first quarter of 2013, increased to $0.77/SF at the end of September 2013 and are $0.73/SF at the end of June 2014. Another value indicator is the capitalization ("CAP") rate for closed sales; generally a lower CAP rate results in a higher sales value. Data from CBRE for the Sacramento Region shows that the CAP rate trend is mixed in the first half of 2014. At the end of June 2014, Sacramento office CAP rates averaged 7.79% compared to 7.67% at year-end 2013, retail CAP rates averaged 7.71% compared to 7.88% at year-end 2013 and industrial CAP rates averaged 8.29% compared to 7.63% at year-end 2013.

Residential Real Estate. Residential real estate data is focused on California and the markets we serve, and is measured by tracking home sales (median prices, asking prices and type of sale) and home sale turnover (days on market, current inventory). Foreclosure activity has stabilized and has a lesser effect on the current residential market.

Results in sales activity were positive through most of 2013, but have mixed results in the past three quarters. After drops in asking prices and median sales prices for several years through 2011, these increased in all our markets in 2012 and 2013. In the third quarter of 2014 compared to year end 2013, asking prices are 14% higher in Sacramento County, 8% lower in Sonoma County and 31% higher in Amador County (note that the number of listings in Amador is very low and the average can be skewed by one or two high-priced homes). The trend for median closed sales prices is also mixed. Compared to year-end 2013, closed sales prices are up 7% in Sacramento, down 9% in Sonoma County and up 2% in Amador County.

In Sacramento, after five quarters of reporting a sales inventory of less than one month, inventory increased to 52 days at December 2013, and is up to 70 days at September 2014. The increase in inventory is due more to an elevated level of homes for sale rather that decline in sales. During the third quarter sales were at the highest level for the year; however, the number of homes for sale is over 50% higher than year-end 2013. Average days on market for closed sales was a low of 21 days in June 2013 and increased to 30 days at year-end 2013. After increasing to 39 days in March 2014, this figure dropped to 32 days at the end of August 2014. Sonoma County results are similar. There were 51 days of inventory at the end of June 2013, increasing to 61 days of inventory at year-end 2013. After increasing to 94 days in March 2014, the current inventory, as of August 2014, is 84 days.

In Sacramento the ratio trend of conventional sales compared to short sales and bank-owned properties ("OREO") sales has been very positive. In January 2012 this ratio was almost even; conventional sales were 37% of total sales, short sales were 31% and OREO sales were 32%. The trend to conventional sales has been consistent for the past two and a half years. During the third quarter of 2014, of 4,466 total sales in the Sacramento market, 88% were conventional sales, 6% were short sales and 6% were sales of OREO.

Although not regional data, US home sales and new home starts are an indicator of a generally improving housing economy. At the end of 2013 the US average price for a home sold was $197,700 compared to $180,200 at the end of 2012, an increase of 9.7%. After a slight decline in the first quarter of 2014, average prices increased to $219,800 in the second quarter of the year and are unchanged at the end of August 2014. In 2012, the number of new homes sold was 396,000, increasing to 441,000 in 2013. Through August 2014, annualized sales are 412,000, a 7% decrease over 2013 sales. 

Employment. California unemployment reached a high of 11.4% in second quarter of 2012, and dropped steadily to 9.6% at year-end 2012 and 7.9% at year-end 2013. After a slight increase to 8.4% in the first quarter of 2014, the rate as of August 2014 is 7.4%. The number of employed Californians continues to increase; compared to 17.0 million at the end of 2013, statewide employment was 17.3 million at the end of August 2014, a job growth of 327,000, or 1.92% higher than year-end 2013.

Through August 2014, all three of our markets post lower unemployment than at year-end 2013. Two of our markets (Sacramento MSA and Santa Rosa-Petaluma MSA) continue to be below State unemployment figures, and Santa Rosa-Petaluma MSA has been lower than the national average since the end of 2012. Over the same period, Amador County is consistently higher than the State but with a 7.7% unemployment rate at the end of August 2014, it is the County's lowest rate in over three years. In the first three quarters of 2014, job growth has been positive in all of our markets. Through August 2014, Sacramento MSA job growth has been 1.71%, Santa Rosa-Petaluma MSA is 2.42% and Amador County is 5.39%.

