UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 20172018

or

☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE     ACT OF 1934.
For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission File Number:  000-26099

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 94-3327828
 (State(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. (I.R.S.  Employer Identification No.)

111 W. Pine Street, Lodi, California 95240
(Address of principal Executive offices) (Zip (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (209) 367-2300

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer  ☐
Accelerated filer ☒
Non-accelerated filer  ☐
Smaller Reporting Company ☐Emerging growth company ☐
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
                 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ☐    No ☒

Number of shares of common stock of the registrant 808,704821,073 outstanding as of April 28, 2017.May 4, 2018.



5FARMERSFARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP

FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 


PART I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
    
 Item 1 - Financial Statements 
    
  3
    
  4
    
  5
    
  6
    
  7
    
  8
    
 Item 2 - 3331
    
 Item 3 - 5249
    
 Item 4 - 5552
  �� 
PART II. - OTHER INFORMATION
    
 Item 1 - 5552
    
 Item 1A – 5553
    
 Item 2 - 5553
    
 Item 3 - 5653
    
 Item 4 – 5653
   
 Item 5 - 5653
    
 Item 6 - 5653
    
 56
5754
31(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31(b) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32 Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
Financial Statements

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands except share data)                  
 
March 31,
2017
  
December 31,
2016
  
March 31,
2016
 
Assets (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
March 31,
2018
(Unaudited)
  
December 31,
2017
  
March 31,
2017
(Unaudited)
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents:                  
Cash and Due from Banks $42,164  $54,896  $41,659  $37,974  $65,956  $42,164 
Interest Bearing Deposits with Banks  122,348   43,964   32,057   97,010   121,193   122,348 
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents  164,512   98,860   73,716   134,984   187,149   164,512 
                        
Investment Securities:                        
Available-for-Sale  452,842   448,263   341,771   495,814   481,596   452,842 
Held-to-Maturity  57,281   58,109   61,535   53,527   54,460   57,281 
Total Investment Securities  510,123   506,372   403,306   549,341   536,056   510,123 
                        
Loans & Leases:  2,146,032   2,177,601   1,993,071   2,235,083   2,215,295   2,146,032 
Less: Allowance for Credit Losses  48,400   47,919   44,129   50,677   50,342   48,400 
Loans & Leases, Net  2,097,632   2,129,682   1,948,942   2,184,406   2,164,953   2,097,632 
                        
Premises and Equipment, Net  28,781   29,229   26,344   28,491   28,679   28,781 
Bank Owned Life Insurance  58,216   57,761   56,371   60,035   59,583   58,216 
Interest Receivable and Other Assets  93,745   100,217   84,319   102,726   99,032   93,745 
Total Assets $2,953,009  $2,922,121  $2,592,998  $3,059,983  $3,075,452  $2,953,009 
                        
Liabilities                        
Deposits:                        
Demand $709,908  $756,236  $637,140  $797,435  $832,652  $709,908 
Interest Bearing Transaction  503,678   495,063   409,360   589,883   601,476   503,678 
Savings and Money Market  804,383   760,119   725,823   831,324   813,703   804,383 
Time  589,644   570,293   484,141   482,763   475,397   589,644 
Total Deposits  2,607,613   2,581,711   2,256,464   2,701,405   2,723,228   2,607,613 
                        
Subordinated Debentures  10,310   10,310   10,310   10,310   10,310   10,310 
Interest Payable and Other Liabilities  46,539   50,119   63,778   42,392   42,254   46,539 
Total Liabilities  2,664,462   2,642,140   2,330,552   2,754,107   2,775,792   2,664,462 
                        
Shareholders' Equity                        
Preferred Stock: No Par Value, 1,000,000 Shares Authorized, None Issued or Outstanding  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Common Stock: Par Value $0.01, 7,500,000 Shares Authorized, 808,704, 807,329 and 792,387            
Shares Issued and Outstanding at March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016, Respectively  8   8   8 
Common Stock: Par Value $0.01, 7,500,000 Shares Authorized, 812,304, 812,304 and 818,704
Shares Issued and Outstanding at March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017, Respectively
  8   8   8 
Additional Paid-In Capital  91,482   90,671   82,004   93,624   93,624   91,482 
Retained Earnings  197,134   189,313   177,240   216,786   206,845   197,134 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income  (77)  (11)  3,194 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss  (4,542)  (817)  (77)
Total Shareholders' Equity  288,547   279,981   262,446   305,876   299,660   288,547 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $2,953,009  $2,922,121  $2,592,998  $3,059,983  $3,075,452  $2,953,009 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
Consolidated Statements of Income  (Unaudited)
(in thousands except per share data) 
Three Months
Ended March 31,
  
Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
 2017  2016  2018  2017 
Interest Income            
Interest and Fees on Loans & Leases $24,531  $21,894  $27,044  $24,531 
Interest on Deposits with Banks  249   46   585   249 
Interest on Investment Securities:                
Taxable  2,012   1,602   2,381   2,012 
Exempt from Federal Tax  450   484   418   450 
Total Interest Income  27,242   24,026   30,428   27,242 
                
Interest Expense                
Deposits  1,276   828   1,405   1,276 
Borrowed Funds  -   4 
Subordinated Debentures  100   88   117   100 
Total Interest Expense  1,376   920   1,522   1,376 
                
Net Interest Income  25,866   23,106   28,906   25,866 
Provision for Credit Losses  600   2,600   333   600 
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses  25,266   20,506   28,573   25,266 
                
Non-Interest Income                
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts  846   814   817   846 
Net Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investment Securities  -   (289)
Increase in Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance  455   474   452   455 
Debit Card and ATM Fees  910   835   1,016   910 
Net Gain on Deferred Compensation Investments  794   291   782   794 
Other  2,401   596   1,598   2,401 
Total Non-Interest Income  5,406   2,721   4,665   5,406 
                
Non-Interest Expense                
Salaries and Employee Benefits  12,492   11,706   13,527   12,492 
Net Gain on Deferred Compensation Investments  794   291   782   794 
Occupancy  848   741   942   848 
Equipment  987   857   1,023   987 
Marketing  175   299   329   175 
Legal  440   183 
FDIC Insurance  228   316   239   228 
Gain on Sale of ORE  (114)  (5,684)  -   (114)
Other  3,012   3,493   2,654   2,829 
Total Non-Interest Expense  18,422   12,019   19,936   18,422 
                
Income Before Income Taxes  12,250   11,208   13,302   12,250 
Provision for Income Taxes  4,429   4,036   3,361   4,429 
Net Income $7,821  $7,172  $9,941  $7,821 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share $9.68  $9.06  $12.24  $9.68 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(in thousands) 
Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  2017  2016 
Net Income $7,821  $7,172 
         
Other Comprehensive Income        
Increase in Net Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities  (114)  4,195 
Deferred Tax Benefit (Expense) Related to Unrealized Gains (Losses)  48   (1,764)
Reclassification Adjustment for Realized Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities Included in Net Income  -   289 
Deferred Tax Benefit Related to Reclassification Adjustment  -   (121)
Change in Net Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities, Net of Tax  (66)  2,599 
         
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income  (66)  2,599 
         
Comprehensive Income $7,755  $9,771 
(in thousands) 
Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  2018  2017 
Net Income $9,941  $7,821 
         
Other Comprehensive Income        
Increase in Net Unrealized Loss on Available-for-Sale Securities  (5,288)  (114)
Deferred Tax Benefit Related to Unrealized Losses  1,563   48 
Change in Net Unrealized Loss on Available-for-Sale Securities, Net of Tax  (3,725)  (66)
Total Other Comprehensive Loss  (3,725)  (66)
         
Comprehensive Income $6,216  $7,755 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity  (Unaudited)
(in thousands except share data)             Accumulated                 Accumulated    
 
Common
Shares
Outstanding
  
Common
Stock
  
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
  
Retained
Earnings
  
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income, net
  
Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance, January 1, 2016  790,787  $8  $81,164  $170,068  $595  $251,835 
Net Income      -   -   7,172   -   7,172 
Issuance of Common Stock  1,600   -   840   -   -   840 
Change in Net Unrealized Gains on Securities Available-for-Sale, net of tax      -   -   -   2,599   2,599 
Balance, March 31, 2016  792,387  $8  $82,004  $177,240  $3,194  $262,446 
                         
Common
Shares
Outstanding
  
Common
Stock
  
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
  
Retained
Earnings
  
Other
Comprehensive
Loss, net
  
Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance, January 1, 2017  807,329  $8  $90,671  $189,313  $(11) $279,981   807,329  $8  $90,671  $189,313  $(11) $279,981 
Net Income          -   7,821   -   7,821           -   7,821   -   7,821 
Issuance of Common Stock  1,375   -   811   -   -   811   1,375   -   811   -   -   811 
Change in Net Unrealized Loss on Securities Available-for-Sale, net of tax      -   -   -   (66)  (66)      -   -   -   (66)  (66)
Balance, March 31, 2017  808,704  $8  $91,482  $197,134  $(77) $288,547   808,704  $8  $91,482  $197,134  $(77) $288,547 
                        
                        
Balance, January 1, 2018  812,304  $8  $93,624  $206,845  $(817) $299,660 
Net Income          -   9,941   -   9,941 
Change in Net Unrealized Loss on Securities Available-for-Sale, net of tax      -   -   -   (3,725)  (3,725)
Balance, March 31, 2018  812,304  $8  $93,624  $216,786  $(4,542) $305,876 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
(in thousands) 
March 31,
2017
  
March 31,
2016
   
March 31,
2018
    
March 31,
2017
  
Operating Activities:            
Net Income $7,821  $7,172  $9,941  $7,821 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:                
Provision for Credit Losses  600   2,600   333   600 
Depreciation and Amortization  494   478   582   494 
Net Amortization of Investment Security Premiums & Discounts  402   370   277   402 
Amortization of Core Deposit Intangible  27   -   27   27 
Accretion of Discount on Acquired Loans  (66)  -   (18)  (66)
Net Loss on Sale of Investment Securities  -   289 
Net Gain on Sale of Property & Equipment  (1,108)  - 
Net Gain on Sale of Other Real Estate  (114)  (5,684)
Net (Gain) on Sale of Property & Equipment  (292)  (1,108)
Net Gain on Sale of ORE  -   (114)
Net Change in Operating Assets & Liabilities:                
Net Decrease in Interest Receivable and Other Assets  5,378   5,371   (2,525)  5,378 
Net Decrease in Interest Payable and Other Liabilities  (3,452)  (3,759)
Net Increase in Interest Payable and Other Liabilities  682   (3,452)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities  9,982   6,837   9,007   9,982 
Investing Activities:                
Purchase of Investment Securities Available-for-Sale  (79,007)  (118,395)  (109,482)  (79,007)
Proceeds from Sold, Matured or Called Securities Available-for-Sale  73,905   141,589   89,724   73,905 
Purchase of Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity  (210)  (1,012)  (1,952)  (210)
Proceeds from Matured or Called Securities Held-to-Maturity  1,023   863   2,870   1,023 
Net Loans & Leases Paid, Originated or Acquired  31,484   3,244   (19,791)  31,484 
Principal Collected on Loans & Leases Previously Charged Off  32   50   23   32 
Additions to Premises and Equipment  (1,157)  (247)  (1,085)  (1,157)
Purchase of Other Investments  (128)  (5,131)  (639)  (128)
Proceeds from Sale of Property & Equipment  2,219   -   983   2,219 
Proceeds from Sale of Other Real Estate  1,607   7,540   -   1,607 
Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities  29,768   28,501 
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities  (39,349)  29,768 
Financing Activities:                
Net Increase (Decrease) in Deposits  25,902   (21,068)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities  25,902   (21,068)
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents  65,652   14,270 
Net (Decrease) Increase in Deposits  (21,823)  25,902 
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities  (21,823)  25,902 
(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents  (52,165)  65,652 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period  98,860   59,446   187,149   98,860 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $164,512  $73,716  $134,984  $164,512 
Supplementary Data                
Cash Payments Made for Income Taxes $-  $261 
Issuance of Common Stock to the Bank's Non-Qualified Retirement Plans $811  $840  $-  $811 
Interest Paid $1,346  $962  $1,750  $1,346 

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


FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. Significant Accounting Policies

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (the “Company”) was organized March 10, 1999. Primary operations are related to traditional banking activities through its subsidiary Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California (the “Bank”) which was established in 1916. The Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries include Farmers & Merchants Investment Corporation and Farmers/Merchants Corp. Farmers & Merchants Investment Corporation has been dormant since 1991. Farmers/Merchants Corp. acts as trustee on deeds of trust originated by the Bank.

The Company’s other subsidiaries include F & M Bancorp, Inc. and FMCB Statutory Trust I. F & M Bancorp, Inc. was created in March 2002 to protect the name F & M Bank. During 2002, the Company completed a fictitious name filing in California to begin using the streamlined name “F & M Bank” as part of a larger effort to enhance the Company’s image and build brand name recognition. In December 2003, the Company formed a wholly owned subsidiary, FMCB Statutory Trust I. FMCB Statutory Trust I, is a non-consolidated subsidiary per Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and was formed for the sole purpose of issuing Trust Preferred Securities and related subordinated debentures.debentures, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). FMCB Statutory Trust I is a non-consolidated subsidiary.

On November 18, 2016, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp completed the acquisition of Delta National Bancorp, headquartered in Manteca, California, and the parent holding company for Delta Bank N.A., a locally owned and operated community bank established in 1973. As of the acquisition date, Delta National Bancorp had approximately $112 million in assets and four branch locations in the communities of Manteca, Riverbank, Modesto and Turlock. At the effective time of the acquisition, Delta National Bancorp was merged into Farmers & Merchants Bancorp and Delta Bank, N.A. was merged into Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California.

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to U.S. GAAP and prevailing practice within the banking industry. The following is a summary of the significant accounting and reporting policies used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for financial information.

These statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certainThese statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments), which are necessary for a fair presentation of financial results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 may not necessarily be indicative of future operating results. Certain disclosures normally presented in the notes to the annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 may not necessarily be indicative of future operating results.2017.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, F & M Bancorp, Inc. and the Bank, along with the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Farmers & Merchants Investment Corporation and Farmers/Merchants Corp. Significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Certain amounts in the prior years' financial statements and related footnote disclosures have been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or total shareholders’ equity.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The Company records revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“Topic 606”). Under Topic 606, the Company must identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. Significant revenue has not been recognized in the current reporting period that results from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods. The Company elected to use the modified retrospective transition method which requires application of ASU 2014-09 to uncompleted contracts at the date of adoption however, periods prior to the date of adoption will not be retrospectively revised as the impact of the ASU on uncompleted contracts at the date of adoption was not material.
The Company’s primary sources of revenue are derived from interest and dividends earned on loans, investment securities, and other financial instruments that are not within the scope of Topic 606. The Company has evaluated the nature of its contracts with customers and determined that further disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers into more granular categories beyond what is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income was not necessary. The Company generally fully satisfies its performance obligations on its contracts with customers as services are rendered and the transaction prices are typically fixed; charged either on a periodic basis or based on activity. Because performance obligations are satisfied as services are rendered and the transaction prices are fixed, there is limited judgment involved in applying Topic 606 that significantly affects the determination of the amount and timing of revenue from contracts with customers.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company has defined cash and cash equivalents as those amounts included in the balance sheet captions Cash and Due from Banks, Interest Bearing Deposits with Banks, Federal Funds Sold and Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell. For these instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Equity Method Investment
Investment over which the Company exercises significant influence over the activities of the entity but which do not meet the requirements for consolidation is accounted for using the equity method of accounting pursuant to ASC 323, whereby the Company records its share of the underlying income or loss of the entity. Equity in losses of the equity method investment is not recognized after the carrying value of the investment, including advances and loans, has been reduced to zero, unless guarantees or other funding obligations exist.

Investment Securities
Investment securities are classified at the time of purchase as held-to-maturity (“HTM”) if it is management’s intent and the Company has the ability to hold the securities until maturity. These securities are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount using a level yield of interest over the estimated remaining period until maturity. Losses, reflecting a decline in value judged by the Company to be other than temporary, are recognized in the period in which they occur.

Securities are classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) if it is management’s intent, at the time of purchase, to hold the securities for an indefinite period of time and/or to use the securities as part of the Company’s asset/liability management strategy. These securities are reported at fair value with aggregate unrealized gains or losses excluded from income and included as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of related income taxes. Fair values are based on quoted market prices or broker/dealer price quotations on a specific identification basis. Gains or losses on the sale of these securities are computed using the specific identification method.

Trading securities, if any, are acquired for short-term appreciation and are recorded in a trading portfolio and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in non-interest income.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: (1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement; and (2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through earnings.

Loans & Leases
Loans & leases are reported at the principal amount outstanding net of unearned discounts and deferred loan & lease fees and costs. Interest income on loans & leases is accrued daily on the outstanding balances using the simple interest method. Loan & lease origination fees are deferred and recognized over the contractual life of the loan or lease as an adjustment to the yield. Loans & leases are placed on non-accrual status when the collection of principal or interest is in doubt or when they become past due for 90 days or more unless they are both well-secured and in the process of collection. For this purpose, a loan or lease is considered well-secured if it is collateralized by property having a net realizable value in excess of the amount of the loan or lease or is guaranteed by a financially capable party. When a loan or lease is placed on non-accrual status, the accrued and unpaid interest receivable is reversed and charged against current income; thereafter, interest income is recognized only as it is collected in cash. Additionally, cash would be applied to principal if all principal was not expected to be collected. Loans & leases placed on non-accrual status are returned to accrual status when the loans or leases are paid current as to principal and interest and future payments are expected to be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan or lease.
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. Impaired loans & leases are either: (1) non-accrual loans & leases; or (2) restructured loans & leases that are still accruing interest. Loans or leases determined to be impaired are individually evaluated for impairment. When a loan or lease is impaired, the Company measures impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan or lease's effective interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, it may measure impairment based on a loan or lease's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan or lease is collateral dependent. A loan or lease is collateral dependent if the repayment of the loan or lease is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral.

A restructuring of a loan or lease constitutes a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) if the Company for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s (the term “borrower” is used herein to describe a customer who has entered into either a loan or lease transaction) financial difficulties grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Restructured loans & leases typically present an elevated level of credit risk as the borrowers are not able to perform according to the original contractual terms. If the restructured loan or lease was current on all payments at the time of restructure and management reasonably expects the borrower will continue to perform after the restructure, management may keep the loan or lease on accrual. Loans & leases that are on nonaccrual status at the time they become TDR, remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower demonstrates a sustained period of performance, which the Company generally believes to be six consecutive months of payments, or equivalent. A loan or lease can be removed from TDR status if it was restructured at a market rate in a prior calendar year and is currently in compliance with its modified terms. However, these loans or leases continue to be classified as impaired and are individually evaluated for impairment as described above.

Generally, the Company will not restructure loans or leases for borrowers unless: (1) the existing loan or lease is brought current as to principal and interest payments; and (2) the restructured loan or lease can be underwritten to reasonable underwriting standards. If these standards are not met other actions will be pursued (e.g., foreclosure) to collect outstanding loan or lease amounts. After restructure, a determination is made whether the loan or lease will be kept on accrual status based upon the underwriting and historical performance of the restructured credit.

Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses is an estimate of probable incurred credit losses inherent in the Company's loan & lease portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The allowance is established through a provision for credit 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 & lease growth. Credit exposures determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance. The overall allowance consists of three primary components: specific reserves related to impaired loans & leases; general reserves for inherent losses related to loans & leases that are not impaired; and an unallocated component that takes into account the imprecision in estimating and allocating allowance balances associated with macro factors.

The determination of the general reserve for loans & leases that are collectively evaluated for impairment is based on estimates made by management, to include, but not limited to, consideration of historical losses by portfolio segment, internal asset classifications, qualitative factors that 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 loan & lease portfolio, and probable losses inherent in the portfolio taken as a whole.

The Company maintains a separate allowance for each portfolio segment (loan & lease type). These portfolio segments include: (1) commercial real estate; (2) agricultural real estate; (3) real estate construction (including land and development loans); (4) residential 1st mortgages; (5) home equity lines and loans; (6) agricultural; (7) commercial; (8) consumer and other; and (9) equipment leases. The allowance for credit losses attributable to each portfolio segment, which includes both individually evaluated impaired loans & leases and loans & leases that are collectively evaluated for impairment, is combined to determine the Company's overall allowance, which is included on the consolidated balance sheet.
The Company assigns a risk rating to all loans & leases and periodically performs detailed reviews of all such loans & leases over a certain threshold to identify credit risks and assess overall collectability. For smaller balance loans & leases, such as consumer and residential real estate, a credit grade is established at inception, and then updated only when the loan or lease becomes contractually delinquent or when the borrower requests a modification. For larger balance loans, 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 & leases. These credit quality indicators are used to assign a risk rating to each individual loan or lease. These risk ratings are also subject to examination by independent specialists engaged by the Company. The risk ratings can be grouped into five major categories, defined as follows:

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

Special Mention – A special mention loan or lease 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 loan or lease or in the Company's credit position at some future date. Special mention loans & leases are not adversely classified and do not expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.

