SIERRA BANCORP REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2024 RESULTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 22, 2024
Contact: Kevin McPhaill, President/CEO
Phone: (559) 782-4900 or (888) 454-BANK
Website Address: www.sierrabancorp.com
SIERRA BANCORP REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2024 RESULTS
Porterville, Calif. – (BUSINESS WIRE) – Sierra Bancorp (Nasdaq: BSRR), parent of Bank of the Sierra, today
announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Sierra Bancorp reported consolidated net
income of $9.3 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $8.8 million, or $0.58 per
diluted share, in the first quarter of 2023. The favorable variance in net income came largely from a $0.6 million increase
in net interest income due mostly to a $0.7 million decline in other borrowing costs as a result of the strategic balance
sheet restructuring during the quarter. The Company's return on average assets and return on average equity was 1.06%
and 11.09%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to 0.97% and 11.53%, respectively, in the first quarter
of 2023.
Highlights for the first quarter of 2024:
• Improved Earnings
o Net Income of $9.3 million, up 48% versus the fourth quarter of 2023 (the prior linked quarter).
o Improved Return on Average Assets to 1.06% from 0.67% in the prior linked quarter.
o Increased Return on Average Equity to 11.09% from 8.03% in the prior linked quarter.
o Improved Net Interest Margin to 3.62% from 3.31% in the prior linked quarter.
• Solid Asset Quality
o Total Nonperforming Assets at 0.66% of total gross loans.
o Provision for loan loss of $0.1 million, a reduction of $3.5 million from the prior linked quarter.
o Regulatory Commercial Real Estate concentration ratio of 248%, and a 13% decline in total
commercial real estate the past three years.
• Loan and Deposit Growth
o Loan growth of $66.8 million, or 13% annualized, during the first quarter of 2024.
o Total deposits increased by $85.8 million, or 12% annualized, during the first quarter of 2024.
o Noninterest-bearing deposits of $969.0 million at March 31, 2024, represent 34% of total deposits.
o Uninsured deposits are approximately 28% of total deposit balances.
• Strong Capital and Liquidity
o Increased Tangible Book Value (non-GAAP) per share by 3% to $21.61 per share during the quarter.
o Strong regulatory Community Bank Leverage Ratio of 11.6% for our subsidiary bank.
o Tangible Common Equity Ratio (non-GAAP) of 9.0% on a consolidated basis and 10.6% for our
subsidiary bank.
o Repurchased 178,937 shares of stock during the quarter.
o Dividend declared of $0.23 per share, payable on May 13, 2024.
o Overall primary and secondary liquidity sources of $2.5 billion at March 31, 2024.
• Completion of Balance Sheet Restructuring to Improve Future Earnings
o Completed initial sale of $196.7 million in investments in early January 2024.
 Bonds sold had a weighted average yield of 2.61%.
 Proceeds from bond sale were used to pay down short-term borrowings.
o Sold an additional $53.9 million in bonds in late March 2024.
 Bonds sold had a weighted average yield of 3.02%.
 Proceeds from bond sale will be used to fund anticipated loan growth.
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 2
“Each fresh peak ascended teaches something.” – Sir Martin Conway
“Our first quarter results demonstrate our strength and commitment to banking fundamentals coupled with strategic
repositioning, especially in this challenging rate environment that continues to affect the banking industry,” stated Kevin
McPhaill, CEO and President. “Following the completion of our balance sheet restructuring last quarter, our return on
assets and net interest margin both showed strong improvement this quarter. In addition, both our capital and liquidity
positions strengthened. We also grew outstanding loans by 3.2% during the quarter while maintaining strong total and
low-cost deposits. This is a direct result of the efforts of our banking team! Our bankers continue to understand the
importance of relationship-based community banking and we are grateful for our loyal customers and communities. We
are excited for the opportunities ahead in 2024 and beyond!” McPhaill concluded.
Quarterly Changes (comparisons to the first quarter of 2023)
• Net income for the first quarter of 2024 increased $0.6 million, or 7%, to $9.3 million due primarily to an increase
in net interest income of $0.6 million. Additionally, the favorable change in the credit loss expense on loans and
improvements in noninterest income, was mostly offset by higher noninterest expenses.
• The $0.6 million increase in net interest income for the quarter was driven by a 15 basis point increase in the net
interest margin due to higher yields on investments and lower costs of borrowings, partially offset by higher
deposit costs.
• Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023 increased $2.0 million
or 31%. There was a favorable variance of $1.0 million in bank owned life insurance (BOLI), a gain on the
sale/leaseback of two bank owned branch buildings for $3.8 million, increases in service charges and fees on
deposit accounts for $0.3 million or 6%, offset by a loss on the sale of bonds from a balance sheet restructure for
$3.0 million.
Linked Quarter Changes (comparisons to the three months ended December 31, 2023)
• Net income increased by $3.0 million, or 48%, driven mostly by a $3.4 million decline in the provision for credit
losses. The higher provision for credit losses in the three months ended December 31, 2023, was due to a $2.3
million charge-off related to commercial real estate.
