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

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010
or

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

Commission File Number:  000-26099

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   94-3327828
(State or other jurisdiction   (I.R.S.  Employer
of incorporation or organization)    Identification No.)
     
111 W. Pine Street, Lodi, California    95240
 (Address of principal Executive offices)   (Zip Code)

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

Large accelerated filer   o   Accelerated filer   x      Non-accelerated filer   o    Smaller Reporting Company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o   No x
 
Number of shares of common stock of the registrant:  Par value $0.01, authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 779,424 as of October 31, 2010.
 


 
 

 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP

FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

         
       
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Signatures  
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Index to Exhibits  
39
 
 
2


 
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
(in thousands)
 
Sept. 30,
   
December 31,
   
Sept. 30,
 
Assets
 
2010
   
2009
   
2009
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
                 
Cash and Due From Banks
  $ 32,453     $ 32,660     $ 27,954  
Federal Funds Sold
    30,280       1,972       1,982  
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents
    62,733       34,632       29,936  
                         
Investment Securities:
                       
Available-for-Sale
    351,029       365,549       362,350  
Held-to-Maturity
    67,984       69,617       69,016  
Total Investment Securities
    419,013       435,166       431,366  
                         
Loans
    1,190,872       1,212,718       1,215,173  
Less: Allowance for Loan Losses
    32,006       29,813       25,818  
Loans, Net
    1,158,866       1,182,905       1,189,355  
Premises and Equipment, Net
    24,545       24,887       24,469  
Bank Owned Life Insurance
    45,125       43,759       43,317  
Interest Receivable and Other Assets
    66,604       59,665       46,468  
Total Assets
  $ 1,776,886     $ 1,781,014     $ 1,764,911  
                         
Liabilities
                       
Deposits:
                       
Demand
  $ 336,108     $ 324,073     $ 283,169  
Interest Bearing Transaction
    166,450       180,570       162,454  
Savings and Money Market
    407,660       414,285       433,613  
Time
    590,193       579,196       617,793  
Total Deposits
    1,500,411       1,498,124       1,497,029  
                         
Securities Sold Under Agreement to Repurchase
    60,000       60,000       60,000  
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
    606       20,149       663  
Subordinated Debentures
    10,310       10,310       10,310  
Interest Payable and Other Liabilities
    29,241       27,704       31,175  
Total Liabilities
    1,600,568       1,616,287       1,599,177  
                         
Shareholders’ Equity
                       
Common Stock
    8       8       8  
Additional Paid-In Capital
    76,198       76,198       76,386  
Retained Earnings
    95,855       83,767       83,549  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain
    4,257       4,754       5,791  
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    176,318       164,727       165,734  
Total Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 1,776,886       1,781,014     $ 1,764,911  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
         
 
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
(in thousands except per share data)
 
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended September 30,
   
Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Interest Income
                       
Interest and Fees on Loans
  $ 18,342     $ 18,931     $ 54,480     $ 56,238  
Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell
    32       10       68       78  
Interest on Investment Securities:
                               
Taxable
    1,917       3,412       6,729       10,373  
Tax-Exempt
    677       722       2,084       2,201  
Total Interest Income
    20,968       23,075       63,361       68,890  
Interest Expense
                               
Deposits
    1,757       3,164       5,472       11,436  
Borrowed Funds
    550       552       1,634       1,637  
Subordinated Debentures
    88       90       250       315  
Total Interest Expense
    2,395       3,806       7,356       13,388  
                                 
Net Interest Income
    18,573       19,269       56,005       55,502  
Provision for Loan Losses
    1,315       2,215       10,550       10,345  
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses
    17,258       17,054       45,455       45,157  
                                 
Non-Interest Income
                               
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts
    1,680       1,840       4,964       5,183  
Net Gain on Investment Securities
    4       510       2,857       2,982  
Increase in Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance
    462       444       1,366       1,352  
Debit Card and ATM Fees
    680       585       1,930       1,662  
Net Gain on Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan Investments
    998       790       463       1,197  
Other
    484       360       1,513       1,400  
Total Non-Interest Income
    4,308       4,529       13,093       13,776  
                                 
Non-Interest Expense
                               
Salaries & Employee Benefits
    7,067       7,237       21,403       21,637  
Net Gain on Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan Investments
    998       790       463       1,197  
Occupancy
    684       719       1,984       2,098  
Equipment
    689       567       1,948       1,917  
ORE Holding Costs
    268       603       763       1,269  
FDIC Insurance
    496       195       1,804       1,996  
Other
    1,428       1,566       4,464       5,056  
Total Non-Interest Expense
    11,630       11,677       32,829       35,170  
                                 
Income Before Income Taxes
    9,936       9,906       25,719       23,763  
Provision for Income Taxes
    3,727       3,728       9,453       8,575  
Net Income
  $ 6,209     $ 6,178     $ 16,266     $ 15,188  
Earnings Per Share
  $ 7.95     $ 7.90     $ 20.83     $ 19.39  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
                         
 
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
(in thousands)
 
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended Sept 30,
   
Ended Sept 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net Income
  $ 6,209     $ 6,178     $ 16,266     $ 15,188  
                                 
Other Comprehensive Loss -
                               
                                 
Unrealized Gains on Securities:
                               
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period, net of income tax provision of $(462) and $1,436 for the quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and of $840 and $1,349 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
    (636 )     1,979       1,159       1,859  
                                 
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income, net of related income tax effects of $(1) and $(215) for the quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and of $(1,201) and $(1,254) for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
    (3 )     (295 )     (1,656 )     (1,728 )
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Gain
    (639 )     1,684       (497 )     131  
                                 
Comprehensive Income
  $ 5,570     $ 7,862     $ 15,769     $ 15,319  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
 
 
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
(in thousands except share data)
                         
Accumulated
       
   
Common
         
Additional
         
Other
   
Total
 
   
Shares
   
Common
   
Paid-In
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Shareholders’
 
   
Outstanding
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income (Loss)
   
Equity
 
Balance, December 31, 2008
    786,960     $ 8     $ 78,527     $ 72,350     $ 5,660     $ 156,545  
Net Income
                        15,188             15,188  
Cash Dividends Declared on
                                             
Common Stock
                        (3,989 )           (3,989 )
Repurchase of Stock
    (5,555 )           (2,141 )                 (2,141 )
Change in Net Unrealized Gain on Securities Available for Sale
                              131       131  
Balance, September 30, 2009
    781,405     $ 8     $ 76,386     $ 83,549     $ 5,791     $ 165,734  
                                                 
Balance, December 31, 2009
    780,944     $ 8     $ 76,198     $ 83,767     $ 4,754     $ 164,727  
Net Income
                        16,266             16,266  
Cash Dividends Declared on
                                             
Common Stock
                        (4,178 )           (4,178 )
Change in Net Unrealized Gain on Securities Available for Sale
                              (497 )     (497 )
Balance, September 30, 2010
    780,944     $ 8     $ 76,198     $ 95,855     $ 4,257     $ 176,318  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
         
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
Sept 30,
   
Sept 30,
 
 
 
2010
   
2009
 
Operating Activities:
           
Net Income
  $ 16,266     $ 15,188  
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net
               
Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
               
Provision for Loan Losses
    10,550       10,345  
Depreciation and Amortization
    1,414       1,418  
Net Accretion of Investment Security Discounts & Premium
    (611 )     (2,691 )
Net Gain on Investment Securities
    (2,857 )     (2,982 )
Net Gain on Sale of Property & Equipment
    (19 )     (10 )
Net Change in Operating Assets & Liabilities:
               
Net Increase in Interest Receivable and Other Assets
    (7,943 )     (8,929 )
Net Increase in Interest Payable and Other Liabilities
    1,537       6,998  
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    18,337       19,337  
                 
Investing Activities:
               
Securities Available-for-Sale:
               
Purchased
    (209,449 )     (217,825 )
Sold, Matured or Called
    226,582       153,224  
Securities Held-to-Maturity:
               
Purchased
          (50 )
Matured or Called
    1,629       2,913  
Net Loans Originated or Acquired
    13,329       (42,545 )
Principal Collected on Loans Previously Charged Off
    160       175  
Net Additions to Premises and Equipment
    (1,074 )     (4,237 )
Proceeds from Sale of Property and Equipment
    21       13  
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
    31,198       (108,332 )
                 
Financing Activities:
               
Net (Decrease) Increase in Demand, Interest-Bearing Transaction, and Savings Accounts
    (8,710 )     59,984  
Increase in Time Deposits
    10,997       4,343  
Net Decrease in Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
    (19,543 )     (40 )
Cash Dividends
    (4,178 )     (3,989 )
Stock Repurchases
          (2,141 )
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities
    (21,434 )     58,157  
                 
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    28,101       (30,838 )
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    34,632       60,774  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  $ 62,733     $ 29,936  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
         
 
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP

1. Significant Accounting Policies

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

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

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and prevailing practice within the banking industry. The following is a summary of the significant accounting and reporting policies used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. All adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation for the periods presented have been reflected as required by Regulation S-X, Rule 10-01. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature.

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

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Certain amounts in the prior years’ financial statements and related footnote disclosures have been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported income.

Segment Reporting
The “Segment Reporting” topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification requires that public companies report certain information about operating segments. It also requires that public companies report certain information about their products and services, the geographic areas in which they operate, and their major customers. The Company is a holding company for a community bank, which offers a wide array of products and services to its customers. Pursuant to its banking strategy, emphasis is placed on building relationships with its customers, as opposed to building specific lines of business. As a result, the Company is not organized around discernable lines of business and prefers to work as an integrated unit to customize solutions for its customers, with business line emphasis and product offerings changing over time as needs and demands change. Therefore, the Company only reports one segment.
 
 
2. Investment Securities

The amortized cost, fair values, and unrealized gains and losses of the securities available-for-sale are as follows:
 
   
Amortized
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Fair/Book
 
September 30, 2010 (in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
Securities of U.S. Government Agencies
  $ 205,177     $ 582     $ 36     $ 205,723  
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
    6,416                   6,416  
Mortgage Backed Securities
    125,567       6,800             132,367  
FHLB Stock
    6,213                   6,213  
Other
    310                   310  
Total
  $ 343,683     $ 7,382     $ 36     $ 351,029  
 
   
Amortized
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Fair/Book
 
December 31, 2009 (in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
Securities of U.S. Government Agencies
  $ 135,958     $ 277     $ 67     $ 136,168  
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
    8,362       3             8,365  
Mortgage Backed Securities
    207,335       8,142       150       215,327  
FHLB Stock
    5,379                   5,379  
Other
    310                   310  
Total
  $ 357,344     $ 8,422     $ 217     $ 365,549  
 
The book values, estimated fair values and unrealized gains and losses of investments classified as held-to-maturity are as follows:
                         
   
Book
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Fair
 
September 30, 2010 (in thousands)
 
Value
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
  $ 63,471     $ 2,777     $     $ 66,248  
Mortgage Backed Securities
    2,524       118             2,642  
Other
    1,989                   1,989  
Total
  $ 67,984     $ 2,895     $     $ 70,879  
 
   
Book
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Fair
 
December 31, 2009 (in thousands)
 
Value
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
  $ 64,044     $ 1,437     $ 109     $ 65,372  
Mortgage Backed Securities
    3,583       65             3,648  
Other
    1,990                   1,990  
Total
  $ 69,617     $ 1,502     $ 109     $ 71,010  
 
Fair values are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes. If a quoted market price or dealer quote is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.
 
The remaining principal maturities of debt securities as of September 30, 2010 are shown in the following tables. Mortgage-Backed Securities are presented based on expected maturities. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities as borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
 
Securities Available-for-Sale
September 30, 2010 (in thousands)
 
Within
1 Year
   
After 1
but
Within 5
   
After 5
but
Within 10
   
Over
10 years
   
Total
Fair
Value
 
Securities of U.S. Government Agencies
          197,255       8,468             205,723  
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
                      6,416       6,416  
Mortgage Backed Securities
                27,858       104,509       132,367  
Other
    6,523                         6,523  
Total
    6,523       197,255       36,326       110,925       351,029  
 
Securities Held-to-Maturity
September 30, 2010 (in thousands)
 
Within
1 Year
   
After 1
but
Within 5
   
After 5
but
Within 10
   
Over
10 years
   
Total
Book
Value
 
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
    801       6,470       43,974       12,225       63,470  
Mortgage Backed Securities
          2,525                   2,525  
Other
                8       1,981       1,989  
Total
    801       8,995       43,982       14,206       67,984  
 
The following tables show those investments with gross unrealized losses and their market value aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at the dates indicated.
                                     
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
September 30, 2010 (in thousands)
 
Value
   
Loss
   
Value
   
Loss
   
Value
   
Lo ss
 
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
    18,381       36                   18,381       36  
Total
    18,381       36                   18,381       36  
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
December 31, 2009 (in thousands)
 
Value
   
Loss
   
Value
   
Loss
   
Value
   
Loss
 
Securities of U.S. Government Agencies
  $ 39,926     $ 67     $     $     $ 39,926     $ 67  
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
    4,681       109                   4,681       109  
Mortgage Backed Securities
    16,158       150                   16,158       150  
Total
  $ 60,765     $ 326     $     $     $ 60,765     $ 326  

As of September 30, 2010, the Company held 200 investment securities of which 4 were in a loss position for less than twelve months.  No securities were in a loss position for twelve months or more.  Management periodically evaluates each investment security for other-than-temporary impairment relying primarily on industry analyst reports and observations of market conditions and interest rate fluctuations.  Management believes it will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the underlying investment securities.

As of September 30, 2010, securities carried at $331.6 million were pledged to secure public deposits, FHLB borrowings, and other government agency deposits as required by law.  This amount at December 31, 2009, was $282.8 million.

Securities of U.S. Government Agencies and Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
The unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in securities of U.S. government agencies and   obligations of states and political subdivisions were caused by interest rate increases. The contractual terms of these investments do not permit the issuer to settle the securities at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. Because the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2010.
 

Mortgage Backed Securities
The unrealized losses on the Company’s investment in mortgage backed securities were caused by interest rate increases. The contractual cash flows of these investments are guaranteed by an agency of the U.S. government. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Because the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2010.

3. Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Generally accepted accounting principles require disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the balance sheet, for which it is practical to estimate that value. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. The use of assumptions and various valuation techniques, as well as the absence of secondary markets for certain financial instruments, will likely reduce the comparability of fair value disclosures between financial institutions. In some cases, book value is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the relatively short period of time between origination of the instrument and its expected realization.

The following table summarizes the book value and estimated fair value of financial instruments as follows:      
 
    September 30, 2010      December 31, 2009  
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
 
(in thousands)
 
Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Amount
   
Fair Value
 
ASSETS:
                       
Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 62,733     $ 62,733     $ 34,632     $ 34,632  
Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity
    67,984       70,628       69,617       71,010  
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
    351,029       351,029       365,549       365,549  
Loans, Net of Deferred Loan Fees & Allowance
    1,190,872       1,222,499       1,212,718       1,229,849  
Bank Owned Life Insurance
    45,125       45,125       43,759       43,759  
Accrued Interest Receivable
    8,150       8,150       7,216       7,216  
LIABILITIES:
                               
Deposits:
                               
Non-Interest Bearing
    336,108       336,108       324,073       324,073  
Interest-Bearing
    1,164,303       1,166,661       1,174,051       1,175,619  
FHLB Advances & Securities Sold Under Agreement to Repurchase
    60,606       65,403       80,149       81,931  
Subordinated Debentures
    10,310       4,777       10,310       4,061  
Accrued Interest Payable
    1,434       1,434       1,555       1,555  
 
The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument listed in the table above are explained below.

Cash and Cash Equivalents : The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, and securities purchased under agreements to resell are a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Investment Securities : Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes, where available. If quoted market prices or dealer quotes are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.
 

Loans : For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair values for fixed-rate loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value.

Bank Owned Life Insurance: The fair value of life insurance policies are based on cash surrender values at each reporting date as provided by the insurers.

Deposit Liabilities : The fair value of demand deposits, interest bearing transaction accounts, and savings accounts is the amount payable on demand. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting expected future cash flows utilizing interest rates currently being offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.

Borrowings : The fair value of federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings is approximated by the book value. The fair value for Federal Home Loan Bank advances is determined using discounted future cash flows.

Subordinated Debentures: Fair values of subordinated debentures were determined based on the current market value of like-kind instruments of a similar maturity and structure.

Fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of September 30, 2010. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date, and; therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented above.

Fair Value Measurements

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

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

Level 2 inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

Level 3 inputs - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

Securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value on a recurring basis utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.
 

The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with the “Receivable” topic of the FASB. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value, and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At September 30, 2010, substantially all impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the collateral. Impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value which uses observable data, the Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. Otherwise, the Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

Other Real Estate (“ORE”) is reported at fair value on a non-recurring basis. When the fair value of the ORE is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value which uses observable data, the Company records the ORE as nonrecurring Level 2. Otherwise, the Company records the ORE as nonrecurring Level 3. Other real estate is reported in Interest Receivable and Other Assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value for the periods indicated.
 
         
Fair Value Measurements
At September 30, 2010, Using
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Fair Value
Total
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Available-for-Sale Securities:
                       
Securities of U.S. Government Agencies
  $ 205,723     $     $ 205,723     $  
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
    6,416             6,416        
Mortgage Backed Securities
    132,367             132,367        
FHLB Stock
    6,213             6,213        
Other
    310             310        
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis
  $ 351,029     $     $ 351,029     $  
 
         
Fair Value Measurements
At December 31, 2009, Using
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Fair Value
Total
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Available-for-Sale Securities:
                       
Securities of U.S. Government Agencies
  $ 136,168     $     $ 136,168     $  
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
    8,365             8,365        
Mortgage Backed Securities
    215,327             215,327        
FHLB Stock
    5,379             5,379        
Other
    310             310        
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis
  $ 365,549     $     $ 365,549     $  
 
 
         
Fair Value Measurements
At September 30, 2009, Using
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Fair Value
Total
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Available-for-Sale Securities:
                       
Securities of U.S. Government Agencies
  $ 105,640     $     $ 105,640     $  
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
    8,407             8,407        
Mortgage Backed Securities
    238,815             238,815        
FHLB Stock
    5,378             5,378        
Other
    4,110             4,110        
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis
  $ 362,350     $     $ 362,350     $  

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value for the periods indicated.
 
         
Fair Value Measurements
At September 30, 2010, Using
       
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Fair Value
Total
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Other Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
   
 
Total
Gains
(Losses)
 
Impaired Loans
  $ 3,068     $     $ 3,068     $       (2,225 )
Other Real Estate
    9,510             9,510             (200 )
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Non-Recurring Basis
  $ 12,578     $     $ 12,578     $     $ (2,425 )

Impaired loans where an allowance was established were $5.4 million with an allowance for loan losses of $2.4 million. Impaired loans are collateral dependent and have been adjusted to fair value based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated selling costs. If the Company determines that the value of an impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the carrying value is adjusted through a charge-off recorded through the allowance for loan losses. Total losses of $2.2 million represent reserve for loan loss related to impaired loans recognized during the quarter ended September 30, 2010.

 ORE was $12.9 million with a valuation allowance of $3.4 million. ORE has been adjusted to estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs. At the time of foreclosure, foreclosed assets are recorded at the lower of the carrying amount of the loan or the estimated fair value less estimated selling costs. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, management periodically obtains updated valuations of the foreclosed assets and, if additional impairments are deemed necessary, the impairment is recorded in non-interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Total losses of $200,000 represent the impairment charged to the Consolidated Statements of Income during the quarter ended September 30, 2010.
 
         
Fair Value Measurements
At December 31, 2009, Using
       
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Fair Value
Total
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
   
 
Total
Gains
(Losses)
 
Impaired Loans
  $ 1,419     $     $ 1,419     $     $ (1,368 )
Other Real Estate
    8,418             8,418             (1,034 )
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Non-Recurring Basis
  $ 9,837     $     $ 9,837     $     $ (2,402 )
 
Impaired loans where an allowance was established were $2.4 million with an allowance for loan losses of $1.0 million. Impaired loans are collateral dependent and have been adjusted to fair value based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated selling costs. If the Company determines that the value of an impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the carrying value is adjusted through a charge-off recorded through the allowance for loan losses. Total losses of $1.4 million represent charge-offs and reserve for loan loss related to impaired loans recognized during the year ended December 31, 2009.

ORE was $11.4 million with a valuation allowance of $3.0 million. ORE has been adjusted to estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs. At the time of foreclosure, foreclosed assets are recorded at the lower of the carrying amount of the loan or the estimated fair value less estimated selling costs. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, management periodically obtains updated valuations of the foreclosed assets and, if additional impairments are deemed necessary, the impairment is recorded in non-interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Total losses of $1.03 million represent the impairment charged to the Consolidated Statements of Income during the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
         
Fair Value Measurements
At September 30, 2009, Using
       
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Fair Value
Total
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Other  Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
   
Total
Gains
(Losses)
 
Impaired Loans
  $ 6,049     $     $ 6,049     $     $ (1,276 )
Other Real Estate
    3,784             3,784             (538 )
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Non-Recurring Basis
  $ 9,833     $     $ 9,833     $     $ (1,814 )
 
Impaired loans where an allowance was established were $7.1 million with an allowance for loan losses of $1.0 million. Impaired loans are collateral dependent and have been adjusted to fair value based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated selling costs. If the Company determines that the value of an impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the carrying value is adjusted through a charge-off recorded through the allowance for loan losses. Total losses of $1.3 million represent charge-offs and reserve for loan loss related to impaired loans recognized during the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

ORE was $6.9 million with a valuation allowance of $3.1 million. ORE has been adjusted to estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs. At the time of foreclosure, foreclosed assets are recorded at the lower of the carrying amount of the loan or the estimated fair value less estimated selling costs. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, management periodically obtains updated valuations of the foreclosed assets and, if additional impairments are deemed necessary, the impairment is recorded in non-interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Total losses of $538,000 represent the impairment charged to the Consolidated Statements of Income during the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

4. Dividends and Earnings Per Share

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp common stock is not traded on any exchange.  The shares are primarily held by local residents and are not actively traded.  On May 12, 2010, the Board of Directors of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp declared a mid-year cash dividend of $5.35 per share, a 5.0% increase over the $5.10 per share paid on July 1, 2009. The cash dividend was paid on July 1, 2010, to shareholders of record on June 11, 2010.
 
Earnings per share amounts are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The following table calculates the earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
 
                                                                  
   
Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
(net income in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net Income
  $ 6,209     $ 6,178     $ 16,266     $ 15,188  
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
    780,944       781,878       780,944       783,298  
Per Share Amount
  $ 7.95     $ 7.90     $ 20.83     $ 19.39  

5. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“Topic 820”) : Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements (“ASU 10-06”). ASU 10-06 revises two disclosure requirements concerning fair value measurements and clarifies two others. It requires separate presentation of significant transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy and disclosure of the reasons for such transfers. It will also require the presentation of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements within Level 3 on a gross basis rather than a net basis. The amendments also clarify that disclosures should be disaggregated by class of asset or liability and that disclosures about inputs and valuation techniques should be provided for both recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements. The Company’s disclosures about fair value measurements are presented in Note 3. Fair Value Measurement. These new disclosure requirements have been adopted by the Company with the exception of the requirement concerning gross presentation of Level 3 activity, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010.  With respect to the portions of this ASU that have been adopted, the adoption of this standard did not have a material impacted on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures.  Management does not believe that the adoption of the remaining portion of this ASU will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operation, cash flows, or disclosures. 

In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC Topic 860 (previously SFAS No. 166), Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, an amendment of SFAS No. 140.  This standard amends the derecognition accounting and disclosure guidance included in previously issued standards.  This standard eliminates the exemption from consolidation for qualifying special-purpose entities (SPEs) and also requires a transferor to evaluate all existing qualifying SPEs to determine whether they must be consolidated in accordance with ASC Topic 810.  This standard also provides more stringent requirements for derecognition of a portion of a financial asset and establishes new conditions for reporting the transfer of a portion of a financial asset as a sale.  This standard is effective as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009.  This standard was adopted January 1, 2010 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operation, cash flows, or disclosures. 

In December 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2009-16, Transfers and Servicing (ASC Topic 860): Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, which updates the derecognition guidance in ASC Topic 860 for previously issued SFAS No. 166.  This update reflects the Board’s response to issues entities have encountered when applying ASC 860, including: (1) requires that all arrangements made in connection with a transfer of financial assets be considered in the derecognition analysis; (2) clarifies when a transferred asset is considered legally isolated from the transferor; (3) modifies the requirements related to a transferee’s ability to freely pledge or exchange transferred financial assets; and (4) provides guidance on when a portion of a financial asset can be derecognized.  This update is effective for financial asset transfers occurring after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2009.  This standard was adopted January 1, 2010 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operation, cash flows, or disclosures. 

In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC Topic 810 (previously SFAS No. 167), Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities.  This standard amends the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities. The amendments to the consolidation guidance affect all entities currently within the scope of ASC Topic 810, as well as qualifying special-purpose entities that are currently excluded from the scope of ASC Topic 810. This standard is effective as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009.  This standard was adopted January 1, 2010 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operation, cash flows, or disclosures. 
 

In July 2010, Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2010-20, Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses .  This standard expands disclosures about credit quality of financing receivables and the allowance for loan and lease losses.  The standard will require the Company to expand disclosures about the credit quality of our loans and leases and the related reserves against them.  The extra disclosures will include disaggregated matters related to our past due loans, credit quality indicators, and modifications of loans and leases.  The Company will adopt the standard beginning with our December 31, 2010 financial statements. Management does not believe that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operation, or cash flows.   


The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the major factors that influenced our financial performance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.  This analysis should be read in conjunction with our 2009 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K, and with the unaudited financial statements and notes as set forth in this report.

