Sierra Bancorp Reports Earnings

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Sierra Bancorp BSRR, parent of Bank of the Sierra, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. Sierra Bancorp reported consolidated net income of $8.895 million for the first quarter of 2019, for an increase of $2.185 million, or 33%, relative to the first quarter of 2018. The favorable variance in net income was primarily the result of growth in the average balance of interest-earning assets, net interest margin improvement, and a higher level of income generated by bank-owned life insurance (BOLI). The Company's return on average assets was 1.44% in the first quarter of 2019, return on average equity was 12.99%, and diluted earnings per share were $0.58.

Assets totaled $2.539 billion at March 31, 2019, representing an increase of $17 million, or 1%, for the quarter. The increase in assets resulted primarily from organic growth in real estate loans and agricultural loans. Gross loans grew to $1.751 billion at March 31, 2019, for an increase of $19 million, or 1%, for the first three months of the year. Total nonperforming assets dropped by $864,000, or 14%, during the first quarter of 2019. Deposits totaled $2.161 billion at quarter-end, representing a year-to-date organic increase of $44 million, or 2%, while non-deposit borrowings were reduced by $53 million.

"If you look closely, most overnight successes took a long time."
– Steve Jobs

"With strong growth in deposits, quality growth in loans, and a solid level of net income, the Company's first quarter results demonstrate our ability to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment," noted Kevin McPhaill, President and CEO. "From Bank of the Sierra's founding nearly forty-two years ago, the team has been committed to providing the highest level of community banking," he added. "Over the years, directors, officers and staff have worked hard to build and maintain a culture of community bank service and disciplined growth, and our results from this past quarter are evidence that the same focus continues today," concluded McPhaill.

Financial Highlights

As noted above, net income increased by $2.185 million, or 33%, for the first quarter of 2019 relative to the first quarter of 2018. Significant variances in the components of pre-tax income and in our provision for income taxes, including some items of a nonrecurring nature, are noted below.

Net interest income increased by $2.213 million, or 10%, for the first quarter of 2019 over the first quarter of 2018, due in large part to growth in average interest-earning assets totaling $159 million, or 7%, for the comparative periods. The favorable impact of higher interest-earning assets was augmented by a 10 basis point increase in our net interest margin for the comparative quarters. Net interest income was also impacted by nonrecurring interest items, which typically include interest income recovered upon the resolution of nonperforming loans, the reversal of interest income when a loan is placed on non-accrual status, and accelerated fees or prepayment penalties recognized for early payoffs. Nonrecurring items added $206,000 to interest income in the first quarter of 2019, and contributed $102,000 in the first quarter of 2018. Moreover, discount accretion on loans from whole-bank acquisitions enhanced our net interest margin by approximately four basis points in the first quarter of 2019 as compared to six basis points in the first quarter 2018.

The Company recorded a loan loss provision of $300,000 in the first quarter of 2019 relative to a provision of $200,000 in the first quarter of 2018. The 2019 provision was deemed necessary subsequent to our determination of the appropriate level for our allowance for loan and lease losses, taking into consideration overall credit quality, growth in outstanding loan balances, and reserves required for specifically identified impaired loan balances.

Total noninterest income reflects an increase of $773,000, or 15%, for the quarterly comparison, due primarily to a higher level of BOLI income. BOLI income was up by $696,000 in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018, largely because of fluctuations in income on BOLI associated with deferred compensation plans. Service charges on deposits, gains on investments, and other noninterest income were not materially different for the quarterly comparison.

Total noninterest expense was essentially unchanged for the quarterly comparison, as well. Personnel costs and occupancy expense were well controlled, increasing by only 1%. Other noninterest expense fell by $108,000, or 2%, for the quarterly comparison, but would have been higher from increases in the normal course of business if not for the impact of nonrecurring items on 2018 expenses. Specifically, acquisition costs declined by $263,000 in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018, and net costs associated with foreclosed assets were $208,000 lower. The Company's provision for income taxes was 24.1% of pre-tax income in the first quarter of 2019 relative to 23.8% in the first quarter of 2018.