Substandard – A substandard loan or lease is not adequately protected by the current financial condition and paying capacity of the borrower or the value of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans or leases classified as substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. Well-defined weaknesses include a project's lack of marketability, inadequate cash flow or collateral support, failure to complete construction on time or the 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 – Loans or leases classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, based on currently known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable or improbable.

Loss – Loans or leases classified as loss are considered uncollectible. Once a loan or lease becomes delinquent and repayment becomes questionable, the Company will address collateral shortfalls with the borrower and attempt to obtain additional collateral. If this is not forthcoming and payment in full is unlikely, the Company will estimate its probable loss and immediately charge-off some or all of the balance.

The general reserve component of the allowance for credit 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:

Commercial Real Estate – Commercial real estate mortgage loans are generally considered to possess a higher inherent risk of loss than the Company’s commercial, agricultural and consumer loan types. 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 – Real estate construction loans, including land loans, are generally considered to possess a higher inherent risk of loss than the Company’s commercial, agricultural and consumer loan types. A major risk arises from the necessity to complete projects within specified cost and time lines. Trends in the construction industry significantly impact the credit quality of these loans, as demand drives construction activity. In addition, trends in real estate values significantly impact the credit quality of these loans, as property values determine the economic viability of construction projects.

Commercial – These loans are generally considered to possess a moderate inherent risk of loss because they are shorter-term; typically made to relationship customers; generally underwritten to existing cash flows of operating businesses; and may be collateralized by fixed assets, inventory and/or accounts receivable. 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.
Agricultural Real Estate and Agricultural – These loans are generally considered to possess a moderate inherent risk of loss since they are typically made to relationship customers and are secured by crop production, livestock and related real estate. These loans are vulnerable to two risk factors that are largely outside the control of Company and borrowers: commodity prices and weather conditions.

Leases – Equipment leases are generally considered to possess a moderate inherent risk of loss. As lessor, the Company is subject to both the credit risk of the borrower and the residual value risk of the equipment. Credit risks are underwritten using the same credit criteria the Company would use when making an equipment term loan. Residual value risk is managed through the use of qualified, independent appraisers that establish the residual values the Company uses in structuring a lease.

Residential 1st Mortgages and Home Equity Lines and Loans – These loans are generally considered to possess a low inherent risk of loss, although this is not always true as evidenced by the correction in residential real estate values that occurred between 2007 and 2012. The degree of risk in residential real estate lending depends primarily on the loan amount in relation to collateral value, the interest rate and the borrower's ability to repay in an orderly fashion. 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.

Consumer & Other – A consumer installment loan portfolio is usually comprised of a large number of small loans scheduled to be amortized over a specific period. Most installment loans are made for consumer purchases. 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.

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 and Bank's regulators, including the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”), the California Department of Business Oversight (“DBO”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), 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.

Acquired Loans
Loans acquired through purchase or through a business combination are recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date. Credit discounts, which reflect estimates of credit losses, expected to be incurred over the life of the loan, are included in the determination of fair value; therefore, an allowance for loan losses is not recorded at the acquisition date.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures
The Company also maintains a separate allowance for off-balance-sheet commitments. Management estimates anticipated losses using historical data and utilization assumptions. The allowance for off-balance-sheet commitments is included in Interest Payable and Other Liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Premises and Equipment
Premises, equipment, and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives of buildings range from 30 to 40 years, and for furniture and equipment from 3 to 7 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the terms of the respective leases, or their useful lives, which are generally 5 to 10 years. Remodeling and capital improvements are capitalized while maintenance and repairs are charged directly to occupancy expense.
Other Real Estate
Other real estate, which is included in other assets, is expected to be sold and is comprised of properties no longer utilized for business operations and property acquired through foreclosure in satisfaction of indebtedness. These properties are recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs upon acquisition. Revised estimates to the fair value less cost to sell are reported as adjustments to the carrying amount of the asset, provided that such adjusted value is not in excess of the carrying amount at acquisition. Initial losses on properties acquired through full or partial satisfaction of debt are treated as credit losses and charged to the allowance for credit losses at the time of acquisition. Subsequent declines in value from the recorded amounts, routine holding costs, and gains or losses upon disposition, if any, are included in non-interest expense as incurred.

Income Taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method results in the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities that are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. 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.

The Company follows the standards set forth in the “Income Taxes” topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements. This standard prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement standard for the financial statement recognition and measurement of an income tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. It also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.

The Company accounts for leases with Investment Tax Credits (ITC) under the deferred method as established in ASC 740-10. ITC are viewed and accounted for as a reduction of the cost of the related assets and presented as deferred income on the Company’s financial statement.

When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. 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 consolidated balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.

Interest expense and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits, if any, are included in the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Basic Earnings Per Common Share
The Company’s common stock is not traded on any exchange. The shares are primarily held by local residents and are not actively traded. Basic earnings per common share amounts are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. There are no common stock equivalent shares. Therefore, there is no presentation of diluted basic earnings per common share. See Note 6 for additional information.
Segment Reporting
The “Segment Reporting” topic of the FASB ASC requires that public companies report certain information about operating segments. It also requires that public companies report certain information about their products and services, the geographic areas in which they operate, and their major customers. The Company is a holding company for a community bank, which offers a wide array of products and services to its customers. Pursuant to its banking strategy, emphasis is placed on building relationships with its customers, as opposed to building specific lines of business. As a result, the Company is not organized around discernible lines of business and prefers to work as an integrated unit to customize solutions for its customers, with business line emphasis and product offerings changing over time as needs and demands change. Therefore, the Company only reports one segment.

Low Income Housing Tax Credit Investments (LIHTC)
The Company accounts for its interest in LIHTC using the cost method as established in ASC 323-740. As an investor, the Company obtains income tax credits and deductions from the operating losses of these tax credit entities. The income tax credits and deductions are allocated to the investors based on their ownership percentages and are recorded as a reduction of income tax expense (or an increase to income tax benefit) and a reduction of federal income taxes payable.

Comprehensive Income
The “Comprehensive Income” topic of the FASB ASC establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in the financial statements. Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that U.S. GAAP recognize as changes in value to an enterprise but are excluded from net income. For the Company, comprehensive income includes net income and changes in fair value of its available-for-sale investment securities.

Loss Contingencies
Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there now are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.

Business Combinations And Related Matters
Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Under the acquisition method, the acquiring entity in a business combination recognizes 100 percent of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, regardless of the percentage owned, at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Any excess of the fair value over the purchase price of net assets and other identifiable intangible assets acquired is recorded as bargain purchase gain. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed from contingencies must also be recognized at fair value, if the fair value can be determined during the measurement period. Results of operations of an acquired business are included in the statement of operations from the date of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs, including conversion charges, are expensed as incurred. The Company applied this guidance to the acquisition of Delta National Bancorp whichthat was consummated on November 18, 2016. The Company's consolidated financial statements reflect the operations
14

Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are comprised of core deposit intangibles acquired in the Delta National Bancorp acquisition and included in other assets.acquisition. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives. If an event occurs that indicates the carrying amount of an intangible asset may not be recoverable, management reviews the asset for impairment.

2. Investment Securities

The amortized cost, fair values, and unrealized gains and losses of the securities available-for-sale are as follows
(in thousands):
  Amortized  Gross Unrealized  Fair/Book 
March 31, 2018 Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities $3,068  $27  $-  $3,095 
US Treasury Notes  144,147   3   741   143,409 
US Govt SBA  27,786   12   261   27,537 
Mortgage Backed Securities (1)
  324,251   393   5,881   318,763 
Other  3,010   -   -   3,010 
Total $502,262  $435  $6,883  $495,814 

  Amortized  Gross Unrealized  Fair/Book 
December 31, 2017 Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities $3,080  $48  $-  $3,128 
US Treasury Notes  144,606   -   442   144,164 
US Govt SBA  29,559   29   208   29,380 
Mortgage Backed Securities (1)
  302,502   939   1,527   301,914 
Other  3,010   -   -   3,010 
Total $482,757  $1,016  $2,177  $481,596 

  Amortized  Gross Unrealized  Fair/Book 
March 31, 2017 Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities $3,115  $102  $-  $3,217 
US Treasury Notes  104,717   2   300   104,419 
US Govt SBA  34,947   34   247   34,734 
Mortgage Backed Securities (1)
  309,187   1,820   1,545   309,462 
Other  1,010   -   -   1,010 
Total $452,976  $1,958  $2,092  $452,842 
  Amortized  Gross Unrealized  Fair/Book 
December 31, 2016 Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities $3,127  $114  $-  $3,241 
US Treasury Notes  134,755   5   332   134,428 
US Govt SBA  36,532   42   260   36,314 
Mortgage Backed Securities (1)
  272,858   1,725   1,313   273,270 
Other  1,010   -   -   1,010 
Total $448,282  $1,886  $1,905  $448,263 
  Amortized  Gross Unrealized  Fair/Book 
March 31, 2016 Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities $63,157  $190  $1  $63,346 
US Treasury Notes  65,571   217   -   65,788 
Mortgage Backed Securities (1)
  207,021   5,113   7   212,127 
Other  510   -   -   510 
Total $336,259  $5,520  $8  $341,771 

(1) All Mortgage Backed Securities consist of securities collateralized by residential real estate and were issued by an agency or government sponsored entity of the U.S. government.

The book values, estimated fair values and unrealized gains and losses of investments classified as held-to-maturityare as follows (in(in thousands)::
  Book  Gross Unrealized  Fair 
March 31, 2018 Value  Gains  Losses  Value 
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions $53,527  $274  $56  $53,745 
Total $53,527  $274  $56  $53,745 

  Book  Gross Unrealized  Fair 
December 31, 2017 Value  Gains  Losses  Value 
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions $54,460  $776  $-  $55,236 
Total $54,460  $776  $-  $55,236 

  Book  Gross Unrealized  Fair 
March 31, 2017 Value  Gains  Losses  Value 
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions $57,281  $414  $22  $57,673 
Total $57,281  $414  $22  $57,673 
  Book  Gross Unrealized  Fair 
December 31, 2016 Value  Gains  Losses  Value 
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions $58,109  $339  $40  $58,408 
Total $58,109  $339  $40  $58,408 
  Book  Gross Unrealized  Fair 
March 31, 2016 Value  Gains  Losses  Value 
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions $61,535  $1,357  $-  $62,892 
Total $61,535  $1,357  $-  $62,892 
 
Fair values are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes. If a quoted market price or dealer quote is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities at March 31, 20172018 by contractual maturity are shown in the following table (in thousands):

 Available-for-Sale  Held-to-Maturity  Available-for-Sale  Held-to-Maturity 
March 31, 2017 
Amortized
Cost
  
Fair/Book
Value
  
Book
Value
  
Fair
Value
 
March 31, 2018  
Amortized
Cost
    
Fair/Book
Value
    
Book
Value
    
Fair
Value
  
Within one year $36,052  $36,053  $1,260  $1,262  $123,199  $122,897  $2,907  $2,915 
After one year through five years  65,667   65,563   9,463   9,488   14,798   14,762   6,711   6,714 
After five years through ten years  14,304   14,181   14,010   14,100   17,877   17,482   17,707   17,795 
After ten years  27,766   27,583   32,548   32,823   22,137   21,910   26,202   26,321 
  143,789   143,380   57,281   57,673   178,011   177,051   53,527   53,745 
                                
Investment securities not due at a single maturity date:                                
Mortgage-backed securities  309,187   309,462   -   -   324,251   318,763   -   - 
                       ��        
Total $452,976  $452,842  $57,281  $57,673  $502,262  $495,814  $53,527  $53,745 

Expected maturities of mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

The following tables show those investments with gross unrealized losses and their market value aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at the dates indicated (in thousands):

 Less Than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total  Less Than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
March 31, 2017 
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
  
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
  
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
 
March 31, 2018 
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
  
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
  
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
 
                                    
Securities Available-for-Sale
                                    
US Treasury Notes $69,433  $300  $-  $-  $69,433  $300  $23,551  $436  $59,866  $305  $83,417  $741 
US Govt SBA  26,412   247   -   -   26,412   247   10,848   82   11,737   179   22,585   261 
Mortgage Backed Securities  168,546   1,545   -   -   168,546   1,545   259,314   4,606   41,230   1,275   300,544   5,881 
Total $264,391  $2,092  $-  $-  $264,391  $2,092  $293,713  $5,124  $112,833  $1,759  $406,546  $6,883 
                                                
Securities Held-to-Maturity
                                                
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions $4,278  $22  $-  $-  $4,278  $22  $7,654  $56  $-  $-  $7,654  $56 
Total $4,278  $22  $-  $-  $4,278  $22  $7,654  $56  $-  $-  $7,654  $56 

  Less Than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
December 31, 2017 
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
  
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
  
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
 
                   
Securities Available-for-Sale
                  
US Treasury Notes $94,281  $144  $49,883  $298  $144,164  $442 
US Govt SBA  8,379   51   12,900   157   21,279   208 
Mortgage Backed Securities  126,863   932   43,208   595   170,071   1,527 
Total $229,523  $1,127  $105,991  $1,050  $335,514  $2,177 
 
  Less Than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
December 31, 2016 
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
  
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
  
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
 
                   
Securities Available-for-Sale
                  
US Treasury Notes $99,429  $332  $-  $-  $99,429  $332 
US Govt SBA  27,483   260   -   -   27,483   260 
Mortgage Backed Securities  123,157   1,313   -   -   123,157   1,313 
Total $250,069  $1,905  $-  $-  $250,069  $1,905 
                         
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions $7,251  $40  $-  $-  $7,251  $40 
Total $7,251  $40  $-  $-  $7,251  $40 
There were no HTM investments with gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2017
 
  Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total 
March 31, 2016 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
                   
Securities Available-for-Sale
                  
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities $39,996  $1  $-  $-  $39,996  $1 
Mortgage Backed Securities  1,529   7   -   -   1,529   7 
Total $41,525  $8  $-  $-  $41,525  $8 
  Less Than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
March 31, 2017 
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
  
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Loss
   
Fair
Value
  
Unrealized
Loss
 
                   
Securities Available-for-Sale
                  
US Treasury Notes $69,433  $300  $-  $-  $69,433  $300 
US Govt SBA  26,412   247   -   -   26,412   247 
Mortgage Backed Securities  168,546   1,545   -   -   168,546   1,545 
Total $264,391  $2,092  $-  $-  $264,391  $2,092 
                         
Securities Held-to-Maturity
                        
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions $4,278  $22  $-  $-  $4,278  $22 
Total $4,278  $22  $-  $-  $4,278  $22 
 
As of March 31, 2017,2018, the Company held 479491 investment securities of which 198164 were in aan unrealized loss position for less than twelve months. No95 securities were in a lossan unrealized position for twelve months or more. Management periodically evaluates each investment security for other-than-temporary impairment relying primarily on industry analyst reports and observations of market conditions and interest rate fluctuations. Management believes it will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the underlying investment securities.

Securities of Government Agency and Government Sponsored Entities – At March 31, 2017,2018, no securities of government agency and government sponsored entities were in aan unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. No securities were in aan unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. The unrealized losses on the Company's investments in securities of government agency and government sponsored entities were $0 at March 31, 2017, $0 at2018, December 31, 20162017 and $1,000, at March 31, 2016. The unrealized loss was caused by interest rate fluctuations. Repayment of these investments is guaranteed by an agency or government sponsored entity of the U.S. government. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the Company's investment. Because the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, and March 31, 2016.2017.

U.S. Treasury Notes – At March 31, 2017, five2018, four U.S. Treasury Note security investments were in aan unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and nonefour were in aan unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. The unrealized losses on the Company's investment in U.S. Treasury Notes were $741,000 at March 31, 2018 and $442,000 at December 31, 2017, and $300,000 at March 31, 2017 and $332,000 at December 31, 2016. There were no U.S. Treasury Notes in a loss position at March 31, 2016.2017. The unrealized losses were caused by interest rate fluctuations. Because the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and DecemberMarch 31, 2016.2017.

U.S. Government SBA – At March 31, 2017, 1352018, 66 U.S. Government SBA security investments were in aan unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and none66 were in aan unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. The unrealized losses on the Company's investment in U.S. Government SBA securities were $261,000 at March 31, 2018 and $208,000 at December 31, 2017, and $247,000 at March 31, 2017 and $260,000 at December 31, 2016.2017. The unrealized losses were caused by interest rate fluctuations. Because the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and DecemberMarch 31, 2016. The Company did not own any U.S. Government SBA securities prior to December 2016.2017.

Mortgage Backed Securities – At March 31, 2017, 472018, 75 mortgage backed security investments were in aan unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and none25 were in aan unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. The unrealized losses on the Company's investment in mortgage backed securities were $5.9 million, $1.5 million, $1.3and $1.5 million and $7,000 at March 31, 2017,2018, December 31, 2016,2017, and March 31, 2016,2017, respectively. The unrealized losses on the Company’s investment in mortgage backed securities were caused by interest rate fluctuations. The contractual cash flows of these investments are guaranteed by an agency or government sponsored entity of the U.S. government. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the Company's investment. Because the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2017,2018, December 31, 2016,2017, and March 31, 2016.2017.

Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions - At March 31, 2017, 112018, 19 obligations of states and political subdivisions were in aan unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. None were in aan unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. As of March 31, 2017,2018, over ninety-eight percent of the Company’s bank-qualified municipal bond portfolio is rated at either the issue or issuer level, and all of these ratings are “investment grade.” The Company monitors the status of the two percent of the portfolio that is not rated and at the current time does not believe any of them to be exhibiting financial problems that could result in a loss in any individual security.
The unrealized losses on the Company’s investment in obligations of states and political subdivisions were $22,000, $40,000$56,000, $0 and $0$22,000 at March 31, 2017,2018, December 31, 20162017 and March 31, 2016,2017, respectively. Management believes that any unrealized losses on the Company's investments in obligations of states and political subdivisions were primarily caused by interest rate fluctuations. The contractual terms of these investments do not permit the issuer to settle the securities at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. Because the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2017,2018, December 31, 2016,2017, and March 31, 2016.2017.

There were no proceeds from sales and calls of securities were as follows:for the period ending March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

(in thousands) Proceeds  Gains  Losses 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 $-  $-  $- 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 $102,895  $244  $533 

Pledged Securities
As of March 31, 2017,2018, securities carried at $203.8$245.4 million were pledged to secure public deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings, and other government agency deposits as required by law. This amount was $171.9$214.5 million at December 31, 2016,2017, and $184.9$203.8 million at March 31, 2016.2017.