Asset Quality and Balance Sheet Review

American River Bankshares' assets totaled $615.6 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $592.8 million at December 31, 2013, and $602.2 million at September 30, 2013.

Net loans totaled $247.7 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $251.7 million at December 31, 2013 and $249.7 million at September 30, 2013. Nonperforming loans decreased $3.0 million (62.5%) from $4.8 million at September 30, 2013 to $1.8 million at September 30, 2014. The loan portfolio at September 30, 2014 included: real estate loans of $219.7 million (86% of the portfolio), commercial loans of $24.5 million (10% of the portfolio) and other loans, which consist mainly of leases and consumer loans of $9.2 million (4% of the portfolio). The real estate loan portfolio at September 30, 2014 includes: owner-occupied commercial real estate loans of $81.3 million (37% of the real estate portfolio), investor commercial real estate loans of $104.7 million (48% of the real estate portfolio), construction and land development loans of $8.3 million (4% of the real estate portfolio) and other loans, which consists of residential and multi-family real estate loans of $25.4 million (11% of the real estate loan portfolio).

NPAs include nonperforming loans and leases, other real estate owned, and other assets. Nonperforming loans includes all such loans and leases that are either placed on nonaccrual status or are 90 days past due as to principal or interest but still accrue interest because such loans are well-secured and in the process of collection. NPAs declined to $7.9 million at September 30, 2014 from $9.5 million at year end 2013 and from $10.5 million at September 30, 2013. The NPAs to total assets ratio stood at 1.28% at the end of September 2014, down from 1.60% at December 2013 and 1.74% one year ago. 

Loans measured for impairment were $27.2 million at the end of September 2014, compared to $27.0 million at December 31, 2013, and $28.7 million a year ago. Loans measured for impairment carried specific reserves of $1,694,000 at September 30, 2014 compared to $1,598,000 at December 31, 2013 and $1,837,000 at September 30, 2013. The Company had net recoveries of $198,000 in the third quarter of 2014 compared to net charge-offs of $113,000 in the third quarter of 2013. For the first nine months of 2014, the Company had net recoveries of $314,000 compared to net charge-offs of $414,000 in the first nine months of 2013. Because of the net recoveries during the quarter the Company made a reduction to the allowance for loan and lease losses during the third quarter of 2014 of $200,000 compared to no provision for the third quarter of 2013. The Company maintains the allowance for loan and lease losses at a level believed to be adequate for known and inherent risks in the portfolio. The 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. 

The Company evaluates impaired loans and assigns specific reserves when necessary. At September 30, 2014, specific reserves of $278,000 were recorded on nonperforming loans that were considered impaired compared to $398,000 at December 31, 2013 and $801,000 at September 30, 2013. In addition, there were six loans totaling $1.2 million, which are included in the $1.8 million of nonperforming loans and leases, which have been modified and are considered troubled debt restructures at September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2013, there were 12 loans totaling $3.2 million, which had been modified and were considered troubled debt restructures, which were also included in the nonperforming loan totals.

At September 30, 2014, the Company had eight OREO properties totaling $5.2 million. This compares to nine OREO properties totaling $6.6 million at December 31, 2013 and $5.6 million at September 30, 2013. During the third quarter of 2014, the Company sold two OREO properties and a one lot from a three-lot parcel (of which the other two lots remain) for a $98,000 net gain. The Company adjusted the balance on a single property, to fair value, that was obtained in a prior quarter by $9,000 based on updated information that was received in the current quarter. This adjustment was charged to OREO expense. Other adjustments were an addition of $25,000 to the OREO valuation. At September 30, 2014, the OREO valuation allowance was $130,000. This compares to a valuation allowance of $105,000 at December 31, 2013 and $133,000 at September 30, 2013.

Investment securities, which excludes $3.7 million in stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco ("FHLB Stock"), totaled $277.8 million at September 30, 2014, up 1.4% from $274.0 million at December 31, 2013 and up 2.9% from $269.9 million at September 30, 2013. At September 30, 2014, the investment portfolio was comprised of 88% mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, 10% obligations of states and political subdivisions, 1% corporate bonds and 1% in FHLB Stock.