Balance sheet changes during the first quarter of 2019 include an increase in total assets of $17 million, or 1%, due to organic growth in real estate loans and agricultural production loans and a slight increase in investment balances, partially offset by a lower level of cash and due from banks. Gross loans were up by $19 million, or 1%, including increases in non-agricultural real estate loans totaling $16 million, agricultural real estate loans totaling almost $4 million, and agricultural production loans totaling $3 million. Commercial loans, on the other hand, were down by close to $3 million, or 2%, and consumer loans and mortgage warehouse loans declined slightly. While we have experienced a relatively high level of real-estate secured lending activity in recent periods, no assurance can be provided with regard to future loan growth as payoffs remain at relatively high levels, mortgage warehouse loan volumes are difficult to predict, and the number of lending opportunities which meet our credit criteria appears to be declining. Other assets did not change materially, since a $9.4 million increase resulting from operating lease assets booked at the beginning of 2019, pursuant to our adoption of FASB's ASU 2016-02, was largely offset by our first quarter 2019 collection of a receivable established at the end of 2018 for expected proceeds from the sale of a large foreclosed property.

Total nonperforming assets, comprised of non-accrual loans and foreclosed assets, fell by $864,000, or 14%, during the first quarter of 2019 due to the impact of net loan charge-offs, as well as our continued efforts to resolve OREO and nonperforming loan balances. The Company's ratio of nonperforming assets to loans plus foreclosed assets dropped to 0.31% at March 31, 2019 from 0.36% at December 31, 2018. All of the Company's impaired assets are periodically reviewed, and are either well-reserved based on current loss expectations or are carried at the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of expected disposition costs.

The Company's allowance for loan and lease losses was $9.438 million at March 31, 2019, as compared to a balance of $9.750 million at December 31, 2018. The slight decline resulted from $612,000 in net loan balances charged off in the first quarter, net of the addition of a $300,000 loan loss provision. Charge-offs were primarily recorded against previously-established reserves, which limited the amount needed to replenish the allowance for loan and lease losses via a loan loss provision. Because of the slight drop in the allowance and growth in our loan portfolio, the allowance fell to 0.54% of total loans at March 31, 2019 from 0.56% at December 31, 2018. It should be noted that our need for reserves in recent periods has been favorably impacted by acquired loans, which were booked at their fair values on the acquisition dates and thus did not initially require a loan loss allowance. Furthermore, loss reserves allocated to mortgage warehouse loans are relatively low because we have not experienced any losses in that portfolio segment. Management's detailed analysis indicates that the Company's allowance for loan and lease losses should be sufficient to cover credit losses inherent in loan and lease balances outstanding as of March 31, 2019, but no assurance can be given that the Company will not experience substantial future losses relative to the size of the allowance.

Deposit balances reflect growth of $44 million, or 2%, during the first quarter of 2019. Core non-maturity deposits increased by close to $22 million, or 1%, while customer time deposits increased by almost $23 million, or 5%. Junior subordinated debentures increased slightly from accretion of the discount on trust-preferred securities, and other non-deposit borrowings were reduced by $53 million, or 73%, since deposit growth outpaced loan growth. Other liabilities increased by over $14 million, due in part to a liability for future operating lease payments that was set up in conjunction with the operating lease asset noted above.

Total capital of $284 million at March 31, 2019 reflects an increase of $11 million, or 4%, relative to year-end 2018 due to capital from the addition of net income, a $4.3 million reduction in our accumulated other comprehensive loss, and stock options exercised, net of $2.8 million in dividends paid. There were no share repurchases executed by the Company during the first quarter of 2019.

About Sierra Bancorp

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Sierra Bancorp is the holding company for Bank of the Sierra (www.bankofthesierra.com), which is in its 42nd 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 full-service branches located within the counties of Tulare, Kern, Kings, Fresno, Los Angeles, Ventura, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. The Bank also maintains an online branch, and provides specialized lending services through an agricultural credit center and an SBA center. In 2018, 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 and a Sm-All Star award from Sandler O'Neill.