Forward–Looking Statements

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

Such factors include the following: (i) the current economic downturn and turmoil in financial markets and the response of federal and state regulators thereto; (ii) the effect of changing regional and national economic conditions including the housing market in the Central Valley of California; (iii) significant changes in interest rates and prepayment speeds; (iv) credit risks of lending and investment activities; (v) changes in federal and state banking laws or regulations; (vi) competitive pressure in the banking industry; (vii) changes in governmental fiscal or monetary policies; (viii) uncertainty regarding the economic outlook resulting from the continuing war on terrorism, as well as actions taken or to be taken by the U.S. or other governments as a result of further acts or threats of terrorism; and (ix) other factors discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors located in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

Introduction

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, or the Company, is a bank holding company formed March 10, 1999. Its subsidiary, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, or the Bank, is a California state-chartered bank formed in 1916. The Bank serves the northern Central Valley of California through twenty-two banking offices and two stand-alone ATM’s. The service area includes Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties with branches in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, Lodi, Stockton, Linden, Modesto, Turlock, Hilmar, and Merced. Substantially all of the Company’s business activities are conducted within its market area.

As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”). As a California, state-chartered, non-fed member bank, the Bank is subject to regulation and examination by the California Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).
 
 
Overview
 
The Company’s primary service area encompasses the northern Central Valley of California, a region that can be significantly impacted by the seasonal and cyclical operations of the agricultural industry. Accordingly, discussion of the Company’s Financial Condition and Results of Operations can be influenced by the banking needs of its agricultural customers (e.g., generally speaking during the spring and summer customers draw down their deposit balances and increase loan borrowing to fund the purchase of equipment and planting of crops. Correspondingly, deposit balances are replenished and loans repaid in fall and winter as crops are harvested and sold).
 
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp reported net income of $6,209,000 and $16,266,000, earnings per share of $7.95 and $20.83 and return on average assets of 1.40% and 1.24%, respectively. Return on average shareholders’ equity was 14.38% and 12.72% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.
 
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp reported net income of $6,178,000 and $15,188,000, earnings per share of $7.90 and $19.39 and return on average assets of 1.39% and 1.17%, respectively. Return on average shareholders’ equity was 15.40% and 12.62% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009.
 
Factors impacting the Company’s earnings performance in the first nine months of 2010 as compared to the same period last year were: (1) a $503,000 increase in net interest income due to a $11.4 million increase in average earnings assets; (2) a $506,000 decrease in ORE holding costs; (3) a $268,000 increase in Debit Card and ATM fees; (4) a $125,000 decrease in gain on investment securities; and (5) a $205,000 increase in the provision for loan losses.
 
The following is a summary of the financial results for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 compared to September 30, 2009.
 
Net income increased 7.1% to $16.3 million from $15.2 million.
 
Earnings per share increased 7.5% to $20.83 from $19.39.
 
Total assets increased 0.7% to $1.8 billion.
 
Total loans decreased 2.0% to $1.2 billion.
 
Allowance for loan losses increased 24.0% to $32.0 million.
 
Total deposits increased 0.2% to $1.5 billion.
 
Results of Operations
 
This section discusses material changes in the Company’s income statement for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009.
 
Net Interest Income / Net Interest Margin
The tables on the following pages reflect the Company’s average balance sheets and volume and rate analysis for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
 
The average yields on earning assets and average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities have been computed on an annualized basis for purposes of comparability with full year data. Average balance amounts for assets and liabilities are the computed average of daily balances.
 
 
Net interest income is the amount by which the interest and fees on loans and other interest earning assets exceed the interest paid on interest bearing liabilities. For the purpose of analysis, the interest earned on tax-exempt investments and municipal loans is adjusted to an amount comparable to interest subject to normal income taxes. This adjustment is referred to as “taxable equivalent” and is noted wherever applicable.
 
The Volume and Rate Analysis of Net Interest Income summarizes the changes in interest income and interest expense based on changes in average asset and liability balances (volume) and changes in average rates (rate). For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided with respect to changes attributable to: (1) changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by initial rate); (2) changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by initial volume); and (3) changes in rate/volume (allocated in proportion to the respective volume and rate components).
 
The Company’s earning assets and rate sensitive liabilities are subject to repricing at different times, which exposes the Company to income fluctuations when interest rates change. In order to minimize income fluctuations, the Company attempts to match asset and liability maturities. However, some maturity mismatch is inherent in the asset and liability mix (see Item 3. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk: Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk”).
 
 
Farmers & Merchants Bancorp
Quarterly Average Balances and Interest Rates
(Interest and Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis)
(in thousands)
 
    Three Months Ended Sept 30,
2010
    Three Months Ended Sept 30,
2009
 
Assets
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
 
Federal Funds Sold
  $ 50,713     $ 32       0.25 %   $ 15,380     $ 10       0.26 %
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale:
                                               
U.S. Agencies
    182,381       557       1.22 %     102,562       461       1.80 %
Municipals - Non-Taxable
    6,425       123       7.63 %     8,538       163       7.63 %
Mortgage Backed Securities
    130,993       1,312       4.01 %     242,640       2,872       4.73 %
Other
    4,425       9       0.67 %     15,159       29       2.17 %
Total Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
    324,224       2,001       2.47 %     368,899       3,525       3.82 %
                                                 
Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity:
                                               
Municipals - Non-Taxable
    63,501       904       5.69 %     63,821       918       5.75 %
Mortgage Backed Securities
    2,731       26       3.81 %     4,163       40       3.84 %
Other
    1,989       12       2.41 %     1,990       10       2.01 %
Total Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity
    68,221       942       5.52 %     69,974       968       5.53 %
                                                 
Loans:
                                               
Real Estate
    711,403       11,314       6.31 %     704,804       12,138       6.83 %
Home Equity
    62,578       917       5.81 %     65,562       395       2.39 %
Agricultural
    229,041       3,458       5.99 %     215,094       3,246       5.99 %
Commercial
    172,754       2,518       5.78 %     198,207       2,947       5.90 %
Consumer
    8,856       132       5.91 %     10,586       201       7.53 %
Municipal
    248       3       4.80 %     1,154       4       1.38 %
Total Loans
    1,184,880       18,342       6.14 %     1,195,407       18,931       6.28 %
Total Earning Assets
    1,628,038     $ 21,316       5.19 %     1,649,660     $ 23,434       5.64 %
                                                 
Unrealized Loss on Securities Available-for-Sale
    8,281                       7,720                  
Allowance for Loan Losses
    (31,857 )                     (25,543 )                
Cash and Due From Banks
    31,131                       30,656                  
All Other Assets
    136,821                       111,768                  
Total Assets
  $ 1,772,414                     $ 1,774,261                  
                                                 
Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity
                                               
Interest Bearing Deposits:
                                               
Interest Bearing DDA
  $ 169,961     $ 47       0.11 %   $ 159,035     $ 88       0.22 %
Savings and Money Market
    442,100       488       0.44 %     413,536       605       0.58 %
Time Deposits
    575,010       1,222       0.84 %     667,891       2,471       1.47 %
Total Interest Bearing Deposits
    1,187,071       1,757       0.59 %     1,240,462       3,164       1.01 %
Securities Sold Under Agreement to Repurchase
    60,000       541       3.58 %     60,000       541       3.58 %
Other Borrowed Funds
    615       9       5.81 %     3,566       11       1.22 %
Subordinated Debentures
    10,310       88       3.39 %     10,310       90       3.46 %
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
    1,257,996     $ 2,395       0.76 %     1,314,338     $ 3,806       1.15 %
Interest Rate Spread
                    4.44 %                     4.49 %
Demand Deposits (Non-Interest Bearing)
    303,363                       272,875                  
All Other Liabilities
    38,340                       26,566                  
Total Liabilities
    1,599,699                       1,613,779                  
                                                 
Shareholders’ Equity
    172,715                       160,482                  
Total Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 1,772,414                     $ 1,774,261                  
Impact of Non-Interest Bearing Deposits and Other Liabilities
                    0.17 %                     0.23 %
Net Interest Income and Margin on Total Earning Assets
            18,921       4.61 %             19,628       4.72 %
Tax Equivalent Adjustment
            (348 )                     (359 )        
Net Interest Income
          $ 18,573       4.53 %           $ 19,269       4.63 %
Notes: Yields on municipal securities have been calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis. Loan interest income includes fee income and unearned discount in the amount of $269,000 and $453,000 for the quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Yields on securities available-for-sale are based on historical cost.
 

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp
Year-to-Date Average Balances and Interest Rates
(Interest and Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis)
(in thousands)
 
    Nine Months Ended Sept. 30,
2010
    Nine Months Ended Sept. 30,
2009
 
Assets
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
 
Federal Funds Sold
  $ 38,469     $ 68       0.24 %   $ 41,449     $ 78       0.25 %
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale:
                                               
U.S. Agencies
    162,551       1,762       1.45 %     42,359       557       1.75 %
Municipals - Non-Taxable
    6,937       395       7.59 %     9,467       536       7.55 %
Mortgage Backed Securities
    151,470       4,819       4.24 %     252,026       9,609       5.08 %
Other
    4,046       21       0.69 %     9,860       38       0.51 %
Total Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
    325,004       6,997       2.87 %     313,712       10,740       4.56 %
                                                 
Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity:
                                               
Municipals - Non-Taxable
    63,828       2,761       5.77 %     64,218       2,761       5.73 %
Mortgage Backed Securities
    3,065       88       3.83 %     4,555       131       3.83 %
Other
    1,989       38       2.55 %     1,991       38       2.54 %
Total Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity
    68,882       2,887       5.59 %     70,764       2,930       5.52 %
                                                 
Loans:
                                               
Real Estate
    717,662       33,981       6.33 %     689,515       34,537       6.70 %
Home Equity
    64,006       2,814       5.88 %     65,874       2,392       4.85 %
Agricultural
    213,746       9,597       6.00 %     209,398       9,577       6.11 %
Commercial
    177,981       7,660       5.75 %     201,356       9,124       6.06 %
Consumer
    9,478       418       5.90 %     10,878       597       7.34 %
Municipal
    250       10       5.35 %     1,094       11       1.34 %
Total Loans
    1,183,123       54,480       6.16 %     1,178,115       56,238       6.38 %
Total Earning Assets
    1,615,478     $ 64,432       5.33 %     1,604,040     $ 69,986       5.83 %
                                                 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Available-for-Sale
    7,746                       9,163                  
Allowance for Loan Losses
    (32,205 )                     (22,382 )                
Cash and Due From Banks
    29,419                       31,907                  
All Other Assets
    132,547                       106,904                  
Total Assets
  $ 1,752,985                     $ 1,729,632                  
                                                 
Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity
                                               
Interest Bearing Deposits:
                                               
Interest Bearing DDA
  $ 173,174     $ 171       0.13 %   $ 149,747     $ 224       0.20 %
Savings and Money Market
    439,899       1,518       0.46 %     382,634       2,021       0.71 %
Time Deposits
    572,966       3,783       0.88 %     670,271       9,191       1.83 %
Total Interest Bearing Deposits
    1,186,039       5,472       0.62 %     1,202,652       11,436       1.27 %
Securities Sold Under Agreement to Repurchase
    60,000       1,606       3.58 %     60,000       1,606       3.58 %
Other Borrowed Funds
    1,432       28       2.61 %     1,985       31       2.09 %
Subordinated Debentures
    10,310       250       3.24 %     10,310       315       4.08 %
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
    1,257,781     $ 7,356       0.78 %     1,274,947     $ 13,388       1.40 %
Interest Rate Spread
                    4.55 %                     4.43 %
Demand Deposits (Non-Interest Bearing)
    293,554                       269,570                  
All Other Liabilities
    31,108                       24,615                  
Total Liabilities
    1,582,443                       1,569,132                  
                                                 
Shareholders’ Equity
    170,542                       160,500                  
Total Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 1,752,985                     $ 1,729,632                  
Impact of Non-Interest Bearing Deposits and Other Liabilities
                    0.17 %                     0.29 %
Net Interest Income and Margin on Total Earning Assets
            57,076       4.72 %             56,598       4.72 %
Tax Equivalent Adjustment
            (1,071 )                     (1,096 )        
Net Interest Income
          $ 56,005       4.64 %           $ 55,502       4.63 %
Notes: Yields on municipal securities have been calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis. Loan interest income includes fee income and unearned discount in the amount of $714.000 and $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Yields on securities available-for-sale are based on historical cost.
 
 
Farmers & Merchants Bancorp
Volume and Rate Analysis of Net Interest Revenue
(Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis)
(in thousands)
 
 
  Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    Sept. 30, 2010 compared to Sept. 30, 2009     Sept. 30, 2010 compared to Sept. 30, 2009  
Interest Earning Assets
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net Chg.
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net Chg.
 
Federal Funds Sold
  $ 22     $     $ 22     $ (10 )   $     $ (10 )
Investment Securities Available for Sale
                                               
U.S. Agencies
    278       (182 )     96       1,319       (114 )     1,205  
Municipals - Non-Taxable
    (40 )           (40 )     (144 )     3       (141 )
Mortgage Backed Securities
    (1,169 )     (391 )     (1,560 )     (3,385 )     (1,405 )     (4,790 )
Other
    (10 )     (10 )     (20 )     (27 )     10       (17 )
Total Investment Securities Available for Sale
    (941 )     (583 )     (1,524 )     (2,237 )     (1,506 )     (3,743 )
                                                 
Investment Securities Held to Maturity
                                               
Municipals - Non-Taxable
    (4 )     (10 )     (14 )     (17 )     17        
Mortgage Backed Securities
    (14 )           (14 )     (43 )           (43 )
Other
          2       2                    
Total Investment Securities Held to Maturity
    (18 )     (8 )     (26 )     (60 )     17       (43 )
                                                 
Loans:
                                               
Real Estate
    111       (935 )     (824 )     1,381       (1,937 )     (556 )
Home Equity
    (18 )     540       522       (70 )     492       422  
Agricultural
    211       1       212       198       (178 )     20  
Commercial
    (372 )     (57 )     (429 )     (1,022 )     (442 )     (1,464 )
Consumer
    (30 )     (39 )     (69 )     (70 )     (109 )     (179 )
Other
    (5 )     3       (2 )     (1 )           (1 )
Total Loans
    (103 )     (487 )     (590 )     416       (2,174 )     (1,758 )
Total Earning Assets
    (1,040 )     (1,078 )     (2,118 )     (1,891 )     (3,663 )     (5,554 )
                                                 
Interest Bearing Liabilities
                                               
Interest Bearing Deposits:
                                               
Transaction
    6       (47 )     (41 )     31       (84 )     (53 )
Savings and Money Market
    39       (156 )     (117 )     272       (775 )     (503 )
Time Deposits
    (308 )     (941 )     (1,249 )     (1,183 )     (4,225 )     (5,408 )
Total Interest Bearing Deposits
    (263 )     (1,144 )     (1,407 )     (880 )     (5,084 )     (5,964 )
Securities Sold Under Agreement to Repurchase
                                   
Other Borrowed Funds
    (15 )     13       (2 )     (10 )     7       (3 )
Subordinated Debentures
          (2 )     (2 )           (65 )     (65 )
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
    (278 )     (1,133 )     (1,411 )     (890 )     (5,142 )     (6,032 )
Total Change
  $ (762 )   $ 55     $ (707 )   $ (1,001 )   $ 1,479     $ 478  
Notes: Rate/volume variance is allocated based on the percentage relationship of changes in volume and changes in rate to the total “net change”. The above figures have been rounded to the nearest whole number.
 
 
3 rd Quarter 2010 vs. 3 rd Quarter 2009
Net interest income for the third quarter of 2010 decreased 3.6% or $696,000 to $18.6 million. On a fully taxable equivalent basis, net interest income decreased 3.6% and totaled $18.9 million for the third quarter of 2010. As more fully discussed below, the decrease in net interest income was due to both a decrease in the net interest margin and a decrease in earning assets.
 
Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis, expressed as a percentage of average total earning assets, is referred to as the net interest margin. For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, the Company’s net interest margin was 4.61% compared to 4.72% for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.
 
Loans, generally the Company’s highest earning assets, decreased $24.3 million as of September 30, 2010 compared to September 30, 2009. See “Financial Condition – Loans” for further discussion on this decrease. On an average balance basis, loans decreased by $10.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010. Loans increased from 72.5% of average earning assets at September 30, 2009 to 72.8% at September 30, 2010. The year-to-date yield on the loan portfolio declined to 6.14% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, compared to 6.28% for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. The decrease in average balances and yield resulted in interest revenue from loans decreasing 3.1% to $18.3 million for quarter ended September 30, 2010. The Company has been experiencing aggressive competitor pricing for loans to which it may need to continue to respond in order to retain key customers. This could place even greater negative pressure on future loan yields and net interest margin.
 
The investment portfolio is the other main component of the Company’s earning assets. Since the risk factor for investments is typically lower than that of loans, the yield earned on investments is generally less than that of loans. Average investment securities totaled $392.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, a decrease of $46.4 million compared to the average balance for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. The Company has used the cash flow from investment securities to fund a planned run-down in high cost time deposits in order to protect net interest margin. (See “Deposits). Interest income on securities decreased $1.6 million to $2.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, compared to $4.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. The average investment portfolio yield, on a tax equivalent (TE) basis, was 3.0% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, compared to 4.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. This decrease in yield was due to: (1) the sale of higher yielding mortgage-backed securities and the Company’s decision to shorten the maturities of new investment purchases to protect against future increases in market interest rates. See “Financial Condition – Investment Securities” for a discussion of the Company’s investment strategy in 2010; and (2) the decrease in yield over the past 12 months on shorter term U.S. Agency securities. Net interest income on the Schedule of Year-to-Date Average Balances and Interest Rates is shown on a tax equivalent basis, which is higher than net interest income as reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Income because of adjustments that relate to income on securities that are exempt from federal income taxes.
 
Overnight investments in Federal Funds Sold are an additional earning asset available to the Company. Historically, in order to earn interest on excess cash balances banks had to “sell” these balances (called “Federal Funds Sold”) on an overnight basis to other banks. However, in late 2008 the FRB began paying interest on the deposits that banks maintained in their FRB accounts (which are also classified as Federal Funds Sold on the Company’s balance sheets) providing an essentially risk-free alternative for earning interest on overnight cash balances. These balances earn interest at the Fed Funds rate which has been 0.25% since December, 2008. Average Federal Funds Sold (which includes interest earning balances at the FRB) for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, was $50.7 million, an increase of $35.3 million compared to the average balance for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. Interest income on Federal Funds Sold for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, increased $22,000 to $32,000 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2009. See “Financial Condition – Investment Securities” for a discussion of the Company’s investment strategy in 2010.
 
Average interest-bearing sources of funds decreased $56.3 million or 4.3% during the third quarter of 2010. Of that decrease: (1) interest-bearing deposits decreased $53.3 million; (2) securities sold under agreement to repurchase remained unchanged (see “Financial Condition - Securities Sold Under Agreement to Repurchase”); (3) Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) Advances decreased $3.0 million (see “Financial Condition – Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings”); and (4) subordinated debt remained unchanged.
 
 
The $53.3 million decrease in average interest-bearing deposits was primarily in time deposits, which declined $92.9 million compare to the third quarter of 2009, as lower cost interest bearing DDA and Savings increased by $39.5 million. See “Financial Condition – Deposits” for a discussion of trends in the Company’s deposit base. Total interest expense on deposits was $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2010 as compared to $3.2 million for the third quarter of 2009. From September 2007 through December 2008, the FRB lowered market rates by 5.00%, and as a result the average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits declined to 0.59% for the third quarter of 2010 from 1.01% for the third quarter of 2009. The Company anticipates that this decline in deposit rates, if any, will be much more modest in future quarters.
 
Nine Months Ending September 30, 2010 vs. Nine Months Ending September 30, 2009
During the first nine months of 2010, net interest income increased 0.9% to $56.0 million, compared to $55.5 million at September 30, 2009. On a fully taxable equivalent basis, net interest income increased 0.84% and totaled $57.1 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $56.6 million at September 30, 2009. The increase in net interest income was due to an increase in average earning assets.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s net interest margin was 4.72%.
 
The average balance of loans increased by $5.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The yield on the loan portfolio decreased 22 basis points to 6.16% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 6.38% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This decrease in yield, partially offset by an increase in average balances, resulted in interest income from loans decreasing 3.1% or $1.8 million for the first nine months of 2010.
 
Average investment securities were $393.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $384.5 million for the same period in 2009. The average yield (TE) for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was 3.35% compared to 4.74% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in volume was offset by the decrease in yield, resulting in a decrease in interest income of $3.8 million or 27.7%, for the nine months ended   September 30, 2010.
 
Overnight investments in Federal Funds Sold are an additional earning asset available to the Company. Historically, in order to earn interest on excess cash balances banks had to “sell” these balances (called “Federal Funds Sold”) on an overnight basis to other banks. However, in late 2008 the FRB began paying interest on the deposits that banks maintained in their FRB accounts (which are also classified as Federal Funds Sold on the Company’s balances sheet) providing an essentially risk-free alternative for earning interest on overnight cash balances. These balances earn interest at the Fed Funds rate which has been 0.25% since December, 2008. Average Federal Funds Sold (which includes interest earning balances at the FRB) for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, was $38.5 million, a decrease of $3.0 million compared to the average balance for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. See “Financial Condition – Investment Securities” for a discussion of the Company’s investment strategy in 2010.
 
Average interest-bearing liabilities decreased $17.2 million or 1.4% during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Of that decrease: (1) interest-bearing deposits decreased $16.6 million; (2) FHLB Advances decreased $553,000; (3) securities sold under agreement to repurchase and subordinated debt remained unchanged.
 
The $16.6 million decrease in average interest-bearing deposits was primarily in time deposits, which declined $97.3 million since the third quarter of 2009, as lower cost interest bearing DDA and Savings increased by $80.7 million.. See “Financial Condition – Deposits” for a discussion of trends in the Company’s deposit base. Total interest expense on deposits was $5.5 million for the first nine months of 2010 as compared to $11.4 million for the first nine months of 2009. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits was 0.62% in the first nine months of 2010 and 1.27% in the first nine months of 2009. In September 2007 the FRB began lowering short-term market interest rates and has continued to keep these rates very low. Since most of the Company’s interest bearing deposits are priced off of short-term market rates, the Company is benefiting from the impact of these lower market rates. The Company anticipates that this decline in deposit rates, if any, will be much more modest in the remainder of 2010.
 
 
Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses
As a financial institution that assumes lending and credit risks as a principal element of its business, credit losses will be experienced in the normal course of business. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered by management to be adequate to provide for risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and reduced by net charge-offs. In determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, management takes into consideration examinations by the Company’s supervisory authorities, results of internal credit reviews, financial condition of borrowers, loan concentrations, prior loan loss experience, and general economic conditions. The allowance is based on estimates and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates. Management reviews these estimates periodically and, when adjustments are necessary, they are reported in the period in which they become known.
 
The Company has established credit management policies and procedures that govern both the approval of new loans and the monitoring of the existing portfolio. The Company manages and controls credit risk through comprehensive underwriting and approval standards, dollar limits on loans to one borrower, and by restricting loans made primarily to its principal market area where management believes it is best able to assess the applicable risk. Additionally, management has established guidelines to ensure the diversification of the Company’s credit portfolio such that even within key portfolio sectors such as real estate or agriculture, the portfolio is diversified across factors such as location, building type, crop type, etc. See “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Credit Risk” in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management reports regularly to the Board of Directors regarding trends and conditions in the loan portfolio and regularly conducts credit reviews of individual loans. Loans that are performing but have shown some signs of weakness are subjected to more stringent reporting and oversight.
 
Changes in the provision for loan losses between periods are the result of management’s evaluation, based upon information currently available, of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses relative to factors such as the credit quality of the loan portfolio, loan growth, current loan losses, and the prevailing economic climate and its effect on borrowers’ ability to repay loans in accordance with the terms of the notes. Over the past three years, the Central Valley of California has been one of the hardest hit areas in the country during this recession. Housing prices in many areas are down over 60% and the economic stress has spread from residential real estate to other industry segments such as autos and commercial real estate. Unemployment levels are well above 10% in many areas. Although, in management’s opinion, the Company’s levels of net charge-offs and non-performing assets as of September 30, 2010, compare very favorably to our peers, no significant recovery has yet begun in our local markets and this has resulted in increasing borrower stress. Accordingly, during the second quarter of 2009, management and the Board of Directors began significantly increasing the Company’s loan loss allowance and, as of September 30, 2010, the balance was $32.0 million or 2.69% of total loans. This represents a $6.2 million or 24.0% increase over September 30, 2009. The majority of the increase in the allowance has been allocated to Commercial Real Estate Loans. See the Allowance Allocation table located in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
The provision for loan losses totaled $10.5 million for the first nine months of 2010 compared to $10.3 million for the first nine months of 2009. Net charge-offs through September 30, 2010 were $8.5 million compared to $4.5 million in the first nine months of 2009. The increase in net charge-offs was primarily related to two restructured loans. See “Financial Condition – Classified Loans and Non-Performing Assets.” Net charge-offs represented 0.72% of average loans at September 30, 2010, a level that, in management’s opinion, compares favorably to most of the Company’s peers at the present time. See “Overview – Looking Forward: 2010 and Beyond”, “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Allowance for Loan Losses” and “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk-Credit Risk” located in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
The allowance for loan losses was $32.0 million or 2.68% of total loan balances at September 30, 2010 compared to $25.8 million or 2.12% of total loan balances at September 30, 2009. As of December 31, 2009, the allowance for loan losses was $29.8 million, which represented 2.45% of the total loan balance. After reviewing all factors above, management concluded that the allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2010 was adequate . See the following table for allowance for loan loss activity for the periods indicated.
 
                                 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
  $ 31,403     $ 25,454     $ 29,813     $ 20,034  
Provision Charged to Expense
    1,315       2,215       10,550       10,345  
Recoveries of Loans Previously Charged Off
    39       56       160       175  
Loans Charged Off
    (751 )     (1,907 )     (8,517 )     (4,736 )
Balance at End of Period
  $ 32,006     $ 25,818     $ 32,006     $ 25,818  
 
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income includes: (1) service charges and fees from deposit accounts; (2) net gains and losses from investment securities; (3) increases in the cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance; (4) debit card and ATM fees; (5) net gains and losses on non-qualified deferred compensation plan investments; and (6) fees from other miscellaneous business services.
 
