PLUMAS BANCORP - Annual Report: 2014 (Form 10-K)

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

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

or

Commission file number: 000-49883

PLUMAS BANCORP
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (530) 283-7305

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

☐ Yes    ☒ No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

☐ Yes    ☒ No

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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). ☒ Yes    No  ☐

Indicated by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☒

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 Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

☐ Yes    ☒ No

As of June 30, 2014 the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $28.8 million, based on the closing price reported to the Registrant on June 30, 2014 of $6.80 per share.

Shares of Common Stock held by each officer and director have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates.  This determination of the affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

The number of shares of Common Stock of the registrant outstanding as of March 13, 2015 was 4,799,139.

Documents Incorporated by Reference:   Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A are incorporated by reference in Part III, Items 10-14.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Forward-Looking Information

This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements and information is subject to the “safe harbor” provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements (which involve Plumas Bancorp’s (the “Company’s”) plans, beliefs and goals, refer to estimates or use similar terms) involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following factors:

The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

The Company.  Plumas Bancorp (the “Company”) is a California corporation registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and is headquartered in Quincy, California.  The Company was incorporated in January 2002 and acquired all of the outstanding shares of Plumas Bank (the “Bank”) in June 2002.  The Company’s principal subsidiary is the Bank, and the Company exists primarily for the purpose of holding the stock of the Bank and of such other subsidiaries it may acquire or establish.  At the present time, the Company’s only other subsidiaries are Plumas Statutory Trust I and Plumas Statutory Trust II, which were formed in 2002 and 2005 solely to facilitate the issuance of trust preferred securities.

The Company’s principal source of income is dividends from the Bank, but the Company may explore supplemental sources of income in the future.  The cash outlays of the Company, including (but not limited to) the payment of dividends to shareholders, if and when declared by the Board of Directors, costs of repurchasing Company common stock, the cost of servicing debt and preferred stock dividends, will generally be paid from dividends paid to the Company by the Bank.

At December 31, 2014, the Company had consolidated assets of $539 million, deposits of $468 million, other liabilities of $35 million and shareholders’ equity of $36 million.  The Company’s other liabilities include $10.3 million in junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures, $7.5 million in subordinated debentures and a $1.0 million note payable. These items are described in detail later in this section.

References herein to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Plumas Bancorp and its consolidated subsidiary, unless the context indicates otherwise. Our operations are conducted at 35 South Lindan Avenue, Quincy, California. Our annual, quarterly and other reports, required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (the “SEC”) are posted and are available at no cost on the Company’s website, www.plumasbank.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company files such documents with the SEC. These reports are also available through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

The Bank. The Bank is a California state-chartered bank that was incorporated in July 1980 and opened for business in December 1980.  The Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System. The Bank’s Administrative Office is located at 35 South Lindan Avenue, Quincy, California.  At December 31, 2014 the Bank had approximately $538 million in assets, $367 million in net loans and $469 million in deposits (including deposits of $0.6 million from the Bancorp).  It is currently the largest independent bank headquartered in Plumas County.  The Bank’s deposit accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) up to maximum insurable amounts. 

The Bank’s primary service area covers the Northeastern portion of California, with Lake Tahoe to the South and the Oregon border to the North. The Bank, through its eleven branch network, serves the seven contiguous California counties of Plumas, Nevada, Sierra, Placer, Lassen, Modoc and Shasta. The branches are located in the communities of Quincy, Portola, Greenville, Truckee, Fall River Mills, Alturas, Susanville, Chester, Tahoe City, Kings Beach and Redding. The Bank maintains fifteen automated teller machines (“ATMs”) tied in with major statewide and national networks. In addition to its branch network, the Bank operates lending offices specializing in government-guaranteed lending in Auburn, California and Beaverton, Oregon, a commercial/agricultural lending office located in Chico, California, and a commercial loan office located in Reno, Nevada. The Bank’s primary business is servicing the banking needs of these communities. Its marketing strategy stresses its local ownership and commitment to serve the banking needs of individuals living and working in the Bank’s primary service areas.

With a predominant focus on personal service, the Bank has positioned itself as a multi-community independent bank serving the financial needs of individuals and businesses within the Bank’s geographic footprint.  Our principal retail lending services include consumer, automobile and home equity loans. Our principal commercial lending services include term real estate, commercial and industrial term loans. In addition, we provide government-guaranteed and agricultural loans as well as credit lines. We provide land development and construction loans on a limited basis.

The Bank’s Government-guaranteed lending center, headquartered in Auburn, California with additional personnel in Truckee, California and Beaverton, Oregon (serving the Portland Oregon metropolitan area) provides Small Business Administration and USDA Rural Development loans to qualified borrowers throughout Northern California, Oregon and Northern Nevada.  During 2007 the Bank was granted nationwide Preferred Lender status with the U.S. Small Business Administration and we expect government-guaranteed lending to continue to be an important part of our overall lending operation. During 2014 proceeds from the sale of government-guaranteed loans totaled $21.6 million and we generated a gain on sale of $1.4 million. In 2013 proceeds from the sale of government guaranteed loans totaled $21.7 million and we generated a gain on sale of $1.4 million.

The Agricultural Credit Centers located in Susanville, Chico and Alturas provide a complete line of credit services in support of the agricultural activities which are key to the continued economic development of the communities we serve.  “Ag lending” clients include a full range of individual farming customers, small- to medium-sized business farming organizations and corporate farming units.

As of December 31, 2014, the principal areas to which we directed our lending activities, and the percentage of our total loan portfolio comprised by each, were as follows: (i) commercial real estate – 44.1%; (ii) commercial and industrial loans – 8.5%; (iii) consumer loans (including residential equity lines of credit and automobile loans) – 23.4%; (iv) agricultural loans (including agricultural real estate loans) – 9.5%; (v) residential real estate – 7.9%; and (vi) construction and land development – 6.6% .

In addition to the lending activities noted above, we offer a wide range of deposit products for the retail and commercial banking markets including checking, interest-bearing checking, business sweep, public funds sweep, savings, time deposit and retirement accounts, as well as remote deposit, telephone and mobile banking and internet banking with bill-pay options. Interest bearing deposits include high yield sweep accounts designed for our commercial customers and for public entities such as municipalities. In addition we offer a premium interest bearing checking account for our consumer customers. As of December 31, 2014, the Bank had 28,821 deposit accounts with balances totaling approximately $469 million, compared to 29,072 deposit accounts with balances totaling approximately $450 million at December 31, 2013.  We attract deposits through our customer-oriented product mix, competitive pricing, convenient locations, extended hours, remote deposit operations and drive-up banking, all provided with a high level of customer service.

Most of our deposits are attracted from individuals, business-related sources and smaller municipal entities.  This mix of deposit customers resulted in a relatively modest average deposit balance of approximately $16.2 thousand at December 31, 2014. However, it makes us less vulnerable to adverse effects from the loss of depositors who may be seeking higher yields in other markets or who may otherwise draw down balances for cash needs.

We also offer a variety of other products and services to complement the lending and deposit services previously reviewed.  These include cashier’s checks, bank-by-mail, ATMs, night depository, safe deposit boxes, direct deposit, electronic funds transfers, on-line banking, remote deposit, mobile banking and other customary banking services.

Through our offering of a Remote Deposit product our customers are able to make non-cash deposits remotely from their physical location. With this product, we have extended our service area and can now meet the deposit needs of customers who may not be located within a convenient distance of one of our branch offices.

Additionally, the Bank has devoted a substantial amount of time and capital to the improvement of existing Bank services, during 2009 we replaced our on-line banking service with a new state of the art product that greatly expands the features available to our customers. In addition we utilized this platform to add mobile banking services during the first quarter of 2010. During 2010 Plumas Bank began offering a new Green Account which promotes protecting the environment, reducing clutter and making life simpler for the customer through technological advancements such as eStatements, online banking, and debit card usage. In 2011, we introduced a new product for our larger business customers which use repurchase agreements as an alternative to interest-bearing deposits. The balance in this product at December 31, 2014 was $9.6 million. Interest paid on this product is similar to that which can be earned on the Bank’s premium money market account; however, these are not deposits and are not FDIC insured. During the first quarter of 2012 we replaced our ATMs with new state of the art machines that are capable of accepting check and cash deposits without a deposit envelope.

The officers and employees of the Bank are continually engaged in marketing activities, including the evaluation and development of new products and services, to enable the Bank to retain and improve its competitive position in its service area. 