3. Loans & Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses

The following tables show the allocation of the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment and by impairment methodology at the dates indicated (in thousands):

March 31, 2017 
Commercial Real
Estate
  
Agricultural
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
Construction
  
Residential 1st
Mortgages
  
Home Equity
Lines & Loans
  Agricultural  Commercial  
Consumer &
Other
  Leases  Unallocated  Total 
March 31, 2018 
Commercial Real
Estate
  
Agricultural
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
Construction
  
Residential 1st
Mortgages
  
Home Equity
Lines & Loans
  Agricultural  Commercial  
Consumer &
Other
  Leases  Unallocated  Total 
                                                                  
Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:                         Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:                               
Beginning Balance- January 1, 2017 $11,110  $9,450  $3,223  $865  $2,140  $7,381  $8,515  $200  $3,586  $1,449  $47,919 
Beginning Balance- January 1, 2018 $10,922  $12,085  $1,846  $815  $2,324  $8,159  $9,197  $209  $3,363  $1,422  $50,342 
Charge-Offs  (109)  -   -   -   -   (7)  -   (35)  -   -   (151)  -   -   -   -   (4)  -   -   (17)  -   -   (21)
Recoveries  7   -   -   3   2   -   4   16   -   -   32   -   -   -   3   1   6   2   11   -   -   23 
Provision  657   (57)  (277)  12   (17)  (863)  (40)  17   280   888   600   156   157   27   9   22   (297)  175   36   27   21   333 
Ending Balance- March 31, 2017 $11,665  $9,393  $2,946  $880  $2,125  $6,511  $8,479  $198  $3,866  $2,337  $48,400 
Ending Balance- March 31, 2018 $11,078  $12,242  $1,873  $827  $2,343  $7,868  $9,374  $239  $3,390  $1,443  $50,677 
Ending Balance Individually Evaluated for Impairment  471   -   -   69   17   331   268   6   -   -   1,162   335   -   -   76   17   -   205   8   -   -   641 
Ending Balance Collectively Evaluated for Impairment  11,194   9,393   2,946   811   2,108   6,180   8,211   192   3,866   2,337   47,238   10,743   12,242   1,873   751   2,326   7,868   9,169   231   3,390   1,443   50,036 
Loans:                                                                                        
Ending Balance $676,527  $463,645  $164,791  $249,628  $31,817  $266,010  $209,184  $7,119  $77,311  $-  $2,146,032  $698,349  $508,400  $96,315  $264,137  $34,691  $261,427  $274,682  $6,685  $90,397  $-  $2,235,083 
Ending Balance Individually Evaluated for Impairment  4,924   975   -   2,069   451   698   1,633   9   -   -   10,759   4,784   -   -   2,427   332   -   1,713   9   -   -   9,265 
Ending Balance Collectively Evaluated for Impairment $671,603  $462,670  $164,791  $247,559  $31,366  $265,312  $207,551  $7,110  $77,311  $-  $2,135,273  $693,565  $508,400  $96,315  $261,710  $34,359  $261,427  $272,969  $6,676  $90,397  $-  $2,225,818 
 
December 31, 2016 
Commercial Real
Estate
  
Agricultural
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
Construction
  
Residential 1st
Mortgages
  
Home Equity
Lines & Loans
  Agricultural  Commercial  
Consumer &
Other
  Leases  Unallocated  Total 
December 31, 2017 
Commercial Real
Estate
  
Agricultural
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
Construction
  
Residential 1st
Mortgages
  
Home Equity
Lines & Loans
  Agricultural  Commercial  
Consumer &
Other
  Leases  Unallocated  Total 
                                                                  
Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:                         Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:                               
Beginning Balance- January 1, 2016 $10,063  $6,881  $2,485  $789  $2,146  $6,308  $7,836  $175  $3,294  $1,546  $41,523 
Beginning Balance- January 1, 2017 $11,110  $9,450  $3,223  $865  $2,140  $7,381  $8,515  $200  $3,586  $1,449  $47,919 
Charge-Offs  -   -   -   (21)  (46)  -   -   (105)  -   -   (172)  (109)  -   -   (53)  (3)  (374)  -   (146)  -   -   (685)
Recoveries  2   -   -   26   103   -   47   55   -   -   233   109   -   -   40   8   17   8   76   -   -   258 
Provision  1,045   2,569   738   71   (63)  1,073   632   75   292   (97)  6,335   (188)  2,635   (1,377)  (37)  179   1,135   674   79   (223)  (27)  2,850 
Ending Balance- December 31, 2016 $11,110  $9,450  $3,223  $865  $2,140  $7,381  $8,515  $200  $3,586  $1,449  $47,919 
Ending Balance- December 31, 2017 $10,922  $12,085  $1,846  $815  $2,324  $8,159  $9,197  $209  $3,363  $1,422  $50,342 
Ending Balance Individually Evaluated for Impairment  -   -   -   70   18   128   608   7   -   -   831   366   -   -   73   17   -   220   8   -   -   684 
Ending Balance Collectively Evaluated for Impairment  11,110   9,450   3,223   795   2,122   7,253   7,907   193   3,586   1,449   47,088   10,556   12,085   1,846   742   2,307   8,159   8,977   201   3,363   1,422   49,658 
Loans & Leases:                                                                                        
Ending Balance $668,046  $467,685  $176,462  $242,247  $31,625  $295,325  $217,577  $6,913  $71,721  $-  $2,177,601  $684,961  $499,231  $100,206  $260,751  $34,525  $273,582  $265,703  $6,656  $89,680  $-  $2,215,295 
Ending Balance Individually Evaluated for Impairment  1,932   1,304   -   2,126   402   625   4,464   10   -   -   10,863   4,822   -   -   2,373   340   -   1,734   10   -   -   9,279 
Ending Balance Collectively Evaluated for Impairment  666,114   466,381   176,462   240,121   31,223   294,700   213,113   6,903   71,721   -   2,166,738   680,139   499,231   100,206   258,378   34,185   273,582   263,969   6,646   89,680   -   2,206,016 

March 31, 2016 
Commercial Real
Estate
  
Agricultural
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
Construction
  
Residential 1st
Mortgages
  
Home Equity
Lines & Loans
  Agricultural  Commercial  
Consumer &
Other
  Leases  Unallocated  Total 
March 31, 2017 
Commercial Real
Estate
  
Agricultural
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
Construction
  
Residential 1st
Mortgages
  
Home Equity
Lines & Loans
  Agricultural  Commercial  
Consumer &
Other
  Leases  Unallocated  Total 
                                                                  
Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:    ��                       Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:                               
Beginning Balance- January 1, 2016 $10,063  $6,881  $2,485  $789  $2,146  $6,308  $7,836  $175  $3,294  $1,546  $41,523 
Beginning Balance- January 1, 2017 $11,110  $9,450  $3,223  $865  $2,140  $7,381  $8,515  $200  $3,586  $1,449  $47,919 
Charge-Offs  -   -   -   -   (19)  -   -   (25)  -   -   (44)  (109)  -   -   -   -   (7)  -   (35)  -   -   (151)
Recoveries  2   -   -   6   2   -   27   13   -   -   50   7   -   -   3   2   -   4   16   -   -   32 
Provision  34   2,281   109   1   (65)  (404)  (138)  24   (55)  813   2,600   657   (57)  (277)  12   (17)  (863)  (40)  17   280   888   600 
Ending Balance- March 31, 2016 $10,099  $9,162  $2,594  $796  $2,064  $5,904  $7,725  $187  $3,239  $2,359  $44,129 
Ending Balance- March 31, 2017 $11,665  $9,393  $2,946  $880  $2,125  $6,511  $8,479  $198  $3,866  $2,337  $48,400 
Ending Balance Individually Evaluated for Impairment  59   -   -   66   65   115   757   26   -   -   1,088   471   -   -   69   17   331   268   6   -   -   1,162 
Ending Balance Collectively Evaluated for Impairment  10,040   9,162   2,594   730   1,999   5,789   6,968   161   3,239   2,359   43,041   11,194   9,393   2,946   811   2,108   6,180   8,211   192   3,866   2,337   47,238 
Loans:                                                                                        
Ending Balance $611,511  $432,281  $166,455  $212,205  $31,639  $253,655  $213,479  $7,066  $64,780  $-  $1,993,071  $676,527  $463,645  $164,791  $249,628  $31,817  $266,010  $209,184  $7,119  $77,311  $-  $2,146,032 
Ending Balance Individually Evaluated for Impairment  3,376   163   -   1,944   1,513   605   4,714   30   -   -   12,345   4,924   975   -   2,069   451   698   1,633   9   -   -   10,759 
Ending Balance Collectively Evaluated for Impairment $608,135  $432,118  $166,455  $210,261  $30,126  $253,050  $208,765  $7,036  $64,780  $-  $1,980,726  $671,603  $462,670  $164,791  $247,559  $31,366  $265,312  $207,551  $7,110  $77,311  $-  $2,135,273 

The ending balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment includes restructured loans in the amount of $2.9 million at March 31, 2018, $3.0 million at December 31, 2017 and $3.4 million at March 31, 2017, $3.3 million at December 31, 2016 and $5.3 million at March 31, 2016, which are no longer classified as TDRs.
 
The following tables show the loan & lease portfolio allocated by management’s internal risk ratings at the dates indicated (in thousands):

March 31, 2017 Pass  
Special
Mention
  Substandard  
Total Loans &
Leases
 
March 31, 2018 Pass  
Special
Mention
  Substandard  
Total Loans
& Leases
 
Loans & Leases:                        
Commercial Real Estate $668,243  $6,768  $1,516  $676,527  $691,537  $6,812  $-  $698,349 
Agricultural Real Estate  461,318   1,351   976   463,645   495,936   8,537   3,927   508,400 
Real Estate Construction  156,426   8,365   -   164,791   86,779   9,536   -   96,315 
Residential 1st Mortgages  249,238   45   345   249,628   263,101   -   1,036   264,137 
Home Equity Lines & Loans  31,752   -   65   31,817   34,643   -   48   34,691 
Agricultural  255,390   9,857   763   266,010   252,553   6,286   2,588   261,427 
Commercial  204,792   3,638   754   209,184   268,745   5,460   477   274,682 
Consumer & Other  6,965   -   154   7,119   6,565   -   120   6,685 
Leases  74,817   2,494   -   77,311   88,320   2,077   -   90,397 
Total $2,108,941  $32,518  $4,573  $2,146,032  $2,188,179  $38,708  $8,196  $2,235,083 

December 31, 2016 Pass  
Special
Mention
  Substandard  Total Loans 
December 31, 2017 Pass  
Special
Mention
  Substandard  Total Loans 
Loans & Leases:                        
Commercial Real Estate $659,694  $6,817  $1,535  $668,046  $677,636  $6,843  $482  $684,961 
Agricultural Real Estate  464,997   1,384   1,304   467,685   488,672   6,529   4,030   499,231 
Real Estate Construction  176,462   -   -   176,462   90,728   9,478   -   100,206 
Residential 1st Mortgages  241,816   47   384   242,247   259,795   41   915   260,751 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  31,558   -   67   31,625   34,476   -   49   34,525 
Agricultural  283,525   11,366   434   295,325   264,425   6,439   2,718   273,582 
Commercial  208,172   6,974   2,431   217,577   260,565   4,610   528   265,703 
Consumer & Other  6,705   -   208   6,913   6,498   -   158   6,656 
Leases  71,721   -   -   71,721   87,497   2,183   -   89,680 
Total $2,144,650  $26,588  $6,363  $2,177,601  $2,170,292  $36,123  $8,880  $2,215,295 

March 31, 2016 Pass  
Special
Mention
  Substandard  
Total Loans &
Leases
 
March 31, 2017 Pass  
Special
Mention
  Substandard  
Total Loans
& Leases
 
Loans & Leases:                        
Commercial Real Estate $602,242  $8,573  $696  $611,511  $668,243  $6,768  $1,516  $676,527 
Agricultural Real Estate  429,785   2,496   -   432,281   461,318   1,351   976   463,645 
Real Estate Construction  164,895   1,560   -   166,455   156,426   8,365   -   164,791 
Residential 1st Mortgages  210,884   410   911   212,205   249,238   45   345   249,628 
Home Equity Lines & Loans  30,701   72   866   31,639   31,752   -   65   31,817 
Agricultural  252,387   638   630   253,655   255,390   9,857   763   266,010 
Commercial  202,878   7,582   3,019   213,479   204,792   3,638   754   209,184 
Consumer & Other  6,856   -   210   7,066   6,965   -   154   7,119 
Leases  60,441   4,339   -   64,780   74,817   2,494   -   77,311 
Total $1,961,069  $25,670  $6,332  $1,993,071  $2,108,941  $32,518  $4,573  $2,146,032 

See “Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies - Allowance for Credit Losses” for a description of the internal risk ratings used by the Company. There were no loans or leases outstanding at March 31, 2017,2018, December 31, 2016,2017, and March 31, 2016,2017, rated doubtful or loss.
 
The following tables show an aging analysis of the loan & lease portfolio by the time past due at the dates indicated
(in thousands):

March 31, 2017 
30-59 Days
Past Due
  
60-89 Days
Past Due
  
90 Days and
Still Accruing
  Nonaccrual  
Total Past
Due
  Current  
Total
Loans & Leases
 
March 31, 2018 
30-59 Days
Past Due
  
60-89 Days
Past Due
  
90 Days and
Still Accruing
  Nonaccrual  
Total Past
Due
  Current  
Total
Loans & Leases
 
Loans & Leases:                                          
Commercial Real Estate $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $676,527  $676,527  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $698,349  $698,349 
Agricultural Real Estate  -   -   -   976   976   462,669   463,645   -   -   -   -   -   508,400   508,400 
Real Estate Construction  -   -   -   -   -   164,791   164,791   -   -   -   -   -   96,315   96,315 
Residential 1st Mortgages  110   -   -   60   170   249,458   249,628   14   49   -   81   144   263,993   264,137 
Home Equity Lines & Loans  -   -   -   64   64   31,753   31,817   20   -   -   -   20   34,671   34,691 
Agricultural  -   -   -   315   315   265,695   266,010   -   -   -   -   -   261,427   261,427 
Commercial  -   -   -   -   -   209,184   209,184   -   14   -   -   14   274,668   274,682 
Consumer & Other  16   -   -   6   22   7,097   7,119   8   -   -   -   8   6,677   6,685 
Leases  -   -   -   -   -   77,311   77,311   -   -   -   -   -   90,397   90,397 
Total $126  $-  $-  $1,421  $1,547  $2,144,485  $2,146,032  $42  $63  $-  $81  $186  $2,234,897  $2,235,083 

December 31, 2016 
30-59 Days
Past Due
  
60-89 Days
Past Due
  
90 Days and
Still Accruing
  Nonaccrual  
Total Past
Due
  Current  
Total
Loans & Leases
 
December 31, 2017 
30-59 Days
Past Due
  
60-89 Days
Past Due
  
90 Days and
Still Accruing
  Nonaccrual  
Total Past
Due
  Current  
Total
Loans & Leases
 
Loans & Leases:                                          
Commercial Real Estate $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $668,046  $668,046  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $684,961  $684,961 
Agricultural Real Estate  -   -   -   1,304   1,304   466,381   467,685   -   -   -   -   -   499,231   499,231 
Real Estate Construction  -   -   -   -   -   176,462   176,462   -   -   -   -   -   100,206   100,206 
Residential 1st Mortgages  -   -   -   95   95   242,152   242,247   448   -   -   -   448   260,303   260,751 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  -   -   -   -   -   31,625   31,625   10   -   -   -   10   34,515   34,525 
Agricultural  -   -   -   243   243   295,082   295,325   -   -   -   -   -   273,582   273,582 
Commercial  -   -   -   1,425   1,425   216,152   217,577   180   -   -   -   180   265,523   265,703 
Consumer & Other  10   -   -   7   17   6,896   6,913   7   -   -   -   7   6,649   6,656 
Leases  -   -   -   -   -   71,721   71,721   -   -   -   -   -   89,680   89,680 
Total $10  $-  $-  $3,074  $3,084  $2,174,517  $2,177,601  $645  $-  $-  $-  $645  $2,214,650  $2,215,295 

March 31, 2016 
30-59 Days
Past Due
  
60-89 Days
Past Due
  
90 Days and
Still Accruing
  Nonaccrual  
Total Past
Due
  Current  
Total
Loans & Leases
 
March 31, 2017 
30-59 Days
Past Due
  
60-89 Days
Past Due
  
90 Days and
Still Accruing
  Nonaccrual  
Total Past
Due
    Current   
Total
Loans & Leases
 
Loans & Leases:                                          
Commercial Real Estate $696  $-  $-  $-  $696  $610,815  $611,511  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $676,527  $676,527 
Agricultural Real Estate  -   -   -   163   163   432,118   432,281   -   -   -   976   976   462,669   463,645 
Real Estate Construction  -   -   -   -   -   166,455   166,455   -   -   -   -   -   164,791   164,791 
Residential 1st Mortgages  -   -   -   62   62   212,143   212,205   110   -   -   60   170   249,458   249,628 
Home Equity Lines & Loans  -   -   -   564   564   31,075   31,639   -   -   -   64   64   31,753   31,817 
Agricultural  -   -   -   -   -   253,655   253,655   -   -   -   315   315   265,695   266,010 
Commercial  -   -   -   1,499   1,499   211,980   213,479   -   -   -   -   -   209,184   209,184 
Consumer & Other  5   -   -   9   14   7,052   7,066   16   -   -   6   22   7,097   7,119 
Leases  -   -   -   -   -   64,780   64,780   -   -   -   -   -   77,311   77,311 
Total $701  $-  $-  $2,297  $2,998  $1,990,073  $1,993,071  $126  $-  $-  $1,421  $1,547  $2,144,485  $2,146,032 
 
The following tables show information related to impaired loans & leases for the periods indicated (in thousands):
March 31, 2018 
Recorded
Investment
  
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  
Related
Allowance
  
Average
Recorded
Investment
  
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:               
Commercial Real Estate $102  $102  $-  $103  $2 
Residential 1st Mortgages  903   1,005   -   907   8 
  $1,005  $1,107  $-  $1,010  $10 
With an allowance recorded:                 
Commercial Real Estate $2,955  $2,943  $335  $2,964  $24 
Residential 1st Mortgages  583   649   29   546   7 
Home Equity Lines & Loans  78   88   4   76   1 
Commercial  1,720   1,713   205   1,731   15 
Consumer & Other  8   8   8   8   - 
  $5,344  $5,401  $581  $5,325  $47 
Total $6,349  $6,508  $581  $6,335  $57 
December 31, 2017 
Recorded
Investment
  
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  
Related
Allowance
  
Average
Recorded
Investment
  
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:                    
Commercial Real Estate $104  $104  $-  $107  $11 
Agricultural Real Estate  -   -   -   488   - 
Residential 1st Mortgages  911   1,012   -   532   11 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  -   -   -   16   - 
Agricultural  -   -   -   30   - 
  $1,015  $1,116  $-  $1,173  $22 
With an allowance recorded:                    
Commercial Real Estate $2,973  $2,961  $366  $2,999  $104 
Residential 1st Mortgages  508   571   25   469   16 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  73   89   4   74   3 
Agricultural  -   -   -   409   21 
Commercial  1,741   1,734   220   1,693   59 
Consumer & Other  8   9   8   11   - 
  $5,303  $5,364  $623  $5,655  $203 
Total $6,318  $6,480  $623  $6,828  $225 

March 31, 2017 
Recorded
Investment
  
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  
Related
Allowance
  
Average
Recorded
Investment
  
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:               
Commercial Real Estate $110  $110  $-  $147  $4 
Agricultural Real Estate  976   983   -   1,141   - 
Residential 1st Mortgages  413   467   -   432   - 
Home Equity Lines & Loans  64   65   -   32   - 
Agricultural  60   66   -   30   - 
Commercial  -   -   -   1,512   - 
  $1,623  $1,691  $-  $3,294  $4 
With an allowance recorded:                    
Commercial Real Estate $3,024  $3,010  $471  $1,512  $30 
Residential 1st Mortgages  426   466   20   428   5 
Home Equity Lines & Loans  89   95   4   90   1 
Agricultural  638   639   331   632   8 
Commercial  1,641   1,633   268   1,541   16 
Consumer & Other  6   12   6   6   - 
  $5,824  $5,855  $1,100  $4,209  $60 
Total $7,447  $7,546  $1,100  $7,503  $64 

December 31, 2016 
Recorded
Investment
  
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  
Related
Allowance
  
Average
Recorded
Investment
  
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:               
Commercial Real Estate $184  $184  $-  $354  $7 
Residential 1st Mortgages  451   504   -   404   10 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  -   -   -   181   - 
Agricultural  -   -   -   144   5 
Commercial  3,023   3,023   -   3,053   133 
  $4,963  $5,016  $-  $4,705  $158 
With an allowance recorded:                    
Residential 1st Mortgages $430  $469  $21  $336  $13 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  90   97   5   123   4 
Agricultural  625   625   128   581   22 
Commercial  1,441   1,640   608   1,536   8 
Consumer & Other  6   13   6   12   - 
  $2,592  $2,844  $768  $2,588  $47 
Total $7,555  $7,860  $768  $7,293  $205 

March 31, 2016 
Recorded
Investment
  
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  
Related
Allowance
  
Average
Recorded
Investment
  
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:               
Commercial Real Estate $80  $80  $-  $91  $2 
Residential 1st Mortgages  329   371   -   440   2 
Home Equity Lines & Loans  725   796   -   653   - 
Agricultural  193   193   -   193   - 
Commercial  3,083   3,083   -   3,093   33 
  $4,573  $4,686  $-  $4,552  $40 
With an allowance recorded:                    
Residential 1st Mortgages $242  $282  $12  $295  $3 
Home Equity Lines & Loans  218   231   35   176   1 
Agricultural  413   413   115   413   6 
Commercial  1,631   1,789   757   1,644   6 
Consumer & Other  26   31   26   30   - 
  $2,530  $2,746  $945  $2,558  $16 
Total $7,103  $7,432  $945  $7,110  $56 
Total recorded investment shown in the prior tablestable will not equal the total ending balance of loans & leases individually evaluated for impairment on the allocation of allowance tables.table. This is because the calculation of recorded investment takes into account charge-offs, net unamortized loan & lease fees & costs, unamortized premium or discount, and accrued interest. Thisthis table also excludesdoes not include impaired loans that were previously modified in a troubled debt restructuring, are currently performing and are no longer disclosed or classified as TDR’s.
At March 31, 2018, the Company allocated $577,000 of specific reserves to $6.2 million of troubled debt restructured loans & leases, all of which were performing. The Company had no commitments at March 31, 2018 to lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans or leases that are classified as TDRs.

During the three-month period ending March 31, 2018, there were no loans & leases modified as a troubled debt restructuring.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, and the three months ended March 31, 2017, there were no payment defaults on loans or leases modified as troubled debt restructurings within twelve months following the modification. The Company considers a loan or lease to be in payment default once it is greater than 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms.

At December 31, 2017, the Company allocated $623,000 of specific reserves to $6.3 million of troubled debt restructured loans, all of which were performing. The Company had no commitments at December 31, 2017 lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as troubled debt restructurings.

During the period ending December 31, 2017, 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 of the loan; an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; or a permanent reduction of the recorded investment in the loan.