• Net interest income increased by $0.8 million, or 3%, during the quarter due mostly to higher yields on
investments and lower costs of borrowing due to the strategic balance sheet restructuring, as well as growth in
mortgage warehouse loan income. These favorable variances were partially offset by higher deposit costs.
• Other expenses were $0.4 million higher in the quarter due mostly to higher deferred directors fee expense of
$0.8 million (which was offset by higher BOLI income).
Balance Sheet Quarterly Changes (comparisons to December 31, 2023)
• Total assets decreased $176.7 million, or 5% to $3.6 billion, during the first three months of 2024, due mostly to
a strategic sale of lower yielding investment securities, with funds received used to paydown higher cost
borrowings.
• Gross loans increased $66.8 million due to a $87.6 million increase in mortgage warehouse line utilization.
• Deposits increased by $85.8 million, or 3%. The growth in deposits came from brokered deposits, as overall
customer deposits decreased $50.9 million.
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 3
Other financial highlights are reflected in the following table.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data, Unaudited)
As of or for the
three months ended
3/31/2024 12/31/2023 3/31/2023
Net income $ 9,330 $ 6,290 $ 8,751
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.64 $ 0.43 $ 0.58
Return on average assets 1.06% 0.67% 0.97%
Return on average equity 11.09% 8.03% 11.53%
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent) (1) 3.62% 3.31% 3.47%
Yield on average loans 4.89% 4.78% 4.50%
Yield on investments 5.59% 5.35% 4.73%
Cost of average total deposits 1.38% 1.24% 0.83%
Cost of funds 1.58% 1.73% 1.15%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent) (1) (2) 65.97% 67.10% 64.87%
Total assets $ 3,553,072 $ 3,729,799 $ 3,693,984
Loans net of deferred fees $ 2,157,078 $ 2,090,384 $ 2,033,992
Noninterest demand deposits $ 968,996 $ 1,020,772 $ 1,041,748
Total deposits $ 2,847,004 $ 2,761,223 $ 2,948,988
Noninterest-bearing deposits over total deposits 34.0% 37.0% 35.3%
Shareholders' equity / total assets 9.7% 9.1% 8.3%
Tangible common equity ratio (2) 9.0% 8.4% 7.6%
Book value per share $ 23.56 $ 22.85 $ 20.40
Tangible book value per share (2) $ 21.61 $ 20.91 $ 18.44
Community bank leverage ratio 11.6% 11.3% 10.7%
Tangible common equity ratio (bank only) (2) 10.6% 10.3% 9.2%
(1) Computed on a tax equivalent basis utilizing a federal income tax rate of 21%.
(2) See reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP measurement in "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
INCOME STATEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Net Interest Income
Net interest income was $28.7 million for the first quarter of 2024, an increase of $0.8 million, or 3%, as compared to the
fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase of $0.6 million, or 2%, as compared to the first quarter of 2023. This increase in
interest income was due primarily to a $2.3 million decrease in interest expense due to the reduction in borrowed funds
facilitated by a balance sheet restructuring, partially offset by a related decline in interest income on investments of $1.5
million, or 3%, due to the sale of low yielding investments.
For the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the same quarter in 2023, the $3.5 million increase in interest income is due
primarily to a $56.8 million increase in average loan balances, as well as a 39 basis point increase in yield. However, this
was partially offset by a $3.0 million increase in interest expense due to the movement of deposits from lower cost
transaction accounts to higher cost time deposits including wholesale brokered deposits. Deposit costs increased 82 basis
points in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the same quarter in 2023, while there was a 35 basis points decrease in
the cost of borrowed funds.
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 4
At March 31, 2024, 54% (fair value) of the Investment portfolio are variable rate AA and AAA rated collateralized loan
obligations (CLOs). These securities have a market yield of 7.22% with rates that adjust quarterly. At March 31, 2024,
these CLOs have a net unrealized gain of $0.5 million. These securities account for 68% of the interest income on
investments in the first quarter of 2024 and were mostly purchased in 2021 and 2022 when rates were at historical lows to
complement our fixed-rate earning assets.
At March 31, 2024, approximately 22% of the Bank’sloan portfolio is scheduled to mature or reprice within twelve months
and an additional 13% that could reprice within three years. In addition, approximately $563.6 million, or 53.3%, of the
securities portfolio consists of floating rate bonds that will reprice in less than 90 days.
Interest expense was $12.2 million for the first quarter of 2024, a $2.3 million decrease, or 16%, from the linked quarter,
and an increase of $3.0 million, or 32% from the same period in 2023. The decrease in the linked quarter comparison is
attributable to the strategic balance sheet restructuring that resulted in a shift from being a net purchaser of Federal Funds
at December 31, 2023, to maintaining excess funds at the Federal Reserve Bank at March 31, 2024. The increase in the
quarterly comparison was primarily due to an increase in rates paid on customer variable rate Certificates of Deposits. The
rate on the variable account is tied to a spread to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate and varies from Prime minus 600
basis points to Prime minus 375 basis points. During the twelve-month period from March 31, 2023, to March 31, 2024,
the Prime rate increased 50 basis points.