We hold no patents or licenses (other than licenses required by appropriate bank regulatory agencies or local governments), franchises, or concessions.  Our business has a modest seasonal component due to the heavy agricultural and tourism orientation of some of the communities we serve.  As our branches in less rural areas such as Truckee have expanded and with the opening of our Auburn commercial lending office, the agriculture-related base has become less significant.  We are not dependent on a single customer or group of related customers for a material portion of our deposits, nor are a material portion of our loans concentrated within a single industry or group of related industries.  There has been no material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position as a result of federal, state, or local environmental regulation.

Commitment to our Communities. The Board of Directors and Management believe that the Company plays an important role in the economic well being of the communities it serves. Our Bank has a continuing responsibility to provide a wide range of lending and deposit services to both individuals and businesses. These services are tailored to meet the needs of the communities served by the Company and the Bank.

We offer various loan products which encourage job growth and support community economic development. Types of loans offered range from personal and commercial loans to real estate, construction, agricultural, automobile and government-guaranteed community infrastructure loans. Many banking decisions are made locally with the goal of maintaining customer satisfaction through the timely delivery of high quality products and services.

Capital Purchase Program - TARP - Preferred Stock and Stock Warrant. On January 30, 2009 the Company entered into a Letter Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), pursuant to which the Company issued and sold (i) 11,949 shares of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and (ii) a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 237,712 shares of the Company’s common stock, no par value (the “Common Stock”), for an aggregate purchase price of $11,949,000 in cash.

On April 11, 2013, the Treasury announced its intent to sell its investment in the Bancorp’s Series A Preferred Stock along with similar investments the Treasury had made in seven other financial institutions, principally to qualified institutional buyers. Using a modified Dutch auction methodology that establishes a market price by allowing investors to submit bids at specified increments during the period of April 15, 2013 through April 18, 2013, the U.S. Treasury auctioned all of the Bancorp’s 11,949 Series A Preferred Stock. The Bancorp sought and obtained regulatory permission to participate in the auction. The Bancorp successfully bid to repurchase 7,000 shares of the 11,949 outstanding shares. This repurchase resulted in a discount of approximately 7% on the face value of the Series A Preferred Stock plus related outstanding dividends. The remaining 4,949 shares were purchased at auction by third party private investors. On June 27, 2013 the Bancorp repurchased 1,566 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock at $1,000 per share from certain of those third party private investors and on September 16, 2013 the Bancorp repurchased 250 shares at $985 per share from another one of the third party investors leaving 3,133 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2013. On October 25, 2013, Plumas Bancorp repurchased the remaining 3,133 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock from a third party private investor for $3,101,670 plus accrued dividends of $30,453. This represents a discount of 1% from the liquidation value of the Preferred Stock. On May 22, 2013 the Bancorp repurchased the Warrant from the Treasury at a cost of $234,500.

Trust Preferred Securities. During the third quarter of 2002, the Company formed a wholly owned Connecticut statutory business trust, Plumas Statutory Trust I (the “Trust I”). On September 26, 2002, the Company issued to the Trust I, Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2032 (the “Debentures”) in the aggregate principal amount of $6,186,000. In exchange for these debentures the Trust I paid the Company $6,186,000. The Trust I funded its purchase of debentures by issuing $6,000,000 in floating rate capital securities (“trust preferred securities”), which were sold to a third party. These trust preferred securities qualify as Tier I capital under current Federal Reserve Board guidelines. The Debentures are the only asset of the Trust I. The interest rate and terms on both instruments are substantially the same. The rate is based on the three-month LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) plus 3.40%, not to exceed 11.9%, adjustable quarterly. The proceeds from the sale of the Debentures were primarily used by the Company to inject capital into the Bank.

During the third quarter of 2005, the Company formed a wholly owned Connecticut statutory business trust, Plumas Statutory Trust II (the “Trust II”). On September 28, 2005, the Company issued to the Trust II, Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2035 (the “Debentures”) in the aggregate principal amount of $4,124,000. In exchange for these debentures the Trust II paid the Company $4,124,000. The Trust II funded its purchase of debentures by issuing $4,000,000 in floating rate capital securities (“trust preferred securities”), which were sold to a third party. These trust preferred securities qualify as Tier I capital under current Federal Reserve Board guidelines. The Debentures are the only asset of the Trust II. The interest rate and terms on both instruments are substantially the same. The rate is based on the three-month LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) plus 1.48%, adjustable quarterly. The proceeds from the sale of the Debentures were primarily used by the Company to inject capital into the Bank.

The Debentures and trust preferred securities accrue and pay distributions quarterly based on the floating rate described above on the stated liquidation value of $1,000 per security. The Company has entered into contractual agreements which, taken collectively, fully and unconditionally guarantee payment of: (1) accrued and unpaid distributions required to be paid on the capital securities; (2) the redemption price with respect to any capital securities called for redemption by either Trust I or Trust II, and (3) payments due upon voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding up, or liquidation of either Trust I or Trust II.

The trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity of the Debentures on September 26, 2032 for Trust I and September 28, 2035 for Trust II, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indenture.

Neither Trust I nor Trust II are consolidated into the Company’s consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, both entities are accounted for under the equity method and the junior subordinated debentures are reflected as debt on the consolidated balance sheet.

Subordinated Debentures. On April 15, 2013 the Bancorp issued $7.5 million in subordinated debentures (“subordinated debt”). The subordinated debt was issued to an unrelated third-party (“Lender”) pursuant to a subordinated debenture purchase agreement, subordinated debenture note, and stock purchase warrant. The subordinated debt agreement provides that in the event of default with respect to the subordinated debt, the Bancorp will be subject to certain restrictions on the payment of dividends and distributions to shareholders, repurchase or redemption of the Bancorp’s securities and payment on certain debts or guarantees. The subordinated debenture agreement also provides that in the event of default, Lender will have the right to appoint a director to the Bancorp’s board of directors and/or the Plumas Bank board in certain limited circumstances.

The subordinated debt bears an interest rate of 7.5% per annum, has a term of 8 years with no prepayment allowed during the first two years and was made in conjunction with an eight-year warrant (the “Lender Warrant”) to purchase up to 300,000 shares of the Bancorp’s common stock, no par value at an exercise price, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, of $5.25 per share. Interest expense related to the subordinated debt for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 totaled $756,000 and $541,000, respectively.

The Company allocated the proceeds received on April 15, 2013 between the subordinated debt and the Lender Warrant based on the estimated relative fair value of each. The fair value of the Warrant was estimated based on a Black-Scholes-Merton model and totaled $318,000. The discount recorded on the subordinated note will be amortized by the level-yield method over 2 years.

Promissory Note. On October 24, 2013 the Bancorp issued a $3 million promissory note (the “Note”) payable to an unrelated commercial bank. The note bears interest at the U.S. "Prime Rate" plus three-quarters percent per annum, 4.00% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, has a term of 18 months and is secured by 100 shares of Plumas Bank stock representing the Company's 100% ownership interest in Plumas Bank. Interest expense related to this note for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 totaled $111,000 and $23,000, respectively. Under the Note the Bank is subject to several negative and affirmative covenants including, but not limited to providing timely financial information, maintaining specified levels of capital, restrictions on additional borrowings, and meeting or exceeding certain capital and asset quality ratios. The Bank was in compliance with all such requirements at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

On July 28, 2014, Plumas Bancorp entered into a Renewal, Extension, and Modification of Loan Agreement (the “Agreement”) related to the Note. This Agreement provides for the following changes, among others:

The above provisions are subject to the following conditions:

On August 26, 2014 the Company made a $2 million payment on the Note reducing the outstanding balance to $1 million.

Proceeds from the Note and the subordinated debt were used to partially fund the repurchase of preferred stock.

Regulatory Developments. Effective February 8, 2012, the Bank entered into an informal agreement with the FDIC and the California Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”) which, among other things, requested that the Bank maintain a Tier 1 Leverage Capital Ratio of 9% which is in excess of that required for well capitalized institutions and continue to reduce its level of classified asset balances that were outstanding as of September 30, 2011 to not more than 50% of Tier 1 Capital plus the allowance for loan losses. At December 31, 2012 this ratio was 32% and the Bank’s Tier 1 Leverage Capital Ratio was 10.4%. The FDIC and DFI terminated the informal agreement effective January 24, 2013.