3 rd Quarter 2010 vs. 3 rd Quarter 2009
Non-interest income decreased $221,000 or 4.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same period of 2009. This decrease was primarily comprised of: (1) a $506,000 decrease in gain on investment securities; and (2) a $160,000 decrease in service charges on deposit accounts primarily related to NSF fees. These decreases were partially offset by a $208,000 increase in net gain on non-qualified deferred compensation plan investments.
 
The Company allows executives who participate in non-qualified deferred compensation plans to self direct the investment of their vested balances. See “Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Market value gains/losses on these plan balances fluctuate depending on the type of investments held and market trends in interest rates and stock prices. Although Generally Accepted Accounting Principles require these investment gains/losses be recorded in non-interest income, an offsetting entry is also required to be made to non-interest expense resulting in no effect on the Company’s net income.
 
Nine Months Ending September 30, 2010 vs. Nine Months Ending September 30, 2009
Non-interest income decreased $683,000 or 5.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period of 2009. This decrease was primarily comprised of: (1) a $219,000 decrease in service charges on deposit accounts primarily related to NSF fees; (2) a $125,000 decrease in gain on investment securities; and (3) a $734,000 decrease in net gain on non-qualified deferred compensation plan investments. These decreases were partially offset by a $268,000 increase in debit card and ATM fees.
 
The Company allows executives who participate in non-qualified deferred compensation plans to self direct the investment of their vested balances. See “Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Market value gains/losses on these plan balances fluctuate depending on the type of investments held and market trends in interest rates and stock prices. Although Generally Accepted Accounting Principles require these investment gains/losses be recorded in non-interest income, an offsetting entry is also required to be made to non-interest expense resulting in no effect on the Company’s net income.
 
Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense for the Company includes expenses for: (1) salaries and employee benefits; (2) net gains and losses on non-qualified deferred compensation plan investments; (3) occupancy; (4) equipment; (5) supplies; (6) legal fees; (7) professional services; (8) data processing; (9) marketing; (10) deposit insurance; and (11) other miscellaneous expenses.
 
 
3 rd Quarter 2010 vs. 3 rd Quarter 2009
Non-interest expense decreased $47,000 or 0.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same period of 2009. This decrease was primarily comprised of: (1) a $170,000 decrease in salaries & employee benefits primarily related to reduced staffing and decreased expenses for security guards; and (2) a $335,000 decrease in ORE holding costs. These decreases were partially offset by: (1) a $208,000 increase in net gain on non-qualified deferred compensation plan investments; and (2) a $301,000 increase in FDIC insurance premium expense.
 
The Company allows executives who participate in non-qualified deferred compensation plans to self-direct the investment of their vested balances. See “Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Market value gains/losses on these plan balances fluctuate depending on the type of investments held and market trends in interest rates and stock prices. Although Generally Accepted Accounting Principles require these investment gains/losses be recorded in non-interest expense, an offsetting entry is also required to be made to non-interest income resulting in no effect on the Company’s net income.
 
Nine Months Ending September 30, 2010 vs. Nine Months Ending September 30, 2009
Non-interest expense decreased $2.3 million or 6.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same period of 2009. This decrease was primarily comprised of: (1) a $234,000 decrease in salaries & employee benefits primarily related to reduced staffing and decreased expenses for security guards; (2) a $463,000 gain on deferred compensation investments during the first nine months of 2010 as compared to a $1.2 million gain during the same period in 2009; (3) a $506,000 decrease in ORE holding costs; (4) a $192,000 decrease in FDIC insurance premiums; and (5) a $592,000 decrease in other non-interest expense primarily related to reduced advertising expenses.
 
The Company allows executives who participate in non-qualified deferred compensation plans to self-direct the investment of their vested balances. See “Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Market value gains/losses on these plan balances fluctuate depending on the type of investments held and market trends in interest rates and stock prices. Although Generally Accepted Accounting Principles require these investment gains/losses be recorded in non-interest expense, an offsetting entry is also required to be made to non-interest income resulting in no effect on the Company’s net income.
 
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes increased to $3.7 million for the third quarter of 2010. The Company’s effective tax rate decreased for the third quarter of 2010 and was 37.5% compared to 37.6% for the same period in 2009.
 
The provision for income taxes increased 10.2% to $9.5 million for the first nine months of 2010. The Company’s effective tax rate increased for the first nine months of 2010 and was 36.8% compared to 36.1% for the same period in 2009.
 
The Company’s effective tax rate fluctuates from quarter to quarter due primarily to changes in the mix of taxable and tax-exempt earning sources. The effective rates were lower than the statutory rate of 42% due primarily to benefits regarding the cash surrender value of life insurance; California enterprise zone interest income exclusion; and tax-exempt interest income on municipal securities and loans.
 
Current tax law causes the Company’s current taxes payable to approximate or exceed the current provision for taxes on the income statement. Three provisions have had a significant effect on the Company’s current income tax liability: (1) the restrictions on the deductibility of loan losses; (2) deductibility of retirement and other long-term employee benefits only when paid; and (3) the statutory deferral of deductibility of California franchise taxes on the Company’s federal return.
 
 
Financial Condition

This section discusses material changes in the Company’s balance sheet for the nine month period ending September 30, 2010 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009 and to the nine month period ending September 30, 2009. As previously discussed (see “Overview”) the Company’s financial condition is influenced by the seasonal banking needs of its agricultural customers.

Investment Securities and Federal Funds Sold
The investment portfolio provides the Company with an income alternative to loans. The debt securities in the Company’s investment portfolio have historically been comprised primarily of Mortgage-backed securities issued by federal government-sponsored entities, U.S. Government Agencies and high grade bank-qualified municipals.

The Company’s investment portfolio at September 30, 2010 was $419.0 million, a decrease of $16.2 million since December 31, 2009 and $12.4 million since September 30, 2009.

Beginning in the 2 nd quarter of 2009 the Company realized that the yields that could be obtained by investing in short-term agency securities or Fed Funds was below the marginal rate that local banks were paying on time deposits.  Accordingly, in order to improve our net interest margin, the Company adopted an explicit strategy to reduce the rate paid on non-relationship time deposits and use the cash flow being generated from the investment portfolio to help fund the resulting time deposit outflow.  See “Deposits” for additional details regarding this strategy.

The mix of the investment portfolio has also changed over the past year. To protect against anticipated increases in market interest rates, the Company has reduced the weighted average maturity on its investment portfolio by selling mortgage-backed securities and reinvesting in lower yielding, shorter term U.S. agency securities.

The Company’s total investment portfolio currently represents 23.6% of the Company’s total assets as compared to 24.4% at December 31, 2009 and 24.4% at September 30, 2009.

Not included in the investment portfolio are overnight investments in Federal Funds Sold. In late 2008, the FRB began paying interest on the deposits that banks maintained in their FRB accounts, whereas historically banks had to sell these Federal Funds to other banks in order to earn interest.  Since balances at the FRB are effectively risk free, the Company elected to maintain its excess cash at the FRB during the first nine months of 2010.   Average Federal Funds Sold (including interest earning balances at the FRB)   for the nine-months ended September 30, 2010, was $38.5 million compared to $41.4 million for the nine-months ended September 30, 2009.

The Company classifies its investments as held-to-maturity, trading or available-for-sale. Securities are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at amortized cost when the Company has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Trading securities are securities acquired for short-term appreciation and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in non-interest income. As of September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009 there were no securities in the trading portfolio. Securities classified as available-for-sale include securities which may be sold to effectively manage interest rate risk exposure, prepayment risk, satisfy liquidity demands and other factors. These securities are reported at fair value with aggregate, unrealized gains or losses excluded from income and included as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of related income taxes.

Loans
The Company’s loan portfolio at September 30, 2010 decreased $24.3 million or 2.0% from September 30, 2009 and $21.8 million or 1.8% from December 31, 2009, largely a reflection of the continuing slowdown in the overall economy which affected commercial and real estate construction loan balances.  The following table sets forth the distribution of the loan portfolio by type and percent as of the periods indicated.
 
 
Loan Portfolio
 
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
September 30, 2009
 
(in thousands)
  $       %     $       %     $       %  
Commercial Real Estate
  $ 317,811       26.6 %   $ 290,473       23.9 %   $ 292,096       24.0 %
Real Estate Secured by Farmland
    253,059       21.2 %     260,000       21.4 %     252,593       20.8 %
Real Estate Construction
    40,510       3.4 %     71,647       5.9 %     72,170       5.9 %
Residential 1st Mortgages
    104,874       8.8 %     105,850       8.7 %     106,005       8.7 %
Home Equity Lines and Loans
    61,333       5.1 %     65,541       5.4 %     66,250       5.4 %
Agricultural
    229,330       19.2 %     217,989       17.9 %     212,868       17.5 %
Commercial
    177,382       14.9 %     191,949       15.8 %     204,228       16.8 %
Consumer
    8,631       0.7 %     11,400       0.9 %     10,990       0.9 %
Total Loans
    1,192,930       100.0 %     1,214,849       100.0 %     1,217,200       100.0 %
Less:
                                               
Unearned Income
    2,058               2,131               2,027          
Allowance for Loan Losses
    32,006               29,813               25,818          
Net Loans
  $ 1,158,866             $ 1,182,905             $ 1,189,355          
 
Classified Loans and Non-Performing Assets
All loans are assigned a credit risk grade using grading standards developed by bank regulatory agencies. The Company utilizes the services of a third-party independent loan review firm to perform evaluations of individual loans and review the credit risk grades the Company places on loans. Loans that are judged to exhibit a higher risk profile are referred to as “classified loans”, and these loans receive increased management attention. As of September 30, 2010, classified loans totaled $48.7 million compared to $62.9 million at December 31, 2009 and $71.7 million at September 30, 2009. Classified Loans include $30.5 million comprised of multiple restructured loans to two borrowers.

Classified loans with higher levels of credit risk can be further designated as “non-accrual” loans, and the accrual of interest discontinued. Accrual of interest on loans is generally discontinued either when: (1) a loan becomes contractually past due by 90 days or more with respect to interest or principal; or (2) the loan is considered by management to be impaired because it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When loans are 90 days past due, but in management’s judgment are well secured and in the process of collection, they may not be classified as non-accrual. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed. Income on such loans is then recognized only to the extent that cash is received and where the future collection of principal is probable.

Loans where the collateral has been repossessed are classified as other real estate (“ORE”) or, if the collateral is personal property, the loan is classified as other assets on the Company’s financial statements.
 
 
The following table sets forth the amount of the Company’s non-performing loans and ORE as of the dates indicated.

Non-Performing Assets
(in thousands)
 
September 30, 2010
   
Dec. 31,
2009
   
September 30, 2009
 
Non-Performing Loans
  $ 7,469     $ 9,209     $ 12,644  
Other Real Estate
    9,510       8,418       3,784  
Total
  $ 16.979     $ 17,627     $ 16,428  
                         
Non-Performing Loans as a % of Total Loans
    0.63 %     0.76 %     1.04 %
Allowance for Loan Losses as a % of Non-Performing Loans
    428.5 %     323.7 %     204.2 %
Non-Performing Assets as a % of Total Assets
    0.96 %     0.99 %     0.93 %

Although management believes that non-performing loans are generally well-secured and that potential losses are provided for in the Company’s allowance for loan losses, there can be no assurance that future deterioration in economic conditions and/or collateral values will not result in future credit losses. Specific reserves of $2.4 million, $1.0 million, and $1.0 million have been established for non-performing loans at September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, respectively.

Foregone interest income on non-accrual loans which would have been recognized if all such loans had been current in accordance with their original terms, totaled $307,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, $618,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, and $719,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

The Company reported $9.5 million of ORE at September 30, 2010, $8.4 million at December 31, 2009, and $3.8 million at September 30, 2009. The September 30, 2010, carrying value of $9.5 million is net of a $3.4 million reserve for ORE valuation adjustments. The December 31, 2009 carrying value of $8.4 million is net of a $3.0 million reserve for ORE valuation adjustments and the September 30, 2009 carrying value of $3.8 million is net of a $3.1 million reserve for ORE valuation adjustments.

Except for those classified and non-performing loans discussed above, the Company’s management is not aware of any loans as of September 30, 2010, for which known financial problems of the borrower would cause serious doubts as to the ability of these borrowers to materially comply with their present loan repayment terms, or any known events that would result in the loan being designated as non-performing at some future date. However, the Central Valley of California continues to be one of the hardest hit areas in the country during this recession. Housing prices in many areas are down over 60% and the economic stress has spread from residential real estate to other industry segments such as autos and commercial real estate. Unemployment levels are well above 10% in many areas. As a result of this combination of: (1) real estate values having declined significantly over the past 36 months; and (2) continuing deterioration in general economic conditions leading to increased unemployment and business failures; borrowers who up until this time have been able to keep current in their payments may experience continuing deterioration in their overall financial condition, significantly increasing the potential of default. See “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

The Company’s deposit balances at September 30, 2010 have increased $3.4 million or 0.2% compared to September 30, 2009.
 
 
Although total deposits have increased a modest 0.2% since September 30, 2009, the Company’s focus has been on increasing low cost transaction and savings accounts which have grown at a much faster pace:

 
Demand and Interest-Bearing transaction accounts increased $56.9 million or 12.8% since September 30, 2009.

 
Savings accounts have increased $2.8 million or 2.3% since September 30, 2009.

 
Money market accounts, primarily the company’s higher cost premium money market accounts, have decreased $28.8 million or 9.2% since September 30, 2009.

 
Time deposit accounts have decreased $27.6 million or 4.5% since September 30, 2009. This decline was the result of an explicit pricing strategy adopted by the Company beginning in the second quarter of 2009 based upon the recognition that market CD rates were greater than the yields that the Company could obtain reinvesting these funds in short-term agency securities or overnight Fed Funds. As a result: (1) the Company could not effectively invest funds at a profit without incurring excessive interest rate risk; and (2) significant growth in our overall balance sheet, without any resulting profit, would only place pressures on the Company’s capital ratios. In the first quarter of 2009, non-public time deposits had increased approximately $77.8 million or 18% from December 2008, as depositors aggressively sought out the safety of banks for their funds. Beginning in April 2009 management carefully reviewed time deposit customers and reduced our deposit rates to customers that did not also have transaction, savings and money market balances with us (i.e., depositors who were not “relationship customers”). Given the Company’s deposit growth in transaction and savings accounts, supplemented by investment portfolio maturities and sales, this time deposit decline did not result in any liquidity issues and it significantly protected the Company’s net interest margin and earnings.

In addition to the Company’s ongoing business development activities for deposits, the following factors positively impacted the Company’s deposit activity since September 30, 2009: (1) interest rates were low and perceived market risks high, causing customers to move funds from the stock market and other investment vehicles to bank deposits; (2) the Federal government’s decision to increase FDIC deposit insurance limits from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor; and (3) the Company’s strong financial results and position and F&M Bank’s reputation as one of the most safe and sound banks in its market territory. The Company expects that the impact of the first two factors may mitigate in the future, particularly if funds move back into the stock market. This could impact future deposit growth.

The Company’s deposit balances at September 30, 2010 have increased $2.3 million or 0.2% compared to December 31, 2009. Demand and Interest-Bearing transaction accounts decreased $2.1 million or 0.4% since December 31, 2009. Savings accounts have increased $5.3 million or 4.5% since December 31, 2009. Money Market accounts have decreased $12.0 million or 4.0% since December 2009. Time deposit accounts have increased $11.0 million or 1.9% since December 31, 2009.
 
Beginning in December 2008, the Bank elected to participate in the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee Program that provides full FDIC deposit insurance on all non-interest bearing transaction accounts even if they exceed the deposit insurance limit of $250,000 on other types of deposit accounts (See “Item 1. Business – Supervision and Regulation – Deposit Insurance” of the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K). On April 13, 2010, the FDIC announced that it had approved the second extension of the Transaction Account Guarantee for six months, beginning July 1, 2010, with the possibility of extending the program an additional 12 months. The FDIC provided each participant bank the opportunity to “opt-out” of the program as of July 1, 2010. Accordingly, the Company decided not to remain in the program after June 30, 2010.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings
Lines of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank are other key sources of funds to support earning assets (see “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk and Liquidity Risk”). These sources of funds are also used to manage the Company’s interest rate risk exposure, and as opportunities arise, to borrow and invest the proceeds at a positive spread through the investment portfolio.
 
 
FHLB Advances as of September 30, 2010 were $606,000 compared to $20.1 million at December 31, 2009 and $663,000 at September 30, 2009. The average rate on FHLB advances during the first nine months of 2010 was 2.6% compared to 2.1% during the first nine months of 2009.

There were no amounts outstanding on the Company’s line of credit with the FRB as of September 30, 2010.

As of September 30, 2010 the Company has additional borrowing capacity of $174.5 million with the Federal Home Loan Bank and $240.7 million with the Federal Reserve Bank.  Any borrowings under these lines would be collateralized with loans that have been accepted for pledging at the FHLB and FRB.

Securities Sold Under Agreement to Repurchase
Securities Sold Under Agreement to Repurchase totaled $60 million at September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009, and September 30, 2009.

On March 13, 2008, the Bank entered into a $40 million term repurchase agreement with Citigroup.  The repurchase agreement pricing rate is 3.20% with an embedded 3 year cap tied to 3 month Libor with a strike price of 3.3675%.  The repurchase agreement matures March 13, 2013, putable only on March 13, 2011, and is secured by investments in Agency pass through securities. 

On May 30, 2008, the Company entered into a $20 million term repurchase agreement with Citigroup.  The repurchase agreement pricing rate is 4.19% with an embedded 3 year cap tied to 3 month Libor with a strike price of 3.17%.  The repurchase agreement matures June 5, 2013, putable only on June 5, 2011, and is secured by investments in Agency pass through securities. 

Subordinated Debentures
On December 17, 2003, the Company raised $10 million through an offering of trust-preferred securities.  Although this amount is reflected as subordinated debt on the Company’s balance sheet, under applicable regulatory guidelines, trust preferred securities qualify as regulatory capital (see “Capital”).  These securities accrue interest at a variable rate based upon 3-month Libor plus 2.85%.  Interest rates reset quarterly and were 3.14% as of September 30, 2010, 3.10% at December 31, 2009 and 3.14% at September 30, 2009. The average rate paid for these securities for the first nine months of 2010 was 3.24% compared to 4.08% for the first nine months of 2009. Additionally, if the Company decided to defer interest on the subordinated debentures, the Company would be prohibited from paying cash dividends on the Company’s common stock.

Capital
The Company relies primarily on capital generated through the retention of earnings to satisfy its capital requirements.  The Company engages in an ongoing assessment of its capital needs in order to support business growth and to insure depositor protection.  Shareholders’ Equity totaled $176.3 million at September 30, 2010, $164.7 million at December 31, 2009, and $165.7 million at September 30, 2009.

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s and the Bank’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s and the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and the Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
 
 
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios set forth in the table below of Total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (all terms as defined in the regulations). Management believes, as of September 30, 2010, that the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.
 
In its most recent notification from the FDIC the Bank was categorized as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well capitalized”, the Bank must maintain minimum Total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table below. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution’s categories.
 
(in thousands)
 
Actual
   
Regulatory Capital
Requirements
   
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
The Company:
 
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
As of September 30, 2010
                                   
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
  $ 200,583       13.66 %   $ 117,452       8.0 %     N/A       N/A  
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
  $ 182,061       12.40 %   $ 58,726       4.0 %     N/A       N/A  
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets
  $ 182,061       10.26 %   $ 71,013       4.0 %     N/A       N/A  

 (in thousands)
 
Actual
   
Regulatory Capital
Requirements
   
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
The Bank:
 
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
As of September 30, 2010
                                   
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
  $ 200,686       13.67 %   $ 117,448       8.0 %   $ 146,810       10.0 %
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
  $ 182,165       12.41 %   $ 58,724       4.0 %   $ 88,086       6.0 %
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets
  $ 182,165       10.26 %   $ 70,989       4.0 %   $ 88,736       5.0 %

As previously discussed (see Long-term Subordinated Debentures), in order to supplement its regulatory capital base, during December 2003 the Company issued $10 million of trust preferred securities.  On March 1, 2005, the Federal Reserve Board issued its final rule effective April 11, 2005, concerning the regulatory capital treatment of trust preferred securities (“TPS”) by bank holding companies (“BHCs”).  Under the final rule BHCs may include TPS in Tier 1 capital in an amount equal to 25% of the sum of core capital net of goodwill.  The quantitative limitation concerning goodwill will not be effective until March 31, 2011. Any portion of trust-preferred securities not qualifying as Tier 1 capital would qualify as Tier 2 capital subject to certain limitations.  The Company has received notification from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco that all of the Company’s trust preferred securities currently qualify as Tier 1 capital.

In accordance with the provisions of the “Consolidation” topic of the FASB, the Company does not consolidate the subsidiary trust, which has issued the trust-preferred securities.

In 1998, the Board approved the Company’s first stock repurchase program.  This program was extended and expanded in both 2004 and 2006. Most recently, on November 12, 2008, the Board of Directors approved increasing the funds available for the Company’s Common Stock Repurchase Program. The Board’s resolution authorized up to $20 million in repurchases over the four year period ending October 31, 2012.

During the third quarter of 2010 the Company did not repurchase any shares. During the third quarter of 2009 the Company repurchased 750 shares at an average share price of $390. As of September 30, 2010, the approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program was $16.6 million.
 
 
On August 5, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a Share Purchase Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”), pursuant to which the Company entered into a Rights Agreement dated August 5, 2008 with Registrar and Transfer Company, as Rights Agent, and the Company declared a dividend of a right to acquire one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of the Company’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 15, 2008. Generally, the Rights only are triggered and become exercisable if a person or group (the “Acquiring Person”) acquires beneficial ownership of 10 percent or more of the Company’s common stock or announces a tender offer for 10 percent or more of the Company’s common stock.
 
The Rights Plan is similar to plans adopted by many other publicly-traded companies. The effect of the Rights Plan is to discourage any potential acquirer from triggering the Rights without first convincing Farmers & Merchants Bancorp’s Board of Directors that the proposed acquisition is fair to, and in the best interest of, all of the shareholders of the Company. The provisions of the Plan will substantially dilute the equity and voting interest of any potential acquirer unless the Board of Directors approves of the proposed acquisition. Each Right, if and when exercisable, will entitle the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value, at a purchase price of $1,200 for each one one-hundredth of a share, subject to adjustment. Each holder of a Right (except for the Acquiring Person, whose Rights will be null and void upon such event) shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, that number of Common Shares of the Company having a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right. At any time before a person becomes an Acquiring Person, the Rights can be redeemed, in whole, but not in part, by Farmers and Merchants Bancorp’s Board of Directors at a price of $0.001 per Right. The Rights Plan will expire on August 5, 2018.

Based upon the Company’s strong capital position and continued earnings strength, the Company elected not to participate in the Federal Government’s 2008 TARP capital purchase program. See “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

For a full discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Off-balance sheet arrangements are any contractual arrangement to which an unconsolidated entity is a party, under which the Company has: (1) any obligation under a guarantee contract; (2) a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity for such assets; (3) any obligation under certain derivative instruments; or (4) any obligation under a material variable interest held by the Company in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company, or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with the Company.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into commitments to extend credit to its customers. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had entered into commitments with certain customers amounting to $279.6 million compared to $315.2 million at December 31, 2009 and $301.9 million at September 30, 2009.  Letters of credit at September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, were $6.4 million, $9.2 million and $10.4 million, respectively. These commitments are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and do not significantly impact operating results.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Management believes that based upon the preceding methodology, and using information currently available, the allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2010 was adequate. No assurances can be given that future events may not result in increases in delinquencies, non-performing loans, or net loan charge-offs that would require increases in the provision for loan losses and thereby adversely affect the results of operations.

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

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

The Gap analysis measures, at specific time intervals, the divergence between earning assets and interest bearing liabilities for which repricing opportunities will occur. A positive difference, or Gap, indicates that earning assets will reprice faster than interest-bearing liabilities. This will generally produce a greater net interest margin during periods of rising interest rates and a lower net interest margin during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, a negative Gap will generally produce a lower net interest margin during periods of rising interest rates and a greater net interest margin during periods of decreasing interest rates.

The interest rates paid on deposit accounts do not always move in unison with the rates charged on loans. In addition, the magnitude of changes in the rates charged on loans is not always proportionate to the magnitude of changes in the rate paid for deposits. Consequently, changes in interest rates do not necessarily result in an increase or decrease in the net interest margin solely as a result of the differences between repricing opportunities of earning assets or interest bearing liabilities.
 
 
The Company also utilizes the results of a dynamic simulation model to quantify the estimated exposure of net interest income to sustained interest rate changes. The sensitivity of the Company’s net interest income is measured over a rolling one-year horizon.

The simulation model estimates the impact of changing interest rates on interest income from all interest earning assets and the interest expense paid on all interest bearing liabilities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet. This sensitivity analysis is compared to policy limits, which specify a maximum tolerance level for net interest income exposure over a one-year horizon assuming no balance sheet growth, given a 200 basis point upward and a 100 basis point downward shift in interest rates. A shift in rates over a 12-month period is assumed. Results that exceed policy limits, if any, are analyzed for risk tolerance and reported to the Board with appropriate recommendations. At September 30, 2010, the Company’s estimated net interest income sensitivity to changes in interest rates, as a percent of net interest income was a decrease in net interest income of 2.08% if rates increase by 200 basis points and an decrease in net interest income of 0.08% if rates decline 100 basis points. Comparatively, at December 31, 2009, the Company’s estimated net interest income sensitivity to changes in interest rates, as a percent of net interest income was a decrease in net interest income of 2.63% if rates increase by 200 basis points and an increase in net interest income of 0.36% if rates decline 100 basis points. All results are within the Company’s policy limits.

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

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

The Company’s principal operating sources of liquidity include (see “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows”) cash and cash equivalents, cash provided by operating activities, principal payments on loans, proceeds from the maturity or sale of investments, and growth in deposits.  To supplement these operating sources of funds the Company maintains Federal Funds credit lines of $84.0 million and repurchase lines of $1.6 million with major banks.  In addition, as of September 30, 2010 the Company has available borrowing capacity of $174.5 million at the Federal Home Loan Bank and $240.7 million at the Federal Reserve Bank.