Our net interest margin was 3.62% for the first quarter of 2024, as compared to 3.31% for the linked quarter and 3.47%
for the quarter ending March 31, 2023. While the yield of interest-earning assets increased 14 basis points for the first
quarter of 2024 as compared to the linked quarter, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 20 basis points for the
same period of comparison. The average balance of interest-earning assets decreased $175.4 million for the linked quarter
while the decrease in interest-bearing liabilities was $168.8 million for the same period. The decrease in interest rates on
a larger volume of interest-bearing liabilities (mostly higher cost borrowed funds) over the increase in yield on interestearning assets improved the net interest margin in the linked quarter.
Provision for Credit Losses
The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2024, as compared to $3.5 million
in the fourth quarter of 2023, and $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2023. The lower provision for credit losses in the first
quarter of 2024 over the linked quarter was primarily due to the impact of one $2.3 million commercial real estate credit
charged off in the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease in provision in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the same
quarter in 2023 was a result of reduced quantitative reserves from an improved economic forecast coupled with lower loan
balances in most categories. Some of the calculated reserve reduction was offset by higher net loan charge-offs, however
the overall reserve for credit losses was $0.05 million higher at March 31, 2024, as compared to March 31, 2023.
The Company did not record a provision for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities. Although there were debt
securities in an unrealized loss position, the declines in market values were primarily attributable to changes in interest
rates and volatility in the financial markets and not a result of an expected credit loss.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income increased by $0.5 million, or 7%, to $8.6 million in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the linked
quarter. Noninterest income increased by $2.0 million, or 31%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the same quarter
in 2023. The first quarter 2024 increase of $0.5 million, compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, is primarily due to net
gains on the sale of branch properties that were a part of our sale/leaseback transaction and related securities sales strategy
along with favorable changes in bank owned life insurance associated with deferred compensation plans. Partially
offsetting these favorable variances were $0.3 million in service charges and fees decreases and lower life insurance death
benefits.
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 5
For the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same quarter in 2023, reasons for the increase were mostly the same although
service charges and fees on deposit accounts increased by $0.3 million for the quarterly comparison instead of a decrease
in the linked quarter comparison.
Service charges and fees on customer deposit accounts declined by $0.3 million, or 4%, to $5.7 million in the first quarter
of 2024 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. Lower seasonal analysis fees and lower debit card interchange fees
were the primary drivers of the unfavorable variance. Service charges and fees were $0.3 million higher in the first quarter
of 2024 as compared to the first quarter of 2023 due to higher ATM fees and higher overdraft-related fees.
Noninterest Expense
Total noninterest expense increased $0.4 million, or 2%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the fourth quarter of
2023 and increased $1.5 million, or 7%, compared to the first quarter of 2023. The primary driver of higher expense in the
first quarter of 2024 is deferred directors’ fees as part of the Company’s deferred compensation plan. The higher deferred
compensation expense was offset by higher bank-owned life insurance income, mostly due to fluctuations in underlying
values of assets in the separate account BOLI policies that are designed to have similar assets to those in the deferred
compensation plans.
Salaries and benefits were $0.2 million lower in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 and
$0.4 million higher than the first quarter of 2023. The decrease in the linked quarter was due to a strategic reduction in
force to drive operational efficiencies. The increase in the year-over-year quarterly comparison is due to several factors,
including merit increases for employees due to annual performance evaluations during the first quarter of 2024, higher
payroll taxes in the first quarter, and severance payments of $0.9 million for the reduction in force initiative previously
mentioned. Overall full-time equivalent employees were 487 at March 31, 2024, as compared to 485 at December 31,
2023, and 500 at March 31, 2023.
Occupancy expense was up $0.1 million for the linked quarters and up $0.7 million for the first quarter of 2024 as compared
to the same quarter last year. The reason for the increases in both comparisons is mostly due to increased rent expense
from the sale/leaseback transaction in December 2023.
Other noninterest expense increased $0.5 million, or 6%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to both the fourth quarter
of 2023 and the first quarter of 2023. The primary reason for the negative variance in the first quarter of 2024 over the
same period in 2023 was increased FDIC assessment costs, and increased directors deferred compensation expense which
is linked to the fluctuation in BOLI income, although lower advertising expenses and foreclosed asset costs mitigated some
of this negative variance. In the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, directors deferred
compensation expense accounted for the increase, partially offset by lower advertising costs.
The Company's effective tax rate was 26.3% in the first quarter of 2024 relative to 23.8% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and
23.6% for the first quarter of 2023. The increase in the effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2024 over the linked quarter
and as compared to the same period in 2023, is due to tax credits and tax-exempt income representing a smaller percentage
of total taxable income.