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, 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, loan portfolio performance, 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

STATEMENT OF CONDITION        
(balances in $000's, unaudited)
  Mar '19 vs Mar '19 vs
ASSETS 3/31/2019   12/31/2018   Dec '18   3/31/2018   Mar '18
Cash and Due from Banks $68,063 $74,132 -8% $63,509 +7%
Investment Securities 563,628 560,479 +1% 563,582 0%
 
Real Estate Loans (non-Agricultural) 1,318,740 1,302,389 +1% 1,147,234 +15%
Agricultural Real Estate Loans 155,110 151,541 +2% 142,929 +9%
Agricultural Production Loans 52,086 49,103 +6% 54,270 -4%
Comm'l & Industrial Loans & Leases 125,679 128,220 -2% 129,771 -3%
Mortgage Warehouse Lines 91,118 91,813 -1% 108,573 -16%
Consumer Loans

8,256

8,862

-7% 9,439 -13%
Gross Loans & Leases 1,750,989 1,731,928 +1% 1,592,216 +10%
Deferred Loan & Lease Fees 2,787 2,602 +7% 2,953 -6%
Loans & Leases Net of Deferred Fees 1,753,776 1,734,530 +1% 1,595,169 +10%
Allowance for Loan & Lease Losses (9,438) (9,750) -3% (8,991) +5%
Net Loans & Leases 1,744,338 1,724,780 +1% 1,586,178 +10%
 
Bank Premises & Equipment 28,855 29,500 -2% 29,060 -1%
Other Assets 134,203 133,611 0% 131,195 +2%
Total Assets $2,539,087 $2,522,502 +1% $2,373,524 +7%
 
LIABILITIES & CAPITAL
Noninterest Demand Deposits $658,524 $662,527 -1% $642,363 +3%
Int-Bearing Transaction Accounts 556,628 535,726 +4% 559,084 0%
Savings Deposits 291,875 283,953 +3% 301,888 -3%
Money Market Deposits 120,697 123,807 -3% 157,006 -23%
Customer Time Deposits 483,024 460,327 +5% 376,289 +28%
Wholesale Brokered Deposits 50,000 50,000 0% - NM
Total Deposits 2,160,748 2,116,340 +2% 2,036,630 +6%
 
Junior Subordinated Debentures 34,811 34,767 0% 34,633 +1%
Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities 19,360 72,459 -73% 18,629 +4%
Total Deposits & Int.-Bearing Liab. 2,214,919 2,223,566 0% 2,089,892 +6%
 
Other Liabilities 40,100 25,912 +55% 28,312 +42%
Total Capital 284,068 273,024 +4% 255,320 +11%
Total Liabilities & Capital $2,539,087 $2,522,502 +1% $2,373,524 +7%
                     
Note: An "NM" designation indicates that the percentage change is "Not Meaningful", likely due to the fact that numbers for the comparative periods are of opposite signs or because the denominator is zero
 
         
GOODWILL & INTANGIBLE ASSETS
(balances in $000's, unaudited) Mar '19 vs Mar '19 vs
3/31/2019 12/31/2018 Dec '18 3/31/2018 Mar '18
Goodwill $27,357 $27,357 0% $27,357 0%
Core Deposit Intangible 6,187 6,455 -4% 6,004 +3%
Total Intangible Assets $33,544 $33,812 -1% $33,361 +1%
                     
                     
CREDIT QUALITY
(balances in $000's, unaudited) Mar '19 vs Mar '19 vs
3/31/2019 12/31/2018 Dec '18 3/31/2018 Mar '18
Non-Accruing Loans $4,568 $5,156 -11% $3,089 +48%
Foreclosed Assets 806 1,082 -26% 5,371 -85%
Total Nonperforming Assets $5,374 $6,238 -14% $8,460 -36%
 