On July 28, 2011 the Company entered into an agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (the "FRB Agreement"). Under the terms of the FRB Agreement, Plumas Bancorp agreed to take certain actions that are designed to maintain its financial soundness so that it may continue to serve as a source of strength to the Bank. Among other things, the FRB Agreement required prior written approval related to the payment or taking of dividends and distributions, making any distributions of interest, principal or other sums on subordinated debentures or trust preferred securities, incurrence of debt, and the purchase or redemption of stock. In addition, the FRB Agreement required Plumas Bancorp to submit, within 60 days of the FRB Agreement, a written statement of Plumas Bancorp’s planned sources and uses of cash for debt service, operating expense and other purposes (“Cash Flow Statement”) for the remainder of 2011 and annually thereafter. The Company submitted the Cash Flow Statements within the required time frames. On April 19, 2013 the Company received notice that the FRB Agreement had been terminated.

Business Concentrations.  No individual or single group of related customer accounts is considered material in relation to the Banks' assets or deposits, or in relation to our overall business. However, at December 31, 2014 approximately 74% of the Bank's total loan portfolio consisted of real estate-secured loans, including real estate mortgage loans, real estate construction loans, consumer equity lines of credit, and agricultural loans secured by real estate. Moreover, our business activities are currently focused in the California counties of Plumas, Nevada, Placer, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta and Sierra and Washoe County in Nevada. Consequently, our results of operations and financial condition are dependent upon the general trends in these economies and, in particular, the residential and commercial real estate markets. In addition, the concentration of our operations in these areas of California and Nevada exposes us to greater risk than other banking companies with a wider geographic base in the event of catastrophes, such as earthquakes, fires and floods in these regions in California and Nevada.

Competition. With respect to commercial bank competitors, the business is largely dominated by a relatively small number of major banks with many offices operating over a wide geographical area.  These banks have, among other advantages, the ability to finance wide-ranging and effective advertising campaigns and to allocate their resources to regions of highest yield and demand.  Many of the major banks operating in the area offer certain services that we do not offer directly but may offer indirectly through correspondent institutions.  By virtue of their greater total capitalization, such banks also have substantially higher lending limits than we do.  For customers whose loan demands exceed our legal lending limit, we attempt to arrange for such loans on a participation basis with correspondent or other banks.

In addition to other banks, our competitors include savings institutions, credit unions, and numerous non-banking institutions such as finance companies, leasing companies, insurance companies, brokerage firms, and investment banking firms.  In recent years, increased competition has also developed from specialized finance and non-finance companies that offer wholesale finance, credit card, and other consumer finance services, including on-line banking services and personal financial software.  Strong competition for deposit and loan products affects the rates of those products as well as the terms on which they are offered to customers.  Mergers between financial institutions have placed additional competitive pressure on banks within the industry to streamline their operations, reduce expenses, and increase revenues.  Competition has also intensified due to federal and state interstate banking laws enacted in the mid-1990’s, which permit banking organizations to expand into other states. The relatively large California market has been particularly attractive to out-of-state institutions.  The Financial Modernization Act, which became effective March 11, 2000, has made it possible for full affiliations to occur between banks and securities firms, insurance companies, and other financial companies, and has also intensified competitive conditions.

Currently, within the towns in which the Bank has a branch there are 51 banking branch offices of competing institutions (excluding credit unions, but including savings banks), including 28 branches of 8 major banks. As of June 30, 2014, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) estimated the Bank’s market share of insured deposits within the communities it serves to be as follows: Chester 65%, Quincy 57%, Alturas 66%, Fall River Mills 37%, Kings Beach 32%, Susanville 28%,Truckee 17%, Tahoe City 9%, Redding less than 1% and 100% in Greenville and Portola. Redding is the location of our most recently opened branch, which became operational in June 2007.

Technological innovations have also resulted in increased competition in financial services markets.  Such innovation has, for example, made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer customers automated transfer payment services that previously were considered traditional banking products.  In addition, many customers now expect a choice of delivery systems and channels, including home computer, mobile, remote deposit, telephone, ATMs, mail, full-service branches and/or in-store branches.  The sources of competition in such products include traditional banks as well as savings associations, credit unions, brokerage firms, money market and other mutual funds, asset management groups, finance and insurance companies, internet-only financial intermediaries, and mortgage banking firms.

For many years we have countered rising competition by providing our own style of community-oriented, personalized service.  We rely on local promotional activity, personal contacts by our officers, directors, employees, and shareholders, automated 24-hour banking, and the individualized service that we can provide through our flexible policies.  This approach appears to be well-received by our customers who appreciate a more personal and customer-oriented environment in which to conduct their financial transactions.  To meet the needs of customers who prefer to bank electronically, we offer telephone banking, mobile banking, remote deposit, and personal computer and internet banking with bill payment capabilities.  This high tech and high touch approach allows the customers to tailor their access to our services based on their particular preference. 

Employees. At December 31, 2014, the Company and its subsidiary employed 155 persons. On a full-time equivalent basis, we employed 133 persons. None of the Company’s employees are represented by a labor union, and management considers its relations with employees to be good.

Code of Ethics. The Board of Directors has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers (including Plumas Bancorp’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer) and financial personnel, known as the Corporate Governance Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics Policy is available on Plumas Bancorp’s website at www.plumasbank.com. Shareholders may request a free copy of the Code of Ethics Policy from Plumas Bancorp, Ms. Elizabeth Kuipers, Investor Relations, 35 S. Lindan Avenue, Quincy, California 95971.

Supervision and Regulation

General. We are extensively regulated under federal and state law. These laws and regulations are generally intended to protect depositors and customers, not shareholders. To the extent that the following information describes statutory or regulatory provisions, it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statute or regulation. Any change in applicable laws or regulations may have a material effect on our business and prospects. Our operations may be affected by legislative changes and by the policies of various regulatory authorities. We cannot accurately predict the nature or the extent of the effects on our business and earnings that fiscal or monetary policies, or new federal or state legislation may have in the future.

Securities Regulation. The Company is subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, both as administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a listed company on NASDAQ, we are subject to NASDAQ rules for listed companies.

Holding Company Regulation. We are a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and are subject to the supervision of, and regulation by, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”). We are required to file reports with the FRB and the FRB periodically examines the Company. A bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary bank and, under appropriate circumstances, to commit resources to support the subsidiary bank. FRB regulations require the Company to meet or exceed certain capital requirements and regulate provisions of certain bank holding company debt. The Company is also a bank holding company within the meaning of Section 3700 of the California Financial Code. Therefore, the Company and any of its subsidiaries are subject to supervision and examination by, and may be required to file reports with, the California Department of Business Oversight (“DBO”).

Capital Adequacy. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) has risk-based capital adequacy guidelines intended to provide a measure of capital adequacy that reflects the degree of risk associated with a banking organization’s operations for both transactions reported on the balance sheet as assets, and transactions, such as letters of credit and recourse arrangements, which are reported as off-balance-sheet items. Under these guidelines, nominal dollar amounts of assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance-sheet items are multiplied by one of several risk adjustment percentages, which range from 0% for assets with low credit risk, such as certain U.S. government securities, to 100% for assets with relatively higher credit risk, such as business loans.

A banking organization’s risk-based capital ratios are obtained by dividing its qualifying capital by its total risk-adjusted assets and off-balance-sheet items. The regulators measure risk-adjusted assets and off-balance-sheet items against both total qualifying capital (the sum of Tier 1 capital and limited amounts of Tier 2 capital) and Tier 1 capital. Tier 1 capital consists of common stock, retained earnings, noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and minority interests in certain subsidiaries, less most other intangible assets. Tier 2 capital may consist of a limited amount of the allowance for loan and lease losses and certain other instruments with some characteristics of equity. The inclusion of elements of Tier 2 capital is subject to certain other requirements and limitations of the federal banking agencies. Since December 31, 1992, the FRB and the FDIC have required a minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-adjusted assets and off-balance-sheet items of 8%, and a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-adjusted assets and off-balance-sheet items of 4%.

In addition to the risk-based guidelines, the FRB requires banking organizations to maintain a minimum amount of Tier 1 capital to average total assets, referred to as the leverage ratio. For a banking organization rated in the highest of the five categories used by regulators to rate banking organizations, the minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets is 3%. It is improbable; however, that an institution with a 3% leverage ratio would receive the highest rating by the regulators since a strong capital position is a significant part of the regulators’ ratings. For all banking organizations not rated in the highest category, the minimum leverage ratio is at least 100 to 200 basis points above the 3% minimum. Thus, the effective minimum leverage ratio, for all practical purposes, is at least 4% or 5%. In addition to these uniform risk-based capital guidelines and leverage ratios that apply across the industry, the FRB and FDIC have the discretion to set individual minimum capital requirements for specific institutions at rates significantly above the minimum guidelines and ratios.