Balance Sheet Summary
The $176.7 million, or 5%, decrease in total assets during the first quarter of 2024, is primarily a result of a $281.1 million
decrease in investment securities, from the sale of bonds from the strategic securities transaction, partially offset by a $66.8
million increase in gross loans and a $40.6 million increase in cash on hand.
Gross loan balances increased $66.8 million, or 3%, during the first quarter of 2024. Although most loan categories
declined modestly, mortgage warehouse line utilization increased $87.6 million or 75%. Larger loan category decreases
include a $12.8 million decrease in other commercial loans.
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 6
Over the past several years, the Company has strategically focused on reducing concentrations in commercial real estate,
especially amongst areas management deemed to be higher risk, such as construction, office real estate, and hospitality.
At March 31, 2024, the total regulatory CRE concentration ratio of total CRE over Tier 1 Capital plus allowance was
248%. Further, the overall level of construction and land development lending had declined to 1% of regulatory capital
plus allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2024. At March 31, 2024, our non-owner occupied commercial real estate
includes $304 million of retail, $155 million of warehouse/industrial, $186 million of office, and $182 million of
hospitality. Approximately 5% of the office real estate matures in less than two years.
As indicated in the loan rollforward below, new credit extended for the first quarter of 2024 decreased $17.6 million over
the same period in 2023 but increased $8.3 million for the linked quarter comparisons. For the first three months ended
2024, we had $30.8 million in loan paydowns and maturities, along with a $24.9 million decrease in line of credit
utilization, counterbalanced by an $87.6 million increase in mortgage warehouse utilization.
LOAN ROLLFORWARD
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
For the three months ended:
March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 March 31, 2023
Gross loans beginning balance $ 2,090,075 $ 2,100,810 $ 2,052,940
New credit extended 34,966 26,704 52,609
Changes in line of credit utilization (24,928) 4,377 (25,790)
Change in mortgage warehouse 87,561 8,415 3,033
Pay-downs, maturities, charge-offs and amortization (30,810) (50,231) (48,824)
Gross loans ending balance $ 2,156,864 $ 2,090,075 $ 2,033,968
Line utilization, unused commitments, excluding mortgage warehouse and overdraft lines, were $234.4 million at March
31, 2024, compared to $203.6 million at December 31, 2023. Total utilization excluding mortgage warehouse and overdraft
lines was 58% at March 31, 2024, compared to 53% at December 31, 2023. Mortgage warehouse utilization was 50% at
March 31, 2024, compared to 36% at December 31, 2023. The increase in mortgage warehouse utilization during the first
quarter of 2024 was due to new customers in the mortgage warehouse product that ramped up their utilization.
Deposit balances grew by $85.8 million, or 3%, during the first quarter of 2024 to $2.8 billion at March 31, 2024. Core
non-maturity deposits decreased $56.7 million, or 3%, for the first three months of 2024, while customer time deposits
increased by $5.9 million. Brokered deposits increased $136.6 million during the quarter. Overall noninterest-bearing
deposits as a percent of total deposits decreased to 34.0% at March 31, 2024, compared to 37.0% at December 31, 2023,
and from 35.3% at March 31, 2023.
Overall uninsured deposits are estimated to be approximately $784.4 million, or 28% of total deposit balances, excluding
public agency deposits that are subject to collateralization through a letter of credit issued by the FHLB. In addition,
uninsured deposits of the bank’s customers are eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance if the customer opens an IntraFi
Insured Cash Sweep account or a reciprocal time deposit through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry System
(CDARS). IntraFi allows for up to $150 million of combined pass-through FDIC insurance which would more than cover
each of the Bank’s deposit customers if such customer desired to have such pass-through insurance. The Bank maintains
a diversified deposit base with no significant customer concentrations and does not bank any cryptocurrency companies.
At March 31, 2024, the Company had approximately 121,000 accounts and the 25 largest deposit balance customers had
balances of less than 13% of overall deposits.
Long-term debt at March 31, 2024, consisted of $49.3 million of subordinated debt. Subordinated debentures related to
trust preferred securities were $35.7 million at both March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023.
Customer repurchase agreements increased from $107.1 million at December 31, 2023, to $121.9 million at March 31,
2024. Customer repurchase agreements provide collateral for customers that sweep excess deposit balances each day into
a separate repurchase agreement account where the Company effectively sells certain government bonds to customers
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 7
daily and then repurchases the same bonds on the next business day. Although these accounts are not deposits and are not
FDIC insured, they provide customers with larger account balances the ability to have their account secured with collateral.
Other borrowings declined $280.5 million to $80.0 million at March 31, 2024, from $360.5 million at December 31, 2023,
and consist of term FHLB advances. The decline in other borrowings is due mostly to a balance sheet restructuring in
which the Company sold bonds with an average book yield of 2.61% to paydown borrowed funds at an average rate of
5.52%.