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

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and other senior management of the Company. The evaluation was based, in part, upon reports and affidavits provided by a number of executives. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
 
There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls over financial reporting subsequent to the date the Company completed its evaluation.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

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

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

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In management’s opinion, there have been no material changes in risk factors since the filing of the 2009 Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no shares repurchased by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp during the third quarter of 2010. The remaining dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the Company’s Stock Repurchase Plan is approximately $16.6 million.

The common stock of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp is not widely held nor listed on any exchange. However, trades may be reported on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “FMCB.OB.” Additionally, management is aware that there are private transactions in the Company’s common stock.

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

ITEM 4. (Removed and Reserved)

ITEM 5. Other Information

The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that it will permanently freeze the Executive Retirement Plan – Retention Component as of December 31, 2010.  The Retention Component was implemented six years ago during a period of time when the economy was growing and competition for key industry executives was significant.  Given the recent economic environment and the overall softening of executive compensation, the Board determined that it was prudent to terminate any future contributions to this plan component.

ITEM 6. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index on Page 39.
 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
  FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
     
Date:  November 5, 2010 /s/ Kent A. Steinwert  
  Kent A. Steinwert  
  Chairman, President  
  & Chief Executive Officer  
  (Principal Executive Officer)  
     
Date:  November 5, 2010 /s/ Stephen W. Haley  
  Stephen W. Haley  
  Executive Vice President and  
  Chief Financial Officer  
  (Principal Accounting Officer)  
 
  Index to Exhibits      
 
  Exhibit No.   Description  
 
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated July 23, 2010, between Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California and Kent A. Steinwert.
 
Executive Retirement Plan – Performance Component, as amended on November 5, 2010.
 
Executive Retirement Plan – Retention Component, as amended on November 5,  2010.
 
Executive Retirement Plan – Salary Component, as amended on November 5,  2010.
 
Deferred Compensation Plan of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, as amended on November 5,  2010.
 
 
39



Exhibit 10.1
 
AMENDED AND RESTATED
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
PART I
 
PARTIES TO AGREEMENT
 
Section 1.01 - Parties:  This Amended and Restated Employment Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, a California banking corporation (the “Bank”) and Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Employer”) and Kent A. Steinwert (hereinafter referred to as “Employee”), effective as of April 1, 2010.  Employer and Employee are sometimes collectively referred to hereinafter as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party”.
 
PART II
 
EMPLOYMENT
 
Section 2.01 - Employment:  Employer hereby employs Employee and Employee hereby accepts employment with Employer in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein.
 
Section 2.02 - Term of Employment:  This Agreement shall terminate upon the date that all obligations of the parties under this Agreement have been satisfied.  Employer and Employee acknowledge that Employee’s employment is and will continue to be at-will, as defined under applicable law.  If Employee’s employment terminates for any reason, Employee will not be entitled to any payments, benefits, damages, awards or compensation other than as provided by this Agreement and the terms of any benefit plans or programs in which Employee is then a participant.
 
PART III
 
DUTIES OF EMPLOYEE
 
Section 3.01 - General Duties:  Through May 10, 2011, Employee will continue to be employed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and Company, under the direction of the Bank’s and Company’s Boards of Directors and shall perform and discharge well and faithfully the duties that may be assigned to Employee from time to time thereafter by the Bank’s and Company’s Boards of Directors in connection with the conduct of Employer’s business.  Employee shall report to such Boards of Directors and shall have the powers and duties customarily associated with the office of chief executive officer.  The Company and the Bank shall use their best efforts to cause Employee to continue to be elected to their respective Boards of Directors, and to serve as Chairman thereof, through annual re-appointments subject to shareholder approval.  The period from the effective date through May 10, 2011 shall be referred to as the “CEO Term.” At the end of the CEO Term, Employee will continue to serve the Company and the Bank thereafter as an executive Chairman of their respective Boards and as a member of such Boards.  The period following the end of the CEO Term during which Employee may continue to serve as Chairman of the Boards shall be referred to as the “Board Term.”
 
 
1

 
 
Section 3.02 - Outside Activities:  Employee agrees that, while employed by Employer, Employee will refrain from any outside activities or activities which actually or potentially are in direct conflict with the essential enterprise-related interest of Employer that would cause a material and substantial disruption of Employer’s operations or would be in direct competition with Employer or assist competitors of Employer.  Notwithstanding, the foregoing, it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for Employee (A) to serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (B) deliver lectures or fulfill speaking engagements and (C) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of Employee’s responsibilities as an employee of the Company and the Bank.
 
PART IV
 
COMPENSATION
 
Section 4.01 - Salary:  During the CEO Term, Employee shall be paid an annual base salary of no less than $695,016 per year.  This base salary shall be paid to Employee in such intervals and at such times as other salaried executives of Employer are paid.  Employee will be considered for salary increases at the times that other salaried executives of Employer are adjusted, and the base salary under the contract will be adjusted accordingly.  During the Board Term, Employee shall be paid an annual base salary of $200,000 per year.
 
Section 4.02 - Incentive Programs:  During the CEO Term (but not the Board Term), Employee shall be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive bonus.  The bonus shall be commensurate with industry standards and based upon the performance of the Bank measured against the performance of its regional and comparable national peers.  The amount of the bonus for each calendar year shall be determined by the Bank’s Board of Directors annually by January 31st of the following year and shall be paid no later than February 15 th of the following year.  During the CEO Term (but not the Board Term), Employee shall be entitled to participate in the “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Executive Retirement Plan – Salary Component”, “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Executive Retirement Plan – Performance Component”, “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Split Dollar Life Insurance Plan”, “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Executive Retirement Plan – Retention Component” and “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Deferred Compensation Plan”, the terms and conditions of which are set forth in separate agreements so titled and the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference as though set forth in their entirety.
 
 
2

 
 
PART V
 
BENEFITS
 
Section 5.01 - Benefits:  Employee shall be entitled to participate in whatever vacation, medical, dental, pension, sick leave, 401(k), profit sharing, disability insurance or other plans of general application or other benefits which are in effect as to any other executive officer of Employer or as may be in effect from time to time as to any executive officer of Employer, in accordance with the rules established for individual participation in any such plan.
 
Section 5.02 - Company Automobile/Automobile Allowance:  Employer shall provide Employee with either an automobile for business and incidental personal use or an automobile allowance as per Bank policy.
 
Section 5.03 - Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Coverage:  Employer shall provide directors and officers liability insurance coverage for the protection of Employee on terms and conditions no less favorable to Employee than are in effect on the date that this Agreement shall become effective. Following any termination of Employee’s employment with Employer, such coverage shall be continued by Employer under substantially the same terms and conditions as are in effect immediately prior to such termination of employment at no cost to Employee until all applicable statutes of limitation expire with respect to claims arising or based upon circumstances occurring or alleged to have occurred prior to such termination of employment and Employer shall also continue to make indemnification and advancement of defense costs to Employee to the maximum extent and for the maximum period permitted by law.
 
PART VI
 
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
 
Section 6.01 - Termination at Option of Employer:  Employer may terminate this Agreement at any time and without cause by giving Employee sixty (60) days written notice of Employer’s intent to terminate this Agreement.  The 60th day after notice shall be deemed to be the Employee’s Separation Date.  In the event Employee’s employment is terminated pursuant to this section, Employee shall be paid all accrued salary and vacation in accordance with Employer’s policies and this Agreement.  In addition to the foregoing amounts, if Employee is terminated pursuant to this section, and subject to Employee’s continued employment through, and termination of employment on, the Separation Date, Employee will be entitled to receipt of additional severance payments as set forth herein:
 
1.
Employee shall be entitled to a sum equivalent to Twenty Four (24) times the highest monthly base salary which Employee has earned during Employee’s employment with Employer (hereinafter referred to as the “Section 7.01 Severance Payment”)  The Section 7.01 Severance Payment shall be paid in a lump sum.  Payment of such amount will be made on the 15th day of the first calendar month following Employee’s Separation Date.
 
2.
In addition, Employer shall pay to Employee a performance bonus in an amount equal to the average of the Employee’s annual discretionary incentive bonus for the previous two years, prorated for the number of months between the Separation Date and the end of Employer’s last fiscal year. The performance bonus shall be paid in a lump sum.  Payment of such amount will be made on the 15th day of the first calendar month following Employee’s Separation Date.
 
3.
In addition, Employee will also be entitled to payment of all vested awards of benefit plans, retirement plans and incentive programs in which Employee is vested in accordance with the terms of those plans.  Any such payment or distribution from a nonqualified deferred compensation plan or non-qualified supplemental retirement programs shall be governed by the terms of such plan relating to the timing of distributions.
 
 
3

 
 
Section 6.02 - Termination for Cause:  Employer may terminate Employee’s employment at any time “for cause” upon written notice to Employee, setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for the determination of “for cause” (as defined herein).  “For cause” shall be defined as the conviction of a felony resulting in a material adverse economic effect on Employer; provided that the determination of such material adverse economic effect shall in any case be made pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by a vote of no less than two-thirds (2/3’s) of the entire Board of Directors of the Employer at a meeting duly held and called for such purpose; and provided further, that Employee shall be given reasonable notice of such meeting and shall have the opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board of Directors at any such meeting.  Termination under such circumstance shall be effective immediately upon receipt of the notice by Employee, and the date on which the notice is received shall be deemed to be the Separation Date.  In the event Employee is terminated pursuant to this Section, Employee shall be entitled only to accrued salary and vacation in accordance with Employer’s policies and this Agreement or which are provided to Employer prior to the Separation Date in accordance with Employer’s policies and this Agreement and shall be entitled to no further compensation or severance payment of any nature, provided however, the Employee will also be entitled to payment of all vested awards of benefit plans, retirement plans and incentive programs which Employee is vested in accordance with the terms of those plans.  Any such payment or distribution from a nonqualified deferred compensation plan or a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan shall be governed by the terms of such plan relating to the timing of distributions.  If a “change of control” (as defined below) shall have occurred prior to Employee’s termination pursuant to this Section 6.02, the provisions of Section 6.04 shall continue to apply notwithstanding Employee’s subsequent termination.
 
Section 6.03 - Termination at Option of Employee:  This Agreement may be terminated by Employee at Employee’s sole discretion by giving sixty (60) days written notice of termination to Employer.  In the event Employee terminates his employment pursuant to this Section, Employee shall be entitled to all accrued salary earned up to Employee’s Separation Date, provided Employee continues productive employment until such date, vacation in accordance with Employer’s policies and this Agreement or which are provided to Employer prior to the Separation Date in accordance with Employer’s policies and this Agreement.  Alternatively, Employer may, at its option, at any time after Employee gives written notice of resignation as herein provided, pay Employee’s accrued salary up to and including the effective date of separation set forth in Employee’s resignation notice, and thereupon immediately release and terminate Employee.  In addition, Employee will also be entitled to payment of all vested awards of benefit plans, retirement plans and incentive programs which Employee is fully or partially vested in accordance with the terms of those plans.  Any such payment or distribution from a nonqualified deferred compensation plan or a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan shall be governed by the terms of such plan relating to the timing of distributions.
 
 
4

 
 
Section 6.04 - Change of Control:  In the event of a Change of Control of Employer (as defined below) during the term of this Agreement and prior to Employee’s termination of employment, Employer will provide Employee with a package equal to (1) Twenty Four times the highest monthly base salary which the Employee has earned during Employee’s employment with Employer, (2) a performance bonus in an amount equal to Employee’s previous two years annual discretionary incentive bonuses, (3) Employee’s monthly premium for continuation coverage under COBRA (as defined in Section 6.06), determined as of the closing of the Change of Control,  multiplied by Thirty-Six (36) months, whether or not such continuation coverage is elected by Employee, and (4) a gross-up payment as defined and set forth herein in section 6.04.2.  In addition, Employee will also be entitled to payment of all vested awards of benefit plans, retirement plans and incentive programs in which Employee is vested in accordance with the terms of those plans.  On the closing of the Change of Control transaction, Employee shall receive disbursement of payments due Employee under this section, except for payments or distributions from or pursuant to any nonqualified deferred compensation plan, or non-qualified supplemental retirement plans in one lump sum payment less any withholding required by state, federal or local law.  The preceding sentence notwithstanding, any such payment or distribution from or pursuant to any nonqualified deferred compensation plan or retirement plans shall be governed by the terms of such plan relating to the timing of distributions.  If Employee becomes entitled to payment under this Section 6.04, Employee shall not be entitled to payment under Sections 2.02, 6.01 or 6.05 notwithstanding Employee’s subsequent termination of employment.
 
1.
Change of Control means a change of control of the Employer that satisfies the requirements for a change in the ownership or effective control of the Employer, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Employer, under Section 409A (see Section 9.02 of this Agreement), as determined pursuant to applicable guidance thereunder.
 
2.
Gross-Up Payment:  Employee shall be entitled to a “Gross-Up Payment “ under the terms and conditions set forth herein, and such payment shall include the Excise Tax reimbursement due pursuant to section 6.04.2.a and any federal and state tax reimbursements due pursuant to section 6.04.2.b.
 
 
a.
In the event that any payment or benefit (as those terms are defined within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 280G(b)(2)) paid, payable, distributed or distributable to the Employee (hereinafter referred to as “Payments”) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise in connection with or arising out of Employee’s employment with Employer or a change of control would be subject to the Excise Tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue code or any interest or penalties are incurred by Employee with respect to such Excise Tax, then Employee will be entitled to receive an additional payment (“Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount equal to the total Excise Tax, interest and penalties imposed on Employee as a result of the payment and the Excise Taxes on any federal and state tax reimbursements as set forth in Section 6.04.2.b.
 
 
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b.
If Employer is obligated to pay Employee pursuant to Section 6.04.2.a, Employer also shall pay Employee an amount equal to the “total presumed federal and state taxes” that could be imposed on Employee with respect to the Excise Tax reimbursements due to Employee pursuant to Section 6.04.2.a and the federal and state tax reimbursements due to Employee pursuant to this section.  For purposes of the preceding sentence, the “total presumed federal and state taxes” that could be imposed on Employee shall be conclusively calculated using a combined tax rate equal to the sum of the (a) the highest individual income tax rate in effect under Federal tax law applicable to Employee and (ii) the tax laws of the state in which Employee resides on the date that the payment is computed and (b) the hospital insurance portion of FICA.
 
 
c.
No adjustments will be made in this combined rate for the deduction of state taxes on the federal return, the loss of itemized deductions or exemptions, or for any other purpose for paying the actual taxes.
 
It is further intended that in the event that any payments would be subject to other “penalty” taxes (in addition to the Excise Tax in section 6.04.2.a) imposed under applicable federal tax law, that these taxes would also be included in the calculation of the Gross-Up Payment, including any federal and state tax reimbursements pursuant to section 6.04.2.b.
 
3.
Determination of Eligibility for and Amount of Gross-Up Payment:  An initial determination as to whether a Gross-Up Payment is required pursuant to this Agreement and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment shall be made at Employer’s expense by an accounting firm appointed by Employer prior to any change of control.  The accounting firm shall provide its determination, together with detailed supporting calculations and documentation to Employer and Employee prior to submission of the proposed change of control to Employer’s shareholders, Board of Directors or appropriate regulators for approval.  If the accounting firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Employee with respect to a Payment or Payments, it shall furnish Employee with an opinion reasonably acceptable to Employee that no Excise Tax will be imposed with respect to any such Payment or Payments.  Within ten (10) days of the delivery of the determination to Employee, Employee shall have the right to dispute the determination.  The existence of the dispute shall not in any way affect Employee’s right to receive the Gross-Up Payment in accordance with the determination.  Upon the final resolution of a dispute, Employer or its successor shall promptly pay to Employee any additional amount required by such resolution.  If there is no dispute, the determination shall be binding, final and conclusive upon Employer and Employee, except to the extent that any taxing authority subsequently makes a determination that the Excise Tax or additional Excise Tax is due and owing on the payments made to Employee.  If any taxing authority determines that the Excise Tax or additional Excise Tax is due and owing, Employer or the entity acquiring control of Employer shall pay the Excise Tax and any penalties assessed by such taxing authority.
 
4.
Excise Tax Withholding:  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that according to the determination, an Excise Tax will be imposed on any Payment or Payments, Employer or its successor shall pay to the applicable government taxing authorities as Excise Tax withholding, the amount of the Excise Tax that Employer has actually withheld from the Payment or Payments.
 
 
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Section 6.05 - Option to Terminate on Permanent Disability of Employee:  Employer is hereby given the option to terminate this Agreement in the event that during the term of this Agreement, Employee shall become “permanently disabled”, as the term “permanently disabled” is defined herein.  Such option shall be exercised by Employer giving sixty (60) days notice to Employee pursuant to Section 10.01 of this Agreement (“Notice of Termination”). On the giving of the Notice of Termination, this Agreement and the terms hereof shall cease and come to an end on the sixtieth day after the notice is given to the Employee, which shall be deemed the Separation Date, subject to the provisions set forth below in this Section 6.05.
 
In the event Employee is terminated pursuant to this Section, Employee shall be entitled to accrued salary and vacation on the employment termination date, including accrued salary and vacation for the time period in which Employee failed or refused to perform his duties and/or absented himself from his duties.  In addition, Employee will also be entitled to payment of all vested awards of benefit plans, retirement plans and incentive programs in which Employee is vested in accordance with the terms of those plans.  Any such payment of distribution from a nonqualified deferred compensation plan or a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan shall be governed by the terms of such plan relating to the timing of distributions.  In addition to the foregoing amounts, if Employee is terminated pursuant to this section of the Agreement, Employee will be entitled to receipt of the additional payments following his Separation Date as and when set forth in Section 6.01.1, 6.01.2 and 6.01.3, above.
 
For purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be deemed to have become permanently disabled if Employee is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.  Such physical or mental impairment shall be confirmed by a physician acceptable to the Employee at the request of the Employer when the Employer knows or has reason to know of such impairment.
 
The Notice of Termination shall be deemed withdrawn and the Agreement shall remain in effect after a Notice of Termination has been given to Employee under the following circumstances.
 
1.
Within thirty (30) days of the Notice of Termination being given to Employee, Employee returns to the full performance of Employee’s duties and provides medical certification that Employee can perform the essential functions of Employee’s duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
 
2.
Within thirty (30) days of the Notice of Termination being given to Employee, Employee requests a reasonable accommodation from Employer which would permit Employee to perform the essential functions of Employee’s duties and such reasonable accommodation can be provided by Employer without an undue hardship to Employer.
 
 
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Any absence by Employee from Employee’s duties caused by ill health, physical or mental disability or illness, or for other medical causes shall automatically be considered to be a “leave” pursuant to the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) as of the first date of such absence caused by the ill health, physical or mental disability, illness or other medical causes.  No Notice of Termination, pursuant to this section shall be given to Employee until all leave under the CFRA, Fair Employment and Housing Act and Family Medical Leave Act has been exhausted.
 
Section 6.06 - Continuation of Medical Benefits:  In the event Employee’s employment is terminated Employee shall be afforded the right to continue his/her medical benefits to the extent provided in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”).  Employer shall provide Employee with the appropriate COBRA notification within the time required by the law from the Separation Date.
 
PART VII
 
COVENANTS
 
Section 7.01 - Business and Trade Secrets:
 
1.
For the purpose of this Part VIII, the terms used herein are defined as follows.
 
 
a.
TRADE AND BUSINESS SECRETS means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique or process that derives independent economic value, actual or potential from not being generally known to the public or to other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use, and is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.
 
 
b.
PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION means trade secrets, computer programs, designs, technology, ideas, know-how, processes, formulas, compositions, data, techniques, improvements, inventions (whether patentable or not), works of authorship, business and product developments, plans, the identity of actual or prospective customers, terms of existing or proposed business relationships with customers, pricing data and other information concerning Employer’s actual or anticipated business, research or development, marketing plans and strategies, Employer’s plans for new product development, Employer’s technical designs, Employer’s data dictionaries, information relating to Employer’s financial status, and any other information that Employer marks confidential or by separate memorandum or e-mail informs Employee is confidential or that is received in confidence by or for Employer from any other person.  Also included in “Confidential Information” is any information of Employer’s customers that Employee has access to in performing Employee’s duties for Employer.
 
 
c.
COMPANY MATERIALS means documents or other media or tangible items that contain or embody PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION or any other information concerning the business, operations or plans of Employer, whether such documents have been prepared by Employee or by others.  COMPANY MATERIALS include, but are not limited to blueprints, drawings, photographs, charts, graphs, notebooks, customer lists, computer disks, tape or printouts, sound recordings and other printed, typewritten, handwritten or computer generated documents, as well as samples, prototypes, models, products and the like.
 
 
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d.
Excluded from “Confidential Information” is information that:  (a) was in Employee’s possession or known to Employee before Employee received it from Employer; (b) is in the public domain through no fault of Employee; or (c) Employee learned from a third party not related to Employer.  Information licensed by Employer to any customer under a confidentiality restriction is not considered to be in the public domain.
 
2.
Nondisclosure:  Employee agrees that he will not directly nor indirectly reveal, report, publish or disclose to any person, firm, or corporation not expressly authorized in writing by Employer to receive such information any Trade and Business Secret, Proprietary and Confidential Information and Company Materials.  Employee further agrees that he will not use any Trade and Business Secret, Proprietary and Confidential Information and/or Company Materials for any purpose except to perform his employment duties for Employer and such Trade and Business Secret, Proprietary and Confidential Information and/or Company Materials may not be used or disclosed by Employee for his own benefit or purpose or for the benefit or purpose of a subsequent employer.  These agreements will continue to apply after Employee is no longer employed by the Employer so long as such Trade and Business Secrets, Proprietary and Confidential Information and Company Materials are not nor have become, by legitimate means, generally known to the public, but in no event longer than two years after such separation from Employer.
 
3.
Return of Employer’s Property:  After termination of his employment with Employer, upon written request of Employer, Employee will promptly deliver to Employer, without copying or summarizing, all Trade and Business Secrets, Proprietary and Confidential Information and Company Materials, that is in Employee’s possession or under Employee’s control, including, without limitation, all physical property, keys, documents, lists, electronic storage media, manuals, letters, notes, reports, including all originals, reproductions, recordings, disks, or other media.
 
4.
Employee acknowledges that Employee has been apprised of the provisions of Labor Code Section 2860 which provides:  “Everything which an Employee acquires by virtue of his employment, except the compensation which is due him from his Employer, belongs to the Employer, whether acquired lawfully or unlawfully, or during or after the expiration of the term of his employment.” Employee understands that any work that Employee created or helped create at the request of Employer, including user manuals, training materials, sales materials, process manuals, and other written and visual works, are works made for hire in which Employer owns the copyright.  Employee may not reproduce or publish these copyrighted works, except in the pursuit of his employment duties with Employer.
 
Section 7.02- Separate Covenants:  The covenants of Part VII of this Agreement shall be construed as separate covenants covering their particular subject matter.  In the event that any covenant shall be found to be judicially unenforceable, said covenant shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any other part of this Agreement.
 
 
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Section 7.03 - Continuing Obligation:  Employee’s obligations set forth in Part VII of this Agreement shall expressly continue in effect beyond Employee’s employment period in accordance with their terms and such obligations shall be binding on Employee’s assigns, executors, administrators and other legal representatives.
 
PART VIII
 
ARBITRATION AGREEMENT
 
Section 8.01 - Resolution of Disputes:  Employee and Employer hereby agree to arbitrate any claim or dispute with respect to this Agreement and the agreements incorporated by reference herein (“Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Executive Retirement Plan – Salary Component”, “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Executive Retirement Plan – Performance Component”, “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Split Dollar Life Insurance Plan”, “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Executive Retirement Plan – Retention Component” and “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Deferred Compensation Plan”) and that such arbitration shall be the sole and exclusive remedy for resolving any and all such claims and disputes; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, Employer shall be entitled to seek injunctive or other equitable relief from any court of competent jurisdiction in the event that Employer shall determine that such relief shall be necessary to prevent Employee from violating any provisions of Part VII of this Agreement.  The decision reached in arbitration as to any such claim or dispute shall be final and binding on the Parties.  Employee understands that by signing this Agreement, Employee waives the right to a jury trial in civil court.
 
Section 8.02 - Arbitration Procedure:  To exercise a party’s right to arbitration under this Agreement, the party must reduce to writing the details of any claim or dispute and serve it upon the other party within the time period specified by California Law as the appropriate statute of limitations.
 
Any such arbitration shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of Title 9 of Part III of the California Code of Civil Procedure, commencing at section 1280, et. seq. (or any successor or replacement statutes).  There shall be no restrictions on discovery and such shall be permitted pursuant to California Law.  The arbitrator shall be empowered with the right to issue subpoenas as to documents and witnesses.
 
Section 8.03 - Selection and Scope of Arbitrator:  Any such arbitration will be conducted before a single arbitrator selected in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association.  The arbitration will be held in San Joaquin, Sacramento or Stanislaus County as designated by Employer.  All fees and expenses charged by AAA or the arbitrator relating to the arbitration shall be paid by Employer.  Except as provided for under Section 10.06 of this Agreement, each party shall pay for the fees and costs of its’ own attorneys, experts, witnesses, transcripts, exhibits, preparation for the proceeding, and briefs unless a party prevails on a claim for which attorney’s fees and/or costs are recoverable by statue or contract.
 
 
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The arbitrator shall be authorized to award damages supportable by the evidence to the extent authorized by California Law and shall further be authorized to grant remedies in law and in equity.  The arbitrator shall only be authorized to exercise the power specifically enumerated in this Agreement and to decide the dispute(s) in accordance with the governing principles of law and equity.  The arbitrator shall have no authority to alter, amend, or modify the terms of this Agreement.  Should any party fail to appear or participate in the arbitration proceeding, the arbitrator may make a decision based on the evidence presented in the proceeding by the appearing party of the dispute.  The arbitrator shall issue a written award within sixty (60) calendar days of the date the matter is submitted.  The award shall be accompanied by a writing that shall set forth the essential facts and conclusions used by the arbitrator in reaching that decision.
 
Section 8.04 - Exclusive Forum:  Employee and Employer agree that, except as provided in Section 8.01, arbitration shall be the exclusive forum for resolving all disputes.  Either Party may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce an arbitration award.
 
The Parties retain all rights to enter into agreements regarding arbitration after any dispute has arisen.
 
Section 8.05 - Severability:  If any provision of this Part VIII is adjudged to be void or otherwise unenforceable in whole or in part, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement.
 