A bank that does not achieve and maintain the required capital levels may be issued a capital directive by the FDIC and/or the DBO to ensure the maintenance of required capital levels. The Company is also required to maintain certain levels of capital. The regulatory capital guidelines as well as the actual capitalization for the Bank and the Company as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:

The Company and the Bank met all of the above capital adequacy requirements as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. 

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) requires federal banking regulators to take “prompt corrective action” with respect to a capital-deficient institution, including requiring a capital restoration plan and restricting certain growth activities of the institution. The Company could be required to guarantee any such capital restoration plan required of the Bank if the Bank became undercapitalized. Pursuant to FDICIA, regulations were adopted defining five capital levels: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, severely undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized.

If capital falls below the minimum levels established by these regulatory capital guidelines, a holding company or a bank may be denied approval to acquire or establish additional banks or non-bank businesses or to open new facilities.

Banks with capital ratios below the required minimums are subject to certain administrative actions, including prompt corrective action, the termination of deposit insurance upon notice and hearing, or a temporary suspension of insurance without a hearing.

New Capital Rules. In July, 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies approved the final rules implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s capital guidelines for U.S. banks. Under the final rules, minimum requirements will increase for both the quantity and quality of capital held by the Company and the Bank. The rules include a new common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5% and a common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets. The final rules also raise the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4.0% to 6.0% and require a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%. The final rules also implement strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments.

The phase-in period for the final rules begin on January 1, 2015, with full compliance with all of the final rule’s requirements phased in over a multi-year schedule. As of January 1, 2015, the Company’s and the Bank’s capital levels remained “well-capitalized” under the new rules.

Dividends. The Company's ability to pay cash dividends is dependent on dividends paid to it by the Bank and limited by California corporation law. Under California law, the holders of common stock of the Company are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available, subject to certain restrictions. The California general corporation law prohibits the Company from paying dividends on its common stock unless: (i) its retained earnings, immediately prior to the dividend payment, equals or exceeds the amount of the dividend or (ii) immediately after giving effect to the dividend, the sum of the Company's assets (exclusive of goodwill and deferred charges) would be at least equal to 125% of its liabilities (not including deferred taxes, deferred income and other deferred liabilities) and the current assets of the Company would be at least equal to its current liabilities, or, if the average of its earnings before taxes on income and before interest expense for the two preceding fiscal years was less than the average of its interest expense for the two preceding fiscal years, at least equal to 125% of its current liabilities.

Dividends from the Bank to the Company are restricted under California law to the lesser of the Bank's retained earnings or the Bank's net income for the latest three fiscal years, less dividends previously declared during that period, or, with the approval of the DBO, to the greater of the retained earnings of the Bank, the net income of the Bank for its last fiscal year, or the net income of the Bank for its current fiscal year. As of December 31, 2014, the maximum amount available for dividend distribution under this restriction was approximately $5,100,000. In addition the Company’s ability to pay dividends is subject to certain covenants contained in the indentures relating to the Trust Preferred Securities issued by the business trusts.

Federal and State Bank Regulation. The Bank, as a state-chartered bank with deposits insured by the FDIC, is primarily subject to the supervision and regulation of the California Department of Business Oversight (the “DBO”), the FDIC, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”). These agencies may prohibit the Bank from engaging in what they believe constitute unsafe or unsound banking practices. The DBO regularly examines the Bank or participates in joint examinations with the FDIC.

The Community Reinvestment Act. The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) requires that, in connection with examinations of financial institutions within its jurisdiction, the FDIC evaluate the record of the financial institutions in meeting the credit needs of their local communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of those institutions. These factors are also considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions and applications to open a branch or new facility. A less than “Satisfactory” rating would likely result in the suspension of any growth of the Bank through acquisitions or opening de novo branches until the rating is improved. As of the most recent CRA examination the Bank’s CRA rating was “Satisfactory.”

Transactions with Affiliates. Banks are also subject to certain restrictions imposed by the Federal Reserve Act on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors, principal shareholders (including the Company) or any related interest of such persons. Extensions of credit must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons not affiliated with the bank, and must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. Banks are also subject to certain lending limits and restrictions on overdrafts to such persons. A violation of these restrictions may result in the assessment of substantial civil monetary penalties on the affected bank or any officer, director, employee, agent or other person participating in the conduct of the affairs of that bank, the imposition of a cease and desist order, and other regulatory sanctions.

The Federal Reserve Act and related Regulation W limit the amount of certain loan and investment transactions between the Bank and its affiliates, require certain levels of collateral for such loans, and limit the amount of advances to third parties that may be collateralized by the securities of the Company or its subsidiaries. Regulation W requires that certain transactions between the Bank and its affiliates be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the Bank, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with or involving nonaffiliated companies or, in the absence of comparable transactions, on terms and under circumstances, including credit standards, that in good faith would be offered to or would apply to nonaffiliated companies. The Company and its subsidiaries have adopted an Affiliate Transactions Policy and have entered into various affiliate agreements in compliance with Regulation W.

Safety and Soundness Standards. The FRB and the FDIC have adopted non-capital safety and soundness standards for institutions. These standards cover internal controls, information and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits, and standards for asset quality, earnings and stock valuation. An institution that fails to meet these standards must develop a plan acceptable to the agency, specifying the steps that it will take to meet the standards. Failure to submit or implement such a plan may subject the institution to regulatory sanctions.

Federal Deposit Insurance. In addition to supervising and regulating state chartered non-member banks, the FDIC insures the Bank’s deposits, up to prescribed statutory limits, through the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”), currently $250,000 per depositor per institution. The DIF is funded primarily by FDIC assessments paid by each DIF member institution. The amount of FDIC assessments paid by each DIF member institution is based on its relative risk of default as measured by regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory factors. The Bank’s FDIC insurance expense totaled $0.4 million for 2014.

Additionally, all FDIC-insured institutions are required to pay assessments to the FDIC to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation (“FICO”), an agency of the Federal government established to recapitalize the predecessor to the DIF. The FICO assessment rates, which are determined quarterly, averaged less than 0.01% of deposits in fiscal 2014. These assessments will continue until the FICO bonds mature in 2017.

The FDIC may terminate a depository institution’s deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices that pose a risk to the DIF or that may prejudice the interest of the bank’s depositors. Under California law, the termination of deposit insurance for the Bank would result in a termination of the Bank’s charter.

Interstate Branching. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), authorized national and state banks to establish branches in other states to the same extent as a bank chartered by that state would be permitted to branch. Previously, banks could only establish branches in other states if the host state expressly permitted out-of-state banks to establish branches in that state. Accordingly, banks will be able to enter new markets more freely.

Consumer Protection Laws and Regulations. The banking regulatory agencies are focusing greater attention on compliance with consumer protection laws and their implementing regulations. Examination and enforcement have become more intense in nature, and insured institutions have been advised to monitor carefully compliance with such laws and regulations. The Company is subject to many federal and state consumer protection and privacy statutes and regulations, including but not limited to the following:

Penalties for noncompliance or violations under the above laws may include fines, reimbursement and other penalties. Due to heightened regulatory expectations related to compliance with generally, the Company may incur additional compliance costs.

The Dodd-Frank Act created a new, independent federal agency called the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), which is granted broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement powers under various federal consumer financial protection laws. The CFPB has examination and primary enforcement authority with respect to depository institutions with $10 billion or more in assets. Smaller institutions will be subject to rules promulgated by the CFPB but will continue to be examined and supervised by federal banking regulators for consumer compliance purposes. The CFPB has authority to prevent unfair, deceptive or abusive practices in connection with the offering of consumer financial products. The Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the CFPB to establish certain minimum standards for the origination of residential mortgages including a determination of the borrower’s ability to repay. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act allows borrowers to raise certain defenses to foreclosure if they receive any loan other than a “qualified mortgage” as defined by the CFPB. The Dodd-Frank Act permits states to adopt consumer protection laws and standards that are more stringent than those adopted at the federal level and, in certain circumstances, permits state attorneys general to enforce compliance with both the state and federal laws and regulations.

Anti-Money Laundering Laws. A series of banking laws and regulations beginning with the bank Secrecy Act in 1970 requires banks to prevent, detect, and report illicit or illegal financial activities to the federal government to prevent money laundering, international drug trafficking, and terrorism. Under the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, financial institutions are subject to prohibitions against specified financial transactions and account relationships, requirements regarding the Customer Identification Program, as well as enhanced due diligence and “know your customer” standards in their dealings with high risk customers, foreign financial institutions, and foreign individuals and entities.