The Company continues to have substantial liquidity. At March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the Company had the
following sources of primary and secondary liquidity (dollars in thousands):
Primary and secondary liquidity sources March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents $ 119,244 $ 78,602
Unpledged investment securities 555,766 792,965
Excess pledged securities 316,889 382,965
FHLB borrowing availability 676,829 586,726
Unsecured lines of credit 504,785 374,785
Funds available through fed discount window 376,216 392,034
Totals $ 2,549,729 $ 2,608,077
Total capital of $345.1 million at March 31, 2024, reflects an increase of $7.0 million, or 2%, compared to December 31,
2023. The increase in equity during the first quarter of 2024 is due to net income of $9.3 million, offset by a $3.4 million
dividend paid to shareholders, $3.3 million in share repurchases, and a $4.1 million favorable swing in other
comprehensive income/loss due principally to changes in investment securities’ fair value. The remaining difference is
related to equity compensation recognized during the quarter.
Asset Quality
Total nonperforming assets, comprised of non-accrual loans and foreclosed assets, increased by $6.2 million, or 78%,
during the first quarter of 2024. The increase resulted from an increase in non-accrual loans, primarily as a result of one
dairy industry real estate secured loan. This loan was written down by $0.4 million and no further allowance for credit
losses was deemed necessary on this loan. The Company's ratio of nonperforming assets to loans plus foreclosed assets
increased to 0.66% at March 31, 2024, from 0.38% at December 31, 2023, due primarily to the one dairy loan previously
mentioned. All of the Company's nonperforming assets are individually evaluated for credit loss quarterly and management
believes the established allowance for credit loss on such loans is appropriate.
Overall delinquent loans increased from $1.9 million at March 31, 2023, to $15.6 million at March 31, 2024. This is
primarily due to one agricultural production loan and one commercial real estate loan both currently written down to the
current fair market value of the collateral.
The Company's allowance for credit losses on loans was $23.1 million at March 31, 2024, as compared to $23.5 million
at December 31, 2023, and $23.1 million at March 31, 2023. The allowance was 1.07% of total loans at March 31, 2024,
1.12% of total loans at December 31, 2023, and 1.14% of total loans at March 31, 2023. Management's detailed analysis
indicates that the Company's allowance for credit losses on loans should be sufficient to cover credit losses for the life of
the loans outstanding as of March 31, 2024, but no assurance can be given that the Company will not experience substantial
future losses relative to the size of the credit loss allowance for loans.
About Sierra Bancorp
Sierra Bancorp is the holding Company for Bank of the Sierra (www.bankofthesierra.com), which is in its 47th year of
operations and is the largest independent bank headquartered in the South San Joaquin Valley. Bank of the Sierra is a
community-centric regional bank, which offers a broad range of retail and commercial banking services through fullservice branches located within the counties of Tulare, Kern, Kings, Fresno, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara.
The Bank also maintains an online branch and provides specialized lending services through an agricultural credit center
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 8
in Templeton, California, and a dedicated loan production office in Roseville, California. In 2023, Bank of the Sierra was
recognized as one of the strongest and top-performing community banks in the country, with a 5-star rating from Bauer
Financial.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on
management's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company.
Readers are cautioned not to unduly rely on forward looking statements. Actual results may differ from those projected.
These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including but not limited to the health of the national
and local economies, loan portfolio performance, the Company's ability to attract and retain skilled employees, customers'
service expectations, the Company's ability to successfully deploy new technology, the success of acquisitions and branch
expansion, changes in interest rates, and other factors detailed in the Company's SEC filings, including the "Risk Factors"
and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of the Company's
most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q.