At September 30, 2014, total deposits were $510.4 million, compared to $483.7 million at December 31, 2013 and $490.6 million one year ago. Core deposits increased 7% to $422.7 million at September 30, 2014 from $397.1 million at September 30, 2013 and 8% from $391.5 million at December 31, 2013. The Company considers all deposits except time deposits as core deposits.

At September 30, 2014, noninterest-bearing demand deposits accounted for 32% of total deposits, interest-bearing demand accounts were 12%, savings deposits were 10%, money market balances accounted for 29% and time certificates were 17% of total deposits. At September 30, 2013, noninterest-bearing demand deposits accounted for 29% of total deposits, interest-bearing demand accounts were 12%, savings deposits were 11%, money market balances accounted for 29% and time certificates were 19% of total deposits.

Shareholders' equity increased to $88.2 million at September 30, 2014 compared to $87.0 million at December 31, 2013. The increase in equity from December 31, 2013 was primarily related to the addition of earnings of $3.2 million and an increase in the unrealized gain on securities of $2.1 million exceeding the stock repurchases of $4.1 million made under the 2014 Stock Repurchase Program. During the third quarter of 2014, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock under the 2014 Stock Repurchase Program. Year to date, the Company has repurchased 424.462 (5% of the outstanding shares) of its common stock at an average price of $9.77 per share.

Net Interest Income

Third quarter 2014 net interest income was up 6% to $4.7 million from $4.4 million in the third quarter of 2013 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, net interest income increased 10% to $14.1 million from $12.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The net interest margin as a percentage of average earning assets was 3.49% in the third quarter of 2014, compared to 3.66% in the second quarter of 2014 and 3.44% in the third quarter of 2013. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the net interest margin was 3.58% compared to 3.46% % for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Interest income for the third quarter of 2014 increased 4% to $5.0 million from $4.8 million for the third quarter of 2013 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, interest income increased 8% to $15.0 million from $14.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Interest expense for the third quarter of 2014 decreased 20% to $287,000 from $361,000 for the third quarter of 2013 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 decreased 23% to $882,000 from $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. 

The average tax equivalent yield on earning assets declined from 3.71% in the third quarter of 2013 to 3.70% for the third quarter of 2014 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, increased to 3.80% from 3.76% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. For the comparison of the third quarters, the decrease in the yield on earning assets was attributable to a decrease in the yield on loans that predominately was offset by an increase in the balance and yield on investment securities. For the year over year comparison, much of the increase in the yield can be attributed to higher yields on investment securities partially mitigated by a decrease in the yields on loans. Although the foregone interest on nonaccrual loans decreased in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013, it continues to have an impact on the net interest margin. During the third quarter of 2014, foregone interest income on nonaccrual loans was approximately $31,000, compared to foregone interest of $101,000 during the third quarter of 2013. The foregone interest had a 2 basis point negative impact on the yield on earning assets during the third quarter of 2014 compared to an 8 basis point negative impact during the third quarter of 2013.

The average balance of earning assets increased 5% from $516.0 million in the third quarter of 2013 to $539.7 million in the third quarter of 2014 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, increased 6% to $536.0 million from $503.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. While there was an increase in the average earning assets, there continues to be a change in the mix of the assets as principal reductions from loan paydowns have predominately mitigated new loan growth as the increase in deposits balances have been invested into investment securities. This mix change resulted in a slight increase in loan balances and an increase in lower yielding investment security balances.

When compared to the third quarter of 2013, average loan balances were up 1% to $253.7 million for the third quarter of 2014 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased 1% to $254.2 million. The Company has continued to generate new loans and over the past twelve months the production of new loans has been able to outpace loan payoffs resulting in the slight increase in average loans. Compared to the third quarter of 2013, average investment securities were up 8% to $285.0 million during the third quarter of 2014.