Privacy and Data Security. The Gramm-Leach Bliley Act (“GLBA”) of 1999 imposes requirements on financial institutions with respect to consumer privacy. he GLBA generally prohibits disclosure of consumer information to non-affiliated third parties unless the consumer has been given the opportunity to object and has not objected to such disclosure. Financial institutions are further required to disclose their privacy policies to consumers annually. The GLBA also directs federal regulators, including the FDIC, to prescribe standards for the security of consumer information. The Bank is subject to such standards, as well as standards for notifying consumers in the event of a security breach. The Bank is required to have an information security program to safeguard the confidentiality and security of customer information and to ensure proper disposal of information that is no longer needed. Customers must be notified when unauthorized disclosure involves sensitive customer information that may be misused.

Potential Enforcement Actions; Supervisory Agreements. Under federal law, the Bank and its institution-affiliated parties may be the subject of potential enforcement actions by the FDIC for unsafe and unsound practices in conducting their businesses, or for violations of any law, rule or regulation or provision, any consent order with any agency, any condition imposed in writing by the agency or any written agreement with the agency. Enforcement actions may include the imposition of a conservator or receiver, cease-and-desist orders and written agreements, the termination of insurance of deposits, the imposition of civil money penalties and removal and prohibition orders against institution-affiliated parties. The DBO also has authority to bring similar enforcement actions against the Bank. The FRB has the authority to bring similar enforcement actions against the Company.

Legislation and Proposed Changes. From time to time, legislation is enacted which has the effect of increasing the cost of doing business, limiting or expanding permissible activities or affecting the competitive balance between banks and other financial institutions. Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the operations and taxation of banks, bank holding companies and other financial institutions are frequently made in Congress, in the Hawaii legislature and before various bank regulatory agencies. Typically, the intent of this type of legislation is to strengthen the banking industry, even if it may on occasion prove to be a burden on management’s plans. No prediction can be made as to the likelihood of any major changes or the impact that new laws or regulations might have on us.

Effects of Government Monetary Policy. Our earnings and growth are affected not only by general economic conditions, but also by the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government, particularly the FRB. The FRB implements national monetary policy for such purposes as curbing inflation and combating recession, through its open market operations in U.S. Government securities, control of the discount rate applicable to borrowings from the FRB, and establishment of reserve requirements against certain deposits. These activities influence growth of bank loans, investments and deposits, and also affect interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits. The Company’s profitability, like most financial institutions, is primarily dependent on interest rate spreads. In general, the difference between the interest rates paid by the Bank on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and other borrowings, and the interest rates received by the Bank on interest-earning assets, such as loans extended to customers and securities held in the investment portfolio, will comprise the major portion of the Company’s earnings. These rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, such as inflation, recession and unemployment, the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government and the policies of regulatory agencies, particularly the FRB and the impact which future changes in domestic and foreign economic conditions might have on us cannot be predicted. The nature and impact of future changes in monetary policies and their impact on us cannot be predicted with certainty.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 3 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Adoption of New Accounting Standards” of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10K for information related to recent accounting pronouncements.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

As a smaller reporting company we are not required to provide the information required by this item.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Of the Company’s eleven depository branches, ten are owned and one is leased. The Company also leases three lending offices and one administrative/lending office, and owns four administrative facilities.

(1) Non-branch administrative or credit administrative offices.

(2) SBA lending office.

(3) Commercial lending office.

Total rental expenses under all leases, including premises, totaled $192,000, $154,000 and $153,000, in 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively. The expiration dates of the leases vary, with the first such lease expiring during 2015 and the last such lease expiring during 2016.

Future minimum lease payments in thousands of dollars are as follows:

The Company maintains insurance coverage on its premises, leaseholds and equipment, including business interruption and record reconstruction coverage. The branch properties and non-branch offices are adequate, suitable, in good condition and have adequate parking facilities for customers and employees. The Company and Bank are limited in their investments in real property under Federal and state banking laws. Generally, investments in real property are either for the Company and Bank use or are in real property and real property interests in the ordinary course of the Bank’s business.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, the Company and/or its subsidiary are a party to claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of the Company's management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company taken as a whole.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCK- HOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

The Company’s common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol "PLBC". As of December 31, 2014, there were 4,799,139 shares of the Company’s stock outstanding held by approximately 1,300 shareholders of record as of the same date. The following table shows the high and low sales prices for the common stock, for each quarter as reported by Yahoo Finance.

It is the policy of the Company to periodically distribute excess retained earnings to the shareholders through the payment of cash dividends. Such dividends help promote shareholder value and capital adequacy by enhancing the marketability of the Company’s stock. All authority to provide a return to the shareholders in the form of a cash or stock dividend or split rests with the Board of Directors (the “Board). The Board will periodically, but on no regular schedule and in accordance with regulatory restrictions, if any, reviews the appropriateness of a cash dividend payment. No common cash dividends were paid in 2014 or 2013.

The Company is subject to various restrictions on the payment of dividends. See Note 13 “Shareholders’ Equity – Dividend Restrictions” of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10K.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans. The following table sets forth securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2014.

For additional information related to the above plans see Note 13 of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10K.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. There were no purchases of Plumas Bancorp common stock by the Company during 2014.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table presents a summary of selected financial data and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included under Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General

We are a bank holding company for Plumas Bank, a California state-chartered commercial bank. We derive our income primarily from interest received on real estate related, commercial, automobile and consumer loans and, to a lesser extent, interest on investment securities, fees received in connection with servicing deposit and loan customers and fees from the sale of loans. Our major operating expenses are the interest we pay on deposits and borrowings and general operating expenses. We rely on locally-generated deposits to provide us with funds for making loans.

We are subject to competition from other financial institutions and our operating results, like those of other financial institutions operating in California, are significantly influenced by economic conditions in California, including the strength of the real estate market. In addition, both the fiscal and regulatory policies of the federal and state government and regulatory authorities that govern financial institutions and market interest rates also impact the Bank’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our accounting policies are integral to understanding the financial results reported. Our most complex accounting policies require management’s judgment to ascertain the valuation of assets, liabilities, commitments and contingencies. We have established detailed policies and internal control procedures that are intended to ensure valuation methods are applied in an environment that is designed and operating effectively and applied consistently from period to period. The following is a brief description of our current accounting policies involving significant management valuation judgments.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of credit losses inherent in the Company's loan portfolio that have been incurred as of the balance-sheet date. The allowance is established through a provision for loan losses which is charged to expense. Additions to the allowance are expected to maintain the adequacy of the total allowance after credit losses and loan growth. Credit exposures determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance. The overall allowance consists of two primary components, specific reserves related to impaired loans and general reserves for inherent losses related to loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment.

We evaluate our allowance for loan losses quarterly. We believe that the allowance for loan losses is a “critical accounting estimate” because it is based upon management’s assessment of various factors affecting the collectability of the loans, including current economic conditions, past credit experience, delinquency status, the value of the underlying collateral, if any, and a continuing review of the portfolio of loans.

We cannot provide you with any assurance that economic difficulties or other circumstances which would adversely affect our borrowers and their ability to repay outstanding loans will not occur which would be reflected in increased losses in our loan portfolio, which could result in actual losses that exceed reserves previously established.

Other Real Estate Owned. Other real estate owned (OREO) represents properties acquired through foreclosure or physical possession. OREO is initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired. Write-downs to fair value at the time of transfer to OREO is charged to allowance for loan losses.  Subsequent to foreclosure, we periodically evaluate the value of OREO held for sale and record a valuation allowance for any subsequent declines in fair value less selling costs.  Subsequent declines in value are charged to operations.  Fair value is based on our assessment of information available to us at the end of a reporting period and depends upon a number of factors, including our historical experience, economic conditions, and issues specific to individual properties.  Our evaluation of these factors involves subjective estimates and judgments that may change.

The following discussion is designed to provide a better understanding of significant trends related to the Company's financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and capital. It pertains to the Company's financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the other financial information appearing elsewhere herein.

Overview

The Company recorded net income of $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, a 38% increase over net income of $3.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. Pretax income increased by $2.2 million, or 40%, from $5.6 million in 2013 to $7.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Net interest income increased by $1.5 million from $17.9 million during 2013 to $19.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. This increase in net interest income resulted from an increase in interest income of $1.7 million partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $159 thousand. Interest on loans increased by $1.3 million and interest on investment securities increased by $353 thousand. A decrease of $84 thousand in interest expense on deposits was offset by an increase in interest expense on borrowings of $243 thousand. The provision for loan losses declined by $300 thousand from $1.4 million during 2013 to $1.1 million during 2014 resulting in an increase in net interest income after provision for loan losses of $1.8 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2014 non-interest income totaled $7.3 million an increase of $673 thousand from the year ended December 31, 2013. The $673 thousand includes increases of $196 thousand in service charges on deposits accounts, $179 thousand in loan servicing income, a $148 thousand gain on sale of our credit card portfolio and $128 thousand in gains on sale of securities.