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 9
STATEMENT OF CONDITION
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
ASSETS 3/31/2024 12/31/2023 9/30/2023 6/30/2023 3/31/2023
Cash and due from banks $ 119,244 $ 78,602 $ 88,542 $ 103,483 $ 83,506
Investment securities
Available-for-sale, at fair value 741,789 1,019,201 1,010,377 1,027,538 1,040,920
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost, net of allowance
for credit losses 316,406 320,057 323,544 328,478 332,728
Real estate loans
Residential real estate 406,443 412,063 418,782 426,608 433,185
Commercial real estate 1,327,482 1,328,224 1,334,663 1,317,945 1,318,627
Other construction/land 6,115 6,256 7,320 16,020 15,653
Farmland 66,133 67,276 90,993 92,728 92,906
Total real estate loans 1,806,173 1,813,819 1,851,758 1,853,301 1,860,371
Other commercial 143,448 156,272 137,407 126,360 101,118
Mortgage warehouse lines 203,561 116,000 107,584 110,617 68,472
Consumer loans 3,682 3,984 4,061 4,113 4,007
Gross loans 2,156,864 2,090,075 2,100,810 2,094,391 2,033,968
Deferred loan fees 214 309 163 73 24
Allowance for credit losses on loans (23,140) (23,500) (23,060) (23,010) (23,090)
Net loans 2,133,938 2,066,884 2,077,913 2,071,454 2,010,902
Bank premises and equipment 16,067 16,907 21,926 22,072 22,321
Other assets 225,628 228,148 216,578 209,436 203,607
Total assets $ 3,553,072 $ 3,729,799 $ 3,738,880 $ 3,762,461 $ 3,693,984
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
Noninterest demand deposits $ 968,996 $ 1,020,772 $ 1,059,878 $ 1,066,498 $ 1,041,748
Interest-bearing transaction accounts 532,791 533,947 561,257 584,263 637,549
Savings deposits 378,057 370,806 400,940 415,793 441,758
Money market deposits 134,533 145,591 130,914 124,834 123,162
Customer time deposits 560,979 555,107 551,731 552,371 519,771
Wholesale brokered deposits 271,648 135,000 165,000 175,000 185,000
Total deposits 2,847,004 2,761,223 2,869,720 2,918,759 2,948,988
Long-term debt 49,326 49,304 49,281 49,259 49,236
Subordinated debentures 35,704 35,660 35,615 35,570 35,526
Other interest-bearing liabilities 201,851 467,621 411,865 398,922 310,861
Total deposits and interest-bearing liabilities 3,133,885 3,313,808 3,366,481 3,402,510 3,344,611
Allowance for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments 540 510 600 750 850
Other liabilities 73,553 77,384 62,940 49,609 41,513
Total capital 345,094 338,097 308,859 309,592 307,010
Total liabilities and capital $ 3,553,072 $ 3,729,799 $ 3,738,880 $ 3,762,461 $ 3,693,984
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 10
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
3/31/2024 12/31/2023 9/30/2023 6/30/2023 3/31/2023
Goodwill $ 27,357 $ 27,357 $ 27,357 $ 27,357 $ 27,357
Core deposit intangible 1,180 1,399 1,618 1,837 2,056
Total intangible assets $ 28,537 $ 28,756 $ 28,975 $ 29,194 $ 29,413
CREDIT QUALITY
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
3/31/2024 12/31/2023 9/30/2023 6/30/2023 3/31/2023
Non-accruing loans $ 14,188 $ 7,985 $ 781 $ 1,141 $ 938
Foreclosed assets — — — — —
Total nonperforming assets $ 14,188 $ 7,985 $ 781 $ 1,141 $ 938
Quarterly net charge offs $ 457 $ 3,618 $ 67 $ 157 $ 220
Past due and still accruing (30-89) $ 1,563 $ 255 $ 806 $ 1,873 $ 1,241
Classified loans $ 34,100 $ 35,577 $ 39,958 $ 37,298 $ 35,739
Non-performing loans to gross loans 0.66% 0.38% 0.04% 0.05% 0.05%
NPA's to loans plus foreclosed assets 0.66% 0.38% 0.04% 0.05% 0.05%
Allowance for credit losses on loans 1.07% 1.12% 1.10% 1.10% 1.14%
SELECT PERIOD-END STATISTICS
(Unaudited)
3/31/2024 12/31/2023 9/30/2023 6/30/2023 3/31/2023
Shareholders' equity / total assets 9.7% 9.1% 8.3% 8.2% 8.3%
Gross loans / deposits 75.8% 75.7% 73.2% 71.8% 69.0%
Noninterest-bearing deposits / total deposits 34.0% 37.0% 36.9% 36.5% 35.3%
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 11
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited) For the three months ended:
3/31/2024 12/31/2023 3/31/2023
Interest income $ 40,961 $ 42,443 $ 37,419
Interest expense 12,244 14,573 9,287
Net interest income 28,717 27,870 28,132
Credit loss expense - loans 97 3,615 250
Credit loss expense (benefit) - unfunded commitments 30 (90) 10
Net interest income after provision 28,590 24,345 27,872
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts 5,726 5,977 5,380
(Loss) gain on sale of investments (2,883) - 45
Gain on sale of fixed assets 3,799 15,255 14
BOLI income 1,215 379 172
Realized gain (loss) on available for sale securities 66 (14,500) -
Other noninterest income 666 934 968
Total noninterest income 8,589 8,045 6,579
Salaries and benefits 13,197 13,410 12,816
Occupancy expense 3,025 2,909 2,330
Other noninterest expenses 8,304 7,817 7,846
Total noninterest expense 24,526 24,136 22,992
Income before taxes 12,653 8,254 11,459
Provision for income taxes 3,323 1,964 2,708
Net income $ 9,330 $ 6,290 $ 8,751
TAX DATA
Tax-exempt muni income $ 1,989 $ 2,675 $ 2,813
Interest income - fully tax equivalent $ 41,490 $ 43,154 $ 38,167
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 12
PER SHARE DATA
(Unaudited) For the three months ended:
3/31/2024 12/31/2023 3/31/2023
Basic earnings per share $ 0.64 $ 0.43 $ 0.58
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.64 $ 0.43 $ 0.58
Common dividends $ 0.23 $ 0.23 $ 0.23
Weighted average shares outstanding 14,508,468 14,539,701 14,971,842
Weighted average diluted shares 14,553,627 14,588,027 15,002,366
Book value per basic share (EOP) $ 23.56 $ 22.85 $ 20.40
Tangible book value per share (EOP) (2) $ 21.61 $ 20.91 $ 18.44
Common shares outstanding (EOP) 14,647,872 14,793,832 15,050,740
KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS
(Unaudited) For the three months ended:
3/31/2024 12/31/2023 3/31/2023
Return on average equity 11.09% 8.03% 11.53%
Return on average assets 1.06% 0.67% 0.97%
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent) (1) 3.62% 3.31% 3.47%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent) (1) (2) 65.97% 67.10% 64.87%
Net charge offs to average loans (not annualized) 0.02% 0.15% 0.01%
(1) Computed on a tax equivalent basis utilizing a federal income tax rate of 21%.
(2) See reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP measurement in "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 13
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
3/31/2024 12/31/2023 3/31/2023
Total stockholders' equity $ 345,094 $ 338,097 $ 307,010
Less: goodwill and other intangible assets 28,537 28,756 29,413
Tangible common equity $ 316,557 $ 309,341 $ 277,597
Total assets $ 3,553,072 $ 3,729,799 $ 3,693,984
Less: goodwill and other intangible assets 28,537 28,756 29,413
Tangible assets $ 3,524,535 $ 3,701,043 $ 3,664,571
Total stockholders' equity (bank only) $ 401,742 $ 409,862 $ 364,870
Less: goodwill and other intangible assets (bank only) 28,537 28,756 29,413
Tangible common equity (bank only) $ 373,205 $ 381,106 $ 335,457
Total assets (bank only) $ 3,550,459 $ 3,724,733 $ 3,694,796
Less: goodwill and other intangible assets (bank only) 28,537 28,756 29,413
Tangible assets (bank only) $ 3,521,922 $ 3,695,977 $ 3,665,383
Common shares outstanding 14,647,872 14,793,832 15,050,740
Book value per common share (total stockholders' equity / shares outstanding) $ 23.56 $ 22.85 $ 20.40
Tangible book value per common share (tangible common equity / shares outstanding) $ 21.61 $ 20.91 $ 18.44
Equity ratio - GAAP (total stockholders' equity / total assets 9.71% 9.06% 8.31%
Tangible common equity ratio (tangible common equity / tangible assets) 8.98% 8.36% 7.58%
Tangible common equity ratio (bank only) (tangible common equity / tangible assets) 10.60% 10.31% 9.15%
For the three months ended:
Efficiency Ratio: 3/31/2024 12/31/2023 3/31/2023
Noninterest expense $ 24,526 $ 24,136 $ 22,992
Divided by:
Net interest income 28,717 27,870 28,132
Tax-equivalent interest income adjustments 529 711 748
Net interest income, adjusted 29,246 28,581 28,880
Noninterest income 8,589 8,045 6,579
Less (loss) gain on sale of securities (2,883) - 45
Less gain on sale of fixed assets 3,799 15,255 14
Less realized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities 66 (14,500) -
Tax-equivalent noninterest income adjustments 323 101 46
Noninterest income, adjusted 7,930 7,391 6,566
Net interest income plus noninterest income, adjusted $ 37,176 $ 35,972 $ 35,445
Efficiency Ratio (tax-equivalent) 65.97% 67.10% 64.87%
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 14
NONINTEREST INCOME/EXPENSE
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
For the three months ended:
Noninterest income: 3/31/2024 12/31/2023 3/31/2023
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts $ 5,726 $ 5,977 $ 5,380
Net (loss) gain on sale of securities available-for-sale (2,883) — 45
Gain on sale of fixed assets 3,799 15,255 14
Bank-owned life insurance 1,215 379 172
Realized loss on available for sale securities 66 (14,500) —
Other 666 934 968
Total noninterest income $ 8,589 $ 8,045 $ 6,579
As a % of average interest-earning assets (1) 1.06% 0.93% 0.79%
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits $ 13,197 $ 13,410 $ 12,816
Occupancy and equipment costs 3,025 2,909 2,330
Advertising and marketing costs 343 569 513
Data processing costs 1,509 1,397 1,528
Deposit services costs 2,133 2,207 2,023
Loan services costs
Loan processing 151 144 127
Foreclosed assets — — 758
Other operating costs 926 1,118 989
Professional services costs
Legal & accounting services 715 615 646
Director's costs 1,254 504 275
Other professional service 809 708 515
Stationery & supply costs 148 117 141
Sundry & tellers 316 438 331
Total noninterest expense $ 24,526 $ 24,136 $ 22,992
As a % of average interest-earning assets (1) 3.04% 2.80% 2.76%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent) (2)(3) 65.97% 67.10% 64.87%
(1) Annualized
(2) Computed on a tax equivalent basis utilizing a federal income tax rate of 21%.