Average deposits increased from $477.4 million during the third quarter of 2013 to $501.2 million during the third quarter of 2014 and from $471.9 million during the first nine months of 2013 to $494.7 million during the first nine months of 2014. Average borrowings decreased from $16.1 million during the third quarter of 2013 to $11.1 million during the third quarter of 2014 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, decreased to $11.4 million from $17.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. 

Noninterest Income and Expense

Noninterest income for the third quarter of 2014 was $520,000, up 13% from $462,000 in the third quarter of 2013 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1.5 million. On a quarter over quarter basis, the increase in noninterest income was primarily related to an increase in income from security sales which increased from $16,000 in the third quarter of 2013 to $83,000 in the third quarter of 2014. On a year over year basis, there was very little change in noninterest income; however, two areas of note would be the increase in income from sales of securities offset by a decrease in other noninterest income. Income from security sales increased from $19,000 in the first nine months of 2013 to $100,000 in the first none months of 2014. The decrease in other noninterest income was primarily related to proceeds of a life insurance policy on a former director, resulting in tax-free income of $118,000 in the first quarter of 2013.

Noninterest expense increased 4% to $3.7 million for the third quarter of 2014 from $3.5 million in the third quarter of 2013 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, was down 1% to $11.0 million from $11.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. While there were many fluctuations in expense related items between the third quarter of 2013 and 2014, two areas of note would be a decrease in OREO related expense from $137,000 in 2013 to $34,000 in 2014 and an increase in salaries and benefits from $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2013 to $2.2 million in the third quarter of 2014. The decrease in OREO related expense is related to a lower number of owned properties and lower write-downs resulting from updated property valuations. Write-downs from valuations decreased from $143,000 in the third quarter of 2013 to $34,000 in the third quarter of 2014. Ongoing OREO property operating costs were offset by gains on sales of OREO properties in both periods. The increase in salaries and benefits resulted from increases in core salaries, incentive plan accruals, and other benefits. Core salaries increased by $73,000 from $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2013 to $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2014 and are related to normal merit increases and a new loan production officer in the Bay Area Loan Production Office. Incentive plan accruals increased by $44,000 from $131,000 in the third quarter of 2013 to $175,000 in the third quarter of 2014. Other benefit expense, which includes health care related benefits, 401(k) matching, and employee placement fees, increased by $71,000 from $336,000 in the third quarter of 2013 to $407,000 in the third quarter of 2014.

On a year over year basis, OREO related expense decreased from $637,000 in 2013 to $156,000 in 2014 which was partially offset by an increase in other expense from $2.4 million to $2.6 million. The primary reason for the decrease in OREO related expenses is due to the sale of a number of properties, some of which were office buildings, and a decrease in property write-downs. The increase in other expense is primarily related to higher legal fees which increased from $136,000 in 2013 to $381,000 in 2014 and is the result of the resolution of issues associated with a former OREO property.

The fully taxable equivalent efficiency ratio for the third quarter of 2014 was 69.5% compared to 71.7% for the third quarter of 2013 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was 69.4% compared to 76.5% for the first nine months of 2013. 

Provision for Income Taxes

Federal and state income taxes increased from $429,000 in the third quarter of 2013 to $613,000 in the third quarter of 2014. The provision for income taxes increased from $834,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 to $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The higher provision for taxes in 2014 compared to 2013 resulted from the Company realizing significantly less benefits of Enterprise Zone credits on our State tax return as the program has been significantly reduced, an increase in taxable income, and 2013 included tax-free income related to the life insurance benefit as discussed above.

Earnings Conference Call

The third quarter earnings conference call will be held Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time). David T. Taber, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mitchell A. Derenzo, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, both of American River Bankshares, will lead a live presentation and answer analysts' questions. Shareholders, analysts and other interested parties are invited to join the call by dialing (888) 517-2513 and entering the Conference ID 8692619#. A recording of the call will be available approximately twenty-four hours after the call's completion on AmericanRiverBank.com

