Sierra Bancorp Reports 2020 Earnings

Sierra Bancorp (Nasdaq: BSRR), parent of Bank of the Sierra, today announced fourth quarter of 2020 net income of $9.0 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, compared to net income of $9.3 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2019. The Company's return on average assets was 1.12% in the fourth quarter of 2020, as compared to 1.41% in the fourth quarter of 2019, with return on average equity of 10.49% as compared to 11.97%, for the same comparative periods. The nominal change in net income is driven primarily by a higher provision for loan and lease losses and noninterest expense, which was mostly offset by higher net interest income due mostly to higher loan balances combined with a lower cost of funds on interest bearing liabilities and higher noninterest income.

For the year ended 2020, the Company recognized net income of $35.4 million, or $2.32 per diluted share, as compared to $36.0 million, or $2.33 per diluted share, for the same period in 2019.

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.” - Pele

"In 2020, our banking team pivoted operationally, continued to focus on quality growth, and demonstrated their commitment to providing the best experience possible for our customers," stated Kevin McPhaill, President and CEO. "All banks encountered new challenges this past year due to an unprecedented pandemic which continued into the fourth quarter. We are proud of how our Bank met these challenges. Our strong results demonstrate that our focus on the communities that we serve provided the core loans and deposits needed to continue this success in 2021!" McPhaill concluded.

Financial Highlights

Quarterly Changes (comparisons to the fourth quarter of 2019)

• The $4.0 million increase in net interest income is due to a $2.0 million increase in interest income attributable mostly to higher loan volumes partially offset by lower rates. The interest income growth was enhanced by a $2.0 million decrease in interest expense due to an increase in noninterest bearing deposits and lower rates on the remaining deposits and borrowed funds.
• The provision for loan & lease losses is $1.7 million higher primarily due to the increase in core loan volume as well as continued uncertainty in the economy.
• The $0.2 million favorable increase in noninterest income is due to a $0.2 million loss from the sale of debt securities in the fourth quarter of 2019. Customer service charges on deposit accounts were lower in the quarterly comparison, but increases in debit card interchange income mostly offset the decrease.
• Noninterest expense increased by $2.8 million, due mostly to a $2.1 million increase in salaries and benefits, a $0.2 million increase in FDIC assessments, and a $0.5 million increase in legal expenses.

Year to-Date Changes (comparisons to the year ended 2019)

• Net income decreased by $0.5 million, or 1%. While overall net income remained relatively flat year-over-year, there were some changes in individual line items, including a $6.0 million increase in the provision for loan and lease losses and a $5.3 million increase in noninterest expense, which were mostly offset by a $7.5 million increase in net interest income as well