The board of Porterville, Calif.-based approved another 500,000shares for repurchase, in addition to 8,266 shares still remaining under theprevious buyback allotment.

The additional authorized shares represent approximately 4%of the company's issued and outstanding shares. Repurchases may be made on theopen market from time to time.

Sierra Bancorp repurchased 96,053 shares during the thirdquarter, according to a news release.