Performing TDR's (not incl. in NPA's) $10,750 $11,005 -2% $11,185 -4%
 
Non-Perf Loans to Gross Loans 0.26% 0.30% 0.19%
NPA's to Loans plus Foreclosed Assets 0.31% 0.36% 0.53%
Allowance for Ln Losses to Loans   0.54%   0.56%       0.56%    
                     
SELECT PERIOD-END STATISTICS
(unaudited)
3/31/2019 12/31/2018 3/31/2018
Shareholders Equity / Total Assets 11.2% 10.8% 10.8%
Gross Loans / Deposits 81.0% 81.8% 78.2%
Non-Int. Bearing Dep. / Total Dep.   30.5%   31.3%       31.5%    
 
         
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT        
(in $000's, unaudited) Qtr Ended: 1Q19 vs Qtr Ended: 1Q19 vs
3/31/2019   12/31/2018   4Q18   3/31/2018   1Q18
Interest Income $27,483 $27,042 +2% $23,476 +17%
Interest Expense 3,510   2,984 +18% 1,716 +105%
Net Interest Income 23,973 24,058 0% 21,760 +10%
 
Provision for Loan & Lease Losses 300   1,400 -79% 200 +50%
Net Int after Provision 23,673 22,658 +4% 21,560 +10%
 
Service Charges 2,943 3,258 -10% 2,946 0%
BOLI Income 900 (475) NM 204 +341%
Gain (Loss) on Investments 6 - NM - NM
Other Noninterest Income 2,057   2,496 -18% 1,983 +4%
Total Noninterest Income 5,906 5,279 +12% 5,133 +15%
 
Salaries & Benefits 9,243 9,139 +1% 9,183 +1%
Occupancy Expense 2,361 2,811 -16% 2,348 +1%
Other Noninterest Expenses 6,248   5,087 +23% 6,356 -2%
Total Noninterest Expense 17,852 17,037 +5% 17,887 0%
 
Income Before Taxes 11,727 10,900 +8% 8,806 +33%
Provision for Income Taxes 2,832   2,996 -5% 2,096 +35%
Net Income $8,895   $7,904 +13% $6,710 +33%
 
TAX DATA
Tax-Exempt Muni Income $1,045 $1,019 +3% $1,016 +3%
Interest Income - Fully Tax Equivalent $27,761 $27,313 +2% $23,746 +17%
 
NET CHARGE-OFFS   $612   $1,113   -45%   $252   +143%
Note: An "NM" designation indicates that the percentage change is "Not Meaningful", likely due to the fact that numbers for the comparative periods are of opposite signs or because the denominator is zero
 
         
PER SHARE DATA        
(unaudited) Qtr Ended: 1Q19 vs Qtr Ended: 1Q19 vs
3/31/2019   12/31/2018   4Q18   3/31/2018   1Q18
Basic Earnings per Share $0.58 $0.52 +12% $0.44 +32%
Diluted Earnings per Share $0.58 $0.51 +14% $0.44 +32%
Common Dividends $0.18 $0.16 +13% $0.16 +13%
 
Wtd. Avg. Shares Outstanding 15,311,154 15,290,740 0% 15,232,696 +1%
Wtd. Avg. Diluted Shares 15,447,747 15,441,145 0% 15,412,168 0%
 
Book Value per Basic Share (EOP) $18.53 $17.84 +4% $16.75 +11%
Tangible Book Value per Share (EOP) $16.34 $15.63 +5% $14.56 +12%
 
Common Shares Outstanding (EOP)   15,328,030   15,300,460   0%   15,246,780   +1%
                     
KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS        
(unaudited) Qtr Ended: Qtr Ended:
3/31/2019   12/31/2018 3/31/2018
Return on Average Equity 12.99% 11.78% 10.61%
Return on Average Assets 1.44% 1.26% 1.16%
Net Interest Margin (Tax-Equiv.) 4.30% 4.27% 4.20%
Efficiency Ratio (Tax-Equiv.) 58.74% 57.79% 65.72%
Net C/O's to Avg Loans (not annualized)   0.04%   0.07%       0.02%    
 