About American River Bankshares

American River Bankshares (NASDAQ: AMRB) is the parent company of American River Bank, a regional bank serving Northern California since 1983. We give business owners more REACH by offering financial expertise and exceptional service to complement a full suite of banking products and services. Our honest approach, commitment to community and focus on profitability is intended to lead our clients to greater success. For more information, call (800) 544-0545 or visit AmericanRiverBank.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results in these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, among other matters, changes in interest rates, economic conditions, governmental regulation and legislation, credit quality, and competition affecting the Company's businesses generally; the risk of natural disasters and future catastrophic events including terrorist related incidents; and other factors discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and in subsequent reports filed on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

         
         
American River Bankshares
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)                  
    September 30,     December 31,     September 30,  
ASSETS   2014     2013     2013  
Cash and due from banks   $ 41,997     $ 17,948     $ 35,152  
Interest-bearing deposits in banks     1,000       1,000       1,000  
Investment securities     277,847       273,976       269,917  
Loans & leases:                        
  Real estate     219,649       222,625       220,593  
  Commercial     24,529       24,545       24,606  
  Lease financing     1,279       1,344       1,040  
  Other     7,949       8,892       9,299  
  Deferred loan and lease origination fees, net     (260 )     (313 )     (241 )
  Allowance for loan and lease losses     (5,460 )     (5,346 )     (5,567 )
Loans and leases, net     247,686       251,747       249,730  
Bank premises and equipment, net     1,531       1,500       1,581  
Goodwill and intangible assets     16,321       16,321       16,321  
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank Stock     3,686       3,248       3,248  
Other real estate owned, net     5,201       6,621       5,624  
Accrued interest receivable and other assets     20,337       20,392       19,668  
    $ 615,606     $ 592,753     $ 602,241  
                         
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                  
Noninterest-bearing deposits   $ 159,863     $ 145,516     $ 144,673  
Interest checking     61,627       59,042       59,155  
Money market     148,863       135,169       141,231  
Savings     52,339       51,733       52,066  
Time deposits     87,703       92,230       93,459  
  Total deposits     510,395       483,690       490,584  
Short-term borrowings     3,500       8,000       8,000  
Long-term borrowings     7,500       8,000       8,000  
Accrued interest and other liabilities     6,032       6,043       5,886  
  Total liabilities     527,427       505,733       512,470  
                         
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                  
Common stock   $ 57,079     $ 61,108     $ 64,168  
Retained earnings     27,954       24,789       23,899  
Accumulated other comprehensive income     3,146       1,123       1,704  
  Total shareholders' equity     88,179       87,020       89,771  
    $ 615,606     $ 592,753     $ 602,241  
                         
Ratios:                        
Nonperforming loans and leases to total loans and leases     0.72 %     0.77 %     1.90 %
Net chargeoffs to average loans and leases (annualized)     -0.17 %     0.25 %     0.22 %
Allowance for loan and lease losses to total loans and leases     2.16 %     2.08 %     2.18 %
                         
American River Bank Capital Ratios:                        
Leverage Capital Ratio     11.77 %     11.90 %     12.46 %
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio     21.69 %     22.01 %     23.15 %
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio     22.94 %     23.26 %     24.41 %
                         
American River Bankshares Capital Ratios:                        
Leverage Capital Ratio     11.72 %     11.88 %     12.58 %
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio     21.60 %     21.95 %     23.36 %
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio     22.86 %     23.20 %     24.62 %
                         
                         
                         