Non-interest expense increased by $275 thousand from $17.6 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 to $17.8 million during 2014. We achieved reductions is several categories of expense the largest two of which were $248 thousand in professional fees and $246 thousand in the provision for losses on OREO. The two largest increases in expense were $745 thousand in salary and benefits expense and $187 thousand in outside service fees.

The provision for income taxes increased from $2.2 million in 2013 to $3.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2014.  

Net income allocable to common shareholders increased by $1.1 million from $3.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 to $4.7 million during 2014. Income allocable to common shareholders is calculated by adding discount on redemption of preferred stock and subtracting dividends and discount amortized on preferred stock from net income. During 2013 the Company redeemed all of its outstanding preferred stock, recording a $565 discount on redemption. Discount amortized on the preferred stock during 2013 totaled $347 thousand.

Total assets at December 31, 2014 were $539 million, an increase of $23.1 million from $516 million at December 31, 2013. An increase of $32.4 million in net loans and $0.3 million in bank owned life insurance was partially offset by decreases of $4.3 million in cash and due from banks, $23 thousand in investment securities, $0.9 million in premises and equipment, $2.9 million in OREO and $1.5 million in other assets.

Total deposits increased by $18.5 million from $449 million at December 31, 2013 to $468 million at December 31, 2014. Core deposit growth remained strong in 2014 as evidenced by increases of $17.8 million in demand deposits and $12.3 million in savings accounts. Time deposits declined by $6.3 million, much of which we attribute to migration into other types of deposits given the low rates and lack of liquidity associated with time deposits. Interest-bearing transaction accounts (NOW) declined by $0.5 million and money market accounts declined by $4.8 million.

Total shareholders’ equity increased by $5.9 million from $30.6 million at December 31, 2013 to $36.5 million at December 31, 2014. The $5.9 million includes earnings during the twelve month period totaling $4.7 million and a decrease in net unrealized loss on investment securities of $1.1 million with the balance of $0.1 million representing stock option activity.

The return on average assets was 0.89% for 2014, up from 0.69% for 2013. The return on average common equity was 14.0% for 2014, up from 12.0% for 2013.

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

The following table presents, for the years indicated, the distribution of consolidated average assets, liabilities and shareholders' equity. Average balances are based on average daily balances. It also presents the amounts of interest income from interest-earning assets and the resultant yields expressed in both dollars and yield percentages, as well as the amounts of interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities and the resultant cost expressed in both dollars and rate percentages. Nonaccrual loans are included in the calculation of average loans while nonaccrued interest thereon is excluded from the computation of yields earned:

The following table sets forth changes in interest income and interest expense, for the years indicated and the amount of change attributable to variances in volume, rates and the combination of volume and rates based on the relative changes of volume and rates:

(1)      The volume change in net interest income represents the change in average balance multiplied by the previous year’s rate.

(2)      The rate change in net interest income represents the change in rate multiplied by the previous year’s average balance.

(3)      The mix change in net interest income represents the change in average balance multiplied by the change in rate.

2014 compared to 2013. Net interest income is the difference between interest income and interest expense. Net interest income, on a nontax-equivalent basis, was $19.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, up $1.5 million, or 8.5%, from $17.9 million for 2013. An increase of $1.7 million, or 8.7% in interest income, from $19.4 million during 2013 to $21.1 million during the current year, was partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $159 thousand.

Interest and fees on loans increased by $1.3 million, interest on investment securities increased by $353 thousand and interest on deposits increased by $13 thousand. The increase in interest and fees on loans was related to an increase in average loan balances partially offset by a decline in yield. Interest on investments securities benefited from both an increase in yield and an increase in average balance.

Interest and fees on loans was $19.5 million during 2014 and $18.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The average loan balances were $353.4 million for 2014, up $32.2 million from the $321.2 million for 2013. The following table compares loan balances by type at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

The average yield on loans was 5.52% for 2014 down from 5.66% for 2013. We attribute much of the decrease in yield to price competition in our service area as well as an increase in lower yielding automobile loans as a percentage of total loans.

Interest on investment securities increased by $353 thousand as a result of an increase in yield of 32 basis points from 1.40% during 2013 to 1.72% during 2014 and an increase in average balance from $82.8 million in 2013 to $87.9 million in 2014. The increase in yield on investment securities incudes an increase in government sponsored agency residential mortgage backed securities and municipal securities as a percentage of total securities and an increase in market yields. Interest income on other interest-earning assets, which totaled $137 thousand in 2014 and $124 thousand in 2013, primarily relates to interest on cash balances held at the Federal Reserve.    

Interest expense on deposits decreased by $84 thousand, or 14%, to $516 thousand for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, down from $600 thousand in 2013. Interest expense on time deposits declined by $69 thousand from $281 thousand during 2013 to $212 thousand at during 2014. Average time deposits declined by $6.9 million from $66.0 million during 2013 to $59.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. We attribute much of this decline to migration into other types of deposits given the low rates and lack of liquidity associated with time deposits. The average rate paid on time deposits decreased from 0.43% during 2013 to 0.36% during the current twelve month period. This decrease primarily relates to a decline in market rates paid in the Company’s service area and the maturity of higher rate time deposits.

Interest expense on NOW accounts declined by $14 thousand. Rates paid on NOW accounts declined by 2 basis points from 0.11% during 2013 to 0.09% during 2014. Average balances decreased by $568 thousand from 2013. Interest expense on money market accounts decreased by $17 thousand related to a decrease in rate paid on these accounts of 3 basis points from 0.17% during 2013 to 0.14% during 2014 and a decline in average balances from $48.7 million during 2013 to $46.7 million in 2014. Interest expense on savings accounts increased by $16 thousand as we continued to experience strong growth in this category of deposits. Average savings deposits increased by $18.2 million from $84.5 million during 2013 to $102.7 million during 2014. The average rate paid on savings accounts during this same period declined from 17 basis points during 2013 to 16 basis points during 2014. The decline in rates paid on deposits is consistent with a decline in competitive market rates in our service area.

Interest expense on other interest-bearing liabilities increased by $243 thousand from $934 thousand during the twelve months ending December 31, 2013 to $1,177 thousand during 2014. This increase was mostly related to an increase of $215 thousand in interest expense on a $7.5 million subordinated debenture which was only outstanding for 8.5 months during 2013. The subordinated debt bears an interest rate of 7.5% per annum, has a term of 8 years with no prepayment allowed during the first two years and was made in conjunction with an eight-year warrant (the “Lender Warrant”) to purchase up to 300,000 shares of the Bancorp’s common stock, no par value at an exercise price, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, of $5.25 per share. The effective yield on the debenture during 2014 was 10.3% which was in excess of the 7.5% rate due to amortization of a $75 thousand commitment fee and a discount recorded on issuance of $318 thousand.

On October 24, 2013 the Bancorp issued a $3 million promissory note dated October 24, 2013 payable to an unrelated commercial bank. The note bears interest at the U.S. "Prime Rate" plus three-quarters percent per annum (currently 4%), has a term of 18 months and is secured by 100 shares of Plumas Bank stock representing the Company's 100% ownership interest in Plumas Bank. Proceeds from this note were used to help fund the redemption of the remaining preferred shares during 2013. Interest expense on this note for 2013 totaled $23 thousand and for 2014 it totaled $111 thousand. The increase relates mostly to an increase in average balance from $567 thousand in 2013 to $2.3 million during 2014.

Interest expense on junior subordinated debentures, which decreased by $10 thousand from 2013, fluctuates with changes in the 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rate.

Interest on other borrowings, which during 2014 relates to repurchase agreements, totaled $7 thousand in 2014 and $57 thousand in 2013.

Net interest margin is net interest income expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. As a result of the changes noted above, the net interest margin for 2014 increased slightly to 4.05%, from 4.03% for 2013.

2013 compared to 2012. Net interest income, on a nontax-equivalent basis, was $17.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, up $775 thousand, or 4.5%, from $17.2 million for 2012. An increase of $1.0 million, or 5.6% in interest income, from $18.4 million during 2012 to $19.4 million during the current year, was partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $260 thousand.