Section 8.06 - Continuation:  The rights and agreements in this Part VIII shall survive the termination of this Agreement and Employee’s employment with Employer and remain in full force and effect thereafter.
 
PART IX
 
TAXES
 
Section 9.01 - Withholding:  All payments to be made to Employee under this Agreement will be subject to required withholding of federal, state and local income and employment taxes as applicable.
 
Section 9.02 - Section 409A:
 
 
a.
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall delay the commencement of payments or benefits coverage to which Employee would otherwise become entitled under the Agreement in connection with Employee’s termination of employment until the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of Employee’s “separation from service” with the Company (as such term is defined in Treasury Regulations issued under Section 409A of the Code (defined below)) or (ii) the date of Employee’s death, if the Company in good faith determines that Employee is a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A at the time of such separation from service and that such delayed commencement is otherwise required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code.  Upon the expiration of the applicable Code Section 409A(a)(2) deferral period, all payments and benefits deferred pursuant to this Section10.02 (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such deferral) shall be paid or reimbursed to Employee in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under the  Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
 
 
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b.
In addition, to the extent the Company is required pursuant to this Agreement to reimburse expenses incurred by Employee, and such reimbursement obligation is subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Company shall reimburse any such eligible expenses by the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred, subject to any earlier required deadline for payment otherwise applicable under this Agreement; provided, however, that the following sentence shall apply to any tax gross-up payment and related expense reimbursement obligation, including any payment obligations described in Section 6.04, to the extent subject to Section 409A.  Any such tax gross-up payment will be made by the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which Employee remits the related taxes.
 
 
c.
For purposes of the provisions of this Agreement which require commencement of payments or benefits subject to Section 409A upon a termination of employment, the terms “termination of employment” and “Separation Date” shall mean a “separation from service” with the Company (as such term is defined in Treasury Regulations issued under Code Section 409A), notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary.
 
 
d.
In each case where this Agreement provides for the payment of an amount that constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation or a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan subject to Section 409A to be made to the Employee within a designated period and such period begins and ends in different calendar years, the exact payment date within such range shall be determined by the Employer, in its sole discretion, and the Employee shall have no right to designate the year in which the payment shall be made.
 
 
e.
Any series of payments provided under this Agreement shall for all purposes of Code Section 409A be treated as a series of separate payments and not as single payments.
 
 
f.
The provisions of this Section 9.02 are intended to comply with Code Section 409A and shall be interpreted consistent with such section.
 
 
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PART X
 
GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
Section 10.01 - Notices:  Any notice to be given to Employer under the terms of this Agreement, and any notice to be given to Employee shall be addressed to such Party at the mailing address the Party may hereafter designate in writing to the other.  Any such notice shall be deemed to have been duly given four days after the same shall be enclosed in a properly sealed and addressed envelope, registered or certified, and deposited (postage or registry or certification fee prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Government or upon actual delivery to the Party by messenger or delivery service, with receipt acknowledged in writing by the Party to whom such notice is addressed.
 
Section 10.02 - Entire Agreement:  This Agreement and the agreements incorporated by reference herein (“Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Executive Retirement Plan – Salary Component”, “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Executive Retirement Plan – Performance Component”, “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Split Dollar Life Insurance Plan”, “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Executive Retirement Plan – Retention Component” and “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Deferred Compensation Plan”) supersede any and all other agreements or understandings, whether oral, implied, or in writing, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and contain all of the covenants and agreements between the Parties with respect to such matters in their entirety.  Each Party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any Party, or anyone acting on behalf of any Party, which is not embodied herein, and that no other agreement, statement or promise not contained in this Agreement shall be valid or binding.  Any modification(s) to this Agreement will be effective only if in writing and signed by the Parties hereto.
 
Section 10.03 - Partial Invalidity:  If any provisions in this Agreement are held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way.
 
Section 10.04 - Continuing Obligations:  The obligations of the covenants contained in this Agreement shall survive the termination of the Agreement and any employment relationship between Employer and Employee.  Accordingly, neither Employer, nor Employee shall be relieved of the continuing obligations of the covenants contained in this Agreement.
 
Section 10.05 - Employee’s Representations:  Employee represents and warrants that Employee is free to enter into this Agreement and to perform each of the terms and covenants in it.  Employee represents and warrants that Employee is not restricted or prohibited, contractually or otherwise, from entering into and performing this Agreement, and that Employee’s execution and performance of this Agreement is not a violation or breach of any other agreement between Employee and any other person or entity.
 
Section 10.06 - Attorney Fees:  Following a Change of Control as defined in Section 7.04 of this Agreement, Employer agrees, on request by Employee, to promptly advance to Employee any attorneys fees and costs incurred by Employee in connection with any claim or dispute between the Parties hereto with respect to this Agreement, any agreements incorporated by reference herein, or the employment relationship existing hereunder, subject to Employer’s right to recover any amount so advanced in the event that Employee shall not be the prevailing party in any litigation or arbitration arising from any such claim or dispute.  Employer shall bear the expense of its own attorney’s fees and costs incurred in connection with any such claim or dispute or litigation or arbitration arising therefrom.
 
 
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Section 10.07 - Governing Law:  This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and the rights of the parties shall be governed by, the laws of the State of California.
 
Section 10.08 - Superseding Effect of this Agreement:  This Agreement, upon its effective date, shall amend and restate in its entirety and shall thereby supersede that certain Employment Agreement effective April 1, 2009 among the Parties.
 
Section 10.09 - Full Settlement:  Employer’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be not be affected by any set off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which Employer may have against Employee or others. In no event shall Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amount shall not be reduced whether or not Employee obtains other employment.
 
Section 10.10 - Successors:  This Agreement shall be binding upon and enforceable against any successors to Employer. No duties provided for under this Agreement may be delegated by any of the parties hereto.  Employer will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and assets of Employer to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same matter and to the same extent that Employer would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used herein, the term “Employer” shall mean Employer as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Employee’s legal representatives.
 
Section 10.11 - No Waiver:  The failure of any of the Parties hereto to insist on strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement, or the failure to assert any right of any Party hereto may have hereunder, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or of any other provision or right contained in this Agreement.
 
Section 10.12 - Federal Regulations.  This Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of Part 359 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations and any successor regulation or statute thereto.
 
 
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The effective date of this Agreement shall be April 1, 2010.
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
and FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
 
By: /s/ Stewart C. Adams, Jr   
Date:  July 23, 2010
  Stewart C. Adams, Jr.    
  Chairman of the Personnel Committee     
       
 
on behalf of FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA and FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
   
       
       
By: /s/ Ole R. Mettler  
Date:  July 23, 2010
  Ole R. Mettler    
  Chairman of the Board    
       
  on behalf of FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA and FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP    
 
 
Employee:  /s/ Kent A. Steinwert    
 
Kent A. Steinwert, Employee
   
 
 
  15


Exhibit 10.15
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
 
EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN – PERFORMANCE COMPONENT
 
1.
Purpose of the Plan .  The purpose of this Plan is to serve as part of a program to attract, retain and reward a select group of the Bank’s executive officers by providing retirement benefits in excess of the limitations on contributions or benefits imposed by the IRC.  The provisions of this Plan have been amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009.
 
2.
Definitions.   As used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
 
Bank ” shall mean Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California and any of its subsidiaries.
 
Board of Directors ” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Bank.
 
Bonus Factor ” shall mean, in respect of any Participant, the num factor determined by the Committee for purposes of such Participant’s participation in the Plan.  A Participant may be awarded additional Bonus Factors in the Plan.  In such event, each additional Bonus Factor shall be separate and independent of any prior or subsequent Bonus Factor awarded to such Participant under the Plan.
 
Termination for Cause ” shall mean the Bank terminating the Participant’s employment for conviction of a felony resulting in a material economic adverse effect on the Bank.
 
“Change of Control ” shall mean a change of control of the Holding Company. Such a Change of Control  will be deemed to have occurred immediately before any of the following occur: (i) individuals, who were members of the Board of Directors of the Holding Company immediately prior to a meeting of the shareholders of the Holding Company which meeting involved a contest for the election of directors, do not constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Holding Company following such election or meeting, (ii) an acquisition, directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of the Holding Company by any Person, (iii) a merger (in which the Holding Company is not the surviving entity), consolidation or sale of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Holding Company, or (iv) there is a change, during any period of one year, of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Holding Company as constituted as of the beginning of such period, unless the election of each director who is not a director at the beginning of such period was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then in office who were directors at the beginning of such period.  If the events or circumstances described in (i)-(iv), above, shall occur to or be applicable to the Bank, then such Change of Control shall be deemed for all purposes of this agreement to also be a “Change of Control” of the Holding Company.  For purposes of this agreement, the term “Person” shall mean and include any individual, corporation, partnership, group, association or other “person”, as such term is used in Section 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, other than the Holding Company, the Bank, any other wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company or any employee benefit plan(s) sponsored by the Holding Company, Bank or other subsidiary of the Holding Company.   Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred unless the change also constitutes the occurrence of a “change in control event,” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5), with respect to the Participant.
 
 
 

 
 
Committee ” shall mean the Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors or such other committee that the Board of Directors may designate from time to time.
 
“Disability shall mean when a Participant (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (ii) is by reason of  any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of Bank.  Disability shall be determined by a physician acceptable to both the Committee and the Participant, and shall be interpreted to comply with the definition of “disability” under Section 409A and the regulations thereunder.
 
“Full Year of Service” shall mean any year (measured beginning with the first day of the Participation Period) in which an individual completes at least 1,400 hours of employment with the Bank or the Holding Company.
 
Holding Company ” shall mean Farmers & Merchants Bancorp.
 
Market Value Per Share ” shall mean either:
 
 
(1)
The average per share price of the common stock of the Holding Company over the 90 day period preceding any event triggering a Deferred Bonus calculation, not to exceed 20.0 times the trailing twelve months earnings divided by the average number of shares outstanding over the preceding 90 day period.
 
However, given that the stock of the Holding Company is thinly traded, the Board of Directors shall reserve the right at any time to ask for an independent valuation of the common stock of the Holding Company using a valuation methodology that assumes a change of control and which shall not be limited to the 20.0 times limitation of the preceding sentence.
 
or
 
 
(2)
In the event of a Change of Control, the price per share paid by the acquirer.
 
Normal Retirement Age ” shall mean the Participant’s sixty-fifth (65th) birthday.
 
Participant ” shall mean (i) the President, (ii) any of the Executive Vice Presidents, and (iii) any of the Senior Vice Presidents of the Bank who is selected for participation in the Plan based on the recommendation of the Committee and the approval of the Board of Directors.
 
Participation Period ” shall mean, in respect of any Participant, the period beginning on the first day of the quarter in which he or she is selected to become a Participant or, in the case of an additional Bonus Factor, the first day of the quarter in which such additional Bonus Factor is awarded, and ending, in either case, on the earlier of (i) the last day of the quarter in which his or her employment with the Bank terminates (irrespective of the reason or basis for such termination) or (ii) immediately prior to the date on which a Change of Control is consummated.
 
 
2

 
 
Plan ” shall mean the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Executive Retirement Plan as set forth in this document, as successor of any prior plans of the same name, and as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.
 
Retirement Account ” shall mean the account maintained on the books of the Bank as described in Section 6.
 
Retirement Date ” shall mean the day on or after the Participant’s Normal Retirement Age when the Participant’s Employment is Terminated.
 
Termination of Employment ” or “ Employment is Terminated ” shall mean the Participant has a separation from service with the Bank for any reason, voluntary or involuntary, other than death, as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-l(h).  Subject to the foregoing, whether a separation from service has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Bank and the Participant reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Participant would perform after such date (as an employee or independent contractor) would permanently decrease to no more than 20 percent of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period in which the Participant provided services to the Bank if the Participant has been providing services for less than 36 months). A Participant will not be deemed to have experienced a separation from service if such Participant is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence, to the extent such leave does not exceed a period of six months or, if longer, such longer period of time during which a right to re-employment is protected by either statute or contract. If the period of leave exceeds six months and the individual does not retain a right to re-employment under an applicable statute or by contract, the separation from service will be deemed to occur on the first date immediately following such six-month period.
 
 
3

 
 
3.
Retirement Compensation – Existing Participants .  Participants in the Plan as of January 1, 2005 will be eligible to earn Retirement Compensation comprised of both an Earnings Component and a Market Value Component, calculated as follows:
 
Market Value Component
 
The difference between (A) and (B):
 
 
  (A)
The product of the Market Value Per Share of the outstanding common stock of the Holding Company times the total number of such shares outstanding at the time
 
 
 
minus
 
 
 
the Shareholders’ Equity (exclusive of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income or Loss) per the Holding Company’s GAAP financial statements,
 
 
 
multiplied by
 
 
 
the Participant’s Bonus Factor.
 
 
  (B)
$219,329,850 (the Market Value/Book Value differential as of December 31, 2004),
 
 
 
multiplied by
 
 
 
the Participant’s Bonus Factor.
 
Earnings Component
 
 
 
The cumulative net income of the Holding Company after January 1, 2005,
 
 
 
multiplied by
 
 
 
the Participant’s Bonus Factor.
 
Exhibits 1 and 2 attached to this Plan provide an example of how the preceding formula would be calculated under a hypothetical financial scenario.  Such Exhibits are provided for example purposes only and are not a guarantee or a prediction of future results or future economic values.
 
 
4

 
 
4.
Retirement Compensation – New Participants.   Participants who join the Plan after January 1, 2005, or Participants as of January 1, 2005 who receive additional Bonus Factors after January 1, 2005, will be eligible to earn Retirement Compensation comprised of both an Earnings Component and a Market Value Component, calculated as follows:
 
Market Value Component
 
The difference between (A) and (B):
 
 
  (A)
The product of the Market Value Per Share of the outstanding common stock of the   Holding Company times the total number of such shares outstanding at the time,
 
 
 
minus
 
 
 
the Shareholders’ Equity (exclusive of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income or Loss) per the Holding Company’s GAAP financial statements,
 
 
 
multiplied by
 
 
 
the Participant’s Bonus Factor.
 
 
  (B)
The Market Value Per Share at the Beginning of Participant’s Participation Period times the total number of such shares outstanding at the Beginning of Participant’s Participation Period,
 
 
 
minus
 
 
 
the Shareholders’ Equity (exclusive of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income or Loss), per the Holding Company’s GAAP financial statements at the Beginning of Participant’s Participation Period
 
 
 
multiplied by
 
 
 
the Participant’s Bonus Factor.
 
Earnings Component
 
 
 
The cumulative net income of the Holding Company after the Beginning of Participant’s Participation Period
 
 
 
multiplied by
 
 
 
the Participant’s Bonus Factor.
 
 
Exhibits 1 and 3 attached to this Plan provide an example of how the preceding formula would be calculated under a hypothetical financial scenario.  Such Exhibits are provided for example purposes only and are not a guarantee or a prediction of future results or future economic values.
 
 
5

 
 
5.
Vesting.   A Participant’s entitlement to his or her Retirement Account balance shall vest based on the Participant’s Full Years of Service with the Bank, measured beginning with the quarter in which he or she is selected to become a Participant (Participants receiving Bonus Factors in this Plan as of January 1, 2005 will receive vesting credit with respect to these Bonus Factors for all years of participation in any of the Bank’s previous Plans), as set forth in the vesting schedule below.  The receipt of an additional Bonus Factor shall result in a new vesting schedule for such additional Bonus Factor.   In the event of (i) a Change of Control or (ii) the termination of the Participant’s employment at the Bank due to his or her death or Disability, his or her Retirement Account balance shall become 100% vested.
 
 
Vesting Schedule – Pre 2011 Awards
 
       
Percentage of
 
 
Post-Award Full Years of Service
 
Bonus Vested
 
         
 
Less than 2 years
    0%  
 
2 years to less than 3 years
    25%  
 
3 years to less than 4 years
    50%  
 
4 years to less than 5 years
    75%  
 
5 years or more
    100%  
 
 
Vesting Schedule – 2011 and Later Awards
 
       
Percentage of
 
 
Post-Award Full Years of Service
 
Bonus Vested
 
           
 
Less than 1 year
    0%  
 
1 year to less than 2 years
    50%  
 
2 years or more
    100%  
 
6.
Retirement Account .  The Bank shall establish a Retirement Account on its books for the Participant comprised of a separate Market Value Component and Earnings Component.  Incremental amounts calculated under Sections 3 and 4 will be credited to this account and transferred to the rabbi trust established under Section 20 (b) upon the earlier of a Change of Control or the end of each calendar month. During the Participation Period, declines in the Holding Company’s stock price could cause a Participant’s Market Value Component account balance to decline or even show a negative balance, however, any negative balance will not represent a liability on the part of the Participant nor an offset to any other amount due under the Earnings Component.  At the end of the Participation Period, the Participant’s Market Value Component account balance will no longer be subject to movements in the Holding Company’s stock price, but will continue to be credited with earnings, as defined in Section 7.  A Participant shall be entitled to the amount set forth in the Retirement Account applicable to him or her, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the vesting rules set forth in Section 5, the forfeiture rules set forth in Section 10 and the payment rules set forth in Section 11.
 
7.
Earnings on Retirement Account Balances.   Earnings will be credited to each Participant’s Retirement Account balance, and transferred to the rabbi trust established under Section 20 (b), at the end of each calendar month: (a) from January 1, 2005 until such time as the account balances are transferred to the rabbi trust at Prime-3.0%; and (b) thereafter at a rate equivalent to the pre-tax investment earnings rate for such month achieved in the rabbi trust.
 
 
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8.
Notice of Bonus Factor and Statement of Accounts . As soon as practicable following a determination by the Committee to grant a Bonus Factor to a Participant, the Committee shall give written notice to the Participant of the amount of the Bonus Factor.  Such notice shall enclose a copy of the Plan.  The Bank shall also provide to the Participant, within sixty (60) days after each calendar year-end, a statement setting forth the Participant’s account balance.
 
9.
Accounting Device Only .   The Retirement Account is solely a device for measuring amounts to be paid under this Plan.  It is not a trust fund of any kind.  The Participant is a general unsecured creditor of the Bank for the payment of benefits.  The benefits represent the mere Bank promise to pay such benefits. The Participant’s rights are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by the Participant’s creditors .
 
10.
Forfeiture .  Except in the event of (i) Change of Control, (ii) death or (iii) Disability, on termination of a Participant’s status as a Participant (whether upon the Participant’s Retirement Date or Termination of Employment without Cause), that portion of the Retirement Account that is not vested upon the occurrence of such event shall be forfeited by the Participant .   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in the event of the Participant’s Termination for Cause, all entitlement and other rights of Participant to any Retirement Account component, whether or not vested, shall be cancelled, terminated and forfeited in their entirety.  Amounts forfeited by any individual Participant will, in the sole discretion of the Committee, either (i) remain in the Plan and be used to offset future Plan credits required under Section 6 for the remaining Participants, or (ii) withdrawn from the Plan (and the rabbi trust).
 
11.            Payment.
 
 
a)
Retirement.  Upon the Participant attaining his or her Retirement Date ( i.e ., Termination of Employment at or after Normal Retirement Age), the Bank shall pay the vested portion of Participant’s Retirement Account in accordance with the Participant’s Election on the attached Payment Election.
 
 
b)
Disability.  If Participant’s Termination of Employment is due to Disability, the Bank shall pay the full amount of the Participant’s Retirement Account in accordance with the Participant’s Election on the attached Payment Election for a Retirement under subsection a) above (if Termination of Employment is at or after Normal Retirement Age) or as elected on Appendix B for a Termination without Cause under subsection e) below (if Termination of Employment is before Normal Retirement Age), notwithstanding any contrary election on Appendix B.
 
 
c)
Death.   Notwithstanding any distribution election, in the event of the Participant’s death (i) while employed by the Bank or the Holding Company, the full amount of Participant’s Retirement Account shall be paid to the Participant’s heirs, devisees or designated beneficiaries in one lump sum payment within sixty (60) days following the Participant’s death, or (ii) while receiving payments of his Retirement Account as a result of his prior Termination of Employment, the remaining portion of Participant’s vested Retirement Account which had not been previously paid out shall be paid to the Participant’s heirs, devisees or designated beneficiaries in one lump sum payment within sixty (60) days following the Participant’s death.
 
 
d)
Change of Control.  In the event of a Change of Control, the Bank shall pay the full amount of the Participant’s Retirement Account (or the remaining portion of the Participant’s Retirement Account if payments had already commenced as a result of a prior Termination of Employment)  in a lump sum immediately prior to the Change of Control.
 
 
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e)
Termination without Cause.  In the event of the Participant’s Termination of Employment with the Bank other than for Cause before Normal Retirement Age, the Bank shall pay the vested portion of Participant’s Retirement Account in accordance with the Participant’s Election on the attached Payment Election.
 
12.
Beneficiary Designation .  The Participant shall have the right, at any time to submit a Beneficiary Designation Form designating primary and secondary beneficiaries to whom payment under this Plan shall be made in the event of death prior to complete distribution of the benefits due and payable under the Plan. Each beneficiary designation shall become effective only when receipt thereof is acknowledged in writing by the Bank. The Participant’s Beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the Beneficiary predeceases the Participant or if the Participant names a spouse as beneficiary and the marriage is subsequently dissolved.  If the Participant dies without a valid beneficiary designation, all payments shall be made to the Participant’s estate.
 
13.
Assignment of Rights.   Neither the Participant nor any designated beneficiary shall have any right to sell, assign, transfer, or otherwise convey the right to receive any payments hereunder without the prior written consent of the Bank.
 
14
Domestic Relations Orders .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan regarding the time or form of payment to the contrary, the Committee may in its sole discretion pay, or direct payment of all or any portion of the Participant’s Retirement Account directly to an alternate payee in order to comply with a domestic relations order (“DRO”) as defined in Code Section 414(p)(1)(B).  The Committee may, but is not required to, establish regular procedures for reviewing and commenting on draft DROs before issuance by the family court and for advising the Participant and alternate payee regarding the changes which are required in a DRO issued by the court to make it acceptable to the Plan.  To facilitate any payment to be made in compliance with a DRO, the Committee shall have the right, but shall not be required, to establish a separate account for the alternate payee and may, but shall not be required, to allow the alternate payee to self-direct the deemed investment thereof subject to such conditions as it deems appropriate.  Any payment made under this Section to an alternate payee shall reduce the Retirement Account of the Participant by the amount thereof, and shall fully discharge the Bank’s obligation under this Plan or otherwise with respect to such amount.  No payment made by the Bank to an alternate payee with respect to a Participant shall constitute a waiver of the Bank’s right to refuse to accept another DRO concerning any remaining account of the Participant, nor shall the fact of such payment affect in any way the applicability of this Section to any other Participant.   Any payments made under a DRO to an alternate payee shall be net of any applicable withholding.  This Section (and any DRO) shall be interpreted and applied in a manner that complies with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code and the applicable regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder.
 
15.
Unfunded and Unsecured Obligation of Bank. The Bank is not required to earmark or otherwise set aside any funds or other assets or in any way secure payment of its obligations under the Plan.  Any asset which may be set aside by the Bank for accounting purposes or in a rabbi trust is not to be treated as held in trust for any Participant or for his or her account.  Each Participant shall have only the rights of a general, unsecured creditor of the Bank with respect to any of his or her rights under the Plan.
 
 
8

 
 
16.
Claims Procedure.   Any claim pertaining to a Participant’s benefits under the Plan shall be filed with the Chairman of the Committee for the consideration of the Committee.  Written notice of the disposition of a claim shall be furnished the Participant within 30 days after the application therefore is filed.  In the event the claim is denied, the specific reasons for such denial shall be set forth, pertinent provisions of the Plan shall be cited and, where appropriate, an explanation as to how the Participant can perfect his or her claim will be provided.
 
17.
No Contract of Employment.   Nothing contained herein shall be construed to be a contract of employment for any term of years, nor as conferring upon the Participant the right to continue to be employed by the Bank, in any capacity, nor in any way vary the Bank’s policy of at-will employment. It is expressly understood by the parties hereto that this Plan relates exclusively to the compensation as set forth in this agreement.
 
18.
Construction of Agreement.   Any payments under this Plan shall be independent of, and in addition to, those under any other retirement plan, program, or agreement which may be in effect between the parties hereto, or any other compensation payable to the Participant or the Participant’s designated beneficiary by the Bank.  All legal issues pertaining to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of California except as preempted by Federal law.
 
19.
Amendment and Termination.   The Bank shall have the right at any time to modify, alter or amend this Plan, in whole or in part, provided that the amendment shall not reduce any Participant’s interest in the Plan, calculated as of the date on which the amendment is adopted. Upon Plan termination, the Bank may accelerate the distribution of Retirement Account balances only in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder.  Bank reserves the right to change this Plan, including reducing any Participant’s interest in this Plan in order to make such Plan compliant with Section 409A.
 
 
9

 
 
20.
The Committee.
 
 
a)
The Committee shall, for the purpose of administering the Plan, choose a secretary and an assistant secretary (either of whom is hereafter referred to as “Secretary”) who shall keep minutes of the Committee’s proceedings and all records and documents pertaining to the Committee’s administration of the Plan. The Secretary may execute any certificates or other written direction on behalf of the Committee. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum.
 
 
b)
The Committee on behalf of the Participants shall be charged with the general administration of the Plan and shall have all powers necessary to accomplish those purposes including, but not by way of limitation, the following:
 
 
-
to construe, interpret, and administer the Plan;
 
 
-
to make determinations under the Plan;
 
 
-
to establish a rabbi trust for the Plan and to deposit amounts calculated under Sections 6 and 7 into such trust established by the Committee (provided, however, that notwithstanding anything in the Plan or other agreement to the contrary, in no event shall a contribution be made to a trust for the purpose of restricting assets to the provision of benefits under the Plan in connection with a change in the financial health of the Bank or any affiliated entity in a manner that would result in the inclusion of amounts in the gross income of the Participants pursuant to Section 409A(b) of the Code);
 
 
-
to maintain the necessary records for the administration of the Plan; and
 
 
-
to make and publish such rules for the regulation of the Plan as are not inconsistent with the terms hereof.
 
