American Riviera Bank Reports Profit and Customer Growth

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Riviera Bank (OTC BB: ARBV) announced today unaudited net income of $275,000 ($0.11 per share) for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and loan growth of 22% since March 31, 2011.

“Our loan and deposit growth is directly attributable to our dedication to personal service and understanding of our clients’ needs. We are proud to be a partner and grow with the community.”

The Bank has experienced consistent growth in loans, reporting $110 million in loans at March 31, 2012, a $20 million increase since March 31, 2011. The Bank’s net interest margin remains strong and has benefited from deployment of excess liquidity into loans. The Bank reported a 5.35% net interest margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, a significant increase from 4.25% for the comparable 2011 quarter.

The Bank has experienced consistent growth in core deposits, reporting $107 million in core deposits at March 31, 2012, a 16% increase since March 31, 2011. Total deposits were $120 million at March 31, 2012. The Bank continues to attract new customers with a 24% increase in the number of non-time deposit accounts since March 31, 2011 and nearly 200 new non-time deposit accounts opened in the first quarter of 2012. Demand deposit accounts reached $24 million for the quarter ending March 31, 2012, an increase of $4 million or 20% from the comparable 2011 quarter.

Jeff DeVine, President and Chief Executive Officer stated, “Our loan and deposit growth is directly attributable to our dedication to personal service and understanding of our clients’ needs. We are proud to be a partner and grow with the community.”

The Bank has $148 million in total assets and a Tier 1 Leverage capital ratio exceeding 14% as of March 31, 2012, the highest ratio of all banks operating in Santa Barbara and well above the regulatory guideline of 5% for well capitalized institutions. Book value and tangible book value of one share of American Riviera Bank stock is $8.94 at March 31, 2012, an increase from $7.60 at March 31, 2011.

Company Profile

American Riviera Bank is a full service community bank, focused on serving the lending and deposit needs of businesses and consumers in our community. The Bank was founded in 2006 by over 400 local shareholders and has one branch located at 1033 Anacapa Street in downtown Santa Barbara.

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