Modifications involving a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan ranged from 3 to 5 years. Modifications involving an extension of the maturity date ranged from 3 to 10 years.
The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructured loans for the period ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
  December 31, 2017 
Troubled Debt Restructurings 
Number of
Loans
  
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
  
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Residential 1st Mortgages  2  $673  $630 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  1   32   32 
Commercial  2   138   138 
Consumer & Other  1   9   8 
Total  6  $852  $808 

The troubled debt restructurings described above had no impact on the allowance for credit losses and resulted in charge-offs of $44,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

At March 31, 2017, the Company allocated $844,000 of specific reserves to $6.0 million of troubled debt restructured loans & leases, all of which were performing. The Company had no commitments at March 31, 2017 to lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans or leases that are classified as TDRs.

During the three-month period ending March 31, 2017, there were no loans & leases modified as a troubled debt restructuring. When a loan is restructured, the modification of the terms can include one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate; an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; or a permanent reduction of the recorded investment in the loan.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, and the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were no payment defaults on loans or leases modified as troubled debt restructurings within twelve months following the modification. The Company considers a loan or lease to be in payment default once it is greater than 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms.

At December 31, 2016, the Company allocated $736,000 of specific reserves to $5.9 million of troubled debt restructured loans, of which $4.5 million were performing. The Company had no commitments at December 31, 2016, to lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as troubled debt restructurings.

During the period ending December 31, 2016, the terms of certain loans were modified as troubled debt restructurings. Modifications involving a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan were for 5 years. Modifications involving an extension of the maturity date were for 10 years.

The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructured loans for the period ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

  December 31, 2016 
Troubled Debt Restructurings 
Number of
Loans
  
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
  
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Commercial Real Estate  1  $112  $112 
Residential 1st Mortgages  2   289   281 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  2   305   286 
Total  5  $706  $679 

The troubled debt restructurings described above had no impact on the allowance for credit losses and resulted in charge-offs of $27,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.

At March 31, 2016, the Company allocated $919,000 of specific reserves to $6.4 million of troubled debt restructured loans & leases, of which $4.8 million were performing. The Company had no commitments at March 31, 2016 to lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans or leases that are classified as TDRs.

During the three-month period ending March 31, 2016, the terms of certain loans & leases were modified as troubled debt restructurings. Modifications involving a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan were for 5 years. Modifications involving an extension of the maturity date were for 10 years.
The following table presents loans or leases by class modified as TDRs during the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 (in thousands):

  March 31, 2016 
Troubled Debt Restructurings 
Number of
Loans
  
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
  
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Home Equity Lines & Loans  2  $305  $286 
Total  2  $305  $286 

The TDRs described above decreased the allowance for credit losses by $17,000 and resulted in charge-offs of $20,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

4. Fair Value Measurements

The Company follows the “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures” topic of the FASB ASC, which establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This standard applies whenever other standards require, or permit, assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. In this standard, the FASB clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. In support of this principle, this standard establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

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

Level 2 inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might 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 - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

Management monitors the availability of observable market data to assess the appropriate classification of financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy. Changes in economic conditions or model-based valuation techniques may require the transfer of financial instruments from one fair value level to another. In such instances, the transfer is reported at the beginning of the reporting period.

Management evaluates the significance of transfers between levels based upon the nature of the financial instrument and size of the transfer relative to total assets, total liabilities or total earnings.

Securities classified as AFSavailable-for-sale are reported at fair value on a recurring basis utilizing Level 1, 2 and 3 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond's terms and conditions, among other things.
The Company does not record all loans & leases at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan or lease is considered impaired and an allowance for credit losses is established. Once a loan or lease is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with the “Receivable” topic of the FASB ASC. The fair value of impaired loans or leases is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value when the loan is collateral dependent, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, and discounted cash flows. Impaired loans & leases not requiring an allowance represent loans & leases for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans & leases. Impaired loans & leases where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of collateral dependent impaired loans is generally based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including sales comparison, cost and the income approach. Adjustments are often made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to take into account differences between the comparable sales and income and other available data. Such adjustments can be significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. The valuation technique used for Level 3 nonrecurring impaired loans is primarily the sales comparison approach less selling costs of 10%.

Other Real Estate (“ORE”) is reported at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Fair values are based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may use a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including sales comparison, cost and the income approach. Adjustments are often made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to take into account differences between the comparable sales and income and other available data. Such adjustments can be significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. The valuation technique used for Level 3 nonrecurring ORE is primarily the sales comparison approach less selling costs of 10%.

At March 31, 2017,2018, there were no formal foreclosure proceedings in process for consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties.

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value for the periods indicated.

        
Fair Value Measurements
At March 31, 2018, Using
  
 (in thousands)  
Fair Value
Total
     
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
    
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Available-for-Sale Securities:            
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities $3,095  $-  $3,095  $- 
US Treasury Notes  143,409   143,409   -   - 
US Govt SBA  27,537   -   27,537   - 
Mortgage Backed Securities  318,763   -   318,763   - 
Other  3,010   200   310   2,500 
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis $495,814  $143,609  $349,705  $2,500 

        
Fair Value Measurements
At December 31, 2017, Using
   
 (in thousands)  
Fair Value
Total
    
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
    
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Available-for-Sale Securities:            
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities $3,128  $-  $3,128  $- 
US Treasury Notes  144,164   144,164   -   - 
US Govt SBA  29,380   -   29,380   - 
Mortgage Backed Securities  301,914   -   301,914   - 
Other  3,010   200   310   2,500 
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis $481,596  $144,364  $334,732  $2,500 

        
Fair Value Measurements
At March 31, 2017, Using
  
 (in thousands)  
Fair Value
Total
    
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
    
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Available-for-Sale Securities:            
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities $3,217  $-  $3,217  $- 
US Treasury Notes  104,419   104,419   -   - 
US Govt SBA  34,734   -   34,734   - 
Mortgage Backed Securities  309,462   -   309,462   - 
Other  1,010   200   310   500 
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis $452,842  $104,619  $347,723  $500 
 
    
Fair Value Measurements
At December 31, 2016, Using
 
(in thousands) 
Fair Value
Total
  
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Available-for-Sale Securities:            
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities $3,241  $-  $3,241  $- 
US Treasury Notes  134,428   134,428   -   - 
US Govt SBA  36,314   -   36,314   - 
Mortgage Backed Securities  273,270   -   273,270   - 
Other  1,010   200   310   500 
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis $448,263  $134,628  $313,135  $500 

   Fair Value Measurements 
     At March 31, 2016, Using 
(in thousands) 
Fair Value
Total
  
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Available-for-Sale Securities:            
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities $63,346  $-  $63,346  $- 
US Treasury Notes  65,788   65,788   -   - 
Mortgage Backed Securities  212,127   -   212,127   - 
Other  510   200   310   - 
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis $341,771  $65,988  $275,783  $- 

Fair values for Level 2 available-for-sale investment securities are based on quoted market prices for similar securities. During the quartersperiod ended March 31, 2017 and 2016,2018, there were no transfers in or out of Levellevel 1, 2, or 3.

The available for sale investment securitiessecurity categorized as a Level 3 assetsasset for the period ended March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016,2018 consisted of a $500,000one $2.5 million investment in a limited liability company that purchases SBA loans. The Company increased this investment by $2.0 million during 2017. This security is not actively traded and is owned by a few investors for CRA purposes. The significant unobservable data reflected in the fair value measurement include dealer quotes, projected prepayment speeds/average lives and credit information, among other things. There were no gains or losses or transfers in or out of level 3 during the periodsperiod ended March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.2018.

The following tables present information about the Company’s other real estate and impaired loans or leases, classes of assets or liabilities that the Company carries at fair value on a non-recurring basis, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value for the periods indicated. Not all impaired loans or leases are carried at fair value. Impaired loans or leases are only included in the following tables when their fair value is based upon a current appraisal of the collateral, and if that appraisal results in a partial charge-off or the establishment of a specific reserve.
 
        
Fair Value Measurements
At March 31, 2018, Using
  
 (in thousands)  
Fair Value
Total
    
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Impaired Loans           
Commercial Real Estate $2,608  $-  $-  $2,608 
Residential 1st Mortgage  475   -   -   475 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  74   -   -   74 
Commercial  1,508   -   -   1,508 
Total Impaired Loans  4,665   -   -   4,665 
Other Real Estate                
Real Estate Construction  873   -   -   873 
Total Other Real Estate  873   -   -   873 
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Non-Recurring Basis $5,538  $-  $-  $5,538 

     
Fair Value Measurements
At December 31, 2017, Using
 
 
Fair Value
Total
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(in thousands)        
Impaired Loans:            
Commercial Real Estate $2,595  $-  $-  $2,595 
Residential 1st Mortgage  997   -   -   997 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  75   -   -   75 
Commercial  1,514   -   -   1,514 
Total Impaired Loans  5,181   -   -   5,181 
Other Real Estate:                
Real Estate Construction  873   -   -   873 
Total Other Real Estate  873   -   -   873 
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Non-Recurring Basis $6,054  $-  $-  $6,054 
      
Fair Value Measurements
At March 31, 2017, Using
  
 (in thousands)  
Fair Value
Total
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Impaired Loans            
Commercial Real Estate $2,539  $-  $-  $2,539 
Residential 1st Mortgage  389   -   -   389 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  82   -   -   82 
Agricultural  367   -   -   367 
Commercial  1,365   -   -   1,365 
Total Impaired Loans  4,742   -   -   4,742 
Other Real Estate                
Home Equity Lines and Loans  685   -   -   685 
Real Estate Construction  1,467   -   -   1,467 
Total Other Real Estate  2,152   -   -   2,152 
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Non-Recurring Basis $6,894  $-  $-  $6,894 

     
Fair Value Measurements
At December 31, 2016, Using
 
(in thousands) 
Fair Value
Total
  
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Impaired Loans:            
Residential 1st Mortgage $480  $-  $-  $480 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  83   -   -   83 
Agricultural  497   -   -   497 
Commercial  833   -   -   833 
Total Impaired Loans  1,893   -   -   1,893 
Other Real Estate:                
Home Equity Lines and Loans  785   -   -   785 
Real Estate Construction  2,960   -   -   2,960 
Total Other Real Estate  3,745   -   -   3,745 
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Non-Recurring Basis $5,638  $-  $-  $5,638 
    
Fair Value Measurements
At March 31, 2016, Using
 
(in thousands) 
Fair Value
Total
  
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Impaired Loans            
Residential 1st Mortgage $229  $-  $-  $229 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  365   -   -   365 
Agricultural  298   -   -   298 
Commercial  874   -   -   874 
Total Impaired Loans  1,766   -   -   1,766 
Other Real Estate                
Real Estate Construction  585   -   -   585 
Total Other Real Estate  585   -   -   585 
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Non-Recurring Basis $2,351  $-  $-  $2,351 

The Company’s property appraisals are primarily based on the sales comparison approach and the income approach methodologies, which consider recent sales of comparable properties, including their income generating characteristics, and then make adjustments to reflect the general assumptions that a market participant would make when analyzing the property for purchase. These adjustments may increase or decrease an appraised value and can vary significantly depending on the location, physical characteristics and income producing potential of each property. Additionally, the quality and volume of market information available at the time of the appraisal can vary from period to period and cause significant changes to the nature and magnitude of comparable sale adjustments. Given these variations, comparable sale adjustments are generally not a reliable indicator for how fair value will increase or decrease from period to period. Under certain circumstances, management discounts are applied based on specific characteristics of an individual property.

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2017:2018:

(in thousands) Fair Value Valuation TechniqueUnobservable InputsRange, Weighted Avg.  Fair Value Valuation TechniqueUnobservable Inputs Range, Weighted Avg. 
Impaired Loans             
Commercial Real Estate $2,539 Income ApproachCapitalization Rate 3.25% - 3.25%, 3.25%  $2,608 Income ApproachCapitalization Rate  3.25%, 3.25% 
Residential 1st Mortgage $389       Sales Comparison ApproachAdjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales 2% -4%, 3%  $475       Sales Comparison ApproachAdjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales  1% -4%, 3% 
Home Equity Lines and Loans $82       Sales Comparison ApproachAdjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales 1% - 2%, 1%  $74       Sales Comparison ApproachAdjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales  1% - 2%, 1% 
Agricultural $307 Income ApproachCapitalization Rate 6.25% - 6.25%, 6.25% 
Agricultural $60 Collateral ApproachCollateral Value 10% - 10%, 10% 
Commercial $1,365 Income ApproachCapitalization Rate 3.25% - 3.25%, 3.25%  $1,508 Income ApproachCapitalization Rate  2.95% - 8.70%, 3.40% 
                   
Other Real Estate                 
Home Equity Lines and Loans $685       Sales Comparison ApproachAdjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales 10% - 10%, 10% 
Real Estate Construction $1,467       Sales Comparison ApproachAdjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales 10% - 10%, 10%  $873       Sales Comparison ApproachAdjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales  10%, 10% 
 
5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

U.S. GAAP requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the balance sheet, for which it is practical to estimate that value. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. The use of assumptions and various valuation techniques, as well as the absence of secondary markets for certain financial instruments, will likely reduce the comparability of fair value disclosures between financial institutions. In some cases, book value is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the relatively short period of time between origination of the instrument and its expected realization. The valuation of loans held for investment was impacted by the adoption of ASU 2016-01. In accordance with ASU 2016-01, the fair value of loans held for investment, excluding previously presented impaired loans measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses. The discount rates used to determine fair value use interest rate spreads that reflect factors such as liquidity, credit, and nonperformance risk of the loans. Loans are considered a Level 3 classification.

The following tables summarize the book value and estimated fair value of financial instruments for the periods indicated:

     Fair Value of Financial Instruments Using    
March 31, 2017
(in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
  
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Total
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Assets:               
Cash and Cash Equivalents $164,512  $164,512  $-  $-  $164,512 
                     
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale:                    
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities  3,217   -   3,217   -   3,217 
U.S. Govt SBA  34,734   -   34,734   -   34,734 
U.S. Treasury Notes  104,419   104,419   -   -   104,419 
Mortgage Backed Securities  309,462   -   309,462   -   309,462 
Other  1,010   200   310   500   1,010 
Total Investment Securities Available-for-Sale  452,842   104,619   347,723   500   452,842 
                     
Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity:                    
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions  57,281   -   39,991   17,682   57,673 
Total Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity  57,281   -   39,991   17,682   57,673 
                     
FHLB Stock  8,872   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Loans & Leases, Net of Deferred Fees & Allowance:                    
Commercial Real Estate  664,862   -   -   659,332   659,332 
Agricultural Real Estate  454,252   -   -   441,295   441,295 
Real Estate Construction  161,845   -   -   161,377   161,377 
Residential 1st Mortgages  248,748   -   -   248,733   248,733 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  29,692   -   -   30,586   30,586 
Agricultural  259,499   -   -   257,909   257,909 
Commercial  200,705   -   -   198,873   198,873 
Consumer & Other  6,921   -   -   6,891   6,891 
Leases  73,445   -   -   73,589   73,589 
Unallocated Allowance  (2,337)  -   -   (2,337)  (2,337)
Total Loans & Leases, Net of Deferred Fees & Allowance  2,097,632   -   -   2,076,248   2,076,248 
Accrued Interest Receivable  7,962   -   7,962   -   7,962 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Deposits:                    
Demand  709,908   709,908   -   -   709,908 
Interest Bearing Transaction  503,678   503,678   -   -   503,678 
Savings and Money Market  804,383   804,383   -   -   804,383 
Time  589,644   -   587,811   -   587,811 
Total Deposits  2,607,613   2,017,969   587,811   -   2,605,780 
Subordinated Debentures  10,310   -   6,581   -   6,581 
Accrued Interest Payable  882   -   882   -   882 
     Fair Value of Financial Instruments Using    
March 31, 2018
(in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
  
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Total
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Assets:               
Cash and Cash Equivalents $134,984  $134,984  $-  $-  $134,984 
                     
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale  495,814   143,609   349,705   2,500   495,814 
                     
Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity  53,527   -   37,028   16,717   53,745 
                     
FHLB Stock  10,342   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Loans & Leases, Net of Deferred Fees & Allowance  2,184,406   -   -   2,152,504   2,152,504 
Accrued Interest Receivable  9,237   -   9,237   -   9,237 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Deposits  2,701,405   2,218,642   478,846   -   2,697,488 
Subordinated Debentures  10,310   -   7,751   -   7,751 
Accrued Interest Payable  909   -   909   -   909 
      Fair Value of Financial Instruments Using     
December 31, 2017
(in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
  
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Total
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Assets:                    
Cash and Cash Equivalents $187,149  $187,149  $-  $-  $187,149 
                     
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale  481,596   29,580   449,516   2,500   481,596 
                     
Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity  54,460   -   38,492   16,744   55,236 
                     
FHLB Stock  10,342   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Loans & Leases, Net of Deferred Fees & Allowance  2,164,953   -   -   2,137,987   2,137,987 
Accrued Interest Receivable  10,999   -   10,999   -   10,999 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Deposits  2,723,228   2,247,831   472,671   -   2,720,502 
Subordinated Debentures  10,310   -   7,428   -   7,428 
Accrued Interest Payable  1,137   -   1,137   -   1,137 
 
    Fair Value of Financial Instruments Using    
December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
  
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Total
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Assets:               
Cash and Cash Equivalents $98,960  $98,960  $-  $-  $98,960 
                     
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale:                    
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities  3,241   -   3,241   -   3,241 
U.S. Govt SBA  36,314   -   36,314   -   36,314 
U.S. Treasury Notes  134,428   134,428   -   -   134,428 
Mortgage Backed Securities  273,270   -   273,270   -   273,270 
Other  1,010   200   310   500   1,010 
Total Investment Securities Available-for-Sale  448,263   134,628   313,135   500   448,263 
                     
Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity:                    
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions  58,109   -   40,415   17,993   58,408 
Total Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity  58,109   -   40,415   17,993   58,408 
                     
FHLB Stock  8,872   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Loans & Leases, Net of Deferred Fees & Allowance:                    
Commercial Real Estate  656,936   -   -   651,877   651,877 
Agricultural Real Estate  458,235   -   -   444,393   444,393 
Real Estate Construction  173,239   -   -   172,682   172,682 
Residential 1st Mortgages  241,382   -   -   241,174   241,174 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  29,485   -   -   30,495   30,495 
Agricultural  287,944   -   -   286,074   286,074 
Commercial  209,062   -   -   207,215   207,215 
Consumer & Other  6,713   -   -   6,706   6,706 
Leases  68,135   -   -   67,893   67,893 
Unallocated Allowance  (1,449)  -   -   (1,449)  (1,449)
Total Loans & Leases, Net of Deferred Fees & Allowance  2,129,682   -   -   2,107,060   2,107,060 
Accrued Interest Receivable  10,047   -   10,047   -   10,047 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Deposits:                    
Demand  756,236   756,236   -   -   756,236 
Interest Bearing Transaction  495,063   495,063   -   -   495,063 
Savings and Money Market  760,119   760,119   -   -   760,119 
Time  570,293   -   569,183   -   569,183 
Total Deposits  2,581,711   2,011,418   569,183   -   2,580,601 
Subordinated Debentures  10,310   -   6,578   -   6,578 
Accrued Interest Payable  852   -   852   -   852 
     Fair Value of Financial Instruments Using    
March 31, 2017
(in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
  
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Total
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Assets:               
Cash and Cash Equivalents $164,512  $164,512  $-  $-  $164,512 
                     
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale  452,842   104,619   347,723   500   452,842 
                     
Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity  57,281   -   39,991   17,682   57,673 
                     
FHLB Stock  8,872   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Loans & Leases, Net of Deferred Fees & Allowance  2,097,632   -   -   2,076,248   2,076,248 
Accrued Interest Receivable  7,962   -   7,962   -   7,962 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Deposits  2,607,613   2,017,969   587,811   -   2,605,780 
Subordinated Debentures  10,310   -   6,581   -   6,581 
Accrued Interest Payable  882   -   882   -   882 
 
    Fair Value of Financial Instruments Using    
March 31, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
  
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  
Total
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Assets:               
Cash and Cash Equivalents $73,716  $73,716  $-  $-  $73,716 
                     
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale:                    
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities  63,346   -   63,346   -   63,346 
US Treasury Notes  65,788   65,788   -   -   65,788 
Mortgage Backed Securities  212,127       212,127   -   212,127 
Other  510   200   310   -   510 
Total Investment Securities Available-for-Sale  341,771   65,988   275,783   -   341,771 
                     
Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity:                    
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions  61,535   -   50,436   12,456   62,892 
Total Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity  61,535   -   50,436   12,456   62,892 
                     
FHLB Stock  7,795   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Loans & Leases, Net of Deferred Fees & Allowance:                    
Commercial Real Estate  601,412   -   -   604,707   604,707 
Agricultural Real Estate  423,119   -   -   414,223   414,223 
Real Estate Construction  163,861   -   -   163,917   163,917 
Residential 1st Mortgages  211,409   -   -   214,885   214,885 
Home Equity Lines and Loans  29,575   -   -   30,806   30,806 
Agricultural  247,751   -   -   246,626   246,626 
Commercial  205,754   -   -   204,828   204,828 
Consumer & Other  6,879   -   -   6,938   6,938 
Leases  61,541   -   -   62,459   62,459 
Unallocated Allowance  (2,359)  -   -   (2,359)  (2,359)
Total Loans & Leases, Net of Deferred Fees & Allowance  1,948,942   -   -   1,947,030   1,947,030 
Accrued Interest Receivable  8,118   -   8,118   -   8,118 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Deposits:                    
Demand  637,140   637,140   -   -   637,140 
Interest Bearing Transaction  409,360   409,361   -   -   409,361 
Savings and Money Market  725,823   725,822   -   -   725,822 
Time  484,141   -   483,789   -   483,789 
Total Deposits  2,256,464   1,772,323   483,789   -   2,256,112 
Subordinated Debentures  10,310   -   6,437   -   6,437 
Accrued Interest Payable  471   -   471   -   471 
Fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, and March 31, 2016. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purpose of these financial statements since that date, and; therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented above. The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument listed in the table above are explained below.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks, federal funds sold, and securities purchased under agreements to resell are a reasonable estimate of fair value. All cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1.