Interest and fees on loans increased by $747 thousand, interest on investment securities increased by $270 thousand and interest on deposits increased by $18 thousand. The increase in interest and fees on loans was related to an increase in average loan balances partially offset by a decline in yield. Interest on investments securities benefited from both an increase in yield and an increase in average balance.

Interest and fees on loans was $18.2 million during 2013 and $17.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The average loan balances were $321.2 million for 2013, up $19.4 million from the $301.8 million for 2012. The largest areas of loan growth were in our commercial real estate and auto portfolios. We have dedicated significant resources to our loan production activities and have emphasized the need for quality and diversified growth in the portfolio.

The average yields on loans were 5.66% for 2013 down from 5.77% for 2012. We attribute much of the decrease in yield to intense pricing competition in our service area.

Interest on investment securities increased by $270 thousand as a result of an increase in yield of 12 basis points from 1.28% during 2012 to 1.40% during 2013 and an increase in average balance from $69.7 million in 2012 to $82.8 million in 2013. The increase in yield incudes an increase in government sponsored agency residential mortgage backed securities as a percentage of total securities and an increase in market yields.    

Interest income on interest-bearing deposits, which totaled $124 thousand in 2013 and $106 thousand in 2012, mostly relates to interest on cash balances held at the Federal Reserve.

Interest expense on deposits decreased by $247 thousand, or 29%, to $600 thousand for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, down from $847 thousand in 2012. Interest expense on time deposits declined by $232 thousand from $513 thousand at December 31, 2012 to $281 thousand at December 31, 2013. Average time deposits declined by $10.1 million from $76.1 million during 2012 to $66.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. We attribute much of this decline to migration into other types of deposits given the low rates and lack of liquidity associated with time deposits. The average rate paid on time deposits decreased from 0.67% during 2012 to 0.43% during the current twelve month period. This decrease primarily relates to a decline in market rates paid in the Company’s service area and the maturity of higher rate time deposits.

Interest expense on NOW accounts declined by $21 thousand. Rates paid on NOW accounts declined by 2 basis points from 0.13% during 2012 to 0.11% during 2013. Average balances increased by $1.3 million from 2012. Interest expense on money market accounts decreased by $9 thousand related to a decrease in rate paid on these accounts of 4 basis points from 0.21% during 2012 to 0.17% during 2013. Average money market balances increased by $5.8 million from $42.9 million during 2012 to $48.7 million in 2013. Interest expense on savings accounts increased by $15 thousand as we have experienced strong growth in this category of deposits. Average savings deposits increased by $15.7 million from $68.8 million during 2012 to $84.5 million during 2013. The average rate paid on savings accounts during this same period declined from 19 basis points during 2012 to 17 basis points during 2013. The decline in rates paid on deposits is consistent with a decline in competitive market rates in our service area.

Interest expense on other interest-bearing liabilities increased by $507 thousand from $427 thousand during the twelve months ending December 31, 2012 to $934 thousand during 2013. This increase was related to $541 thousand in interest expense on the $7.5 million subordinated debenture. The effective yield on the debenture was 10.4% which was in excess of the 7.5% rate due to amortization of a $75 thousand commitment fee and a discount recorded on issuance of $318 thousand.

Interest expense on junior subordinated debentures decreased by $31 thousand from 2012. Interest expense on our outstanding note payable for 2013 totaled $23 thousand. Interest on other borrowings, which totaled $57 thousand in 2013 and $83 thousand in 2012, primarily relates to interest paid on repurchase agreements.

Net interest margin is net interest income expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. As a result of the changes noted above, the net interest margin for 2013 decreased 15 basis points to 4.03%, from 4.18% for 2012.

Provision for Loan Losses

During the year ended December 31, 2014 we recorded a provision for loan losses of $1.1 million, down $300 thousand from the $1.4 million provision recorded during 2013. See “Analysis of Asset Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses” for further discussion of loan quality trends and the provision for loan losses.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that management believes will be appropriate to absorb inherent losses on existing loans based on an evaluation of the collectability of the loans and prior loan loss experience. The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrower's ability to repay their loan. The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates, and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates. These estimates are reviewed periodically and, as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings in the periods in which they become known.

Based on information currently available, management believes that the allowance for loan losses is appropriate to absorb potential risks in the portfolio. However, no assurance can be given that the Company may not sustain charge-offs which are in excess of the allowance in any given period.

Non-Interest Income

The following table sets forth the components of non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

2014 compared to 2013. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 non-interest income totaled $7.3 million an increase of $673 thousand from the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. The largest component of this increase was an increase of $196 thousand in service charge income which we attribute to growth in the Company’s demand deposit accounts, an increase in debit card interchange income and a restructuring of our service charge fee structure beginning in August of 2013. During July and August 2014 we sold fourteen available-for- sale securities totaling $16.2 million recognizing a gain on sale of $128 thousand. Loan servicing fees, which totaled $502 thousand for the 12 months ended December 31, 2014, increased by $179 thousand from 2013. Loan servicing fees mostly relate to servicing income on the sold portion of government guaranteed small business administration loans. Other non-interest income increased by $176 thousand mostly related to a $148 thousand gain on the sale of our credit card portfolio during the fourth quarter of 2014. Prior to the sale, credit card loans represented less than one-half of a percent of our loan portfolio.

2013 compared to 2012. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 non-interest income totaled $6.6 million an increase of $46 thousand from 2012. The largest component of this change was an increase of $295 thousand in service charges on deposit accounts which we attribute to growth in the Company’s demand deposit accounts, an increase in debit card interchange income and a restructuring of our service charge fee schedule beginning in August of 2013. Gains on sale of government guaranteed loans increased by $75 thousand. During 2012 we sold 53 loans receiving proceeds of $20.1 million on sale. Sales proceeds increased to $21.7 million in 2013 related to the sale of 55 loans. During 2013 loan servicing income totaled $323 thousand an increase of $108 thousand from $215 thousand during 2012.

The largest decrease in non-interest income was $403 thousand in gain on sale of investment securities. No investment securities were sold in 2013. During 2012 we sold twenty-five available-for-sale securities totaling $20.8 million recognizing a gain on sale of $403 thousand.

Non-Interest Expense

The following table sets forth the components of other non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

2014 compared to 2013. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, total non-interest expense increased by $275 thousand, or 2%, to $17.8 million, up from $17.6 million for the comparable period in 2013. The largest components of this increase were $745 thousand in salary and benefit expense, $187 thousand in outside service fees and $70 thousand related to reduction in gain on sale of OREO. The largest declines in non-interest expense were $248 thousand in professional fees, $246 thousand in provision for OREO losses, $128 thousand in deposit premium amortization and $121 thousand in insurance expense.

Salaries and employee benefits increased by $745 thousand primarily related to an increase in bonus expense of $350 thousand. The Bank’s bonus plan for 2014 provides for a bonus pool of 60% of the amount that pretax income exceeds budgeted pretax income with a cap of $600 thousand. Bonus expense was $600 thousand for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and $250 thousand during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. In both years the maximum allowed under the bonus plans was earned. Salary expense, exclusive of commissions, increased by $265 thousand as a decline of four employees from 159 at December 31, 2013 to 155 at December 31, 2014 was offset by an increase in average salary per employee which includes the effect of merit and promotional increases.

Other increases include, but were not limited to an $89 thousand increase in commissions, which relate to government guaranteed loan production, and a $67 thousand increase in payroll tax expense. Partially offsetting these items was an increase in deferred loan origination costs totaling $104 thousand.

Of the $187 thousand increase in outside service fees, $96 thousand was related to the outsourcing of our item processing beginning in June of 2013. This cost as been offset by savings in salary and benefit expense and software expense. In addition we incurred an increase in costs for the management of our investment portfolio and an increase in costs related to an increase in debit card interchange transactions.

Professional fees benefited from reductions in legal expense related to loan collection activities totaling $148 thousand, a reduction in corporate legal expense of $88 thousand mostly related the repurchase of the preferred stock in 2013 and a reduction in audit expense related to a change in audit firms beginning in 2014.

When other real estate is acquired, any excess of the Bank’s recorded investment in the loan balance and accrued interest income over the estimated fair market value of the property less costs to sell is charged against the allowance for loan losses. A valuation allowance for losses on other real estate is maintained to provide for temporary declines in value. The allowance is established through a provision for subsequent losses on other real estate which is included in other expenses. Subsequent gains or losses on sales or write-downs resulting from impairment are recorded as incurred. The provision for OREO losses declined by $246 thousand from $486 thousand during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 to $240 thousand during the current period. During the second quarter of 2013 we recorded a $300 thousand provision related to one land development property.