Decisions and determinations by the Committee shall   be final and binding upon all   parties and shall be given the maximum deference allowed by law.
 
 
c)
The members of the Committee shall serve without bond and without compensation (except for director fees) for their services hereunder. All expenses of the Committee shall be paid by the Bank. The Bank shall furnish the Committee with such clerical and other assistance as is necessary in the performance of its duties. No   member of the Committee shall be liable for the act or omission of any other   member of the Committee nor for any act or omission on his or her own part, excepting only his or her own willful misconduct or gross negligence. The Bank shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Committee against any and all expenses and liabilities arising out of his or her membership on the Committee, excepting only expenses and liabilities arising out of his or her own willful   misconduct or gross negligence.
 
 
10

 
 
21.
Gross-Up Payment.   Upon a Change of Control, a Participant   shall be entitled to a “Gross-Up Payment” under the terms and conditions set forth herein, and such payment shall include the Excise Tax reimbursement due pursuant to subsection a) and any federal and state tax reimbursements due pursuant to subsection b).
 
 
a)
In the event that any payment or benefit (as those terms are defined within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) paid, payable, distributed or distributable to a Participant (hereinafter referred to as “Payments”) pursuant to the terms of this Plan or otherwise in connection with or arising out a Change of Control would be subject to the Excise Tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Participant with respect to such Excise Tax, then the Participant will be entitled to receive an additional payment (“Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount equal to the total Excise Tax, interest and penalties imposed on the Participant as a result of the Payment and the Excise Taxes on any federal and state tax reimbursements as set forth in subsection b).
 
 
b)
If the Bank is obligated to pay the Participant pursuant to subsection a), the Bank also shall pay the Participant an amount equal to the “total presumed federal and state taxes” that could be imposed on the Participant with respect to the Excise Tax reimbursements due to the Participant pursuant to subsection a) and the federal and state tax reimbursements due to the Participant pursuant to this subsection.  For purposes of the preceding sentence, the “total presumed federal and state taxes” that could be imposed on the Participant shall be conclusively calculated using a combined tax rate equal to the sum of the (a) the highest individual income tax rate in effect under (i) Federal tax law and (ii) the tax laws of the state in which the Participant resides on the date that the payment is computed and (b) the hospital insurance portion of FICA.
 
 
c)
No adjustments will be made in this combined rate for the deduction of state taxes on the federal return, the loss of itemized deductions or exemptions, or for any other purpose for paying the actual taxes.
 
 
d)
It is further intended that in the event that any payments would be subject to other “penalty” taxes (in addition to the Excise Tax in subsection a)) imposed by Congress or the Internal Revenue Service that these taxes would also be included in the calculation of the Gross-Up Payment, including any federal and state tax reimbursements pursuant to subsection b).
 
 
e)
An initial determination as to whether a Gross-Up Payment is required pursuant to the Plan and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment shall be made at the Bank’s expense by an accounting firm appointed by the Bank prior to any Change of Control.  The accounting firm shall provide its determination, together with detailed supporting calculations and documentation to the Bank and the Participant prior to submission of the proposed change of control to the Holding Company’s shareholders, Board of Directors or appropriate regulators for approval.  If the accounting firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Participant with respect to a Payment or Payments, it shall furnish the Participant with an opinion reasonably acceptable to the Participant that no Excise Tax will be imposed with respect to any such Payment or Payments.  Within ten (10) days of the delivery of the determination to the Participant, the Participant shall have the right to dispute the determination.  The existence of the dispute shall not in any way affect the Participant’s right to receive the Gross-Up Payment in accordance with the determination.  Upon the final resolution of a dispute, the Bank or its successor shall promptly pay to the Participant any additional amount required by such resolution.  If there is no dispute, the determination shall be binding, final and conclusive upon the Bank and the Participant, except to the extent that any taxing authority subsequently makes a determination that the Excise Tax or additional Excise Tax is due and owing on the payments made to the Participant.  If any taxing authority determines that the Excise Tax or additional Excise Tax is due and owing, the entity acquiring control of the Bank shall pay the Excise Tax and any penalties assessed by such taxing authority.
 
 
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f)
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section to the contrary, in the event that according to the determination, an Excise Tax will be imposed on any Payment or Payments, the Bank or its successor shall pay to the applicable government taxing authorities as Excise Tax withholding, the amount of the Excise Tax that the Bank has actually withheld from the Payment or Payments.
 
Payment of these amounts will be made in a lump sum immediately prior to the Change of Control.   In the event that it is determined under subsection e) that additional Excise Tax is due and owing, any reimbursement of taxes required to be made by the entity acquiring control of the Bank or Holding Company shall be made no later than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which the Participant remits the related taxes.
 
22.
Section 409A.   This Plan is intended to be consistent with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and its provisions shall be interpreted consistent with such intent.
 
 
a)
Distribution Elections.  If otherwise payable under the Plan, a Participant’s Retirement Account balance shall be distributed as elected by Participant on Appendix B for a Retirement under subsection a) of Section 11 (if Termination of Employment is at or after Normal Retirement Age) or as elected on Appendix B for a Termination without Cause under subsection e) of Section 11 (if Termination of Employment is before Normal Retirement Age), provided that such election has been made prior to the calendar year in which the Participant performs the services for which the contributions to the Participant’s Retirement Account are made (or otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A), and in accordance with such procedures as shall be established by the Bank.  If no such election has been made for either of such payment events, the Participant shall be deemed to have elected to receive payment upon such payment event in a lump sum on the later of (A) the 15th day of the month following the six-month anniversary of the date of Termination of Employment or (B) January 15th of the year following the date of Termination of Employment.  The Bank has the discretion to establish sub-accounts for one or more Participants and to maintain separate payment elections in respect of each such sub-account provided that such elections comply with the payment election requirements of Section 409A.  The Bank also has the discretion to permit changes in payment elections provided such changes are made in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A and such procedures as shall be established by the Bank.
 
 
b)
Distributions To A Specified Employee.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Plan, a distribution to which a Participant would otherwise be entitled upon a Termination of Employment will be delayed until one day following the expiration of the six (6)-month period from the date of the Participant’s Termination of Employment if the Bank in good faith determines that the Participant is a “specified employee,” as defined in Section 409A and regulations issued thereunder, at the time of such Termination of Employment, and that the delayed commencement is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Code Section 409A(a)(2).  In the event that a delay of any payment is required under this provision, such payment shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the delayed payment date, and any remaining payments due under the Plan shall be paid in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
 
 
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23.
Headings .  Headings and subheadings in this Plan are inserted for convenience or reference only and are not to be considered in the construction of the provisions hereof.
 
24.
Intent . To the extent that this Plan may be construed to be a plan maintained to provide deferred compensation, it is intended to be limited to a “select group of management or highly compensated employees” within the meaning of Section 201(2) of ERISA. The Plan is intended to be exempt from the participation, vesting, funding, and fiduciary requirements of Title 1 of ERISA, to the fullest extent permitted under the law. The Plan shall at all times be “unfunded” within the meaning of ERISA.
 
25.
Gender and Number . Where the context permits, words in any gender shall, include any other gender; words in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank has caused this Plan, as amended and restated, to be duly executed this 5 th day of November 2010.
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
 
By:  /s/ Kent A. Steinwert  
  Chairman, President and C.E.O.  
     
     
By:  /s/ Stewart C. Adams, Jr.  
  Chairman of the Personnel Committee of the Board
 
 
  13


Exhibit 10.16
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
 
EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN – RETENTION COMPONENT
 
1.
Purpose of the Plan .  The purpose of this Plan is to serve as part of a program to attract, retain and reward a select group of the Bank’s executive officers by providing retirement benefits in excess of the limitations on contributions or benefits imposed by the IRC.  The provisions of this Plan have been amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009.
 
2.
Definitions.   As used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
 
Bank ” shall mean Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California and any of its subsidiaries.
 
Board of Directors ” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Bank.
 
Participation Factor ” shall mean, in respect of any Participant, the numerical factor determined by the Committee for purposes of such Participant’s participation in the Plan.
 
Termination for Cause ” shall mean the Bank terminating the Participant’s employment for conviction of a felony resulting in a material economic adverse effect on the Bank.
 
“Change of Control ” shall mean a change of control of the Holding Company. Such a Change of Control  will be deemed to have occurred immediately before any of the following occur: (i)  individuals, who were members of the Board of Directors of the Holding Company immediately prior to a meeting of the shareholders of the Holding Company which meeting involved a contest for the election of directors, do not constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Holding Company following such election or meeting, (ii) an acquisition, directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of the Holding Company by any Person, (iii) a merger (in which the Holding Company is not the surviving entity), consolidation or sale of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Holding Company, or (iv) there is a change, during any period of one year, of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Holding Company as constituted as of the beginning of such period, unless the election of each director who is not a director at the beginning of such period was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then in office who were directors at the beginning of such period.  If any of the events or circumstances described in (i)-(iv), above, shall occur to or be applicable to the Bank, then such Change of Control shall be deemed for all purposes of this agreement to also be a “Change of Control” of the Holding Company.  For purposes of this agreement, the term “Person” shall mean and include any individual, corporation, partnership, group, association or other “person”, as such term is used in Section 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, other than the Holding Company, the Bank, any other wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company or any employee benefit plan(s) sponsored by the Holding Company, Bank or other subsidiary of the Holding Company.   Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred unless the change also constitutes the occurrence of a “change in control event,” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5), with respect to the Participant.
 
Committee ” shall mean the Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors or such other committee that the Board of Directors may designate from time to time.
 
 
 

 
 
“Disability shall mean when a Participant (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (ii) is by reason of  any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of Bank.  Disability shall be determined by a physician acceptable to both the Committee and the Participant, and shall be interpreted to comply with the definition of “disability” under Section 409A and the regulations thereunder.
 
“Full Year of Service ” shall mean any year (measured beginning January 1, 2005) in which an individual completes at least 1,400 hours of employment with the Bank or the Holding Company.
 
Holding Company ” shall mean Farmers & Merchants Bancorp.
 
Normal Retirement Age ” shall mean the Participant’s sixty-fifth (65th) birthday.
 
Participant ” shall mean Kent A. Steinwert, President; Richard S. Erichson, Executive Vice President; Deborah E. Hodkin, Executive Vice President; Chris C. Nelson, Executive Vice President; Stephen W. Haley, Executive Vice President; Kenneth W. Smith, Executive Vice President; and Lamoin V. Schulz, Senior Vice President.
 
Plan ” shall mean the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Executive Retirement Plan as set forth in this document, as successor of any prior plans of the same name, and as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.
 
Retirement Account ” shall mean the account maintained on the books of the Bank as described in Section 5.
 
Retirement Date ” shall mean the day on or after the Participant’s Normal Retirement Age when the Participant’s Employment is Terminated.
 
Termination of Employment ” or “ Employment is Terminated ” shall mean the Participant has a separation from service with the Bank for any reason, voluntary or involuntary, other than death, as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-l(h).  Subject to the foregoing, whether a separation from service has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Bank and the Participant reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Participant would perform after such date (as an employee or independent contractor) would permanently decrease to no more than 20 percent of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period in which the Participant provided services to the Bank if the Participant has been providing services for less than 36 months). A Participant will not be deemed to have experienced a separation from service if such Participant is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence, to the extent such leave does not exceed a period of six months or, if longer, such longer period of time during which a right to re-employment is protected by either statute or contract. If the period of leave exceeds six months and the individual does not retain a right to re-employment under an applicable statute or by contract, the separation from service will be deemed to occur on the first date immediately following such six-month period.
 
 
2

 
 
3.
Retirement Compensation .  Participants in the Plan will be eligible to earn  Retirement Compensation calculated as follows:
 
 
The closing stock price per share at December 31, 2004 ($425.00) times the total number of such shares outstanding at December 31, 2004 (792,722),
 
 
minus
 
 
the Shareholders’ Equity (exclusive of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income or Loss), per the Holding Company’s GAAP financial statements at December 31, 2004 ($117,577,000)
 
 
multiplied by
 
 
the Participant’s Participation Factor.
 
4.
Vesting.   A Participant’s entitlement to his or her Retirement Account balance shall vest based on the Participant’s Full Years of Service with the Bank, measured beginning January 1, 2005, as set forth in the vesting schedule below.  However, in the event of a Change of Control, his or her Retirement Account balance shall become 100% vested.
 
 
Post 2004 Full Years of Service
 
Percent of Retention
Compensation Vested
 
 
Less than 1 year
    0%  
 
1 year to less than 2 years
    10%  
 
2 years to less than 3 years
    20%  
 
3 years to less than 4 years
    30%  
 
4 years to less than 5 years
    40%  
 
5 years to less than 6 years
    50%  
 
6 years to less than 7 years
    60%  
 
7 years to less than 8 years
    70%  
 
8 years to less than 9 years
    80%  
 
9 years to less than 10 years
    90%  
 
10 years or more
    100%  
 
5.
Retirement Account .  The Bank shall establish a Retirement Account on its books for the Participant.  Incrementally vested amounts will be credited to this account and transferred to the rabbi trust established under Section 19 (b) upon the earlier of a Change of Control or the end of each calendar month.  The Participant’s account balance will not be subject to movements in the Holding Company’s stock price, but will be credited with earnings, as defined in Section 6. A Participant shall be entitled to the amount set forth in the Retirement Account applicable to him or her, subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, including the vesting rules set forth in Section 4, the forfeiture rules set forth in Section 9 and the payment rules set forth in Section 10.
 
6.
Earnings on Retirement Account Balances. Earnings will be credited to each Participant’s Retirement Account balance, and transferred to the rabbi trust established under Section 19 (b), at the end of each calendar month: (a) from January 1, 2005 until such time as the account balances are transferred to the rabbi trust at Prime-3.0%; and (b) thereafter at a rate equivalent to the pre-tax investment earnings rate for such month achieved in the rabbi trust.
 
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7.
Notice of Participation Factor and Statement of Accounts . As soon as practicable following a determination by the Committee to grant a Participation Factor to a Participant, the Committee shall give written notice to the Participant of the amount of the Participation Factor.  Such notice shall enclose a copy of the Plan.  The Bank shall also provide to the Participant, within sixty (60) days after each calendar year-end, a statement setting forth the Participant’s account balance.
 
8.
Accounting Device Only .   The Retirement Account is solely a device for measuring amounts to be paid under this Plan.  It is not a trust fund of any kind.  The Participant is a general unsecured creditor of the Bank for the payment of benefits.  The benefits represent the mere Bank promise to pay such benefits. The Participant’s rights are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by the Participant’s creditors .
 
9.
Forfeiture .  Except in the event of a Change of Control, on termination of a Participant’s status as a Participant (whether upon the Participant’s Retirement Date, Disability, death or Termination of Employment without Cause), that portion of the Retirement Account that is not vested upon the occurrence of such event shall be forfeited by the Participant . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary , in the event of the Participant’s Termination for Cause, all entitlement and other rights of Participant to any Retirement Account balance, whether or not vested, shall be cancelled, terminated and forfeited in their entirety.  Amounts forfeited by any individual Participant will, in the sole discretion of the Committee, either (i) remain in the Plan and be used to offset future Plan credits required under Section 6 for the remaining Participants, or (ii) withdrawn from the Plan (and the rabbi trust).
 
10.
Payment.
 
 
a)
Retirement. Upon the Participant attaining his or her Retirement Date ( i.e ., Termination of Employment at or after Normal Retirement Age), the Bank shall pay the vested portion of Participant’s Retirement Account in accordance with the Participant’s Election on the attached Payment Election.
 
 
b)
Disability.  If Participant’s Termination of Employment is due to Disability, the Bank shall pay the vested portion of the Participant’s Retirement Account in accordance with the Participant’s Election on the attached Payment Election for a Retirement under subsection a) above (if Termination of Employment is at or after Normal Retirement Age) or as elected on Appendix B for a Termination without Cause under subsection e) below (if Termination of Employment is before Normal Retirement Age), notwithstanding any contrary election on Appendix B.
 
 
c)
Death.  Notwithstanding any distribution election, in the event of the Participant’s death (i) while employed by the Bank or the Holding Company, the full amount of Participant’s vested Retirement Account shall be paid to the Participant’s heirs, devisees or designated beneficiaries in one lump sum payment within sixty (60) days following the Participant’s death, or (ii) while receiving payments of his Retirement Account as a result of his prior Termination of Employment, the remaining portion of Participant’s vested Retirement Account which had not been previously paid out shall be paid to the Participant’s heirs, devisees or designated beneficiaries in one lump sum payment within sixty (60) days following the Participant’s death.
 
 
d)
Change of Control.  In the event of a Change of Control, the Bank shall pay the full amount of the Participant’s Retirement Account (or the remaining portion of the Participant’s Retirement Account if payments had already commenced as a result of a prior Termination of Employment) in a lump sum immediately prior to the Change of Control.
 
 
e)
Termination without Cause.  In the event of the Participant’s Termination of Employment with the Bank other than for Cause before Normal Retirement Age, the Bank shall pay the vested portion of Participant’s Retirement Account in accordance with the Participant’s Election on the attached Payment Election.
 
 
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11.
Beneficiary Designation .  The Participant shall have the right, at any time to submit a Beneficiary Designation Form designating primary and secondary beneficiaries to whom payment under this Plan shall be made in the event of death prior to complete distribution of the benefits due and payable under the Plan. Each beneficiary designation shall become effective only when receipt thereof is acknowledged in writing by the Bank.  The Participant’s Beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the Beneficiary predeceases the Participant or if the Participant names a spouse as beneficiary and the marriage is subsequently dissolved.  If the Participant dies without a valid beneficiary designation, all payments shall be made to the Participant’s estate.
 
12.
Assignment of Rights.   Neither the Participant nor any designated beneficiary shall have any right to sell, assign, transfer, or otherwise convey the right to receive any payments hereunder without the prior written consent of the Bank.
 
13.
Domestic Relations Orders .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan regarding the time or form of payment to the contrary, the Committee may in its sole discretion pay, or direct payment of all or any portion of the Participant’s Retirement Account directly to an alternate payee in order to comply with a domestic relations order (“DRO”) as defined in Code Section 414(p)(1)(B).  The Committee may, but is not required to, establish regular procedures for reviewing and commenting on draft DROs before issuance by the family court and for advising the Participant and alternate payee regarding the changes which are required in a DRO issued by the court to make it acceptable to the Plan.  To facilitate any payment to be made in compliance with a DRO, the Committee shall have the right, but shall not be required, to establish a separate account for the alternate payee and may, but shall not be required, to allow the alternate payee to self-direct the deemed investment thereof subject to such conditions as it deems appropriate.  Any payment made under this Section to an alternate payee shall reduce the Retirement Account of the Participant by the amount thereof, and shall fully discharge the Bank’s obligation under this Plan or otherwise with respect to such amount.  No payment made by the Bank to an alternate payee with respect to a Participant shall constitute a waiver of the Bank’s right to refuse to accept another DRO concerning any remaining account of the Participant, nor shall the fact of such payment affect in any way the applicability of this Section to any other Participant.   Any payments made under a DRO to an alternate payee shall be net of any applicable withholding.  This Section (and any DRO) shall be interpreted and applied in a manner that complies with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code and the applicable regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder.
 
14.
Unfunded and Unsecured Obligation of Bank. The Bank is not required to earmark or otherwise set aside any funds or other assets or in any way secure payment of its obligations under the Plan.  Any asset which may be set aside by the Bank for accounting purposes or in a rabbi trust is not to be treated as held in trust for any Participant or for his or her account.  Each Participant shall have only the rights of a general, unsecured creditor of the Bank with respect to any of his or her rights under the Plan.
 
15.
Claims Procedure.   Any claim pertaining to a Participant’s benefits under the Plan shall be filed with the Chairman of the Committee for the consideration of the Committee.  Written notice of the disposition of a claim shall be furnished the Participant within 30 days after the application therefore is filed.  In the event the claim is denied, the specific reasons for such denial shall be set forth, pertinent provisions of the Plan shall be cited and, where appropriate, an explanation as to how the Participant can perfect his or her claim will be provided.
 
16.
No Contract of Employment.   Nothing contained herein shall be construed to be a contract of employment for any term of years, nor as conferring upon the Participant the right to continue to be employed by the Bank, in any capacity, nor in any way vary the Bank’s policy of at-will employment. It is expressly understood by the parties hereto that this Plan relates exclusively to the compensation as set forth in this agreement.
 
 
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17.
Construction of Agreement.   Any payments under this Plan shall be independent of, and in addition to, those under any other retirement plan, program, or agreement which may be in effect between the parties hereto, or any other compensation payable to the Participant or the Participant’s designated beneficiary by the Bank.  All legal issues pertaining to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of California except as preempted by Federal law.
 
18.
Amendment and Termination.   The Bank shall have the right at any time to modify, alter or amend this Plan, in whole or in part, provided that the amendment shall not reduce any Participant’s interest in the Plan, calculated as of the date on which the amendment is adopted. Upon Plan termination, the Bank may accelerate the distribution of Retirement Account balances only in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder.  Bank reserves the right to change this Plan, including reducing any Participant’s interest in this Plan in order to make such Plan compliant with Section 409A.
 
19.             The Committee.
 
 
a)
The Committee shall, for the purpose of administering the Plan, choose a secretary and an assistant secretary (either of whom is hereafter referred to as “Secretary ) who shall keep minutes of the Committee’s proceedings and all records and documents pertaining to the Committee’s administration of the Plan. The Secretary may execute any certificates or other written direction on behalf of the Committee. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum.
 
 
b)
The Committee on behalf of the Participants shall be charged with the general administration of the Plan and shall have all powers necessary to accomplish those purposes including, but not by way of limitation, the following:
 
 
-
to construe, interpret, and administer the Plan;
 
 
-
to make determinations under the Plan;
 
 
-
to establish a rabbi trust for the Plan and to deposit amounts calculated under Sections 5 and 6 into such trust established by the Committee (provided, however, that notwithstanding anything in the Plan or other agreement to the contrary, in no event shall a contribution be made to a trust for the purpose of restricting assets to the provision of benefits under the Plan in connection with a change in the financial health of the Bank or any affiliated entity in a manner that would result in the inclusion of amounts in the gross income of the Participants pursuant to Section 409A(b) of the Code;
 
 
-
to maintain the necessary records for the administration of the Plan; and
 
 
-
to make and publish such rules for the regulation of the Plan as are not inconsistent with the terms hereof.
 
Decisions and determinations by the Committee shall   be final and binding upon all   parties and shall be given the maximum deference allowed by law.
 
 
6

 
 
 
c)
The members of the Committee shall serve without bond and without compensation (except for director fees) for their services hereunder. All expenses of the Committee shall be paid by the Bank. The Bank shall furnish the Committee with such clerical and other assistance as is necessary in the performance of its duties. No   member of the Committee shall be liable for the act or omission of any other   member of the Committee, nor for any act or omission on his or her own part, excepting only his or her own willful misconduct or gross negligence. The Bank shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Committee against any and all expenses and liabilities arising out of his or her membership on the Committee, excepting only expenses and liabilities arising out of his or her own willful   misconduct or gross negligence.
 
20.
Gross-Up Payment.   Upon a Change of Control , a Participant   shall be entitled to a “Gross-Up Payment” under the terms and conditions set forth herein, and such payment shall include the Excise Tax reimbursement due pursuant to subsection a) and any federal and state tax reimbursements due pursuant to subsection b).
 
 
a)
In the event that any payment or benefit (as those terms are defined within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) paid, payable, distributed or distributable to a Participant (hereinafter referred to as “Payments”) pursuant to the terms of this Plan or otherwise in connection with or arising out a Change of Control would be subject to the Excise Tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Participant with respect to such Excise Tax, then the Participant will be entitled to receive an additional payment (“Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount equal to the total Excise Tax, interest and penalties imposed on the Participant as a result of the Payment and the Excise Taxes on any federal and state tax reimbursements as set forth in subsection b).
 
 
b)
If the Bank is obligated to pay the Participant pursuant to subsection a), the Bank also shall pay the Participant an amount equal to the “total presumed federal and state taxes” that could be imposed on the Participant with respect to the Excise Tax reimbursements due to the Participant pursuant to subsection a) and the federal and state tax reimbursements due to the Participant pursuant to this subsection.  For purposes of the preceding sentence, the “total presumed federal and state taxes” that could be imposed on the Participant shall be conclusively calculated using a combined tax rate equal to the sum of the (a) the highest individual income tax rate in effect under (i) Federal tax law and (ii) the tax laws of the state in which the Participant resides on the date that the payment is computed and (b) the hospital insurance portion of FICA.
 
 
c)
No adjustments will be made in this combined rate for the deduction of state taxes on the federal return, the loss of itemized deductions or exemptions, or for any other purpose for paying the actual taxes.
 
 
d)
It is further intended that in the event that any payments would be subject to other “penalty” taxes (in addition to the Excise Tax in subsection a)) imposed by Congress or the Internal Revenue Service that these taxes would also be included in the calculation of the Gross-Up Payment, including any federal and state tax reimbursements pursuant to subsection b).
 
 
e)
An initial determination as to whether a Gross-Up Payment is required pursuant to the Plan and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment shall be made at the Bank’s expense by an accounting firm appointed by the Bank prior to any Change of Control.  The accounting firm shall provide its determination, together with detailed supporting calculations and documentation to the Bank and the Participant prior to submission of the proposed change of control to the Holding Company’s shareholders, Board of Directors or appropriate regulators for approval.  If the accounting firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Participant with respect to a Payment or Payments, it shall furnish the Participant with an opinion reasonably acceptable to the Participant that no Excise Tax will be imposed with respect to any such Payment or Payments.  Within ten (10) days of the delivery of the determination to the Participant, the Participant shall have the right to dispute the determination.  The existence of the dispute shall not in any way affect the Participant’s right to receive the Gross-Up Payment in accordance with the determination.  Upon the final resolution of a dispute, the Bank or its successor shall promptly pay to the Participant any additional amount required by such resolution.  If there is no dispute, the determination shall be binding, final and conclusive upon the Bank and the Participant, except to the extent that any taxing authority subsequently makes a determination that the Excise Tax or additional Excise Tax is due and owing on the payments made to the Participant.  If any taxing authority determines that the Excise Tax or additional Excise Tax is due and owing, the entity acquiring control of the Bank shall pay the Excise Tax and any penalties assessed by such taxing authority.
 