Investment Securities - Fair values for investment securities consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond's terms and conditions, among other things. Based on the available market information the classification level could be 1, 2, or 3.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock - It is not practical to determine the fair value of FHLB stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.

Loans & Leases, Net of Deferred Loan & Lease Fees & Allowance - Fair values of loans & leases 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 & leases are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality resulting in a Level 3 classification. Impaired loans & leases are valued at the lower of cost or fair value as described previously. The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans & leases do not necessarily represent an exit price.

Deposit Liabilities - The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and non-interest checking, passbook 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. Fair values for fixed-maturity certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flows calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits resulting in a Level 2 classification.

Subordinated Debentures - The fair values of the Company’s Subordinated Debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements resulting in a Level 2 classification.

Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable - The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable and payable approximates their fair value resulting in a Level 2 classification.

6. Dividends and Basic Earnings Per Common Share

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp common stock is not traded on any exchange. The shares are primarily held by local residents and are not actively traded. No cash dividends were declared during the first quarter of 20172018 or 2016.2017.

Basic earnings per common share amounts are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The Company has no securities or other contracts, such as stock options, that could require the issuance of common stock. Accordingly, diluted earnings per share are not presented. The following table calculates the basic earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 2016.2017.


(net income in thousands) 2018  2017 
Net Income $9,941  $7821 
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding  812 ,304   807,986 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share Amount $12.24  $9.68 

7. Pending Acquisition of Bank of Rio Vista

On March 26, 2018, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp and Bank of Rio Vista announced that a definitive agreement had been signed by both parties for the acquisition of Bank of Rio Vista by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and Bank of Rio Vista’s shareholder approval. The Boards of Directors of both Farmers & Merchants Bancorp and Bank of Rio Vista have unanimously approved the transaction, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018.

In this transaction, the shareholders of Bank of Rio Vista owning 2,414 shares, or 60.35% of the outstanding common shares, will receive $28.7 million in cash subject to certain adjustments defined in the definitive agreement. Over the past year, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp previously acquired 1,586, or 39.65%, of the outstanding common shares of Bank of Rio Vista for $12.0 million. As a result, the total price paid for all common shares of Bank of Rio Vista is $40.7 million or 1.42 times the minimum book value that must be delivered at close.

As a result of signing a definitive agreement with Bank of Rio Vista, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp is accounting for the 39.65% of the outstanding common shares of Bank of Rio Vista that it currently owns under the equity method of accounting, in accordance with ASC 323-10 effective first quarter 2018. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company’s recorded investment in Bank of Rio Vista increased by $124,000, based upon the earnings of Bank of Rio Vista that are attributed to the Company’s ownership.
 
(net income in thousands) 2017  2016 
Net Income $7,821  $7,172 
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding  807,986   791,895 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share Amount $9.68  $9.06 

7.8. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
The following paragraphs provide descriptions of recently adopted accounting standards that may have had a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP. The new standard was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures as the Company’s primary sources of revenues are derived from interest and dividends earned on loans, investment securities, and other financial instruments that are not within the scope of ASU 2014-09. The Company’s revenue recognition pattern for revenue streams within the scope of ASU 2014-09, including but not limited to service charges on deposit accounts and debit card and ATM fees, did not change significantly from current practice. The standard permits the use of either the full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. The Company elected to use the modified retrospective transition method which requires application of ASU 2014-09 to uncompleted contracts at the date of adoption however, periods prior to the date of adoption will not be retrospectively revised as the impact of the ASU on uncompleted contracts at the date of adoption was not material.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The ASU addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Most notably, the ASU changes the income statement impact of equity investments held by the Company and the requirement for the Company to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. The Company adopted the ASU provisions on January 1, 2018. The adoption of the ASU resulted in the use of an exit price rather than an entrance price to determine the fair value of loans not measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets.  See Note 5 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments for further information regarding the valuation of these loans.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Íncome Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in ASU 2018-02 allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the newly enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”). The amount of the reclassification consists of the difference between the historical corporate income tax rates and the newly enacted 21 percent corporate income tax rate. The amendments are effective for all entities for the interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted, including interim periods in those years. The Company adopted the amendments as of December 31, 2017, which resulted in a net reclassification of $144,000 between AOCI and retained earnings.

Accounting Guidance Pending Adoption at March 31, 2018
The following paragraphs provide descriptions of newly issued but not yet effective accounting standards that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU will require the earlier recognition of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments based on an expected loss model, replacing the incurred loss model that is currently in use. Under the new guidance, an entity will measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The expected loss model will apply to loans and leases, unfunded lending commitments, held-to-maturity debt securities and other debt instruments measured at amortized cost. The impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities will require the recognition of credit losses through a valuation allowance when fair value is less than amortized cost, regardless of whether the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary. The new guidance is effective on January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted on January 1, 2019. The Company has selected a vendor to analyze our loan data and has chosen an implementation team. The Company is currently evaluatingworking with the provisions of this ASUvendor and has created a cross-functional teamour IT department to begin its implementation efforts of this new guidance.establish the data transmission interface. While the Company has not quantified the impact of this ASU, it is evaluating historical loan level data requirements necessary for the implementation of the model, as well as various methodologies for determining expected credit losses.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The new standard is being issued to increase the transparency and comparability around lease obligations. Previously unrecorded off-balance sheet obligations will now be brought more prominently to light by presenting lease liabilities on the face of the balance sheet, accompanied by enhanced qualitative and quantitative disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. This ASU applies to leasing arrangements exceeding a twelve-month term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and requires a modified retrospective method upon adoption. Early application of the amendments is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this ASU to determine the potential impact the new standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. While the Company has not quantified the impact to its balance sheet, it does expect the adoption of this ASU will result in a gross-up in its balance sheet as a result of recording a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for these leases.

In August 2015,9. Subsequent Events
On May 01, 2018, the FASBCompany issued ASU 2015-14, which deferred8,769 shares of common stock to the effective dateBank’s non-qualified defined contribution retirement plans. These shares were issued at a price of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).  As$635 per share based upon a resultvaluation completed by a nationally recognized bank consulting and advisory firm and in reliance upon the exemption in Section 4(2) of the deferral,Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the guidance in ASU 2014-09 will be effective forregulations promulgated thereunder. The proceeds were contributed to the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Update modifies the guidance companies use to recognize revenue from contracts with customers for transfers of goods or services and transfers of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards. The guidance also requires new qualitative and quantitative disclosures, including information about contract balances and performance obligations. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this update will have on the consolidated financial statements. As a financial institution, the Company’s largest component of revenue, interest income, is excluded from the scope of this ASU. The Company is currently evaluating which, if any, of its sources of non-interest income will be impacted by this ASU.Bank as equity capital.

Item 2.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the major factors that influenced our financial performance for the three months ended March 31, 2017.2018. This analysis should be read in conjunction with our 20162017 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K, and with the unaudited financial statements and notes as set forth in this report.
Forward–Looking Statements

This Form 10-Q contains various forward-looking statements, usually containing the words “estimate,” “project,” “expect,” “objective,” “goal,” or similar expressions and includes assumptions concerning Farmers & Merchants Bancorp’s (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “we”) operations, future results, and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties. In connection with the “safe-harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company provides the following cautionary statement identifying important factors which could cause the actual results of events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions.

Such factors include the following: (1) economic conditions in the Central Valley of California; (2) significant changes in interest rates and loan prepayment speeds; (3) credit risks of lending and investment activities; (4) changes in federal and state banking laws or regulations; (5) competitive pressure in the banking industry; (6) changes in governmental fiscal or monetary policies; (7) uncertainty regarding the economic outlook resulting from the continuing war on terrorism, as well as actions taken or to be taken by the U.S. or other governments as a result of further acts or threats of terrorism; (8) water management issues in California and the resulting impact on the Company’s agricultural customers; (9) expansion into new geographic markets and new lines of business; and (10) other factors discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors located in the Company’s 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which they are made.

Introduction

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, or the Company, is a bank holding company formed March 10, 1999. Its subsidiary, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, or the Bank, is a California state-chartered bank formed in 1916. Banking services are provided in twenty-four locations in the Company's service area. The service area includes Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced and Contra Costa Counties with branches in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, Lodi, Stockton, Linden, Modesto, Turlock, Hilmar, Merced, Manteca, Riverbank, Walnut Creek and Concord. In January 2018, the Company opened a loan production office (“LPO”) in Napa, California and is currently building out a full service branch location that should be ready for occupancy in the third quarter of 2018. In March 2018 the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Bank of Rio Vista (see Note 7 for additional information).
For additional information about the proposed acquisition of Bank of Rio Vista, see the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 27, 2018.

As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”). As a California, state-chartered, non-fed member bank, the Bank is subject to regulation and examination by the California Department of Business Oversight (“DBO”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).

Overview

Although the Company has initiated efforts to expand its geographic footprint into the East Bay area of San Francisco and Napa, California, the Company’s primary service area remains the mid Central Valley of California, a region that can be significantly impacted by the seasonal needs of the agricultural industry. Accordingly, discussion of the Company’s Financial Condition and Results of Operations is influenced by the seasonal banking needs of its agricultural customers (e.g., during the spring and summer customers draw down their deposit balances and increase loan borrowing to fund the purchase of equipment and planting of crops. Correspondingly, deposit balances are replenished and loans repaid in late fall and winter as crops are harvested and sold).

The State of California experienced drought conditions from 2013 through most of 2016. AlthoughThen, in late 2016 and early 2017 significant levels of rain and snow in late 2016 and early 2017 have alleviated drought conditions in many areas of California, including those in the Company’s primary service area.   In late 2017 and early 2018 rain levels have exceeded 80% of seasonal averages, but snow levels have been modest.  Fortunately, reservoir levels are high and the availability of water this summer and fall in our primary service area should not be an issue.  However, the weather patterns over the past 5 years further reinforce the fact that the long-term risks associated with the availability of water continue to exist.are significant.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp reported net income of $9,941,000, earnings per share of $12.24 and return on average assets of 1.31%. Return on average shareholders’ equity was 13.14% for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp reported net income of $7,821,000, earnings per share of $9.68 and return on average assets of 1.07%. Return on average shareholders’ equity was 11.00% for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp reported net income of $7,172,000, earnings per share of $9.06 and return on average assets of 1.11%. Return on average shareholders’ equity was 11.11% for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

The following is a summary of the financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 20172018 compared to March 31, 2016.2017.

·Net income increased 9.0%27.1% to $7,821,000$9,941,000 from $7,172,000.$7,821,000.

·Earnings per share increased 6.8%26.5% to $9.68$12.24 from $9.06.$9.68.

·Total assets increased 13.9%3.6% to $3.0$3.1 billion from $2.6$3.0 billion.

·Total loans & leases increased 7.7%4.2% to $2.1$2.2 billion from $2.0$2.1 billion.

·Total deposits increased 15.6%3.6% to $2.6$2.7 billion from $2.3$2.6 billion.

The primary reasons for the Company’s $1.0$2.1 million or 9.3%27.1% increase in pre-taxnet income in the first quarter of 20172018 as compared to the same period of 20162017 were:

·A $2.76$3.04 million increase in net interest income primarily related to the growth in earning assets.
·A $1.11$267,000 decrease in the provision for credit losses
·A $1.1 million increasedecrease in the provision for income taxes due to the effective tax rate decreasing to 25.3% from 36.2% in the first quarter of 2017. This decrease is the result of the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
These positive impacts were partially offset by:

·A $741,000 decrease in non-interest income primarily related to a decrease in the gain on sale of fixed assets related to the disposition of one of the Company’s properties.properties that took place in the first quarter of 2017.
·A $2.00 million decrease in the provision for credit losses
·A $289,000 change in gain on sale of investment securities.
These positive impacts were partially offset by:

·A $5.57$1.5 million increase in non-interest expense primarily related to a non-recurring gain on sale of ORE that took place in the first quarter of the prior year (2016).contributions to non-qualified retirement plans.
 
Results of Operations

Net Interest Income / Net Interest Margin
The tables on the following pages reflect the Company's average balance sheets and volume and rate analysis for the three month periods ended March 31, 20172018 and 2016.2017.

The average yields on earning assets and average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities have been computed on an annualized basis for purposes of comparability with full year data. Average balance amounts for assets and liabilities are the computed average of daily balances.

Net interest income is the amount by which the interest and fees on loans & leases and other interest earninginterest-earning assets exceed the interest paid on interest bearinginterest-bearing sources of funds. For the purpose of analysis, the interest earned on tax-exempt investments and municipal loans is adjusted to an amount comparable to interest subject to normal income taxes. This adjustment is referred to as “taxable“tax equivalent” adjustment and is noted wherever applicable. The presentation of net interest income and net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis is a common practice within the banking industry.

The Volume and Rate Analysis of Net Interest Income summarizes the changes in interest income and interest expense based on changes in average asset and liability balances (volume) and changes in average rates (rate). For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided with respect to changes attributable to: (1) changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by initial rate); (2) changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by initial volume); and (3) changes in rate/volume, also called “changes in mix” (allocated in proportion to the respective volume and rate components).
The Company’s earning assets and rate sensitive liabilities are subject to repricing at different times, which exposes the Company to income fluctuations when interest rates change. In order to minimize income fluctuations, the Company attempts to match asset and liability maturities. However, some maturity mismatch is inherent in the asset and liability mix. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk.”

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp
Year-to-Date Average Balances and Interest Rates
(Interest and Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis)
(in thousands)

  Three Months Ended March 31,
2017
  Three Months Ended March 31,
2016
 
Assets Balance  Interest  
Annualized
Yield/Rate
  Balance  Interest  
Annualized
Yield/Rate
 
Interest Bearing Deposits With Banks $125,340  $249   0.80% $36,953  $46   0.50%
Investment Securities                        
U.S. Treasuries  83,412   217   1.04%  32,160   72   0.90%
U.S. Govt SBA  35,869   125   1.39%  -   -   0.00%
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities  3,122   22   2.82%  33,946   105   1.24%
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions - Non-Taxable  57,835   690   4.77%  61,422   743   4.84%
Mortgage Backed Securities  288,545   1,643   2.28%  254,732   1,422   2.23%
Other  1,010   5   1.98%  510   3   2.35%
Total Investment Securities  469,793   2,702   2.30%  382,770   2,345   2.45%
                         
Loans & Leases                        
Real Estate  1,562,054   17,931   4.62%  1,410,915   15,966   4.55%
Home Equity Line & Loans  31,694   382   4.85%  32,309   389   4.84%
Agricultural  267,705   2,891   4.34%  259,903   2,614   4.05%
Commercial  214,517   2,460   4.61%  216,461   2,157   4.01%
Consumer  5,326   68   5.14%  4,893   78   6.41%
Other  1,678   9   2.16%  1,968   11   2.25%
Leases  71,908   790   4.42%  65,687   679   4.16%
Total Loans & Leases  2,154,882   24,531   4.58%  1,992,136   21,894   4.42%
Total Earning Assets  2,750,015  $27,482   4.02%  2,411,859  $24,285   4.05%
                         
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Securities Available-for-Sale  (359)          4,039         
Allowance for Credit Losses  (48,061)          (41,605)        
Cash and Due From Banks  46,491           41,036         
All Other Assets  184,203           168,357         
Total Assets $2,932,289          $2,583,686         
                         
Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity                        
Interest Bearing Deposits                        
Transaction $495,564  $181   0.15% $392,519  $108   0.11%
Savings and Money Market  802,634   308   0.15%  737,862   280   0.15%
Time Deposits  579,931   787   0.55%  482,856   440   0.37%
Total Interest Bearing Deposits  1,878,129   1,276   0.27%  1,613,237   828   0.21%
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances  4   -   0.00%  3,426   4   0.47%
Subordinated Debentures  10,310   100   3.90%  10,310   88   3.43%
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities  1,888,443  $1,376   0.29%  1,626,973  $920   0.23%
Interest Rate Spread          3.73%          3.82%
Demand Deposits (Non-Interest Bearing)  712,732           651,313         
All Other Liabilities  46,613           47,295         
Total Liabilities  2,647,788           2,325,581         
                         
Shareholders' Equity  284,501           258,105         
Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity $2,932,289          $2,583,686         
Impact of Non-Interest Bearing Deposits and Other Liabilities          0.09%          0.07%
Net Interest Income and Margin on Total Earning Assets      26,106   3.82%      23,365   3.90%
Tax Equivalent Adjustment      (240)          (259)    
Net Interest Income     $25,866   3.78%     $23,106   3.85%

    
Three Months Ended March 31,
2018
    
Three Months Ended March 31,
2017
  
Assets Balance  Interest  
Annualized
Yield/Rate
  Balance  Interest  
Annualized
Yield/Rate
 
Interest Bearing Deposits With Banks $152,936  $585   1.54% $125,340  $249   0.80%
Investment Securities                        
U.S. Treasuries  92,107   297   1.29%  83,412   217   1.04%
U.S. Govt SBA  28,750   123   1.71%  35,869   125   1.39%
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities  3,074   22   2.86%  3,122   22   2.82%
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions - Non-Taxable  54,689   529   3.87%  57,835   690   4.77%
Mortgage Backed Securities  322,296   1,920   2.38%  288,545   1,643   2.28%
Other  3,010   18   2.39%  1,010   5   1.98%
Total Investment Securities  503,926   2,909   2.31%  469,793   2,702   2.30%
                         
Loans & Leases                        
Real Estate  1,548,359   19,044   4.95%  1,562,054   17,931   4.62%
Home Equity Line & Loans  34,735   448   5.19%  31,694   382   4.85%
Agricultural  251,784   3,028   4.84%  267,705   2,891   4.34%
Commercial  268,032   3,311   4.97%  214,517   2,460   4.61%
Consumer  5,293   76   5.77%  5,326   68   5.14%
Other  1,382   8   2.33%  1,678   9   2.16%
Leases  91,222   1,129   4.98%  71,908   790   4.42%
Total Loans & Leases  2,200,807   27,044   4.94%  2,154,882   24,531   4.58%
Total Earning Assets  2,857,669  $30,538   4.30%  2,750,015  $27,482   4.02%
                         
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Securities Available-for-Sale  (4,832)          (359)        
Allowance for Credit Losses  (50,612)          (48,061)        
Cash and Due From Banks  46,527           46,491         
All Other Assets  187,290           184,203         
Total Assets $3,036,042          $2,932,289         
                         
Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity                        
Interest Bearing Deposits                        
Interest Bearing DDA $585,176  $272   0.19% $495,564  $181   0.15%
Savings and Money Market  825,514   330   0.16%  802,634   308   0.15%
Time Deposits  478,740   803   0.67%  579,931   787   0.55%
Total Interest Bearing Deposits  1,889,430   1,405   0.30%  1,878,129   1,276   0.27%
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances  4   -   0.00%  4   -   0.00%
Subordinated Debentures  10,310   117   4.56%  10,310   100   3.90%
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities  1,899,744  $1,522   0.32%  1,888,443  $1,376   0.29%
Interest Rate Spread          3.98%          3.73%
Demand Deposits (Non-Interest Bearing)  795,261           712,732         
All Other Liabilities  38,464           46,613         
Total Liabilities  2,733,469           2,647,788         
                         
Shareholders' Equity  302,573           284,501         
Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity $3,036,042          $2,932,289         
Impact of Non-Interest Bearing Deposits and Other Liabilities          0.14%          0.09%
Net Interest Income and Margin on Total Earning Assets      29,016   4.12%      26,106   3.82%
Tax Equivalent Adjustment      (110)          (240)    
Net Interest Income     $28,906   4.07%     $25,866   3.78%
Notes:  Yields on municipal securities have been calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis.  Loan & lease interest income includes fee income and unearned discount in the amount of $1.3$1.5 million and $1.0$1.3 million for the quarters ended March 31, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. Yields on securities available-for-sale are based on historical cost.
 