Insurance expense benefited from a one-time adjustment to accrued life insurance costs. The deposit premium intangible asset was fully amortized at the end of September, 2013 resulting in a savings of $128 thousand during the comparison periods.

2013 compared to 2012. Non-interest expense declined by $807 thousand from $18.4 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 to $17.6 million during 2013. Reductions of $239 thousand in salary and benefits expense, $421 thousand in the provision for changes in OREO, $187 thousand in gain/loss on sale of OREO, $149 thousand in occupancy and equipment, $44 thousand in professional fees, $178 thousand in deposit insurance and $53 thousand in postage were partially offset by increases in other expenses, the largest of which were outside service fees of $352 thousand and costs associated with OREO properties of $123 thousand.

During June of 2012 we outsourced the processing of our account statements and notices and during June of 2013 we outsourced our item processing department resulting in savings in salary expense, occupancy and equipment costs, postage and stationary costs. The $178 thousand reduction in deposit insurance expense is related to a decline in the rate charged to Plumas Bank. The reduction in professional fees primarily relates to a decrease in consulting costs.

Salaries and employee benefits decreased by $239 thousand primarily related to declines in salary continuation expense and stock compensation expense and an increase in deferred loan origination costs. Salary continuation expense declined by $188 thousand related to an adjustment in 2012. During 2012, related to a significant reduction in long term market interest rates, we reduced the discount rates used in calculating the present value of our salary continuation liabilities. This had the effect of increasing salary continuation expense during 2012 by $195 thousand. Stock compensation expense decreased by $58 thousand from $93 thousand during 2012 to $35 thousand during the current period. During the first quarter of 2012 we had an adjustment to the estimated forfeiture rate resulting in an increase in stock compensation; no adjustment was required during 2013. The largest reduction in salary and benefits was related to an increase in deferred loan origination costs totaling $384 thousand. We attribute this increase in deferred loan origination costs to an increase in lending activity. These items were partially offset by an increase in bonus expense of $250 thousand and salary expense of $173 thousand. The Bank’s bonus plan for 2013 provided for a bonus pool of 50% of the amount that pretax income exceeds budgeted pretax income with a cap of $250 thousand. The maximum amount was allocated under this formula. There was no bonus plan in place and no bonuses were earned or paid in 2012. Salary expense increased by $173 thousand as savings related to the outsourcing of statement and item processing were offset by an increase in loan production personnel and salary increases.      

The $486 thousand OREO provision during 2013, a $421 thousand decline from 2012, resulted from declines in value of ten properties. The $907 thousand in OREO provision during the 2012 was related to a decline in the value of twenty-one properties. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we sold twenty-eight properties and a portion of another property recording a gain on sale of $171 thousand. During 2012, we sold fourteen properties and a portion of two other properties recording a loss on sale of $16 thousand.

The increase in outside service fees was related to the outsourcing of our statement and notice processing in June of 2012, the outsourcing of our item processing beginning in June of 2013, an increase in costs related to monitoring and maintaining our ATMs and an increase in the cost of managing our investment portfolio. During 2012 the Bank modernized its ATM network by purchasing new ATM machines which have the ability to accept currency and checks and provide an imaged receipt. While these ATMs provide a significant increase in functionality, they are also more expensive to operate and maintain. During the first half of 2012 we began to use a third party for assistance with the analysis and management of our investment securities portfolio. The increase in cost during 2013 for this function was related to a full year of costs and an increase in the balance of our portfolio.

OREO expense during the 2012 period benefited from $80 thousand in rental income net of operating expenses on an apartment building acquired in July 2011. Both the rental income and the operating expenses are included under the category of OREO expense. This building was sold during the third quarter of 2012. The remaining increase in OREO expense during 2013 primarily relates to an increase in legal expense as we are actively pursuing additional recoveries on selected OREO properties through legal channels.

Provision for Income Taxes. The Company recorded an income tax provision of $3.1 million, or 39.4% of pre-tax income for the year ended December 31, 2014. During 2013 the Company recorded an income tax provision of $2.2 million, or 38.7% of pre-tax income for the year ended December 31, 2013. The percentages for 2014 and 2013 differ from the statutory rate as tax exempt income such as earnings on Bank owned life insurance, municipal loan interest and in 2013 state of California enterprise zone interest, decrease taxable income.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the reported amount of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The determination of the amount of deferred income tax assets which are more likely than not to be realized is primarily dependent on projections of future earnings, which are subject to uncertainty and estimates that may change given economic conditions and other factors. The realization of deferred income tax assets is assessed and a valuation allowance is recorded if it is "more likely than not" that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. "More likely than not" is defined as greater than a 50% chance. All available evidence, both positive and negative is considered to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed.

Based upon the analysis of available evidence, management has determined that it is "more likely than not" that all deferred income tax assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 will be fully realized and therefore no valuation allowance was recorded.  

Financial Condition

Loan Portfolio. Net loans increased by $32.4 million, or 10%, from $334.4 million at December 31, 2013 to $366.8 million at December 31, 2014. The two largest areas of growth in the Company’s loan portfolio were $14.3 million in automobile loans and $7.4 million in commercial real estate loans. Additionally, construction and land development loans increased by $6.8 million to $24.6 million and agricultural loans increased by $4.7 million. The Company continues to manage the mix of its loan portfolio consistent with its identity as a community bank serving the financing needs of all sectors of the area it serves. Although the Company offers a broad array of financing options, it continues to concentrate its focus on small to medium sized commercial businesses. These commercial loans offer diversification as to industries and types of businesses, thus limiting material exposure in any industry concentrations. The Company offers both fixed and floating rate loans and obtains collateral in the form of real property, business assets and deposit accounts, but looks to business and personal cash flows as its primary source of repayment.

As shown in the following table the Company's largest lending categories are commercial real estate loans, auto loans, equity lines of credit, agricultural loans and commercial loans.

Construction and land development loans represented 6.6% and 5.3% of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The construction and land development portfolio component has been identified by Management as a higher-risk loan category.  The quality of the construction and land development category is highly dependent on property values both in terms of the likelihood of repayment once the property is transacted by the current owner as well as the level of collateral the Company has securing the loan in the event of default.  Loans in this category are characterized by the speculative nature of commercial and residential development properties and can include property in various stages of development from raw land to finished lots. The decline in these loans as a percentage of the Company’s loan portfolio from over 21% at December 31, 2007 to less than 7% during the last two years reflects management’s efforts, which began in 2009, to reduce its exposure to construction and land development loans.

The Company’s real estate related loans, including real estate mortgage loans, real estate construction and land development loans, consumer equity lines of credit, and agricultural loans secured by real estate comprised 74% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2014. Moreover, the business activities of the Company currently are focused in the California counties of Plumas, Nevada, Placer, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Sierra and in Washoe County in Northern Nevada. Consequently, the results of operations and financial condition of the Company are dependent upon the general trends in these economies and, in particular, the residential and commercial real estate markets. In addition, the concentration of the Company's operations in these areas of Northeastern California and Northwestern Nevada exposes it to greater risk than other banking companies with a wider geographic base in the event of catastrophes, such as earthquakes, fires and floods in these regions.

The rates of interest charged on variable rate loans are set at specific increments in relation to the Company's lending rate or other indexes such as the published prime interest rate or U.S. Treasury rates and vary with changes in these indexes. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, approximately 71% and 73%, respectively of the Company's loan portfolio was comprised of variable rate loans. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 42% and 40%, respectively of the variable loans were at their respective floor rate. While real estate mortgage, commercial and consumer lending remain the foundation of the Company's historical loan mix, some changes in the mix have occurred due to the changing economic environment and the resulting change in demand for certain loan types. The most significant change has been an increase in indirect auto lending with automobile loans increasing from 2.5% of gross loans at December 31, 2011 to 12.1% of gross loans at December 31, 2014. The automobile portfolio provides diversification to the loan portfolio in terms of rate, term and balance as these loans tend to have a much shorter term and balance than commercial real-estate loans and are fixed rate. In addition, the Company remains committed to the agricultural industry in Northeastern California and will continue to pursue high quality agricultural loans. Agricultural loans include both commercial and commercial real estate loans. The Company’s agricultural loan balances totaled $35 million at December 31, 2014 and $31 million at December 31, 2013.

The following table sets forth the amounts of loans outstanding by category as of the dates indicated.

(1) Includes equity lines of credit and auto

(2) Includes agriculture real estate

The following table sets forth the maturity of gross loan categories as of December 31, 2014. Also provided with respect to such loans are the amounts due after one year, classified according to sensitivity to changes in interest rates: