Sierra Bancorp SEC Filings

Sierra Bancorp reported stronger Q1 2026 results, with net income of $12.5 million compared to $9.1 million a year earlier. Basic and diluted earnings per share were $0.96 versus $0.66–$0.65, helped by steady net interest income and lower credit loss expense.

Total assets were $3.75 billion and deposits $2.93 billion, while net loans were $2.45 billion. Noninterest income rose to $8.0 million and noninterest expense edged down to $21.8 million, supporting higher profitability. Shareholders’ equity stood at $363.7 million.

Sierra Bancorp reported strong first quarter 2026 results, with net income of $12.5 million and diluted EPS of $0.96, up from $9.1 million and $0.65 a year earlier. Return on average assets held at 1.39% and return on average equity was 13.88%.

Net interest margin was 3.75%, essentially flat versus 3.74% a year ago, as lower funding costs offset modest pressure on asset yields. The efficiency ratio improved to 56.45%, nonperforming assets fell to 0.42% of loans plus foreclosed assets, and core deposits grew while short‑term borrowings declined.

Sierra Bancorp approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share of common stock. The dividend will be paid on May 11, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 4, 2026.

Counting dividends paid by Bank of the Sierra before the holding company was formed, Sierra Bancorp has paid cash dividends every year since 1987. This payment represents the company’s 109th consecutive quarterly cash dividend, underscoring a long history of returning cash to shareholders while operating as a community bank in California’s South San Joaquin Valley.

Sierra Bancorp reported executive leadership changes following an organizational realignment. On April 17, 2026, the Company terminated the employment of William J. Wade II, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, with severance consistent with his July 7, 2025 employment agreement, including 12 months of salary and 12 months of health premium reimbursement, contingent on a release and waiver.

Following this change, Christopher Treece, age 57 and Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer since January 2020, also became Chief Operations Officer. The Board approved an amendment raising his base salary by $25,000 to $466,000 per year, effective April 17, 2026. The Company also appointed Marc Wolfe, age 35, as Principal Accounting Officer. Wolfe, who joined in September 2015 and became Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller on January 1, 2026, has no disclosed family relationships or related party transactions with the Company.

Sierra Bancorp is asking shareholders to vote at its in-person annual meeting on May 20, 2026 in Porterville, California. Items include electing six Class I directors to an eleven-member staggered board, ratifying the independent accountants, and an advisory vote on executive compensation.

Shareholders of record on March 23, 2026, when 13,093,184 common shares were outstanding, are entitled to one vote per share, with directors chosen by plurality and other proposals by majority of votes cast. The proxy statement explains board independence, committee structure, risk oversight, and a pay program tying executive bonuses and restricted stock to net income and return-on-assets performance versus a 20-bank peer group.

Sierra Bancorp ownership update: The Vanguard Group filed Amendment No. 3 to report that, after an internal realignment, it beneficially owns 0 shares of Sierra Bancorp common stock and holds 0% of the class. The filing explains certain Vanguard subsidiaries will report ownership separately in reliance on SEC Release No. 34-39538.

Sierra Bancorp executive Hugh F. Boyle reported a routine tax-related share disposition. On the vesting of previously awarded restricted stock, 1,689 shares of common stock were withheld at $35.98 per share to satisfy tax withholding obligations, rather than being sold on the open market. After this withholding, Boyle’s directly owned stake stands at 31,781 common shares.

Sierra Bancorp, parent of Bank of the Sierra, outlines its community banking business, risk profile, and regulatory environment in its annual report. As of December 31, 2025, the company had $3.8 billion in assets, including $2.5 billion of gross loans, $2.9 billion of deposits, and $364.9 million of shareholders’ equity.

Lending is concentrated in real estate, with 72.0% of loans secured by property and commercial real estate constituting 54.6% of total gross loans. Mortgage warehouse lending represents 20.4% of gross loans, adding short-term, wholesale-funded exposure. The bank operates 34 full-service branches across California and relies heavily on local relationships.

The company discusses competitive pressure from large banks and fintechs, interest rate and securities valuation risk, and sector-specific exposures to agriculture, commercial real estate (including office), and energy-related borrowers. At December 31, 2025, uninsured deposits were estimated at $703 million, or 25% of total deposits, highlighting funding and liquidity considerations. Management also emphasizes capital adequacy under community bank leverage rules, extensive regulatory oversight, and investments in compliance, cybersecurity, and human capital, including a diverse workforce and community-focused programs.