Farmers & Merchants Bancorp
Volume and Rate Analysis of Net Interest Revenue
(Interest and Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis)
(in thousands)
(in thousands) Three Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017 compared to Mar. 31, 2016
 
Interest Earning Assets Volume  Rate  Net Chg. 
Interest Bearing Deposits With Banks $162   41  $203 
Investment Securities            
U.S. Treasuries  131   14   145 
U.S. Govt SBA  125   -   125 
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities  (146)  63   (83)
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions - Non-Taxable  (43)  (10)  (53)
Mortgage Backed Securities  193   28   221 
Other  2   -   2 
Total Investment Securities  262   95   357 
             
Loans & Leases            
Real Estate  1,733   232   1,965 
Home Equity Line & Loans  (7)  -   (7)
Agricultural  80   197   277 
Commercial  (19)  322   303 
Consumer  7   (17)  (10)
Other  (2)  -   (2)
Leases  67   44   111 
Total Loans & Leases  1,859   778   2,637 
Total Earning Assets  2,283   914   3,197 
             
Interest Bearing Liabilities            
Interest Bearing Deposits            
Transaction  33   40   73 
Savings and Money Market  25   3   28 
Time Deposits  101   246   347 
Total Interest Bearing Deposits  159   289   448 
Other Borrowed Funds  (2)  (2)  (4)
Subordinated Debentures  -   12   12 
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities  157   299   456 
Total Change $2,126  $615  $2,741 
  
Three Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018 compared to Mar. 31, 2017
 
Interest Earning Assets Volume  Rate  Net Chg. 
Interest Bearing Deposits With Banks $64   272  $336 
Investment Securities            
U.S. Treasuries  24   56   80 
U.S. Govt SBA  (28)  25   (3)
Government Agency & Government-Sponsored Entities  -   -   - 
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions - Non-Taxable  (36)  (125)  (161)
Mortgage Backed Securities  198   79   277 
Other  12   1   13 
Total Investment Securities  170   36   206 
             
Loans & Leases            
Real Estate  (159)  1,202   1,043 
Home Equity Line & Loans  38   28   66 
Agricultural  (180)  347   167 
Commercial  650   203   853 
Consumer  -   46   46 
Other  (2)  1   (1)
Leases  230   109   339 
Total Loans & Leases  577   1,936   2,513 
Total Earning Assets  811   2,244   3,055 
             
Interest Bearing Liabilities            
Interest Bearing Deposits            
Transaction  36   55   91 
Savings and Money Market  9   13   22 
Time Deposits  (152)  168   16 
Total Interest Bearing Deposits  (107)  236   129 
Other Borrowed Funds  -   -   - 
Subordinated Debentures  -   17   17 
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities  (107)  253   146 
Total Change $918  $1,991  $2,909 

Notes:  Rate/volume variance is allocated based on the percentage relationship of changes in volume and changes in rate to the total "net change."  The above figures have been rounded to the nearest whole number.
 
Net interest income increased $2.8$3.0 million or 11.9%11.8% to $25.9$28.9 million during the first quarter of 20172018 compared to $23.1$25.9 million for the first quarter of 2016.2017. On a fully tax equivalent basis, net interest income increased 11.7%11.1% and totaled $29.0 million at March 31, 2018, compared to $26.1 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $23.4 million at March 31, 2016.2017. As more fully discussed below, the increase in net interest income was primarily due to a $338.2$107.7 million increase in average earning assets.assets combined with a 30 basis point increase in the net interest margin.

Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis, expressed as a percentage of average total earning assets, is referred to as the net interest margin. For the quarter ended March 31, 2017,2018, the Company’s net interest margin was 3.82%4.12% compared to 3.90%3.82% for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.2017. This decreaseincrease in net interest margin was primarily due to ana 28 basis point increase in funding costs combined withthe yield on earning assets offset by a small decrease3 basis point increase in earning asset yields as a resultthe cost of a decline in loans and leases as a percentage of total earning assets.interest bearing liabilities.

Average loans & leases totaled $2.2 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2017;2018; an increase of $162.7$45.9 million compared to the average balance for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.2017. Loans & leases decreased from 82.6%78.4% of average earning assets at March 31, 20162017 to 78.4%77.01% at March 31, 2017.2018. The annualized yield on the Company’s loan portfolio increased to 4.94% for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to 4.58% for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, compared to 4.42% for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.2017. This increase in yield was primarily due to an increase in market interest rates. Overall, the increase in loan & lease balances and the increase in yields resulted in interest revenue from loans & leases increasing 12.0%10.2% to $24.5$27.0 million for quarter ended March 31, 2017.2018. The Company has been experiencing aggressive competitor pricing for loans & leases to which it may need to continue to respond in order to retain key customers. This could place negative pressure on future loan & lease yields and net interest margin.

The investment portfolio is the other main component of the Company’s earning assets. Historically, the Company invested primarily in: (1) mortgage-backed securities issued by government-sponsored entities; (2) debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, government agencies and government-sponsored entities; and (3) investment grade bank-qualified municipal bonds. However, at certain times the Company selectively added investment grade corporate securities (floating rate and fixed rate with maturities less than 5 years) to the portfolio in order to obtain yields that exceed government agency securities of equivalent maturity without subjecting the Company to the interest rate risk associated with mortgage-backed securities. Since the risk factor for these types of investments is typicallygenerally lower than that of loans or& leases, the yield earned on investments is generally less than that of loans & leases.

Average investment securities totaled $469.8$503.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017;2018; an increase of $87.0$34.1 million compared to the average balance for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.2017. Tax equivalent interest income on securities increased $357,000$206,000 to $2.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $2.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, compared to $2.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.2017. The average investment portfolio yield, on a tax equivalent (TE) basis, was 2.31% for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to 2.30% for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, compared to 2.45% for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.2017. This overall decreaseincrease in yield was caused primarily by an increase in market interest rates offset by a decline in the mix of lower yielding short-term U.S. TreasuryTE yield on municipal securities and floating rate U.S. Government SBA securities asdue to a percentage of total securities.decrease in the federal corporate tax rate. See “Financial Condition – Investment Securities” for a discussion of the Company’s investment strategy in 2017.2018. Net interest income on the Schedule of Year-to-Date Average Balances and Interest Rates is shown on a tax equivalent basis, which is higher than net interest income as reflected on the Consolidated StatementStatements of Income because of adjustments that relate to income on securities that are exempt from federal income taxes.

Interest bearing deposits with banks and overnight investments in Federal Funds Sold are additional earning assets available to the Company. Interest bearing deposits with banks consisted primarily of FRB deposits. Balances with the FRB earn interest at the Fed Funds rate, which increased to 0.75%1.75% in December 2016.March 2018. Average interest bearing deposits with banks for the quarter ended March 31, 2017,2018, was $125.3$152.9 million, an increase of $88.4$27.6 million compared to the average balance for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.2017. Interest income on interest bearing deposits with banks for the quarter ended March 31, 2017,2018, increased $203,000$336,000 to $249,000$585,000 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2016.2017.

Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $261.5$11.3 million or 16.1%0.60% during the first quarter of 2017.2018. Of that increase: (1) interest-bearing transaction deposits increased $103.0$89.6 million; (2) savings and money market deposits increased $64.8$22.9 million; (3) time deposits increased $97.1 million;decreased $101.2 million (see “Financial Condition – Deposits”); (4) FHLB advances decreased $3.4 millionremained unchanged (see “Financial Condition – Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings”); and (5) subordinated debt remained unchanged (see “Financial Condition – Subordinated Debentures”).

Total interest expense on interest bearing deposits was $1.4 million for the first quarter of 2018 as compared to $1.3 million for the first quarter of 2017 as compared to $828,000 million for the first quarter of 2016.2017. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits was 0.30% for the first quarter of 2018 compared to 0.27% for the first quarter of 2017 compared2017. As a result of the increase in market interest rates over the past 24 months, the Company is beginning to 0.21% for the first quarter of 2016.experience more aggressive competitor rates on interest bearing deposits which it may need to meet in order to retain key customers.  This could place negative pressure on future deposit rate and net interest margin.

Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses
As a financial institution that assumes lending and credit risks as a principal element of its business, credit losses will be experienced in the normal course of business. The Company has established credit management policies and procedures that govern both the approval of new loans & leases and the monitoring of the existing portfolio. The Company manages and controls credit risk through comprehensive underwriting and approval standards, dollar limits on loans & leases to one borrower (the term “borrower” is used herein to describe a customer who has entered into either a loan or lease transaction), and by restricting loans & leases made primarily to its principal market area where management believes it is best able to assess the applicable risk. Additionally, management has established guidelines to ensure the diversification of the Company’s credit portfolio such that even within key portfolio sectors such as real estate or agriculture, the portfolio is diversified across factors such as location, building type, crop type, etc. Management reports regularly to the Board of Directors regarding trends and conditions in the loan & lease portfolio and regularly conducts credit reviews of individual loans & leases. Loans & leases that are performing but have shown some signs of weakness are subject to more stringent reporting and oversight.

Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses is an estimate of probable incurred credit losses inherent in the Company's loan & lease portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The allowance is established through a provision for credit 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 & lease growth. Credit exposures determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance. The overall allowance consists of three primary components: specific reserves related to impaired loans & leases; general reserves for inherent losses related to loans & leases that are not impaired; and an unallocated component that takes into account the imprecision in estimating and allocating allowance balances associated with macro factors.

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

A restructuring of a loan or lease constitutes a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) under ASC 310-40, if the Company for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Restructured loans or leases typically present an elevated level of credit risk as the borrowers are not able to perform according to the original contractual terms. If the restructured loan or lease was current on all payments at the time of restructure and management reasonably expects the borrower will continue to perform after the restructure, management may keep the loan or lease on accrual. Loans & leases that are on nonaccrual status at the time they become TDR, remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower demonstrates a sustained period of performance, which the Company generally believes to be six consecutive months of payments, or equivalent. A loan or lease can be removed from TDR status if it was restructured at a market rate in a prior calendar year and is currently in compliance with its modified terms. However, these loans or leases continue to be classified as impaired and are individually evaluated for impairment.

The determination of the general reserve for loans or leases that are collectively evaluated for impairment 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 that 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 loan & lease portfolio, and probable losses inherent in the portfolio taken as a whole.

The Company maintains a separate allowance for each portfolio segment (loan & lease type). These portfolio segments include: (1) commercial real estate; (2) agricultural real estate; (3) real estate construction (including land and development loans); (4) residential 1st mortgages; (5) home equity lines and loans; (6) agricultural; (7) commercial; (8) consumer & other; and (9) equipment leases. See “Financial Condition – Loans & Leases” for examples of loans & leases made by the Company. The allowance for credit losses attributable to each portfolio segment, which includes both impaired loans & leases and loans & leases that are not impaired, is combined to determine the Company's overall allowance, which is included on the consolidated balance sheet.
The Company assigns a risk rating to all loans & leases and periodically performs detailed reviews of all such loans & leases over a certain threshold to identify credit risks and assess overall collectability. For smaller balance loans & leases, such as consumer and residential real estate, a credit grade is established at inception, and then updated only when the loan or lease becomes contractually delinquent or when the borrower requests a modification. For larger balance loans, 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 & leases. These credit quality indicators are used to assign a risk rating to each individual loan or lease. These risk ratings are also subject to examination by independent specialists engaged by the Company. The risk ratings can be grouped into five major categories, defined as follows:

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

Special Mention – A special mention loan or lease 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 loan or lease position at some future date. Special mention loans & leases are not adversely classified and do not expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.

Substandard – A substandard loan or lease is not adequately protected by the current financial condition and paying capacity of the borrower or the value of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans or leases classified as substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. Well-defined weaknesses include a project's lack of marketability, inadequate cash flow or collateral support, failure to complete construction on time or the 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 – Loans or leases classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, based on currently known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable or improbable.

Loss – Loans or leases classified as loss are considered uncollectible. Once a loan or lease becomes delinquent and repayment becomes questionable, the Company will address collateral shortfalls with the borrower and attempt to obtain additional collateral. If this is not forthcoming and payment in full is unlikely, the Bank will estimate its probable loss and immediately charge-off some or all of the balance.

The general reserve component of the allowance for credit 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:

Commercial Real Estate – Commercial real estate mortgage loans are generally considered to possess a higher inherent risk of loss than the Company’s commercial, agricultural and consumer loan types. 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 – Real estate construction loans, including land loans, are generally considered to possess a higher inherent risk of loss than the Company’s commercial, agricultural and consumer loan types. A major risk arises from the necessity to complete projects within specified cost and time lines. Trends in the construction industry significantly impact the credit quality of these loans, as demand drives construction activity. In addition, trends in real estate values significantly impact the credit quality of these loans, as property values determine the economic viability of construction projects.
Commercial – These loans are generally considered to possess a moderate inherent risk of loss because they are shorter-term; typically made to relationship customers; generally underwritten to existing cash flows of operating businesses; and may be collateralized by fixed assets, inventory and/or accounts receivable. 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.

Agricultural Real Estate and Agricultural – These loans are generally considered to possess a moderate inherent risk of loss since they are typically made to relationship customers and are secured by crop production, livestock and related real estate.  These loans are vulnerable to two risk factors that are largely outside the control of Company and borrowers: commodity prices and weather conditions.

Leases – Equipment leases are generally considered to possess a moderate inherent risk of loss. As Lessor, the company is subject to both the credit risk of the borrower and the residual value risk of the equipment. Credit risks are underwritten using the same credit criteria the Company would use when making an equipment term loan. Residual value risk is managed through the use of qualified, independent appraisers that establish the residual values the Company uses in structuring a lease.

Residential 1st Mortgages and Home Equity Lines and Loans – These loans are generally considered to possess a low inherent risk of loss, although this is not always true as evidenced by the weakness in residential real estate values over the past five years. The degree of risk in residential real estate lending depends primarily on the loan amount in relation to collateral value, the interest rate and the borrower's ability to repay in an orderly fashion.  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.

Consumer & Other – A consumer installment loan portfolio is usually comprised of a large number of small loans scheduled to be amortized over a specific period. Most installment loans are made for consumer purchases. 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.

In addition, the Company's and Bank's regulators, including the FRB, DBO and FDIC, 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.

Provision for Credit Losses
Changes in the provision for credit losses between years are the result of management’s evaluation, based upon information currently available, of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses relative to factors such as the credit quality of the loan & lease portfolio, loan & lease growth, current credit losses, and the prevailing economic climate and its effect on borrowers’ ability to repay loans & leases in accordance with the terms of the notes.

The Central Valley of California was one of the hardest hit areas in the country during the recession. In many areas, housing prices declined as much as 60% and unemployment reached 15% or more. Although the economy has improved throughout most of the Central Valley, it remains fragile within many of the Company’s market segments housing prices that for the most part remain below peak levels and unemployment rates that remain above those in other areas of the state and country. While, in management’s opinion, the Company’s levels of net charge-offs and non-performing assets as of March 31, 2017,2018, compare very favorably to our peers at the present time, carefully managing credit risk remains a key focus of the Company.

The State of California experienced drought conditions from 2013 through most of 2016. AlthoughThen, in late 2016 and early 2017 significant levels of rain and snow in late 2016 and early 2017 have alleviated drought conditions in many areas of California, including those in the Company’s primary service area.   In late 2017 and early 2018 rain levels have exceeded 80% of seasonal averages, but snow levels have been modest.  Fortunately, reservoir levels are high and the availability of water this summer and fall in our primary service area should not be an issue.  However, the weather patterns over the past 5 years further reinforce the fact that the long-term risks associated with the availability of water continue to exist.are significant.

The Company made a $600,000$333,000 provision for credit losses during the first quarter of 20172018 compared to $2.6 million$600,000 during the first quarter of 2016.2017. Net charge-offsrecoveries during the first quarter of 20172018 were $119,000$2,000 compared to net recoveriescharge-offs of $6,000$119,000 in the first quarter of 2016.2017. See “Overview – Looking Forward: 20172018 and Beyond”, “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Allowance for Credit Losses” and “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk-Credit Risk” located in the Company’s 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
After reviewing all factors above, based upon information currently available, management concluded that the allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2017,2018, was adequate.

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
  
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Allowance for Credit Losses (in thousands)
 2017  2016  2018  2017 
Balance at Beginning of Period $47,919  $41,523  $50,342  $47,919 
Loans or Leases Charged Off  (151)  (44)  (21)  (151)
Recoveries of Loans or Leases Previously Charged Off  32   50   23   32 
Provision Charged to Expense  600   2,600   333   600 
Balance at End of Period $48,400  $44,129  $50,677  $48,400 

The table below breaks out current quarter activity by portfolio segment (in thousands):

March 31, 2017 
Commercial
Real Estate
  
Agricultural
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
Construction
  
Residential 1st
Mortgages
  
Home Equity
Lines & Loans
  Agricultural  Commercial  
Consumer &
Other
  Leases  Unallocated  Total 
March 31, 2018 
Commercial
Real Estate
Agricultural
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
Construction
  
Residential 1st
Mortgages
  
Home Equity
Lines & Loans
  Agricultural  Commercial  
Consumer &
Other
  Leases  Unallocated  Total 
                                                           
Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:                         Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses: 
Beginning Balance- January 1, 2017 $11,110  $9,450  $3,223  $865  $2,140  $7,381  $8,515  $200  $3,586  $1,449  $47,919 
Beginning Balance- January 1, 2018 $10,922  $12,085  $1,846  $815  $2,324  $8,159  $9,197  $209  $3,363  $1,422  $50,342 
Charge-Offs  (109)  -   -   -   -   (7)  -   (35)  -   -   (151)  -   -   -   -   (4)  -   -   (17)  -   -   (21)
Recoveries  7   -   -   3   2   -   4   16   -   -   32   -   -   -   3   1   6   2   11   -   -   23 
Provision  657   (57)  (277)  12   (17)  (863)  (40)  17   280   888   600   156   157   27   9   22   (297)  175   36   27   21   333 
Ending Balance- March 31, 2017 $11,665  $9,393  $2,946  $880  $2,125  $6,511  $8,479  $198  $3,866  $2,337  $48,400 
Ending Balance- March 31, 2018 $11,078  $12,242  $1,873  $827  $2,343  $7,868  $9,374  $239  $3,390  $1,443  $50,677 

The Allowance for Credit Losses at March 31, 20172018 increased $481,000$335,000 from December 31, 2016. The allowance allocated to the following portfolio segments changed materially2017. Charge-offs, recoveries, and provision were minimal during the quarter:

·Commercial Real Estate allowance balances increased $555,000 due to: (1) our assessment of the potential impact of rising interest rates on real estate prices in general; and (2) the reclassification of an impaired loan from Commercial to Commercial Real Estate when the borrower pledged conforming commercial real estate collateral to secure the obligation.

·
Agricultural allowance balances decreased $870,000 due to normal seasonal paydowns in our agricultural customers’ loan balances which are typically at their lowest levels at March 31st.
first quarter of 2018. This resulted in no material changes in the allocation of the provision across portfolio segments.

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Financial Condition – Classified Loans & Leases and Non-Performing Assets” for further discussion regarding these loan categories.

See “Note 3. Allowance for Credit Losses” for additional details regarding the provision and allowance for credit losses.

Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income includes: (1) service charges and fees from deposit accounts; (2) net gains and losses from investment securities; (3) increases in the cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance; (4) debit card and ATM fees; (5) net gains and losses on non-qualified deferred compensation plans; and (6) fees from other miscellaneous business services.

Overall, non-interest income increased $2.7 milliondecreased $741,000 or 98.7%13.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, compared to the same period of 2016.2017. This increasedecrease was primarily due to: (1) a $289,000 change in the net gain on the sale of investment securities from a $289,000 loss in Q1 2016; (2) a $503,000 increase in the net gain on deferred compensation investments; and (3)to a $1.1 million increase in thedecrease resulting from a Q1 2017 gain on sale of fixed assets related to the disposition of one of the Company’s properties; (4) $453,000 in non-recurring fees from certain loan customers; and (5)properties, offset by a $131,000$109,000 increase in FHLB dividends.
Balances in non-qualified deferred compensation plans may be invested in financial instruments whose market value fluctuates based upon trends in interest rates and stock prices. Although Generally Accepted Accounting Principles require these investment gains/losses be recorded in non-interestthe income an offsetting entryof BORV, which is also required to be made to non-interest expense resulting in no effectaccounted for on the Company’s net income.equity method. See Note 7 for additional information.

Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense for the Company includes expenses for: (1) salaries and employee benefits; (2) net gains and losses on non-qualified deferred compensation plan investments; (3) occupancy; (4) equipment; (5) supplies; (6) legal fees; (7) professional services; (8) data processing; (9) marketing; (10) deposit insurance; (11) ORE carrying costs and gains/losses on sale; and (12) other miscellaneous expenses.