(3) See reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP measurement in "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
Sierra Bancorp Financial Results
April 22, 2024
Page 15
AVERAGE BALANCES AND RATES
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
For the quarter ended For the quarter ended For the quarter ended
March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 March 31, 2023
Average
Balance (1)
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rate (2)
Average
Balance (1)
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rate (2)
Average
Balance (1)
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rate (2)
Assets
Investments:
Federal funds sold/interest-earning due from $ 16,996 $ 243 5.75% $ 13,661 $ 193 5.61% $ 5,312 $ 70 5.34%
Taxable 893,171 13,303 5.99% 994,814 14,520 5.79% 972,051 11,986 5.00%
Non-taxable 244,997 1,989 4.13% 334,836 2,675 4.01% 361,328 2,813 4.00%
Total investments 1,155,164 15,535 5.59% 1,343,311 17,388 5.35% 1,338,691 14,869 4.73%
Loans: (3)
Real estate 1,806,185 20,190 4.50% 1,835,890 20,684 4.47% 1,869,112 19,899 4.32%
Agricultural production 61,419 1,138 7.45% 49,052 859 6.95% 28,028 433 6.27%
Commercial 79,208 1,183 6.01% 97,962 1,533 6.21% 70,887 993 5.68%
Consumer 3,962 80 8.12% 4,218 85 7.99% 4,137 87 8.53%
Mortgage warehouse lines 137,421 2,821 8.26% 88,316 1,878 8.44% 59,122 1,118 7.67%
Other 2,333 14 2.41% 2,331 17 2.89% 2,464 20 3.29%
Total loans 2,090,528 25,426 4.89% 2,077,769 25,056 4.78% 2,033,750 22,550 4.50%
Total interest-earning assets (4) 3,245,692 40,961 5.14% 3,421,080 42,444 5.00% 3,372,441 37,419 4.59%
Other earning assets 17,345 25,738 15,714
Non-earning assets 270,786 267,451 272,496
Total assets $ 3,533,823 $ 3,714,269 $ 3,660,651
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Interest-bearing deposits:
Demand deposits $ 137,961 $ 699 2.04% $ 137,827 $ 698 2.01% $ 150,139 $ 129 0.35%
NOW 398,639 84 0.08% 406,970 74 0.07% 483,645 71 0.06%
Savings accounts 376,335 73 0.08% 386,275 73 0.07% 457,593 65 0.06%
Money market 137,687 410 1.20% 144,296 419 1.15% 135,434 25 0.07%
Time deposits 561,941 6,190 4.43% 551,287 6,173 4.44% 461,214 4,505 3.96%
Wholesale brokered deposits 205,092 2,189 4.29% 150,326 1,407 3.71% 162,560 1,204 3.00%
Total interest-bearing deposits 1,817,655 9,645 2.13% 1,776,981 8,844 1.97% 1,850,585 5,999 1.31%
Borrowed funds:
Repurchase agreements 112,385 41 0.15% 95,005 46 0.19% 103,426 81 0.32%
Other borrowings 119,475 1,372 4.62% 346,437 4,489 5.14% 176,725 2,111 4.84%
Long-term debt 49,312 431 3.52% 49,290 429 3.45% 49,222 429 3.53%
Subordinated debentures 35,677 755 8.51% 35,632 766 8.53% 35,499 667 7.62%
Total borrowed funds 316,849 2,599 3.30% 526,364 5,730 4.32% 364,872 3,288 3.65%
Total interest-bearing liabilities 2,134,504 12,244 2.31% 2,303,345 14,574 2.51% 2,215,457 9,287 1.70%
Demand deposits - noninterest-bearing 990,377 1,041,989 1,070,775
Other liabilities 70,534 58,255 66,632
Shareholders' equity 338,408 310,680 307,787
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 3,533,823 $ 3,714,269 $ 3,660,651
Interest income/interest-earning assets 5.14% 5.00% 4.59%
Interest expense/interest-earning assets 1.52% 1.69% 1.12%
Net interest income and margin (5) $ 28,717 3.62% $ 27,870 3.31% $ 28,132 3.47%
(1) Average balances are obtained from the best available daily or monthly data and are net of deferred fees and related direct costs.
(2) Yields and net interest margin have been computed on a tax equivalent basis utilizing a 21% effective federal tax rate.
(3) Loans are gross of the allowance for expected credit losses. Loan fees have been included in the calculation of interest income. Net loan (costs)
fees and loan acquisition FMV amortization were ($0.3) million and ($0.1) million for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, and 2023,
respectively, and $(0.3) million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
(4) Non-accrual loans have been included in total loans for purposes of computing total earning assets.
(5) Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.