 
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f)
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section to the contrary, in the event that according to the determination, an Excise Tax will be imposed on any Payment or Payments, the Bank or its successor shall pay to the applicable government taxing authorities as Excise Tax withholding, the amount of the Excise Tax that the Bank has actually withheld from the Payment or Payments.
 
Payment of these amounts will be made in a lump sum immediately prior to the Change of Control.   In the event that it is determined under subsection e) that additional Excise Tax is due and owing, any reimbursement of taxes required to be made by the entity acquiring control of the Bank or Holding Company shall be made no later than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which the Participant remits the related taxes.
 
21.
Section 409A.   This Plan is intended to be consistent with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and its provisions shall be interpreted consistent with such intent.
 
 
a)
Distribution Elections.  If otherwise payable under the Plan, a Participant’s Retirement Account balance shall be distributed as elected by Participant on Appendix B for a Retirement under subsection a) of Section 10 (if Termination of Employment is at or after Normal Retirement Age) or as elected on Appendix B for a Termination without Cause under subsection e) of Section 10 (if Termination of Employment is before Normal Retirement Age), provided that such election has been made prior to the calendar year in which the Participant performs the services for which the contributions to the Participant’s Retirement Account are made (or otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A), and in accordance with such procedures as shall be established by the Bank.  If no such election has been made for either of such payment events, the Participant shall be deemed to have elected to receive payment upon such payment event in a lump sum on the later of (A) the 15th day of the month following the six-month anniversary of the date of Termination of Employment or (B) January 15th of the year following the date of Termination of Employment.  The Bank has the discretion to establish sub-accounts for one or more Participants and to maintain separate payment elections in respect of each such sub-account provided that such elections comply with the payment election requirements of Section 409A.  The Bank also has the discretion to permit changes in payment elections provided such changes are made in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A and such procedures as shall be established by the Bank.
 
 
b)
Distributions To A Specified Employee.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Plan, a distribution to which a Participant would otherwise be entitled upon a Termination of Employment will be delayed until one day following the expiration of the six (6)-month period from the date of the Participant’s Termination of Employment if the Bank in good faith determines that the Participant is a “specified employee,” as defined in Section 409A and regulations issued thereunder, at the time of such Termination of Employment, and that the delayed commencement is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Code Section 409A(a)(2).  In the event that a delay of any payment is required under this provision, such payment shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the delayed payment date, and any remaining payments due under the Plan shall be paid in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
 
 
8

 
 
22.
Headings .  Headings and subheadings in this Plan are inserted for convenience or reference only and are not to be considered in the construction of the provisions hereof.
 
23 .
Intent . To the extent that this Plan may be construed to be a plan maintained to provide deferred compensation, it is intended to be limited to a “select group of management or highly compensated employees” within the meaning of Section 201(2) of ERISA. The Plan is intended to be exempt from the participation, vesting, funding, and fiduciary requirements of Title 1 of ERISA, to the fullest extent permitted under the law. The Plan shall at all times be “unfunded” within the meaning of ERISA.
 
24.
Gender and Number . Where the context permits, words in any gender shall, include any other gender; words in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank has caused this Plan, as amended and restated, to be duly executed this 5 th day of November 2010.
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
 
By:  /s/ Kent A. Steinwert  
  Chairman, President and C.E.O.  
     
     
By:  /s/ Stewart C. Adams, Jr.  
  Chairman of the Personnel Committee of the Board
 
 
  9

 

Exhibit 10.17

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
 
EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN – SALARY COMPONENT
 
1.
Purpose of the Plan.   The purpose of this Plan is to serve as part of a program to attract, retain and reward a select group of the Bank’s executive officers by providing retirement benefits in excess of the limitations on contributions or benefits imposed by the IRC.  The provisions of this Plan have been amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009.
 
2.
Definitions.   As used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
 
Adjustment Rate ” shall mean the figure equal to one minus the Holding Company’s highest marginal tax rate for the current calendar year.
 
Bank ” shall mean Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California and any of its subsidiaries.
 
Change of Control ” shall mean a change of control of the Holding Company. Such a Change of Control  will be deemed to have occurred immediately before any of the following occur: (i) individuals, who were members of the Board of Directors of the Holding Company immediately prior to a meeting of the shareholders of the Holding Company which meeting involved a contest for the election of directors, do not constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Holding Company following such election or meeting, (ii) an acquisition, directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of the Holding Company by any Person, (iii) a merger (in which the Holding Company is not the surviving entity), consolidation or sale of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Holding Company, or (iv) there is a change, during any period of one year, of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Holding Company as constituted as of the beginning of such period, unless the election of each director who is not a director at the beginning of such period was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then in office who were directors at the beginning of such period.  If the events or circumstances described in (i)-(iv), above, shall occur to or be applicable to the Bank, then such Change of Control shall be deemed for all purposes of this agreement to also be a “Change of Control” of the Holding Company.  For purposes of this agreement, the term “Person” shall mean and include any individual, corporation, partnership, group, association or other “person”, as such term is used in Section 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, other than the Holding Company, the Bank, any other wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company or any employee benefit plan(s) sponsored by the Holding Company, Bank or other subsidiary of the Holding Company.   Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred unless the change also constitutes the occurrence of a “change in control event,” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5), with respect to the Executive.
 
Disability ” shall mean when an Executive (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (ii) is by reason of  any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of Bank.  Disability shall be determined by a physician acceptable to both the Bank and the Executive, and shall be interpreted to comply with the definition of “disability” under Section 409A and the regulations thereunder.
 
 
 

 
 
Executive ” shall mean (i) the President, (ii) any of the Executive Vice Presidents, and (iii) any of the Senior Vice Presidents of the Bank who is selected for participation in the Plan based on the approval of the Board of Directors.
 
Normal Retirement Age ” shall mean the Executive’s sixty-fifth (65 th ) birthday.
 
Retirement Date ” shall mean the day on or after Executive’s Normal Retirement Age when Executive’s Employment is Terminated.
 
Plan Year ” shall mean each calendar year from January 1 through December 31.
 
Retirement Account ” shall mean the account maintained on the books of the Bank as described in Section 3.2.
 
Simulated Investments ” shall mean investments specified by the Bank for use in measuring the Retirement Benefit.  Subject to Section 3, the Bank can change the Simulated Investments only with the Executive’s written agreement.  The Simulated Investments shall be of equal initial amounts.
 
Simulated Investment Earnings ” shall mean the after-tax rate of return on a Simulated Investment.  If the Simulated Investment is a life insurance policy, the Simulated Investment Earnings shall track cash surrender value and not include receipt of the policy’s death benefit.
 
 
Termination of Employment ” or “ Employment is Terminated ” shall mean the Executive has a separation from service with the Bank for any reason, voluntary or involuntary, other than death, as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-l(h).  Subject to the foregoing, whether a separation from service has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Bank and the Executive reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Executive would perform after such date (as an employee or independent contractor) would permanently decrease to no more than 20 percent of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period in which the Executive provided services to the Bank if the Executive has been providing services for less than 36 months). An Executive will not be deemed to have experienced a separation from service if such Executive is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence, to the extent such leave does not exceed a period of six months or, if longer, such longer period of time during which a right to re-employment is protected by either statute or contract. If the period of leave exceeds six months and the individual does not retain a right to re-employment under an applicable statute or by contract, the separation from service will be deemed to occur on the first date immediately following such six-month period.
 
Termination for Cause ” shall mean the Bank terminating the Executive’s employment for conviction of a felony resulting in a material economic adverse effect on the Bank.
 
Year of Employment ” shall mean any year (measured from the date of the Executive’s employment with the Bank) in which the Executive completes at least 1,400 hours of employment with the Bank.
 
 
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Pool Policies ” shall mean all Bank-owned life insurance policies not comprising Simulated Investment Number One (as listed in Appendix A) for all Executives who participate in the Plan. Current Pool Policies are listed in Appendix C, but are subject to change without the Executive’s written agreement.
 
Earnings on Pool Policies ” shall mean 100% of the amount determined by subtracting the value (the calculation of which is to be performed in accordance with Sections 3.1.1 and 3.1.2) of Simulated Investment Number Two on the Pool Polices from Simulated Investment Number One on the Pool Policies and dividing the difference by the Adjustment Rate.
 
Executive’s Pro-Rata Share of Earnings on Pool Policies ” shall mean the amount calculated by (1) dividing Executive’s current year Forecasted Retirement Contribution amount listed in Appendix D by the sum of all Forecasted Retirement Contributions for such year for all Executives who participate in the Plan, and (2) multiplying such resulting percentage by the Earnings on Pool Policies for the current year.
 
Forecasted Retirement Contribution ” shall mean the amounts listed in Appendix D.
 
Holding Company ” shall mean Farmers & Merchants Bancorp.
 
3.
Retirement Compensation.
       
 
3.1          Simulated Investments. The Bank shall establish for each Executive two Simulated Investments in an initial amount equal to the cash surrender values of each Executive’s specified life insurance policies as described in Appendix A, as follows:
       
   
3.1.1          Simulated Investment Number One shall track the cash surrender value of each Executive’s specified life insurance policies as described in Appendix A.
       
   
3.1.2          Simulated Investment Number Two shall track the value of a simulated investment account comprised of both principal and accumulated net after-tax interest earnings.  Pre-tax interest earnings equal the current 5-year Treasury Bill rate, which shall initially be set at 4.30%, which shall continue through December 31, 2003.  Each January 1 thereafter the rate shall be reset based on the average 5-year Treasury Bill rate for the previous month of December according to Bloomberg or such other nationally recognized reporting service.  Simulated Investment Number Two assumes the income tax rate to be the Holding Company’s highest marginal tax rate for the current calendar year (which is 42.046%, using a Federal rate of 35% and a State franchise tax rate of 10.84%), and assumes that interest (net of tax) shall be compounded on an annual basis at the end of each Plan Year.
   
 
3.2          Retirement Account.  The Bank shall establish a Retirement Account on its books for the Executive.  The amount to be added to the Retirement Account each year after the date hereof until Termination of Employment, but not beyond Normal Retirement Age, will be the greater of (A) one percent (1%) of Simulated Investment Number One as of December 31 st of the preceding year or (B) the lesser of:
 
 
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(i)
the sum of: (1) one hundred percent (100%) of the sum determined by subtracting the current year’s increase in the value of Simulated Investment Number Two from the current year’s increase in the value of Simulated Investment Number One and dividing the difference by the Adjustment Rate, plus (2) the Executive’s Pro-Rata Share of Earnings on Pool Policies for the current year; or
 
 
(ii)
the Forecasted Retirement Contribution for the current year as stated in Appendix  D.
 
3.3         Earnings on Retirement Account Balances. After the establishment of the rabbi trust contemplated by Section 13.10(d), earnings (losses) will be credited on any undistributed balances on the last day of each calendar month.
 
3.4         Statement of Accounts. The Bank shall provide to the Executive, within sixty (60) days after each calendar year end, a statement setting forth the Executive’s Retirement Account balance.
 
3.5         Accounting Device Only.  The Retirement Account and Simulated Investments are solely devices for measuring amounts to be paid under this Plan.  Neither they nor the rabbi trust (contemplated by Section 13.10(d)) are a trust fund of any kind.  The Executive is a general unsecured creditor of the Bank for the payment of benefits.
 
4. 
Normal Retirement.   Upon the Executive attaining his or her Retirement Date ( i.e ., Termination of Employment at or after Normal Retirement Age), the Bank shall pay, or cause to be paid, the Executive’s Retirement Account balance as elected on Appendix B.
 
5.
Early Retirement or Termination.
 
5.1         Less than Five Years of Employment.  Except in the event of (A) a Change of Control or (B) Disability, if the Executive’s Employment is Terminated prior to Normal Retirement Age and without completing five (5) Years of Employment (measured from the date of Executive’s employment by the Bank), the Bank shall not pay any benefit to the Executive under this Plan.
 
5.2         Five or More Years of Employment.  Upon the Executive’s Termination of Employment (other than Termination for Cause) prior to Normal Retirement Age and after either (A) completing five (5) Years of Employment (measured from the date of Executive’s employment by the Bank), or (B) incurring a Disability, the Bank shall pay, or cause to be paid, the Executive’s Retirement Account balance as elected on Appendix B.
 
5.3         Termination for Cause.   If the Executive’s Employment is Terminated for Cause, the Bank shall not pay any benefit to the Executive under this Plan.
 
6.
Disability Benefit .  Upon the Executive’s Termination of Employment following a Disability, the Bank shall pay, or cause to be paid, the Executive’s Retirement Account balance as elected on Appendix B for a Normal Retirement under Section 4 (if Termination of Employment is at or after Normal Retirement Age) or as elected on Appendix B for an Early Retirement or Termination under Section 5 (if Termination of Employment is before Normal Retirement Age), notwithstanding any contrary election on Appendix B.
 
 
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7.
Change of Control.
       
 
7.1         Change of Control Benefit. Upon a Change of Control on or prior to the Executive’s Termination of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive a benefit in the amount of:
       
   
(a)
the balance in his/her Retirement Account, including all accrued interest pursuant to Section 3.3, plus
       
   
(b)
the sum of the present value of each of the post Change of Control remaining annual Forecasted Retirement Contributions provided for in Appendix D.
       
 
For purposes of calculating the amount under Section 7.1(b), the present value factor(s) shall be the Treasury Bill rates (as of the date that is ninety business days prior to the anticipated date of the Change of Control) for each of the number of years (rounded down to the nearest whole number) remaining on Appendix D for Executive.  Immediately prior to a Change of Control, the Bank shall transfer to the rabbi trust established under Section 13.10(d) any additional amounts required so that the Executive’s Retirement Account balance is equal to the amount calculated under this Section. The Bank shall pay the benefit to the Executive in a lump sum immediately prior to the Change of Control.
       
 
Upon a Change of Control after the Executive’s Termination of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive only the unpaid balance in his/her Retirement Account, including all accrued interest pursuant to Section 3.3.  The Bank shall pay such amount to the Executive in a lump sum immediately prior to the Change of Control (even if the Executive had already begun to receive installment payments of the Executive’s Retirement Account pursuant to an election on Appendix B).
       
 
7.2         Gross-Up Payment. In connection with a Change of Control, the Executive   shall be entitled to a “Gross-Up Payment” under the terms and conditions set forth herein, and such payment shall include the Excise Tax reimbursement due pursuant to subsection (a) and any federal and state tax reimbursements due pursuant to subsection (b).
       
   
(a)
In the event that any payment or benefit (as those terms are defined within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) paid, payable, distributed or distributable to a Executive (hereinafter referred to as “Payments”) pursuant to the terms of this Plan or otherwise in connection with or arising out a Change of Control would be subject to the Excise Tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such Excise Tax, then the Executive will be entitled to receive an additional payment (“Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount equal to the total Excise Tax, interest and penalties imposed on the Executive as a result of the Payment and the Excise Taxes on any federal and state tax reimbursements as set forth in subsection (b).
       
   
(b)
If the Bank is obligated to pay the Executive pursuant to subsection a), the Bank also shall pay the Executive an amount equal to the “total presumed federal and state taxes” that could be imposed on the Executive with respect to the Excise Tax reimbursements due to the Executive pursuant to subsection a) and the federal and state tax reimbursements due to the Executive pursuant to this subsection.  For purposes of the preceding sentence, the “total presumed federal and state taxes” that could be imposed on the Executive shall be conclusively calculated using a combined tax rate equal to the sum of the (A) the highest individual income tax rate in effect under (i) Federal tax law and (ii) the tax laws of the state in which the Executive resides on the date that the payment is computed and (B) the hospital insurance portion of FICA.
 
 
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(c)
No adjustments will be made in this combined rate for the deduction of state taxes on the federal return, the loss of itemized deductions or exemptions, or for any other purpose for paying the actual taxes.
       
   
(d)
It is further intended that in the event that any payments would be subject to other “penalty” taxes (in addition to the Excise Tax in subsection (a)) imposed by Congress or the Internal Revenue Service that these taxes would also be included in the calculation of the Gross-Up Payment, including any federal and state tax reimbursements pursuant to subsection (b).
       
   
(e)
An initial determination as to whether a Gross-Up Payment is required pursuant to this Plan and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment shall be made at the Bank’s expense by an accounting firm appointed by the Bank prior to any Change of Control.  The accounting firm shall provide its determination, together with detailed supporting calculations and documentation to the Bank and the Executive prior to submission of the proposed change of control to the Holding Company’s shareholders, Board of Directors or appropriate regulators for approval.  If the accounting firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive with respect to a Payment or Payments, it shall furnish the Executive with an opinion reasonably acceptable to the Executive that no Excise Tax will be imposed with respect to any such Payment or Payments.  Within ten (10) days of the delivery of the determination to the Executive, the Executive shall have the right to dispute the determination.  The existence of the dispute shall not in any way affect the Executive’s right to receive the Gross-Up Payment in accordance with the determination.  Upon the final resolution of a dispute, the Bank or its successor shall promptly pay to the Executive any additional amount required by such resolution.  If there is no dispute, the determination shall be binding, final and conclusive upon the Bank and the Executive, except to the extent that any taxing authority subsequently makes a determination that the Excise Tax or additional Excise Tax is due and owing on the payments made to the Executive.  If any taxing authority determines that the Excise Tax or additional Excise Tax is due and owing, the entity acquiring control of the Bank shall pay the Excise Tax and any penalties assessed by such taxing authority.
       
   
(f)
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section to the contrary, in the event that according to the determination, an Excise Tax will be imposed on any Payment or Payments, the Bank or its successor shall pay to the applicable government taxing authorities as Excise Tax withholding, the amount of the Excise Tax that the Bank has actually withheld from the Payment or Payments.
       
 
Payment of these amounts will be made in a lump sum immediately prior to the Change of Control. In the event that it is determined under subsection e) that additional Excise Tax is due and owing, any reimbursement of taxes required to be made by the entity acquiring control of the Bank or Holding Company shall be made no later than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which the Executive remits the related taxes.
 
 
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8.
Death Benefits.
 
8.1         Death Benefit.  Notwithstanding any distribution election, if Executive dies after (A) completing five (5) Years of Employment (measured from the date of Executive’s employment by the Bank) or (B) incurring a Disability or attaining Normal Retirement Age while employed by the Bank, the Bank shall pay to Executive’s beneficiary the Executive’s Retirement Account balance in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following Executive’s death.
 
8.2         Installment Election. If Executive dies after beginning to receive installment payments of the balance of Executive’s Retirement Account pursuant to an election on Appendix B, the Bank shall pay to Executive’s beneficiary the unpaid balance of Executive’s Retirement Account in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following Executive’s death and Bank shall have no further obligation to Executive or his/her heirs or designees under this Plan.
 
9.
Beneficiaries.
 
9.1         Beneficiary Designations.  The Executive shall designate a beneficiary by filing a written designation with the Bank.  The Executive may revoke or modify the designation at any time by filing a new designation.  However, designations will only be effective if signed by the Executive and received by the Bank during the Executive’s lifetime.  The Executive’s beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the beneficiary predeceases the Executive or if the Executive names a spouse as beneficiary and the marriage is subsequently dissolved.  If the Executive dies without a valid beneficiary designation, all payments shall be made to the Executive’s estate.
 
9.2         Facility of Payment.  If a benefit is payable to a minor, to a person declared incompetent, or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of his or her property, the Bank may pay such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care or custody of such minor, incompetent person or incapable person.  The Bank may require proof of incompetence, minority or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit.  Such distribution shall completely discharge the Bank from all liability with respect to such benefit.
 
10.
General Limitations.
 
10.1      Section 409A.  This Plan is intended to be consistent with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and its provisions shall be interpreted consistent with such intent.
 
  10.1.1        Distribution Elections.  If otherwise payable under the Plan, an Executive’s Retirement Account balance shall be distributed as elected by Executive on Appendix B for a Normal Retirement under Section 4 (if Termination of Employment is at or after Normal Retirement Age) or as elected on Appendix B for an Early Retirement or Termination under Section 5 (if Termination of Employment is before Normal Retirement Age), provided that such election has been made prior to the calendar year in which the Executive performs the services for which the contributions to the Executive’s Retirement Account are made (or otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A), and in accordance with such procedures as shall be established by the Bank.  If no such election has been made for either of such payment events, the Executive shall be deemed to have elected to receive payment upon such payment event in a lump sum on the later of (A) the 15 th day of the month following the six-month anniversary of the date of Termination of Employment or (B) January 15 th of the year following the date of Termination of Employment.  The Bank has the discretion to establish sub-accounts for one or more Executives and to maintain separate payment elections in respect of each such sub-account provided that such elections comply with the payment election requirements of Section 409A.  The Bank also has the discretion to permit changes in payment elections provided such changes are made in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A and such procedures as shall be established by the Bank.
 
 
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  10.1.2          Distributions To A Specified Employee.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Plan, a distribution to which an Executive would otherwise be entitled upon a Termination of Employment will be delayed until one day following the expiration of the six (6)-month period from the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment if the Bank in good faith determines that the Executive is a “specified employee,” as defined in Section 409A and regulations issued thereunder, at the time of such Termination of Employment, and that the delayed commencement is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Code Section 409A(a)(2).  In the event that a delay of any payment is required under this provision, such payment shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the delayed payment date, and any remaining payments due under the Plan shall be paid in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
 
10.2      Suicide or Misstatement.  The Bank shall not pay any benefit under this Plan if the Executive commits suicide within three years after the date that the Executive becomes a participant in this Plan.  In addition, the Bank shall not pay any benefit under this Plan if the Executive has made any material misstatement of fact provided to the Bank, or on any application for any benefits provided by the Bank to the Executive, which causes the Bank financial harm.
 
11.
Claims and Review Procedures.
 
11.1      Claims Procedure.  Any person or entity (“claimant”) who has not received benefits under this Plan that he or she believes should be paid shall make a claim for such benefits as follows:
 
  11.1.1           Initiation – Written Claim.  The claimant initiates a claim by submitting to the Bank a written claim for the benefits.
 
  11.1.2          Timing of Bank Response.  The Bank shall respond to such claimant within 90 days after receiving the claim.  If the Bank determines that special circumstances require additional time for processing the claim, the Bank can extend the response period by an additional 90 days by notifying the claimant in writing, prior to the end of the initial 90-day period that an additional period is required.  The notice of extension must set forth the special circumstances and the date by which the Bank expects to render its decision.
 
  11.1.3          Notice of Decision.  If the Bank denies part or all of the claim, the Bank shall notify the claimant in writing of such denial.  The Bank shall write the notification in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant.  The notification shall set forth:
 
 
(a)
The specific reasons for the denial,
 
(b)
A reference to the specific provisions of this Plan on which the denial is based,
 
(c)
A description of any additional information or material necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why it is needed,
 
(d)
An explanation of this Plan’s review procedures and the time limits applicable to such procedures, and
 
(e)
A statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on review.
 
 
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11.2     Review Procedure.  If the Bank denies part or all of the claim, the claimant shall have the opportunity for a full and fair review by the Bank of the denial, as follows:
 
11.2.1           Initiation – Written Request.  To initiate the review, the claimant, within 60 days after receiving the Bank’s notice of denial, must file with the Bank a written request for review.
 
11.2.2           Additional Submissions – Information Access.  The claimant shall then have the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to the claim.  The Bank shall also provide the claimant, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the claimant’s claim for benefits.
 
11.2.3           Considerations on Review.  In considering the review, the Bank shall take into account all materials and information the claimant submits relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination.
 
11.2.4           Timing of Bank Response.  The Bank shall respond in writing to such claimant within 60 days after receiving the request for review.  If the Bank determines that special circumstances require additional time for processing the claim, the Bank can extend the response period by an additional 60 days by notifying the claimant in writing, prior to the end of the initial 60-day period that an additional period is required.  The notice of extension must set forth the special circumstances and the date by which the Bank expects to render its decision.
 
11.2.5           Notice of Decision.  The Bank shall notify the claimant in writing of its decision on review.  The Bank shall write the notification in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant.  The notification shall set forth:
 
 
(a)
The specific reasons for the denial,
 
(b)
A reference to the specific provisions of this Plan on which the denial is based,
 
(c)
A statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the claimant’s claim for benefits, and
 
(d)
A statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a).
 
12.
Amendments and Termination .   This Plan may be amended or terminated only by a written agreement signed by the Bank and the Executive. Upon Plan termination, the Bank may accelerate the distribution of Retirement Account balances only in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder.  The Bank reserves the right to change this Plan, including reducing any Executive’s interest in this Plan, in order to make such Plan compliant with Section 409A of the Code.
 
 
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13.
Miscellaneous.
 
13.1           Binding Effect.  This Plan shall bind the Executive and the Bank and their beneficiaries, survivors, successors, executors, administrators and transferees.
 
13.2           No Guarantee of Employment.  This Plan is not an employment policy or contract.  It does not give the Executive the right to remain an employee of the Bank, nor does it interfere with the Bank’s right to discharge the Executive.  It also does not require the Executive to remain an employee nor interfere with the Executive’s right to terminate employment at any time.
 
13.3          Applicable Law.  The Plan and all rights hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of California except to the extent preempted by the laws of the United States of America.
 
13.4           Reorganization.  The Bank shall not merge or consolidate into or with another company, or reorganize, or sell substantially all of its assets to another company, firm or person unless such succeeding or continuing company, firm or person agrees to assume and discharge the obligations of the Bank under this Plan.  Upon the occurrence of such event, the term “Bank” as used in this Plan shall be deemed to refer to the successor or survivor company.
 
13.5           Non-Transferability.  Benefits under this Plan cannot be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, attached or encumbered in any manner,  whether by the Executive or Executive’s beneficiary or estate.
 