Overall, non-interest expense increased $6.4$1.5 million or 53.3%8.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, compared to the same period in 2016.2017. This increase was primarily comprised of: (1) a $5.7$1.0 million gain on the sale of ORE property that took place in the prior (2016) and was recorded as a reduction to non-interest expense; (2) a $503,000 increase in the net gain on deferred compensation investments; (3) a $786,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits primarily related to increased contributions to retirement and profit sharing plans. These increases were partially offset by a $481,000 decrease inplans; (2) increased legal consulting and other professional servicesfees of $257,000 primarily related to the Delta Bancorp acquisition that took place in 2016.

Balances in non-qualified deferred compensation plans may be invested in financial instruments whose market value fluctuates based upon trends in interest ratesof Bank of Rio Vista and stock prices. Although Generally Accepted Accounting Principles require these investment gains/losses be recorded in non-interest income, an offsetting entry is also required(3) increased consulting fees of $295,000 primarily related to be made to non-interest expense resulting in no effect on the Company’s net income.acquisition of Bank of Rio Vista.

Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017 the Tax Cuts and Jobs act was signed into law changing the Bank’s Federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.   The Bank’s provision for income taxes increased 9.7%decreased 24.1% to $4.4$3.4 million for the first quarter of 20172018 compared to the first quarter of 2016.2017 primarily as a result of the Federal corporate tax rate change. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 20172018 was 36.2%25.3% compared to 36.0%36.2% for the first quarter of 2016.2017. The Company’s effective tax rate fluctuates from quarter to quarter due primarily to changes in the mix of taxable and tax-exempt earning sources. The effective rates were lower than the combined Federal and State statutory rate of 42%30% due primarily to benefits regarding the cash surrender value of life insurance; credits associated with low income housing tax credit investments (LIHTC); and tax-exempt interest income on municipal securities and loans.

Current tax law causes the Company’s current taxes payable to approximate or exceed the current provision for taxes on the income statement. Three provisions have had a significant effect on the Company’s current income tax liability: (1) the restrictions on the deductibility of credit losses; (2) deductibility of retirement and other long-term employee benefits only when paid; and (3) the statutory deferral of deductibility of California franchise taxes on the Company’s federal return.

Financial Condition

This section discusses material changes in the Company’s balance sheet at March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to December 31, 20162017 and to March 31, 2016.2017. As previously discussed (see “Overview”) the Company’s financial condition can be influenced by the seasonal banking needs of its agricultural customers.

Investment Securities and Federal Funds Sold
The investment portfolio provides the Company with an income alternative to loans & leases. The debt securities in the Company’s investment portfolio have historically been comprised primarily of: (1) mortgage-backed securities issued by federal government-sponsored entities; (2) debt securities issued by US Treasury, government agencies and government-sponsored entities; and (3) investment grade bank-qualified municipal bonds. However, at certain times, the Company has selectively added investment grade corporate securities (floating rate and fixed rate with maturities less than 5 years) to the portfolio in order to obtain yields that exceed government agency securities of equivalent maturity without subjecting the Company to the interest rate risk associated with mortgage-backed securities.
The Company’s investment portfolio at March 31, 20172018 was $510.1$549.3 million compared to $506.4$536.1 million at the end of 2016,2017, an increase of $3.8$13.3 million or 0.7%2.5%. At March 31, 2016,2017, the investment portfolio totaled $403.3$510.1 million. To protect against future increases in market interest rates, while at the same time generating some reasonable level of current yields, the Company currently invests most of its available funds in either shorter term U.S. Treasury, government agency & government-sponsored entity securities or shorter term (10, 15, and 20 year) mortgage-backed securities. As part of the acquisition of Delta National Bancorp, that took place in November, 2016, the Company now owns $36.3$27.5 million of floating rate U.S. Government SBA securities.

The Company's total investment portfolio currently represents 17.3%17.9% of the Company’s total assets as compared to 17.3%17.4% at December 31, 2016,2017, and 15.6%17.3% at March 31, 2016.2017.

As of March 31, 20172018 the Company held $57.3$53.5 million of municipal investments, of which $39.6$36.8 million were bank-qualified municipal bonds, all classified as HTM. In order to comply with Section 939A of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Company: (1) only invests in bonds rated AA or better; and (2)Company performs its own credit analysis on new purchases of municipal bonds. As of March 31, 2017,2018, ninety-eight percent of the Company’s bank-qualified municipal bond portfolio is rated at either the issue or issuer level, and all of these ratings are “investment grade.” The Company monitors the status of all municipal investments with particular attention paid to the approximately two percent ($419,000)795,000) of the portfolio that is not rated, and at the current time does not believe any of them to be exhibiting financial problems that could result in a loss in any individual security.

Not included in the investment portfolio are interest bearing deposits with banks and overnight investments in Federal Funds Sold. Interest bearing deposits with banks consisted of FRB deposits. The FRB currently pays interest on the deposits that banks maintain in their FRB accounts, whereas historically banks had to sell these Federal Funds to other banks in order to earn interest. Since balances at the FRB are effectively risk free, the Company elected to maintain its excess cash at the FRB. Interest bearing deposits with banks totaled $97.0 million at March 31, 2018, $121.2 million at December 31, 2017 and $122.3 million at March 31, 2017, $43.9 million at December 31, 2016 and $32.1 million at March 31, 2016.2017.

The Company classifies its investments as HTM, trading, or AFS. Securities are classified as HTM and are carried at amortized cost when the Company has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Trading securities are securities acquired for short-term appreciation and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in non-interest income. As of March 31, 2017,2018, December 31, 20162017 and March 31, 2016,2017, there were no securities in the trading portfolio. Securities classified as AFS include securities, which may be sold to effectively manage interest rate risk exposure, prepayment risk, satisfy liquidity demands and other factors. These securities are reported at fair value with aggregate, unrealized gains or losses excluded from income and included as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of related income taxes.

Loans & Leases
Loans & leases can be categorized by borrowing purpose and use of funds. Common examples of loans & leases made by the Company include:
 
Commercial and Agricultural Real Estate - These are loans secured by farmland, commercial real estate, multifamily residential properties, and other non-farm, non-residential properties generally within our market area. Commercial mortgage term loans can be made if the property is either income producing or scheduled to become income producing based upon acceptable pre-leasing, and the income will be the Bank's primary source of repayment for the loan. Loans are made both on owner occupied and investor properties; generally do not exceed 10 years (and may have pricing adjustments on a shorter timeframe); have debt service coverage ratios of 1.00 or better with a target of greater than 1.25; and fixed rates that are most often tied to treasury indices with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk in the loan.

Real Estate Construction - These are loans for development and construction (the Company generally requires the borrower to fund the land acquisition) and are secured by commercial or residential real estate. These loans are generally made only to experienced local developers with whom the Bank has a successful track record; for projects in our service area; with Loan To Value (LTV) below 75%; and where the property can be developed and sold within 2 years. Commercial construction loans are made only when there is a written take-out commitment from the Bank or an acceptable financial institution or government agency. Most acquisition, development and construction loans are tied to the prime rate or LIBOR with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk in the loan.
Residential 1st Mortgages - These are loans primarily made on owner occupied residences; generally underwritten to income and LTV guidelines similar to those used by FNMA and FHLMC; however, we will make loans on rural residential properties up to 40 acres. Most residential loans have terms from ten to twenty years and carry fixed rates priced off of treasury rates. The Company has always underwritten mortgage loans based upon traditional underwriting criteria and does not make loans that are known in the industry as “subprime,” “no or low doc,” or “stated income.”

Home Equity Lines and Loans - These are loans made to individuals for home improvements and other personal needs. Generally, amounts do not exceed $250,000; Combined Loan To Value (CLTV) does not exceed 80%; FICO scores are at or above 670; Total Debt Ratios do not exceed 43%; and in some situations the Company is in a 1st lien position.

Agricultural - These are loans and lines of credit made to farmers to finance agricultural production. Lines of credit are extended to finance the seasonal needs of farmers during peak growing periods; are usually established for periods no longer than 12 to 36 months; are often secured by general filing liens on livestock, crops, crop proceeds and equipment; and are most often tied to the prime rate with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk in the loan. Term loans are primarily made for the financing of equipment, expansion or modernization of a processing plant, or orchard/vineyard development; have maturities from five to seven years; and fixed rates that are most often tied to treasury indices with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk in the loan.

Commercial - These are loans and lines of credit to businesses that are sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLC’s and corporations. Lines of credit are extended to finance the seasonal working capital needs of customers during peak business periods; are usually established for periods no longer than 12 to 24 months; are often secured by general filing liens on accounts receivable, inventory and equipment; and are most often tied to the prime rate with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk in the loan. Term loans are primarily made for the financing of equipment, expansion or modernization of a plant or purchase of a business; have maturities from five to seven years; and fixed rates that are most often tied to treasury indices with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk in the loan.

Consumer - These are loans to individuals for personal use, and primarily include loans to purchase automobiles or recreational vehicles, and unsecured lines of credit. The Company has a very minimal consumer loan portfolio, and loans are primarily made as an accommodation to deposit customers.

Leases –These are leases to businesses or individuals, for the purpose of financing the acquisition of equipment. They can be either “finance leases” where the lessee retains the tax benefits of ownership but obtains 100% financing on their equipment purchases; or “true tax leases” where the Company, as lessor, places reliance on equipment residual value and in doing so obtains the tax benefits of ownership. Leases typically have a maturity of three to ten years, and fixed rates that are most often tied to treasury indices with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk. Credit risks are underwritten using the same credit criteria the Company would use when making an equipment term loan. Residual value risk is managed through the use of qualified, independent appraisers that establish the residual values the Company uses in structuring a lease.

The Company accounts for leases with Investment Tax Credits (ITC) under the deferred method as established in ASC 740-10. ITC are viewed and accounted for as a reduction of the cost of the related assets and presented as deferred income on the Company’s financial statement.

See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk-Credit Risk” for a discussion about the credit risks the Company assumes and its overall credit risk management practices.

Each loan or lease type involves risks specific to the: (1) borrower; (2) collateral; and (3) loan & lease structure. See “Results of Operations - Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses” for a more detailed discussion of risks by loan & lease type. The Company’s current underwriting policies and standards are designed to mitigate the risks involved in each loan & lease type. The Company’s policies require that loans & leases are approved only to those borrowers exhibiting a clear source of repayment and the ability to service existing and proposed debt. The Company’s underwriting procedures for all loan & lease types require careful consideration of the borrower, the borrower’s financial condition, the borrower’s management capability, the borrower’s industry, and the economic environment affecting the loan or lease.
Most loans & leases made by the Company are secured, but collateral is the secondary or tertiary source of repayment; cash flow is our primary source of repayment. The quality and liquidity of collateral are important and must be confirmed before the loan is made.

In order to be responsive to borrower needs, the Company prices loans & leases: (1) on both a fixed rate and adjustable rate basis; (2) over different terms; and (3) based upon different rate indices; as long as these structures are consistent with the Company’s interest rate risk management policies and procedures (see Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk-Interest Rate Risk).

Overall, the Company's loan & lease portfolio at March 31, 20172018 totaled $2.1$2.2 billion, an increase of $153.0$89.1 million or 7.7%4.1% over March 31, 2016.2017. This increase has occurred as a result of: (1) the Company’s intensified business development efforts directed toward credit-qualified borrowers; (2) entry into the equipment leasing business; and (3) expansion of our service area into Walnut Creek, Concord and Concord.Napa. No assurances can be made that this growth in the loan & lease portfolio will continue.

Loans & leases at March 31, 2017 decreased $31.62018 increased $19.8 million from $2.1$2.2 billion at December 31, 2016.2017. This relatively small overall decreaseincrease was a result of $33.4$12.2 million in normal seasonal pay downs of loans made to the Company’s agricultural customers offset by growth in other portfolio segments.

The following table sets forth the distribution of the loan & lease portfolio by type and percent as of the periods indicated.

Loan & Lease Portfolio March 31, 2017  December 31, 2016  March 31, 2016  March 31, 2018  December 31, 2017  March 31, 2017 
(in thousands) $   %  $   %  $   %  $  %  $  %  $  % 
Commercial Real Estate $682,687   31.7% $674,445   30.9% $617,148   30.9% $705,063   31.5% $691,639   31.1% $682,687   31.7%
Agricultural Real Estate  463,645   21.6%  467,685   21.4%  432,281   21.6%  508,400   22.7%  499,231   22.5%  463,645   21.6%
Real Estate Construction  164,791   7.7%  176,462   8.1%  166,455   8.3%  96,315   4.3%  100,206   4.5%  164,791   7.7%
Residential 1st Mortgages  249,628   11.6%  242,247   11.1%  212,205   10.6%  264,137   11.8%  260,751   11.7%  249,628   11.6%
Home Equity Lines and Loans  31,817   1.5%  31,625   1.4%  31,639   1.6%  34,691   1.5%  34,525   1.6%  31,817   1.5%
Agricultural  266,010   12.4%  295,325   13.5%  253,655   12.7%  261,427   11.7%  273,582   12.3%  266,010   12.4%
Commercial  209,184   9.7%  217,577   10.0%  213,479   10.7%  274,682   12.3%  265,703   12.0%  209,184   9.7%
Consumer & Other  7,119   0.3%  6,913   0.3%  7,066   0.4%  6,685   0.3%  6,656   0.3%  7,119   0.3%
Leases  76,591   3.5%  70,986   3.3%  63,979   3.2%  89,678   3.9%  88,957   4.0%  76,591   3.5%
Total Gross Loans & Leases  2,151,472   100.0%  2,183,265   100.0%  1,997,907   100.0%  2,241,078   100.0%  2,221,250   100.0%  2,151,472   100.0%
Less: Unearned Income  5,440       5,664       4,836       5,995       5,955       5,440     
Subtotal  2,146,032       2,177,601       1,993,071       2,235,083       2,215,295       2,146,032     
Less: Allowance for Credit Losses  48,400       47,919       44,129       50,677       50,342       48,400     
Net Loans & Leases $2,097,632      $2,129,682      $1,948,942      $2,184,406      $2,164,953      $2,097,632     

Classified Loans & Leases and Non-Performing Assets
All loans & leases are assigned a credit risk grade using grading standards developed by bank regulatory agencies. See “Results of Operations - Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses” for more detail on risk grades. The Company utilizes the services of a third-party independent loan review firm to perform evaluations of individual loans & leases and review the credit risk grades the Company places on loans & leases. Loans & leases that are judged to exhibit a higher risk profile are referred to as “classified loans & leases,” and these loans & leases receive increased management attention. As of March 31, 2017,2018, classified loans totaled $4.6$8.2 million compared to $6.4$8.9 million at December 31, 20162017 and $6.3$4.6 million at March 31, 2016.2017.
Classified loans & leases with higher levels of credit risk can be further designated as “impaired” loans & leases. 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. See “Results of Operations - Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses” for further details. Impaired loans & leases consist of: (1) non-accrual loans & leases; and/or (2) restructured loans & leases that are still performing (i.e., accruing interest).

Non-Accrual Loans & leases - Accrual of interest on loans & leases is generally discontinued when a loan or lease becomes contractually past due by 90 days or more with respect to interest or principal. When loans & leases are 90 days past due, but in management's judgment are well secured and in the process of collection, they may not be classified as non-accrual. When a loan or lease is placed on non-accrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed. Income on such loans & leases is then recognized only to the extent that cash is received and where the future collection of principal is probable. As of March 31, 2018 non-accrual loans & leases totaled $81,000. At December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017, non-accrual loans & leases totaled $1.4 million. At December 31, 2016$0 and March 31, 2016, non-accrual loans & leases totaled $3.1 million and $2.3$1.4 million, respectively.

Restructured Loans & Leases - A restructuring of a loan or lease constitutes a TDR under ASC 310-40, if the Company for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor's financial difficulties grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. Restructured loans or leases typically present an elevated level of credit risk as the borrowers are not able to perform according to the original contractual terms. If the restructured loan or lease was current on all payments at the time of restructure and management reasonably expects the borrower will continue to perform after the restructure, management may keep the loan or lease on accrual. Loans & leases that are on nonaccrual status at the time they become TDR loans, remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower demonstrates a sustained period of performance, which the Company generally believes to be six consecutive months of payments, or equivalent. A loan or lease can be removed from TDR status if it was restructured at a market rate in a prior calendar year and is currently in compliance with its modified terms. However, these loans or leases continue to be classified as impaired and are individually evaluated for impairment.

As of March 31, 2017,2018, restructured loans & leases on accrual totaled $5.9$6.2 million as compared to $6.0$6.3 million at December 31, 2016.2017. Restructured loans on accrual at March 31, 20162017 were $4.8$5.9 million.

Other Real Estate - Loans where the collateral has been repossessed are classified as other real estate ("ORE") or, if the collateral is personal property, the loan is classified as other assets on the Company's financial statements.

The following table sets forth the amount of the Company's non-performing loans & leases (defined as non-accrual loans & leases plus accruing loans & leases past due 90 days or more) and ORE as of the dates indicated.

Non-Performing Assets
(in thousands) March 31, 2017  Dec. 31, 2016  March 31, 2016  March 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 March 31, 2017 
Non-Performing Loans & Leases $1,421  $3,074  $2,297  $81  $0  $1,421 
Other Real Estate  2,152   3,745   585   873   873   2,152 
Total Non-Performing Assets $3,573  $6,819  $2,882  $954  $873  $3,573 
                      
Non-Performing Loans & Leases as a % of Total Loans & Leases  0.07%  0.14%  0.11%  0.00%  0.00%  0.07%
Restructured Loans & Leases (Performing) $5,984  $4,462  $4,799  $6,246  $6,301  $5,984 

Although management believes that non-performing loans & leases are generally well-secured and that potential losses are provided for in the Company’s allowance for credit losses, there can be no assurance that future deterioration in economic conditions and/or collateral values will not result in future credit losses. Specific reserves of $261,000, $631,000,$4,000, $0, and $661,000$261,000 have been established for non-performing loans & leases at March 31, 2017,2018, December 31, 20162017 and March 31, 2016,2017, respectively.
Foregone interest income on non-accrual loans & leases, which would have been recognized during the period, if all such loans & leases had been current in accordance with their original terms, totaled $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and for the year ended December 31, 2017, and $24,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, $127,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016, and $27,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.

The Company reported $2.2 million$873,000 of ORE at March 31, 2017, $3.7 million2018, $873,000 at December 31, 2016,2017, and $585,000$3.6 million at March 31, 2016.2017.

Except for those classified and non-performing loans & leases discussed above, the Company’s management is not aware of any loans & leases as of March 31, 2017,2018, for which known financial problems of the borrower would cause serious doubts as to the ability of these borrowers to materially comply with their present loan or lease repayment terms, or any known events that would result in the loan or lease being designated as non-performing at some future date. However:
 
·The Central Valley was one of the hardest hit areas in the country during the recession. In many areas housing prices declined as much as 60% and unemployment reached 15% or more. Although the economy has improved throughout most of the Central Valley, in many of the Company’s market segments housing prices for the most part still remain below peak levels and unemployment levels remain above those in other areas of the state and country.

·The State of California experienced drought conditions from 2013 through most of 2016. AlthoughThen, in late 2016 and early 2017 significant levels of rain and snow in late 2016 and early 2017 have alleviated drought conditions in many areas of California, including those in the Company’s primary service area.   In late 2017 and early 2018 rain levels have exceeded 80% of seasonal averages, but snow levels have been modest.  Fortunately, reservoir levels are high and the availability of water this summer and fall in our primary service area should not be an issue.  However, the weather patterns over the past 5 years further reinforce the fact that the long-term risks associated with the availability of water continue to exist.are significant.

·The agricultural industry is facing challenges associated with: (1) weakness in export markets due to a stronger dollar and proposed changes in trade policies; (2) tight labor markets and higher wages due to legislative changes at the state and federal levels; and (3) proposed changes in immigration policy and the resulting impact on the labor pool.

See “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Deposits
One of the key sources of funds to support earning assets is the generation of deposits from the Company’s customer base. The ability to grow the customer base, and subsequently deposits, is a significant element in the performance of the Company.

The Company's deposit balances at March 31, 20172018 have increased $351.1$93.8 million or 15.6%3.6% compared to March 31, 2016.2017. In addition to the Company’s ongoing business development activities for deposits, the following factors positively impacted year-over-year deposit growth: (1) the Company’s strong financial results and position and F&M Bank’s reputation as one of the most safe and sound banks in its market area; and (2) the Company’s expansion of its service area into Walnut Creek and Concord; and (3) $103.7 million in deposits from the acquisition of Delta National Bank.Concord. The Company expects that, at some point, deposit customers may begin to diversify how they invest their money (e.g., move funds back into the stock market or other investments) and this could impact future deposit growth.

Although total deposits have increased 15.6%3.6% since March 31, 2016,2017, importantly, low cost transaction accounts continue to grow at a strong pace as well:

·Demand and interest-bearing transaction accounts increased $167.1$173.7 million or 16.0%14.3% since March 31, 2016.2017.

·Savings and money market accounts have increased $78.6$26.9 million or 10.8%3.3% since March 31, 2016.2017.

