Sierra Bancorp (Nasdaq: BSRR), the parent company of Bank of the Sierra, has announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter and the first six months of 2025. The company reported a consolidated net income of $10.6 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2025, marking an increase from $10.3 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, in the same quarter of 2024. On a linked quarter basis, net income rose by $1.5 million, or 17%. For the first six months of 2025, Sierra Bancorp recognized a net income of $19.7 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, compared to $19.6 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, for the same period in 2024. The company also reported an improved net interest margin of 3.71% and an efficiency ratio of 60.02% for the first half of 2025, compared to 3.66% and 62.51%, respectively, for the first half of 2024. In terms of quarterly income changes from the second quarter of 2024, net income increased by $0.4 million, or 4%, to $10.6 million. The company experienced a $0.5 million increase in net interest income and a $0.9 million, or 12%, rise in noninterest income. However, these gains were partially offset by a $0.3 million increase in the provision for credit losses and a $1.1 million, or 5%, rise in noninterest expenses. For the year-to-date income changes compared to the first six months of 2024, there was a $1.9 million increase in net interest income, primarily due to a five basis point increase in the net interest margin and a favorable decrease in the tax rate, which reduced tax expenses by $0.5 million. These favorable outcomes were mainly countered by higher provisions for credit losses. CEO and President Kevin McPhaill stated that the bank's results reflect strong loan and deposit growth, highlighting the team's efforts to provide excellent banking services amid potential economic challenges.