           
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET, INTEREST INCOME/EXPENSE, & YIELD/RATE
(balances in $000's, unaudited)   For the quarter ended For the quarter ended For the quarter ended
March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 March 31, 2018
Average Balance  

Income/
Expense

  Yield/ Rate Average Balance  

Income/
Expense

  Yield/ Rate Average Balance  

Income/
Expense

  Yield/ Rate
Assets    
Investments:
Federal funds sold/due from time $11,469 $73 2.58% $5,757 $34 2.34% $30,476 $118 1.57%
Taxable 418,901 2,617 2.53% 420,207 2,529 2.39% 425,075 2,338 2.23%
Non-taxable 142,329   1,045 3.77% 138,134   1,019 3.70% 141,579   1,016 3.68%
Total investments 572,699 3,735 2.84% 564,098 3,582 2.71% 597,130 3,472 2.54%
 
Loans and Leases:
Real estate 1,464,275 20,100 5.57% 1,432,447 19,658 5.44% 1,254,596 16,644 5.38%
Agricultural Production 50,550 780 6.26% 51,344 787 6.08% 50,131 658 5.32%
Commercial 122,597 1,577 5.22% 124,181 1,556 4.97% 127,316 1,379 4.39%
Consumer 8,718 315 14.65% 9,206 334 14.39% 10,493 293 11.32%
Mortgage warehouse lines 63,120 927 5.96% 77,749 1,084 5.53% 83,348 978 4.76%
Other 3,107   49 6.40% 2,583   41 6.30% 3,013   52 7.00%
Total loans and leases 1,712,367   23,748 5.62% 1,697,510   23,460 5.48% 1,528,897   20,004 5.31%
Total interest earning assets 2,285,066   $27,483 4.93% 2,261,608   $27,042 4.79% 2,126,027   $23,476 4.53%
Other earning assets 21,176 10,920 10,195
Non-earning assets 200,115 207,838 201,397
Total assets $2,506,357 $2,480,366 $2,337,619
 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Interest bearing deposits:
Demand deposits $99,252 $72 0.29% $98,973 $73 0.29% $116,829 $88 0.31%
NOW 437,209 126 0.12% 437,982 124 0.11% 409,198 117 0.12%
Savings accounts 287,773 75 0.11% 293,314 78 0.11% 293,716 76 0.10%
Money market 128,686 41 0.13% 133,541 38 0.11% 164,824 42 0.10%
Time Deposits 472,296 2,316 1.99% 423,886 1,906 1.78% 375,718 995 1.07%
Wholesale Brokered Deposits 50,000   325 2.64% 46,522   206 1.76% 0   0 0.00%
Total interest bearing deposits 1,475,216 2,955 0.81% 1,434,218 2,425 0.67% 1,360,285 1,318 0.39%
Borrowed funds:
Junior Subordinated Debentures 34,784 483 5.63% 34,739 458 5.23% 34,606 385 4.51%
Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities 26,521   72 1.10% 29,222   101 1.37% 10,759   13 0.49%
Total borrowed funds 61,305   555 3.67% 63,961   559 3.47% 45,365   398 3.56%
Total interest bearing liabilities 1,536,521 $3,510 0.93% 1,498,179 $2,984 0.79% 1,405,650 $1,716 0.50%
Demand deposits - Noninterest bearing 652,910 685,011 643,524
Other liabilities 39,150 30,983 31,936
Shareholders' equity 277,776 266,193 256,509
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $2,506,357 $2,480,366 $2,337,619
 
Interest income/interest earning assets 4.93% 4.79% 4.53%
Interest expense/interest earning assets     0.63%     0.52%     0.33%
Net interest income and margin $23,973 4.30% $24,058 4.27% $21,760 4.20%
 
NOTE: Where impacted by non-taxable income, yields and net interest margins have been computed on a tax equivalent basis utilizing a 21% tax rate

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