·Time deposit accounts have increased $105.5decreased $106.9 million or 21.8%18.1% since March 31, 2016.2017, primarily due to the Company’s decision not to renew $90.0 million in high rate public funds time deposit accounts from the State of California.
The Company's deposit balances at March 31, 20172018 have increased $25.9decreased $21.8 million or 1.0%0.80% compared to December 31, 2016.2017. Savings and money market deposits increased 5.8%2.2% or $44.3$17.6 million while demand and interest-bearing transaction accounts decreased by $37.7$46.8 million or 3.0%3.3% and time deposit accounts increased by $19.4$7.4 million or 3.4%1.5%. Deposit trends in the first half of the year can be impacted by the seasonal needs of our agricultural customers.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings
Lines of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank are other key sources of funds to support earning assets. These sources of funds are also used to manage the Company’s interest rate risk exposure, and as opportunities arise, to borrow and invest the proceeds at a positive spread through the investment portfolio. There were no FHLB Advances at March 31, 2017,2018, December 31, 2016,2017, or March 31, 2016.2017. There were no Federal Funds purchased or advances from the FRB at March 31, 2017,2018, December 31, 20162017 or March 31, 2016.2017.

As of March 31, 20172018 the Company has additional borrowing capacity of $424.8$472.1 million with the Federal Home Loan Bank and $353$368.8 million with the Federal Reserve Bank. Any borrowings under these lines would be collateralized with loans that have been accepted for pledging at the FHLB and FRB.

Long-Term Subordinated Debentures
On December 17, 2003, the Company raised $10 million through an offering of trust-preferred securities (“TPS”). See Note 14 located in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the Company’s 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Although this amount is reflected as subordinated debt on the Company’s balance sheet, under current regulatory guidelines, our TPS will continue to qualify as regulatory capital (See “Capital”). These securities accrue interest at a variable rate based upon 3-month LIBOR plus 2.85%. Interest rates reset quarterly and were 4.00%5.03% as of March 31, 2017, 3.84%2018, 4.45% at December 31, 20162017 and 3.49%4.00% at March 31, 2016.2017. The average rate paid for these securities for the first quarter of 20172018 was 3.90%4.56% and 3.43%3.90% for the first quarter of 2016.2017. Additionally, if the Company decided to defer interest on the subordinated debentures, the Company would be prohibited from paying cash dividends on the Company’s common stock.

Capital
The Company relies primarily on capital generated through the retention of earnings to satisfy its capital requirements. The Company engages in an ongoing assessment of its capital needs in order to support business growth and to insure depositor protection. Shareholders’ Equity totaled $305.9 million at March 31, 2018, $299.7 million at December 31, 2017, and $288.5 million at March 31, 2017, $280.0 million at December 31, 2016, and $262.4 million at March 31, 2016.2017.

The Company and the Bank are subject to various federal regulatory capital requirements underadministered by the Basel III Capital Rules.federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’sCompany and the Bank's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the CompanyCompany’s and the Bank's assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The CompanyCompany’s and the Bank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

The implementation of Basel III requirements will increase the required capital levels that the Company and the Bank must maintain. The final rules include new minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios, which would be phased in over time. The new minimum capital level requirements applicable to the Company and the Bank under the final rules will be: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets (“RWA”); (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% of RWA; (iii) a total capital ratio of 8% of RWA; and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% of total assets. The final rules also establish a "capital conservation buffer" of 2.5% above each of the new regulatory minimum capital ratios, which would result in the following minimum ratios: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0% of RWA; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5% of RWA; and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5% of RWA. An institution will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. The final rules also permit the Company’s subordinated debentures issued in 2003 to continue to be counted as Tier 1 capital.
The final rules became effective as applied to the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015, with a phase in period through January 1, 2019. The Company believes that it is currently in compliance with all of these new capital requirements (as fully phased-in) and that they will not result in any restrictions on the Company’s business activity.

In addition, the most recent notification from the FDIC categorized the Bank as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following tables. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

(in thousands) Actual  
Current
Regulatory
Capital
Requirements
  
Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Action
  Actual  
Current
Regulatory
Capital
Requirements
  
Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Action
 
The Company: Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
As of March 31, 2017                  
As of March 31, 2018                  
Total Capital Ratio $328,235   13.26% $198,006   8.0%  N/A   N/A  $352,361   13.33% $211,442   8.0%  N/A   N/A 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio $287,302   11.61% $111,378   4.5%  N/A   N/A  $309,102   11.70% $118,936   4.5%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 Capital Ratio $297,078   12.00% $148,505   6.0%  N/A   N/A  $319,102   12.07% $158,582   6.0%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio $297,078   10.13% $117,275   4.0%  N/A   N/A  $319,102   10.49% $121,695   3.0%  N/A   N/A 

(in thousands)
 Actual  
Current
Regulatory
Capital
Requirements
  
Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Action
 
The Bank: Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
As of March 31, 2017                  
Total Capital Ratio $328,280   13.26% $197,993   8.0% $247,491   10.0%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio $297,125   12.01% $111,371   4.5% $160,869   6.5%
Tier 1 Capital Ratio $297,125   12.01% $148,495   6.0% $197,993   8.0%
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio $297,125   10.14% $117,244   4.0% $146,555   5.0%
(in thousands) Actual  
Current
Regulatory
Capital
Requirements
  
Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Action
 
The Bank: Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
As of March 31, 2018                  
Total Capital Ratio $340,551   12.95% $210,435   8.0% $263,044   10.0%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio $307,447   11.69% $118,370   4.5% $170,979 �� 6.5%
Tier 1 Capital Ratio $307,447   11.69% $157,826   6.0% $210,435   8.0%
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio $307,447   10.15% $121,184   3.0% $151,480   5.0%

As previously discussed (see “Long-Term Subordinated Debentures”), in order to supplement its regulatory capital base, during December 2003 the Company issued $10 million of trust preferred securities. On March 1, 2005, the Federal Reserve Board issued its final rule effective April 11, 2005, concerning the regulatory capital treatment of trust preferred securities (“TPS”) by bank holding companies (“BHCs”). Under the final rule BHCs may include TPS in Tier 1 capital in an amount equal to 25% of the sum of core capital net of goodwill. Any portion of trust-preferred securities not qualifying as Tier 1 capital would qualify as Tier 2 capital subject to certain limitations. The Company has received notification from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco that all of the Company’s trust preferred securities currently qualify as Tier 1 capital.

The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of this Trust (variable interest entity), therefore the trust is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, but rather the subordinated debentures are shown as a liability.

In 1998, the Board approved the Company’s first common stock repurchase program. This program has been extended and expanded several times since then, and most recently, on August 11, 2015, the Board of Directors approved an extension of the $20 million stock repurchase program over the three-year period ending September 30, 2018. See “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” of the Company’s 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

There were no stock repurchases during the first quarter of 20172018 or 2016.2017. The remaining dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the Company’s Common Stock Repurchase Plan is approximately $20 million.
On August 5, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a Share Purchase Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”), pursuant to which the Company entered into a Rights Agreement dated August 5, 2008, with Computershare as Rights Agent. The Rights Plan was set to expire on August 5, 2018. On November 19, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a seven-year extension of the term of the Rights Plan. Pursuant to an Amendment to the Rights Agreement dated February 18, 2016, the term of the Rights Plan was extended from August 5, 2018 to August 5, 2025. The extension of the term of the Rights Plan was intended as a means to continue to guard against abusive takeover tactics and was not in response to any particular proposal. See “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” of the Company’s 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further explanation.

On February 17,The company did not issue any new shares during the first quarter of 2018. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company issued 1,375 shares of common stock to the Bank’s non-qualified defined contribution retirement plans. These shares were issued at a price of $590.00 per share based upon a valuation completed by a nationally recognized bank consulting and advisory firm and in reliance upon the exemption in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The proceeds were contributed to the Bank as equity capital.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
This “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” is based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In preparing the Company’s financial statements management makes estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These judgments govern areas such as the allowance for credit losses, the fair value of financial instruments and accounting for income taxes.

For a full discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Off Balance Sheet Commitments
In the normal course of business the Company enters into financial instruments with off balance sheet risks in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments consist of commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and other types of financial guarantees. The Company had the following off balance sheet commitments as of the dates indicated.

(in thousands) March 31, 2017  December 31, 2016  March 31, 2016  March 31, 2018  December 31, 2017  March 31, 2017 
Commitments to Extend Credit $602,932  $609,653  $672,368  $767,718  $735,678  $602,932 
Letters of Credit  17,394   20,444   14,092   19,729   20,061   17,394 
Performance Guarantees Under Interest Rate Swap Contracts Entered Into Between Our Borrowing Customers and Third Parties  1,256   1,835   4,893   -   759   1,256 

The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party with regard to standby letters of credit, undisbursed loan commitments, and financial guarantees is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for recorded balance sheet items. The Company may or may not require collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk. Evaluations of each customer's creditworthiness are performed on a case-by-case basis.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee performance of or payment for a customer to a third party. Most standby letters of credit are issued for 12 months or less. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Additionally, the Company maintains a reserve for off balance sheet commitments which totaled $267,000 at March 31, 2017,2018, December 31, 2016,2017, and March 31, 2016.2017. We do not anticipate any material losses as a result of these transactions.

ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Risk Management
The Company has adopted risk management policies and procedures, which aim to ensure the proper control and management of all risk factors inherent in the operation of the Company, most importantly credit risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. These risk factors are not mutually exclusive. It is recognized that any product or service offered by the Company may expose the Company to one or more of these risk factors.

Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract or otherwise fail to perform as agreed. Credit risk is found in all activities where success depends on counterparty, issuer, or borrower performance.

Credit risk in the investment portfolio and correspondent bank accounts is addressed through defined limits in the Company’s policy statements. In addition, certain securities carry insurance to enhance credit quality of the bond.

In order to control credit risk in the loan & lease portfolio the Company has established credit management policies and procedures that govern both the approval of new loans & leases and the monitoring of the existing portfolio. The Company manages and controls credit risk through comprehensive underwriting and approval standards, dollar limits on loans & leases to one borrower, and by restricting loans & leases made primarily to its principal market area where management believes it is best able to assess the applicable risk. Additionally, management has established guidelines to ensure the diversification of the Company’s credit portfolio such that even within key portfolio sectors such as real estate or agriculture, the portfolio is diversified across factors such as location, building type, crop type, etc. However, as a financial institution that assumes credit risks as a principal element of its business, credit losses will be experienced in the normal course of business. The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level considered by management to be adequate to provide for risks inherent in the loan & lease portfolio. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and reduced by net charge-offs.

The Company’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance is applied on a regular basis and considers all loans & leases. The systematic methodology consists of three parts.

Part 1 - includes a detailed analysis of the loan & lease portfolio in two phases. The first phase is conducted in accordance with the “Receivables” topic of the FASB ASC. Individual loans & leases are reviewed to identify them for impairment. A loan or lease is impaired when principal and interest are deemed uncollectible in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan or lease. Impairment is measured as either the expected future cash flows discounted at each loan’s or lease’s effective interest rate, the fair value of the loan’s or lease’s collateral if the loan or lease is collateral dependent, or an observable market price of the loan or lease, if one exists. Upon measuring the impairment, the Company will ensure an appropriate level of allowance is present or established.

Central to the first phase of the analysis of the loan & lease portfolio is the risk rating system. The originating credit officer assigns each borrower an initial risk rating, which is based primarily on a thorough analysis of that borrower’s financial position in conjunction with industry and economic trends. Approvals are made based upon the amount of inherent credit risk specific to the transaction and are reviewed for appropriateness by senior credit administration personnel. Credits are monitored by credit administration personnel for deterioration in a borrower’s financial condition, which would impact the ability of the borrower to perform under the contract. Risk ratings are adjusted as necessary. Risk ratings are reviewed by both the Company’s independent third-party credit examiners and bank examiners from the DBO and FDIC.

Based on the risk rating system, specific allowances are established in cases where management has identified significant conditions or circumstances related to a credit that management believes indicates that the loan or lease is impaired and there is a probability of loss. Management performs a detailed analysis of these loans & leases, including, but not limited to, cash flows, appraisals of the collateral, conditions of the marketplace for liquidating the collateral, and assessment of the guarantors. Management then determines the inherent loss potential and allocates a portion of the allowance for losses as a specific allowance for each of these credits.
The second phase is conducted by segmenting the loan & lease portfolio by risk rating and into groups of loans & leases with similar characteristics in accordance with the “Contingency” topic of the FASB ASC. In this second phase, groups of loans & leases with similar characteristics are reviewed and the appropriate allowance factor is applied based on the historical average charge-off rate for each particular group of loans or leases.

Part 2 - considers qualitative internal and external factors that may affect a loan or lease’s collectability, is based upon management’s evaluation of various conditions, the effects of which are not directly measured in the determination of the historical and specific allowances. The evaluation of the inherent loss with respect to these conditions is subject to a higher degree of uncertainty because they are not identified with specific problem credits or portfolio segments. The conditions evaluated in connection with the second element of the analysis of the allowance include, but are not limited to the following conditions that existed as of the balance sheet date:

§general economic and business conditions affecting the key service areas of the Company;
§credit quality trends (including trends in collateral values, delinquencies and non-performing loans & leases);
§loan & lease volumes, growth rates and concentrations;
§loan & lease portfolio seasoning;
§specific industry and crop conditions;
§recent loss experience; and
§duration of the current business cycle.

Part 3 - An unallocated allowance often occurs due to the imprecision in estimating and allocating allowance balances associated with macro factors such as: (1) the continuing sluggish economic conditions in the Central Valley; and (2) the long term impact of drought conditions currently being experienced in California.

Management reviews all of these conditions in discussion with the Company’s senior credit officers. To the extent that any of these conditions is evidenced by a specifically identifiable impaired credit or portfolio segment as of the evaluation date, management’s estimate of the effect of such condition may be reflected as a specific allowance applicable to such credit or portfolio segment. Where any of these conditions is not evidenced by a specifically identifiable impaired credit or portfolio segment as of the evaluation date, management’s evaluation of the inherent loss related to such condition is reflected in the second element of the allowance or in the unallocated allowance.

Management believes, that based upon the preceding methodology, and using information currently available, the allowance for credit losses at March 31, 20172018 was adequate. No assurances can be given that future events may not result in increases in delinquencies, non-performing loans & leases, or net loan & lease charge-offs that would require increases in the provision for credit losses and thereby adversely affect the results of operations.

Interest Rate Risk
The mismatch between maturities of interest sensitive assets and liabilities results in uncertainty in the Company’s earnings and economic value and is referred to as interest rate risk. The Company does not attempt to predict interest rates and positions the balance sheet in a manner, which seeks to minimize, to the extent possible, the effects of changing interest rates.

The Company measures interest rate risk in terms of potential impact on both its economic value and earnings. The methods for governing the amount of interest rate risk include: (1) analysis of asset and liability mismatches (Gap analysis); (2) the utilization of a simulation model; and (3) limits on maturities of investment, loan & lease, and deposit products, which reduces the market volatility of those instruments.

The Gap analysis measures, at specific time intervals, the divergence between earning assets and interest bearing liabilities for which repricing opportunities will occur. A positive difference, or Gap, indicates that earning assets will reprice faster than interest-bearing liabilities. This will generally produce a greater net interest margin during periods of rising interest rates and a lower net interest margin during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, a negative Gap will generally produce a lower net interest margin during periods of rising interest rates and a greater net interest margin during periods of decreasing interest rates.
The interest rates paid on deposit accounts do not always move in unison with the rates charged on loans & leases. In addition, the magnitude of changes in the rates charged on loans & leases is not always proportionate to the magnitude of changes in the rate paid for deposits. Consequently, changes in interest rates do not necessarily result in an increase or decrease in the net interest margin solely as a result of the differences between repricing opportunities of earning assets or interest bearing liabilities.

The Company also utilizes the results of a dynamic simulation model to quantify the estimated exposure of net interest income to sustained interest rate changes. The sensitivity of the Company’s net interest income is measured over a rolling one-year horizon.

The simulation model estimates the impact of changing interest rates on interest income from all interest-earning assets and the interest expense paid on all interest-bearing liabilities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet. This sensitivity analysis is compared to policy limits, which specify a maximum tolerance level for net interest income exposure over a one-year horizon assuming no balance sheet growth, given a 200 basis point upward and a 100 basis point downward shift in interest rates. A shift in rates over a 12-month period is assumed. Results that exceed policy limits, if any, are analyzed for risk tolerance and reported to the Board with appropriate recommendations. At March 31, 2018, the Company’s estimated net interest income sensitivity to changes in interest rates, as a percent of net interest income was an increase in net interest income of 2.27% if rates increase by 200 basis points and a decrease in net interest income of 4.05% if rates decline 100 basis points. Comparatively, at December 31, 2017, the Company’s estimated net interest income sensitivity to changes in interest rates, as a percent of net interest income was an increase in net interest income of 5.39%2.83% if rates increase by 200 basis points and a decrease in net interest income of 4.70% if rates decline 100 basis points. Comparatively, at December 31, 2016, the Company’s estimated net interest income sensitivity to changes in interest rates, as a percent of net interest income was an increase in net interest income of 5.26% if rates increase by 200 basis points and a decrease in net interest income of 3.22%4.42% if rates decline 100 basis points.

The estimated sensitivity does not necessarily represent a Company forecast and the results may not be indicative of actual changes to the Company’s net interest income. These estimates are based upon a number of assumptions including: the nature and timing of interest rate levels including yield curve shape; prepayments on loans & leases and securities; pricing strategies on loans & leases and deposits; replacement of asset and liability cash flows; and other assumptions. While the assumptions used are based on current economic and local market conditions, there is no assurance as to the predictive nature of these conditions including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.

Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk to earnings or capital resulting from the Company’s inability to meet its obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable losses. It includes the ability to manage unplanned decreases or changes in funding sources and to recognize or address changes in market conditions that affect the Company’s ability to liquidate assets or acquire funds quickly and with minimum loss of value. The Company endeavors to maintain a cash flow adequate to fund operations, handle fluctuations in deposit levels, respond to the credit needs of borrowers, and to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise.

The Company’s principal operating sources of liquidity include (see “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” of the Company’s 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K) cash and cash equivalents, cash provided by operating activities, principal payments on loans & leases, proceeds from the maturity or sale of investments, and growth in deposits. To supplement these operating sources of funds the Company maintains Federal Funds credit lines of $77$78 million and repurchase lines of $130 million with major banks. As of March 31, 20172018, the Company has additional borrowing capacity of $425$472 million with the FHLB and $353$369 million with the FRB. Borrowings under these lines are collateralized with loans or securities that have been accepted for pledging at the FHLB and FRB.

At March 31, 2017,2018, the Company had available sources of liquidity, which included cash and cash equivalents and unpledged investment securities AFS of approximately $410$381 million, which represents 13.87%12.45% of total assets.

ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information is recorded and reported in all filings of financial reports. Such information is reported to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer to allow timely and accurate disclosure based on the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” in Rule 13a-15(e). In designing these controls and procedures, management recognizes that they can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Management also evaluated the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of Company’s disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and other senior management of the Company. The evaluation was based, in part, upon reports and affidavits provided by a number of executives. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls over financial reporting subsequent to the date the Company completed its evaluation.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

Certain lawsuits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business have been filed or are pending against the Company or its subsidiaries. Based upon information available to the Company, its review of such lawsuits and claims and consultation with its counsel, the Company believes the liability relating to these actions, if any, would not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.

There are no material proceedings adverse to the Company to which any director, officer or affiliate of the Company is a party.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s 20162017 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K. In management’s opinion, there have been no material changes in risk factors since the filing of the 20162017 Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no shares repurchased by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp during the first quarter of 2017.2018. The remaining dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the Company’s Stock Repurchase Plan is approximately $20.0 million.

The common stock of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp is not widely held or listed on any exchange. However, trades are reported on the OTCQX under the symbol “FMCB.” Additionally, management is aware that there are private transactions in the Company’s common stock.

In February, 2017, the Company issued 1,375 shares of common stock to the Bank’s non-qualified defined contribution retirement plans. These shares were issued at a price of $590.00 per share based upon a valuation completed by a nationally recognized bank consulting and advisory firm and in reliance upon the exemption in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The proceeds were contributed to the Bank as equity capital.
In January, 2016, the Company issued 1,600 shares of common stock to the Bank’s non-qualified defined contribution retirement plans. These shares were issued at a price of $525 per share based upon a valuation completed by a nationally recognized bank consulting and advisory firm and in reliance upon the exemption in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The proceeds were contributed to the Bank as equity capital.

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

ITEM 5. Other Information

None

ITEM 6. Exhibits

Exhibit No.
Description
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRLPresentation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Definition Linkbase Document
See “Index to Exhibits”
53


SIGNATURES

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

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
  
Date:  May 9, 20172018/s/ Kent A. Steinwert
  
 Kent A. Steinwert
 Chairman, President
 & Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal(Principal Executive Officer)

Date:  May 9, 20172018/s/ Stephen W. Haley
   
 Stephen W. Haley
 Executive Vice President and
 Chief Financial Officer
 (Principal Financial & Accounting Officer)
 
56
54

Index to Exhibits

Exhibit No.
Description
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Definition Linkbase Document
57