American River Bankshares
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)                          
  Third   Third         For the Nine Months      
  Quarter   Quarter   %     Ended September 30,   %  
  2014   2013   Change     2014   2013   Change  
Interest income $ 4,966   $ 4,757   4.4 %   $ 15,029     13,959   7.7 %
Interest expense   287     361   (20.5) %     882     1,143   (22.8) %
Net interest income   4,679     4,396   6.4 %     14,147     12,816   10.4 %
Provision for loan and lease losses   (200 )   -   nm %     (200 )   200   (200.0) %
Noninterest income:                                  
  Service charges on deposit accounts   129     140   (7.9) %     434     438   (0.9) %
  Gain on sale of securities   83     16   418.8 %     100     19   426.3 %
  Rental income from other real estate owned   78     79   (1.3) %     290     242   19.8 %
  Other noninterest income   230     227   1.3 %     706     836   (15.6) %
    Total noninterest income   520     462   12.6 %     1,530     1,535   (0.3) %
Noninterest expense:                                  
  Salaries and employee benefits   2,242     2,020   11.0 %     6,479     6,413   1.0 %
  Occupancy   295     301   (2.0) %     898     897   0.1 %
  Furniture and equipment   190     194   (2.1) %     556     579   (4.0) %
  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessments   94     109   (13.8) %     288     220   30.9 %
  Expenses related to other real estate owned   34     137   (75.2) %     156     637   (75.5) %
  Other expense   807     775   4.1 %     2,637     2,404   9.7 %
    Total noninterest expense   3,662     3,536   3.6 %     11,014     11,150   (1.2) %
Income before provision for income taxes   1,737     1,322   31.4 %     4,863     3,001   62.0 %
Provision for income taxes   613     429   42.9 %     1,698     834   103.6 %
Net income $ 1,124   $ 893   25.9 %   $ 3,165   $ 2,167   46.1 %
                                   
Basic earnings per share $ 0.14   $ 0.10   40.0 %   $ 0.39     0.24   62.5 %
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.14   $ 0.10   40.0 %   $ 0.39     0.24   62.5 %
                                   
Net interest margin as a percentage of                                  
average earning assets   3.49 %   3.44 %         3.58 %   3.46 %    
                                   
Average diluted shares outstanding   8,076,523     8,817,287           8,166,782     8,974,803      
                                   
Operating Ratios:                                  
  Return on average assets   0.74 %   0.60 %         0.71 %   0.49 %    
  Return on average equity   5.09 %   4.01 %         4.86 %   3.19 %    
  Return on average tangible equity   6.25 %   4.92 %         5.98 %   3.89 %    
  Efficiency ratio (fully taxable equivalent)   69.53 %   71.72 %         69.35 %   76.52 %    
                                     
                                     
                                     
American River Bankshares  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)  
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)                              
    Third     Second     First     Fourth     Third  
    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter  
    2014     2014     2014     2013     2013  
Interest income   $ 4,966     $ 5,067     $ 4,996     $ 4,922     $ 4,757  
Interest expense     287       291       304       347       361  
Net interest income     4,679       4,776       4,692       4,575       4,396  
Provision for loan and lease losses     (200 )     -       -       -       -  
Noninterest income:                                        
  Service charges on deposit accounts     129       149       156       152       140  
  Gain on sale of securities     83       17       -       17       16  
  Rental income from other real estate owned     78       105       107       74       79  
  Other noninterest income     230       237       239       237       227  
    Total noninterest income     520       508       502       480       462  
Noninterest expense:                                        
  Salaries and employee benefits     2,242       2,117       2,120       2,103       2,020  
  Occupancy     295       296       307       306       301  
  Furniture and equipment     190       188       178       178       194  
  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessments     94       91       103       93       109  
  Expenses related to other real estate owned     34       123       (1 )     299       137  
  Other expense     807       884       946       762       775  
    Total noninterest expense     3,662       3,699       3,653       3,741       3,536  
Income before provision for income taxes     1,737       1,585       1,541       1,314       1,322  
Provision for income taxes     613       550       535       424       429  
Net income   $ 1,124     $ 1,035     $ 1,006     $ 890     $ 893  
                                         
Basic earnings per share   $ 0.14     $ 0.13     $ 0.12     $ 0.10     $ 0.10  
Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.14     $ 0.13     $ 0.12     $ 0.10     $ 0.10  
                                         
Net interest margin as a percentage of average earning assets     3.49 %     3.66 %     3.60 %     3.44 %     3.44 %
                                         
Average diluted shares outstanding     8,076,523       8,091,914       8,341,843       8,650,879       8,817,287  
Shares outstanding-end of period     8,089,615       8,089,615       8,158,409       8,489,247       8,833,562  
                                         