13.6           Domestic Relations Orders.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan regarding the time or form of payment to the contrary, Bank may in its sole discretion pay, or direct payment of all or any portion of the Executive’s Retirement Account directly to an alternate payee in order to comply with a domestic relations order (“DRO”) as defined in Code Section 414(p)(1)(B).  Bank may, but is not required to, establish regular procedures for reviewing and commenting on draft DROs before issuance by the family court and for advising the Executive and alternate payee regarding the changes which are required in a DRO issued by the court to make it acceptable to the Plan.  To facilitate any payment to be made in compliance with a DRO, Bank shall have the right, but shall not be required, to establish a separate account for the alternate payee and may, but shall not be required, to allow the alternate payee to self-direct the deemed investment thereof subject to such conditions as it deems appropriate.  Any payment made under this Section to an alternate payee shall reduce the Retirement Account of the Executive by the amount thereof, and shall fully discharge Bank’s obligation under this Plan or otherwise with respect to such amount.  No payment made by Bank to an alternate payee with respect to an Executive shall constitute a waiver of Bank’s right to refuse to accept another DRO concerning any remaining account of the Executive, nor shall the fact of such payment affect in any way the applicability of this Section to any other Executive.   Any payments made under a DRO to an alternate payee shall be net of any applicable withholding.  This Section (and any DRO) shall be interpreted and applied in a manner that complies with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code and the applicable regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder.
 
13.7           Tax Withholding.  The Bank shall withhold any taxes that are required to be withheld from the benefits provided under this Plan.
 
 
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13.8          Unfunded Arrangement.  The Executive is a general unsecured creditor of the Bank for the payment of benefits under this Plan.  The benefits represent the mere Bank promise to pay, or cause the rabbi trust to pay, such benefits. The Bank will derive all funding for the benefits from its general assets.  The Executive’s rights are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by the Executive’s creditors.  The Retirement Account, any Simulated Investment and the rabbi trust (contemplated by Section 13.10(d)) are not, either individually or collectively, a trust fund of any kind.  Any insurance on the Executive’s life or any other asset held in connection with this Plan is a general asset of the Bank to which the Executive has no preferred or secured claim.
 
13.9          Entire Agreement.  This Plan, along with its Appendices, constitutes the entire agreement between the Bank and the Executive as to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understanding of the parties in connection therewith, including the Prior Plan.  No rights are granted to the Executive by virtue of this Plan other than those specifically set forth herein.
 
13.10        Administration.  The Bank shall have powers which are necessary to administer this Plan, including but not limited to:
 
 
(a)
Establishing and revising the method of accounting for the Plan;
 
(b)
Maintaining a record of benefit payments; and
 
(c)
Establishing rules and prescribing any forms necessary or desirable to administer the Plan.
 
(d)
Establishing a rabbi trust for the Plan and depositing amounts required under Section 3.2 into such trust.  In the event a rabbi trust is established, Bank shall (A) immediately transfer to the rabbi trust an amount equal to Executive’s then Retirement Account and (B) monthly thereafter transfer the applicable increase in the Retirement Account calculated pursuant to Sections 3.2 and 3.3.  The Bank shall also transfer to the rabbi trust any amounts required under Sections 7.1 or 7.2 in connection with any Change of Control at the times provided for in such Sections.   Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in the Plan or other agreement to the contrary, in no event shall a contribution be made to a trust for the purpose of restricting assets to the provision of benefits under the Plan in connection with a change in the financial health of the Bank or any affiliated entity in a manner that would result in the inclusion of amounts in the gross income of the Executives pursuant to Section 409A(b) of the Code).
 
13.11        Named Fiduciary. The Bank shall be the named fiduciary and plan administrator under this Plan.  The named fiduciary may delegate to others certain aspects of the management and operation responsibilities of the Plan including the employment of advisors and the delegation of ministerial duties to qualified individuals.
 
13.12        Intent. To the extent that this Plan may be construed to be a plan maintained to provide deferred compensation, it is intended to be limited to a “select group of management or highly compensated employees” within the meaning of Section 201(2) of ERISA. This Plan is intended to be exempt from the participation, vesting, funding, and fiduciary requirements of Title 1 of ERISA, to the fullest extent permitted under the law. This Plan shall at all times be “unfunded” within the meaning of ERISA.
 
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank has caused this Plan, as amended and restated, to be duly executed this 5 th day of November 2010.
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
 
By:  /s/ Kent A. Steinwert  
 
Chairman, President and C.E.O.
 
     
     
By:  /s/ Stewart C. Adams, Jr.  
  Chairman of the Personnel Committee of the Board
 
 
  12


E xhibit 10.18
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
 
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
 
1.
Purpose of the Plan .  The purpose of the Farmers & Merchants Bank Deferred Compensation Plan is to recognize the valuable services performed by key employees and directors (collectively “Employees”) and encourage each Employee’s continued employment or participation (in the case of a director) by providing an opportunity to defer a certain portion of compensation payable to him or her.   The provisions of this Plan have been amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009.
 
2.
Definitions .  As used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
 
Bank ” shall mean Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California and any of its subsidiaries.
 
Board of Directors ” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Bank.
 
Committee ” shall mean the Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors or such other committee that the Board of Directors may designate from time to time.
 
Change of Control ” means a change of control of the Holding Company. Such a Change of Control  will be deemed to have occurred immediately before any of the following occur: (i) individuals, who were members of the Board of Directors of the Holding Company immediately prior to a meeting of the shareholders of the Holding Company which meeting involved a contest for the election of directors, do not constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Holding Company following such election or meeting, (ii) an acquisition, directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of the Holding Company by any Person, (iii) a merger (in which the Holding Company is not the surviving entity), consolidation or sale of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Holding Company, or (iv) there is a change, during any period of one year, of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Holding Company as constituted as of the beginning of such period, unless the election of each director who is not a director at the beginning of such period was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then in office who were directors at the beginning of such period.  If the events or circumstances described in (i)-(iv), above, shall occur to or be applicable to the Bank, then such Change of Control shall be deemed for all purposes of this Plan to also be a “Change of Control” of the Holding Company.  For purposes of this Plan, the term “Person” shall mean and include any individual, corporation, partnership, group, association or other “person”, as such term is used in Section 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, other than the Holding Company, the Bank, any other wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank or any employee benefit plan(s) sponsored by the Bank or other subsidiary of the Holding Company.   Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred unless the change also constitutes the occurrence of a “change in control event,” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5), with respect to the Employee.
 
Compensation ” shall mean all salary, directors’ fees, bonuses and incentive compensation paid to the Employee by the Bank in cash, including amounts deferred, but not including amounts payable under the Executive Retirement Plan.  All other forms of compensation shall be disregarded for purposes of this Plan.
 
 
 

 
 
Disability ”  means when an Employee (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medical determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (ii) is by reason of  any medical determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of Bank.  Disability shall be determined by a physician acceptable to both the Bank and the Employee,   and shall be interpreted to comply with the definition of “disability” under Section 409A and the regulations thereunder.
 
 “ Election of Deferral ” shall mean a written notice filed by the Employee with the chief financial officer of the Bank in substantially the form attached hereto specifying the amount of Compensation to be deferred.
 
 “ Normal Retirement Age ” shall mean the date an employee attains the age of sixty-five (65) or a director attains the age of seventy-five (75).
 
Holding Company ” means Farmers & Merchants Bancorp.
 
Plan ” shall mean the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Deferred Compensation Plan as set forth in this document, as successor of any prior plans of the same name, and as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.
 
Retirement Date ” shall mean the day on or after the Employee’s Normal Retirement Age when the Employee’s Employment is Terminated.
 
Termination of Employment ” or “ Employment is Terminated ” shall mean the Employee has a separation from service with the Bank for any reason, voluntary or involuntary, other than death, as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-l(h).  Subject to the foregoing, whether a separation from service has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Bank and the Employee reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Employee would perform after such date (as an employee or independent contractor) would permanently decrease to no more than 20 percent of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period in which the Employee provided services to the Bank if the Employee has been providing services for less than 36 months). An Employee will not be deemed to have experienced a separation from service if such Employee is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence, to the extent such leave does not exceed a period of six months or, if longer, such longer period of time during which a right to re-employment is protected by either statute or contract. If the period of leave exceeds six months and the individual does not retain a right to re-employment under an applicable statute or by contract, the separation from service will be deemed to occur on the first date immediately following such six-month period.   If an Employee provides services for the Bank as both an employee and as a director, to the extent permitted by Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(5) the services provided by such Employee as a director shall not be taken into account in determining whether the Employee has experienced a separation from service as an employee, and the services provided by such Employee as an employee shall not be taken into account in determining whether the Employee has experienced a separation from service as a director.
 
3.
Deferred Compensation .  The Board of Directors shall have the sole discretion to determine whether the Employee is eligible to participate in the Plan. Commencing on the date when an eligible Employee executes his first Election of Deferral, and continuing through the date on which the eligible Employee’s Employment is Terminated because of his or her death, retirement, Disability, or any other cause, the Employee may elect to defer into his or her account the amount set forth in the Election of Deferral, which the Employee would otherwise be entitled to receive from the Bank in each calendar year, subject to any changes made to the Election of Deferral in accordance with this Plan.
 
 
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The amount of Compensation selected for deferral by the Employee pursuant to an Election of Deferral is referred to as the “Annual Deferral Sum”. The amounts of Compensation actually deferred are hereinafter collectively included as the “Deferred Amounts”. The Employee’s Deferred Amounts shall be credited to the Employee’s Deferred Compensation Account as of the dates such Deferred Amounts would, but for such deferral, be payable to the Employee.
 
The eligible Employee may elect an Annual Deferral Sum hereunder by filing an Election of Deferral Notice.  An Election of Deferral must be filed at least ten (10) days prior to the beginning of the calendar year   in which the services for which such compensation will be paid will be performed and, with respect to base salary, shall be effective with the first pay period of the calendar year following the filing thereof.
 
In the first year for which the Employee is determined by the Board of Directors to be eligible to participate in the Plan, as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(a)(7)(ii) and the “plan aggregation” rules provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(c)(2), an Election of Deferral must be filed within thirty (30) days after the Employee becomes eligible and shall only be effective with respect to compensation attributable to services to be performed after such election.  If an Election of Deferral made in accordance with this Section 3 relates to compensation earned based upon a specified performance period, the amount eligible for deferral shall be equal to (i) the total amount of compensation for the performance period, multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days remaining in the service period after the Employee’s Election of Deferral is made, and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the performance period.
 
The Employee may elect to defer a maximum Annual Deferral Sum of one hundred percent (100%) of base salary and one hundred percent (100%) of any incentive bonus. A minimum Annual Deferral Sum shall be one percent (1%) of Compensation, which minimum may be changed from time to time by the Bank.
 
4.
Deferred Compensation Account .  The Bank shall establish a Deferred Compensation Account on its books for the Employee. Incremental Employee deferrals will be credited to this account and, for those Employees participating in the rabbi trust, transferred to the rabbi trust established under Section 18, no less frequently than monthly.   An Employee shall be entitled to the amount set forth in the Deferred Compensation Account applicable to him or her, subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, including the payment rules set forth in Section 8.
 
5.
Earnings on Account Balances .  The Bank and the Employee agree that Deferred Amounts will be self-directed by each individual participating Employee.  Accordingly, the Bank shall have no responsibility for the Employee’s investment decisions or results, nor provide any assurances that amounts actually deferred will not incur investment losses up to and including all amounts deferred.
 
Deferred amounts may either be (i) transferred to the rabbi trust established under Section 18 and invested according to the options provided in the trust, or (ii) be maintained in the Bank and receive interest based upon a market rate index approved by the Committee.
 
Earnings will be credited to each Employee’s Deferred Compensation Account balance, and, for those Employees participating in the rabbi trust, transferred to the rabbi trust established under Section 18, at the end of each calendar month. Earnings shall be posted (i) based upon the previous month’s trust account statement, or (ii) for those Employees electing to have the money retained in the Bank, as of the last day of each month.
 
6.
Statement of Accounts . The Bank shall provide to the Employee, within sixty (60) days after each calendar year-end, a statement setting forth the Employee’s Deferred Compensation Account balance.
 
 
3

 
 
7.
Accounting Device Only.   The Deferred Compensation Account is solely a device for measuring amounts to be paid under this Plan.  It is not a trust fund of any kind.  The Employee is a general unsecured creditor of the Bank for the payment of benefits.  The benefits represent the mere promise of the Bank to pay such benefits. The Employee’s rights are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by the Employee’s creditors .
 
8.
Payment.
 
 
a.
Retirement.  Upon the Employee attaining his or her Retirement Date ( i.e ., Termination of Employment at or after Normal Retirement Age), the Bank shall pay the Employee’s Deferred Compensation Account in accordance with the Employee’s Election on the attached Payment Election.
 
 
b.
Disability.  If Employee’s Termination of Employment is due to Disability, the Bank shall pay the full amount of the Employee’s Deferred Compensation Account in accordance with the Employee’s Election on the attached Payment Election for a Retirement under subsection a. above (if Termination of Employment is at or after Normal Retirement Age) or as elected on Appendix B for a Termination under subsection e. below (if Termination of Employment is before Normal Retirement Age), notwithstanding any contrary election on Appendix B.
 
 
c.
Death.  Notwithstanding any distribution election, in the event of the Employee’s death the Bank shall pay the balance in the Employee’s Deferred Compensation Account in one lump sum to the Employee’s designated beneficiary (the “Beneficiary”), in accordance with the last such designation received pursuant to Section 10 by the Bank from the Employee prior to death.  The lump sum payment shall be made within sixty (60) days following the Employee’s death.
 
 
d.
Change of Control.  In the event of a Change of Control, the Bank shall pay the full amount of the Employee’s Deferred Compensation Account in a lump sum immediately prior to the Change of Control.
 
 
e.
Termination.  In the event of the Employee’s Termination of Employment with the Bank before Normal Retirement Age, the Bank shall pay the Employee’s Deferred Compensation Account in accordance with the Employee’s Election on the attached Payment Election.
 
 
f.
In Service Distribution.  The Bank may provide the Employee with the option to elect to receive payments of his or her Deferred Compensation Account balance as an in service distribution, notwithstanding his or her continued employment with the Bank. The Employee’s election to receive an in service distribution must be made in writing on the attached Payment Election and in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A and such procedures as shall be established by the Bank.   Should a  payment event occur prior to any scheduled in service distribution date that would trigger a distribution under subsections a, b, c, d or e above, all amounts subject to a scheduled in service distribution election shall be paid in accordance with such other applicable provisions of the Plan and not in accordance with the in service distribution election.
 
9.
Hardship Withdrawal .  In the event the Employee suffers an unforeseen financial emergency, as defined hereafter, the Bank may, if it deems advisable in its sole and absolute discretion, distribute to or utilize on behalf of the Employee as a hardship benefit (the “Hardship Benefit”) a portion of the Employee’s account. The Bank shall have exclusive authority to determine whether to make a hardship distribution, and the Bank’s decision shall be final and binding on all parties. Any hardship distribution shall, like all distributions, reduce the amounts available for subsequent distributions and be deducted from the Employee’s Deferred Compensation Account. The Employee shall apply for such a Hardship Benefit in writing and shall provide such additional information as the Bank shall require. For purposes of this Section, “unforeseen financial emergency” means an immediate and heavy financial need caused by an unforeseeable emergency, as described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(3), resulting from (a) an illness or accident of the Employee, the Employee’s spouse, the Employee’s Beneficiary or the Employee’s dependent (as defined in Code Section 152 without regard to paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2) and (d)(1)(B) thereof), (b) a loss of the Employee’s property due to casualty, or (c) such other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Employee, all as determined by the Bank based on the relevant facts and circumstances:
 
 
4

 
 
 
(a)
the need to pay for medical expenses, including non-refundable deductibles, as well as for the cost of prescription drug medication;
 
 
(b)
the need to pay for the funeral expenses of the Employee’s spouse, the Employee’s Beneficiary or the Employee’s dependent (as defined in Code Section 152 without regard to paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2) and (d)(1)(B) thereof); or
 
 
(c)
the imminent foreclosure of or eviction from the Employee’s principal residence.
 
No distribution shall be made pursuant to this Section to the extent that such emergency is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation from insurance or otherwise, by liquidation of the Employee’s assets, to the extent the liquidation of such assets would not cause severe financial hardship, or by cessation of deferrals under the Plan.  Distributions under this Section must be limited to the amount reasonably necessary to satisfy the emergency need (which may include amounts necessary to pay federal, state, local or foreign income taxes or penalties reasonably anticipated to result from the distribution).  Any distribution under this Section shall be limited to the lesser of either: (a) the amount designated by the Employee as a requested Hardship on a form approved by the Bank, or (b) Fifty Percent (50%) of the Employee’s Deferred Compensation Account.
 
10.
Beneficiary Designation .  The Employee shall have the right, at any time to submit a Beneficiary Designation Form designating primary and contingent beneficiaries to whom payment under this Plan shall be made in the event of death prior to complete distribution of the benefits due and payable under the Plan. Each Beneficiary designation shall become effective only when receipt thereof is acknowledged in writing by the Bank.   The Employee’s Beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the Beneficiary predeceases the Employee or if the Employee names a spouse as beneficiary and the marriage is subsequently dissolved.  If the Employee dies without a valid beneficiary designation, all payments shall be made to the Employee’s estate.
 
11.
Assignment of Rights.   Neither the Employee nor any designated Beneficiary shall have any right to sell, assign, transfer, or otherwise convey the right to receive any payments hereunder without the prior written consent of the Bank.
 
12.
Domestic Relations Orders .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan regarding the time or form of payment to the contrary, the Committee may in its sole discretion pay, or direct payment of all or any portion of the Employee’s Deferred Compensation Account directly to an alternate payee in order to comply with a domestic relations order (“DRO”) as defined in Code Section 414(p)(1)(B).  The Committee may, but is not required to, establish regular procedures for reviewing and commenting on draft DROs before issuance by the family court and for advising the Employee and alternate payee regarding the changes which are required in a DRO issued by the court to make it acceptable to the Plan.  To facilitate any payment to be made in compliance with a DRO, the Committee shall have the right, but shall not be required, to establish a separate account for the alternate payee and may, but shall not be required, to allow the alternate payee to self-direct the deemed investment thereof subject to such conditions as it deems appropriate.  Any payment made under this Section to an alternate payee shall reduce the Deferred Compensation Account of the Employee by the amount thereof, and shall fully discharge the Bank’s obligation under this Plan or otherwise with respect to such amount.  No payment made by the Bank to an alternate payee with respect to an Employee shall constitute a waiver of the Bank’s right to refuse to accept another DRO concerning any remaining account of the Employee, nor shall the fact of such payment affect in any way the applicability of this Section to any other Employee.   Any payments made under a DRO to an alternate payee shall be net of any applicable withholding.  This Section (and any DRO) shall be interpreted and applied in a manner that complies with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code and the applicable regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder.
 
 
5

 
 
13.
Unfunded and Unsecured Obligation of the Bank .  The Bank is not required to earmark or otherwise set aside any funds or other assets or in any way secure payment of its obligations under the Plan.  Any asset which may be set aside by the Bank for accounting purposes is not to be treated as held in trust for any Employee or for his or her account.  Each Employee shall have only the rights of a general, unsecured creditor of the Bank with respect to any of his or her rights under the Plan.
 
14.
Claims Procedure .  Any claim pertaining to an Employee’s benefits under the Plan shall be filed with the Chairman of the Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors for the consideration of the Committee.  Written notice of the disposition of a claim shall be furnished the Employee within 30 days after the application therefore is filed.  In the event the claim is denied, the specific reasons for such denial shall be set forth, pertinent provisions of the Plan shall be cited and, where appropriate, an explanation as to how the Employee can perfect his or her claim will be provided.
 
15.
No Contract of Employment .  Nothing contained herein shall be construed to be a contract of employment for any term of years, nor as conferring upon the Employee the right to continue to be employed by the Bank, in any capacity, nor in any way vary the Bank’s policy of at-will employment. It is expressly understood by the parties hereto that this Plan relates exclusively to deferred compensation as set forth in this Plan.
 
16.
Construction of Plan .  Any payments under this Plan shall be independent of, and in addition to, those under any other plan, program, or agreement which may be in effect between the parties hereto, or any other compensation payable to the Employee or the Employee’s designated Beneficiary by the Bank.  All legal issues pertaining to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of California except as preempted by Federal law.
 
17.
Amendment and Termination.   The Bank shall have the right at any time to modify, alter or amend this Plan, in whole or in part, provided that the amendment shall not reduce any Employee’s interest in the Plan, calculated as of the date on which the amendment is adopted. Upon Plan termination, the Bank may accelerate the distribution of Deferred Compensation Account balances only in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder.  The Bank reserves the right to change this Plan, including reducing any Employee’s interest in this Plan in order to make such Plan compliant with Section 409A.
 
18.
The Committee .
 
 
a)
The Committee shall, for the purpose of administering the Plan, choose a secretary and an assistant secretary (either of whom is hereafter referred to as “Secretary”) who shall keep minutes of the Committee’s proceedings and all records and documents pertaining to the Committee’s administration of the Plan. The Secretary may execute any certificates or other written direction on behalf of the Committee. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum.
 
 
b)
The Committee on behalf of the Employees shall be charged with the general administration of the Plan and shall have all powers necessary to accomplish those purposes including, but not by way of limitation, the following:
 
 
6

 
 
 
-
to construe, interpret, and administer the Plan;
 
 
-
to make determinations under the Plan;
 
 
-
to establish a rabbi trust for the Plan and to deposit amounts determined under Sections 4 and 5 into such trust established by the Committee (provided, however, that notwithstanding anything in the Plan or other agreement to the contrary, in no event shall a contribution be made to a trust for the purpose of restricting assets to the provision of benefits under the Plan in connection with a change in the financial health of the Bank or any affiliated entity in a manner that would result in the inclusion of amounts in the gross income of the Employees pursuant to Section 409A(b) of the Code);
 
 
-
to maintain the necessary records for the administration of the Plan; and
 
 
-
to make and publish such rules for the regulation of the Plan as are not inconsistent with the terms hereof.
 
Decisions and determinations by the Committee shall   be final and binding upon all   parties and shall be given the maximum deference allowed by law.
 
 
c)
The members of the Committee shall serve without bond and without compensation (except for director fees) for their services hereunder. All expenses of the Committee shall be paid by the Bank. The Bank shall furnish the Committee with such clerical and other assistance as is necessary in the performance of its duties. No   member of the Committee shall be liable for the act or omission of any other   member of the Committee, nor for any act or omission on his or her own part, excepting only his or her own willful misconduct or gross negligence. The Bank shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Committee against any and all expenses and liabilities arising out of his or her membership on the Committee, excepting only expenses and liabilities arising out of his or her own willful   misconduct or gross negligence.
 
19.
Section 409A .  This Plan is intended to be consistent with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and its provisions shall be interpreted consistent with such intent.
 
 
a)
Distribution Elections.  If otherwise payable under the Plan, an Employee’s Deferred Compensation Account balance shall be distributed as elected by Employee on Appendix B for a Retirement under subsection a. of Section 8 (if Termination of Employment is at or after Normal Retirement Age) or as elected on Appendix B for a Termination under subsection e. of Section 8  (if Termination of Employment is before Normal Retirement Age), or in accordance with the in service distribution election, if any, elected by Employee on Appendix B, provided that such elections have been made prior to the calendar year in which the Employee performs the services for which the contributions to the Employee’s Deferred Compensation Account are made (or otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A), and in accordance with such procedures as shall be established by the Bank.  If no such election has been made for the form of distribution upon Termination of Employment, the Employee shall be deemed to have elected to receive payment upon such payment event in a lump sum on the later of (A) the 15th day of the month following the six-month anniversary of the date of Termination of Employment or (B) January 15th of the year following the date of Termination of Employment.  The Bank has the discretion to establish sub-accounts for one or more Employees and to maintain separate payment elections in respect of each such sub-account provided that such elections comply with the payment election requirements of Section 409A.  The Bank also has the discretion to permit changes in payment elections provided such changes are made in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A and such procedures as shall be established by the Bank.
 
 
7

 
 
 
b)
Distributions To A Specified Employee.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Plan, a distribution to which an Employee would otherwise be entitled upon a Termination of Employment will be delayed until one day following the expiration of the six (6)-month period from the date of the Employee’s Termination of Employment if the Bank in good faith determines that the Employee is a “specified employee,” as defined in Section 409A and regulations issued thereunder, at the time of such Termination of Employment, and that the delayed commencement is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Code Section 409A(a)(2).  In the event that a delay of any payment is required under this provision, such payment shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the delayed payment date, and any remaining payments due under the Plan shall be paid in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
 
20.
Headings .  Headings and subheadings in this Plan are inserted for convenience or reference only and are not to be considered in the construction of the provisions hereof.
 
21.
Intent . To the extent that this Plan may be construed to be a plan maintained to provide deferred compensation, it is intended to be limited to a “select group of management or highly compensated employees” within the meaning of Section 201(2) of ERISA. The Plan is intended to be exempt from the participation, vesting, funding, and fiduciary requirements of Title 1 of ERISA, to the fullest extent permitted under the law. The Plan shall at all times be “unfunded” within the meaning of ERISA.
 
22.
Gender and Number . Where the context permits, words in any gender shall, include any other gender; words in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank has caused this Plan, as amended and restated, to be duly executed this 5th day of November 2010.
 
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
 
By:     /s/ Kent A. Steinwert  
  Chairman, President and C.E.O.  
     
     
By:     /s/ Stewart C. Adams, Jr.  
  Chairman of the Personnel Committee of the Board
 
 
8

Exhibit 31(a)
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 302
Of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
For the Chief Executive Officer
 
I, Kent A. Steinwert, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp;
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
The registrant s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures  and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
       
Date: November 5, 2010
 
/s/ Kent A. Steinwert  
    Kent A. Steinwert  
    Chairman, President  
     & Chief Executive Officer  
 
 


Exhibit 31(b)
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 302
Of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
For the Chief Financial Officer
 
I, Stephen W. Haley, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly  report on Form 10-Q of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp;
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant s disclosure controls and procedures  and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: November 5, 2010
 
/s/ Stephen W. Haley  
    Stephen W. Haley  
    Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
 
 


Exhibit 32
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, Kent A. Steinwert, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Stephen W. Haley, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Securities Exchange act of 1934 and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. $ 1350), that:
 
 
1.
the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. $ 78m or 78o(d)); and
 
 
2.
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
November 5, 2010   
   
/s/ Kent A. Steinwert  
Kent A. Steinwert  
Chairman, President  
 & Chief Executive Officer  
   
/s/ Stephen W. Haley  
Stephen W. Haley  
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.