American Riviera Bank Reports over $600 Million in Assets

American Riviera Bank (OTC Markets: ARBV) announced today record unaudited net income of $5,890,000 ($1.32 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2018. This represents a 67% increase in net income from the $3,536,000 ($0.80 per share) for the same reporting period in the prior year. The annualized return on average assets of 1.03% and return on average equity of 10.19% represent an increase from the 0.73% and 6.61%, respectively, achieved for the same reporting period in the prior year. For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Bank reported unaudited net income of $1,492,000 ($0.33 per share) compared to $35,000 ($0.01 per share) for the fourth quarter last year.

Prior year results were negatively impacted by a non-recurring $1,119,000 revaluation of deferred tax assets in the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017 related to enacted federal tax reform. In 2018 the Bank benefited from the lower federal income tax rate associated with such reform, and reinvested by hiring 18 new employees and continued our expansion into San Luis Obispo County.

The Bank's continued organic growth in Santa Barbara County and the opening of our full-service Paso Robles branch resulted in a 20% increase in total assets, with $616 million in total assets reported at December 31, 2018. Asset growth was driven by strong loan demand, with total loans increasing $94 million or 23% from December 31, 2017, reaching $508 million at December 31, 2018 with no loans that were 90 days or more past due and no other real estate owned. The Bank reported an annualized net interest margin of 4.51% for the year ended December 31, 2018.

As of December 31, 2018, the Bank reported $513 million in total deposits. This represents a $65 million or 14% increase from the same reporting period in the prior year. Checking accounts, comprised of non-interest bearing demand deposits and interest bearing NOW accounts, increased by $17 million or 8% from the same reporting period last year.

Jeff DeVine, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "2018 was an exciting year of growth for American Riviera Bank with assets increasing just over $100 million. Our bankers are creating lasting relationships with clients in our Central Coast communities by serving their deposit and credit needs. As a result, the Bank continues to grow our client base, asset size and earnings. We are looking forward to further expansion in 2019 with a full-service branch in the City of San Luis Obispo."

As of December 31, 2018, American Riviera Bank maintained a strong capital position with a Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 10%; well above the regulatory guideline of 8% for well capitalized institutions. The tangible book value per share of American Riviera Bank common stock is $12.51 at December 31, 2018, a 12% increase from $11.16 at December 31, 2017.

Company Profile

American Riviera Bank is a full-service community bank focused on serving the lending and deposit needs of businesses and consumers on the Central Coast of California. The state-chartered bank opened for business on July 18, 2006, with the support of local shareholders. Full-service branches are located at 1033 Anacapa Street in Santa Barbara, 525 San Ysidro Road in Montecito, 5880 Calle Real in Goleta and 1601 Spring Street in Paso Robles. Commercial lending offices are located at 30 East Figueroa Street in Santa Barbara and 1085 Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo. Our residential loan production office is located at 18 East Figueroa Street in Santa Barbara. For eight consecutive years the Bank has been recognized for strong financial performance by the Findley Reports, and received the highest "Super Premier" rating from Findley for 2017. As of September 30, 2018, the Bank was rated five stars by BauerFinancial.

Statements concerning future performance, developments or events concerning expectations for growth and market forecasts, and any other guidance on future periods, constitute forward looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from stated expectations. Specific factors include, but are not limited to, effects of interest rate changes, ability to control costs and expenses, impact of consolidation in the banking industry, financial policies of the US government, and general economic conditions.

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