Operating Ratios (annualized):                                        
  Return on average assets     0.74 %     0.70 %     0.68 %     0.58 %     0.60 %
  Return on average equity     5.09 %     4.80 %     4.69 %     3.97 %     4.01 %
  Return on average tangible equity     6.25 %     5.91 %     5.78 %     4.86 %     4.92 %
  Efficiency ratio (fully taxable equivalent)     69.53 %     69.09 %     69.45 %     73.01 %     71.72 %
                                         
                                         
                                         
American River Bankshares  
Analysis of Net Interest Margin on Earning Assets  
(Taxable Equivalent Basis)  
(Dollars in thousands)  
Three months ended September 30,   2014     2013  
ASSETS   Avg Balance     Interest   Avg Yield     Avg Balance     Interest   Avg Yield  
Loans and leases   $ 253,743     $ 3,355   5.25 %   $ 252,243     $ 3,541   5.57 %
Taxable investment securities     257,673       1,406   2.16 %     234,714       1,004   1.70 %
Tax-exempt investment securities     27,201       264   3.85 %     28,004       282   4.00 %
Corporate stock     90       8   35.27 %     38       1   10.44 %
Interest-bearing deposits in banks     1,000       1   0.40 %     1,000       1   0.40 %
  Total earning assets     539,707       5,034   3.70 %     515,999       4,829   3.71 %
Cash & due from banks     28,694                   32,045              
Other assets     43,006                   45,410              
Allowance for loan & lease losses     (5,617 )                 (5,735 )            
    $ 605,790                 $ 587,719              
                                         
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                        
Interest checking and money market   $ 205,410     $ 107   0.21 %   $ 186,685     $ 113   0.24 %
Savings     52,648       10   0.08 %     51,726       13   0.10 %
Time deposits     87,960       136   0.61 %     95,409       160   0.67 %
Other borrowings     11,092       34   1.22 %     16,103       75   1.85 %
  Total interest bearing liabilities     357,110       287   0.32 %     349,923       361   0.41 %
Noninterest bearing demand deposits     155,167                   143,607              
Other liabilities     5,818                   5,864              
  Total liabilities     518,095                   499,394              
  Shareholders' equity     87,695                   88,325              
    $ 605,790                 $ 587,719              
Net interest income & margin           $ 4,747   3.49 %           $ 4,468   3.44 %
                                         
Nine months ended September 30,   2014     2013  
ASSETS   Avg Balance     Interest   Avg Yield     Avg Balance     Interest   Avg Yield  
Loans and leases   $ 254,243     $ 10,330   5.43 %   $ 252,129     $ 10,699   5.67 %
Taxable investment securities     253,523       4,084   2.15 %     221,724       2,597   1.57 %
Tax-exempt investment securities     27,154       801   3.94 %     29,100       870   4.00 %
Corporate stock     88       15   22.79 %     32       12   50.14 %
Interest-bearing deposits in banks     1,000       3   0.40 %     864       2   0.31 %
  Total earning assets     536,008       15,233   3.80 %     503,849       14,180   3.76 %
Cash & due from banks     26,102                   39,682              
Other assets     42,765                   48,093              
Allowance for loan & lease losses     (5,534 )                 (5,857 )            
    $ 599,341                 $ 585,767              
                                         
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                        
Interest checking and money market   $ 199,272     $ 316   0.21 %   $ 182,022     $ 361   0.27 %
Savings     52,878       31   0.08 %     51,124       55   0.14 %
Time deposits     89,922       422   0.63 %     96,385       502   0.70 %
Other borrowings     11,350       113   1.33 %     17,084       225   1.76 %
  Total interest bearing liabilities     353,422       882   0.33 %     346,615       1,143   0.44 %
Noninterest bearing demand deposits     152,648                   142,351              
Other liabilities     6,209                   5,912              
  Total liabilities     512,279                   494,878              
  Shareholders' equity     87,062                   90,889              
    $ 599,341                 $ 585,767              
Net interest income & margin           $ 14,351   3.58 %           $ 13,037   3.46 %
                                         
                                         

Contact Information:

Investor Contact:
Mitchell A. Derenzo
Chief Financial Officer
American River Bankshares
(916) 231-6723

Media Contact:
Diana La Point
Corporate Communications
American River Bankshares
(916) 231-6717