☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED June 30, 2024
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ______________ to ______________
Commission File Number 000-26584
BANNER CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Washington
91-1691604
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
10 South First Avenue, Walla Walla, Washington99362
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (509) 527-3636
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
BANR
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
☒
No
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes
☒
No
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☒
Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
☐
No
☒
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Item 1 – Financial Statements (unaudited). The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Banner Corporation and Subsidiaries filed as a part of the report are as follows:
All references to “Banner” refer to Banner Corporation and those to the “Bank” refer to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Banner Bank. As used throughout this report, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” or the “Company” refer to Banner Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters in this Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions and statements about future economic performance and projections of financial items, including statements about our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, are based on certain assumptions and are generally identified by use of the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “potentially,” “probably,” “projects,” “outlook” or similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would” and “could.” These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated or implied, including, but not limited to:
•Adverse economic conditions in our market areas or other areas where we have lending relationships, due to factors such as employment levels, labor shortages, inflation, potential recession, or slowed economic growth.
•Changes in the interest rate environment, including past increases in the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System’s (Federal Reserve) benchmark rate, which could adversely affect our revenues, expenses, asset values, debt obligations, and liquidity.
•Impact of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies.
•Effects of any federal government shutdown.
•Credit risks from lending activities, including changes in loan delinquencies, write-offs, and the allowance for credit loss, and our ability to manage loan delinquency rates.
•Competitive pressures in the financial services industry, including repricing and competitors’ pricing initiatives on loan and deposit products.
•Changes in consumer spending and borrowing habits.
•Interest rate movements and the relative differences between short and long-term interest rates, loan and deposit rates, net interest margin, and funding sources.
•Impact of bank failures or adverse developments at other banks and related negative press on investor, depositor and borrower sentiment.
•Fluctuations in demand for loans, unsold homes, land, and real estate values.
•Expectations regarding key growth initiatives and strategic priorities.
•Ability to adapt to technological changes both internally and to meet client needs.
•Ability to access cost-effective funding and to control operating costs and expenses.
•Use of estimates in determining fair value of certain assets and liabilities, which may prove incorrect and significantly change valuations.
•Staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or corporate strategies, and potential associated charges.
•Disruptions, security breaches, or other adverse events, failures, or attacks on information technology systems or critical third-party vendors.
•Secondary market conditions for loans and ability to sell loans in the secondary market.
•Costs, effects, and outcomes of litigation.
•Legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in policies, principles, or interpretations of regulatory capital or other rules.
•Results of safety and soundness and compliance examinations by regulatory authorities, which may require restitution, increased reserves for credit losses, write-downs of assets, or changes in regulatory capital position, affecting liquidity and earnings.
•Availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations, or to respond to regulatory actions.
•Quality and composition of our securities portfolio and impact of adverse changes in the securities markets.
•Inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations.
•Changes in accounting principles, policies, or guidelines, including additional guidance on and interpretation of accounting issues.
•Environmental, social, and governance goals and targets.
•Effects of climate change, severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, public health crises, acts of war or terrorism, and other external events on our business.
•Other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting operations, pricing, products, and services.
•Future acquisitions of other depository institutions or lines of business.
•Future goodwill impairment due to changes in our business or market conditions.
•Other risks detailed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (“2023 Form 10-K”), and in our reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including this Form 10-Q.
Any forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made. We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements included in this report or the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking statements discussed in this report might not occur, and you should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.
(Unaudited) (In thousands, except shares and per share amounts)
June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023
ASSETS
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Cash and due from banks
$
195,163
$
209,634
Interest-bearing deposits
52,295
44,830
Total cash and cash equivalents
247,458
254,464
Securities—available-for-sale, amortized cost $2,572,544 and $2,729,980, respectively
2,197,693
2,373,783
Securities—held-to-maturity, net of allowance for credit losses of $314 and $332, respectively
1,023,028
1,059,055
Total securities
3,220,721
3,432,838
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock
27,311
24,028
Loans held for sale (includes $10,147 and $9,105, at fair value, respectively)
13,421
11,170
Loans receivable
11,143,848
10,810,455
Allowance for credit losses – loans
(152,848)
(149,643)
Net loans receivable
10,991,000
10,660,812
Accrued interest receivable
67,520
63,100
Property and equipment, net
126,465
132,231
Goodwill
373,121
373,121
Other intangibles, net
4,237
5,684
Bank-owned life insurance (BOLI)
307,948
304,366
Deferred tax assets, net
153,541
153,365
Operating lease right-of-use assets
39,628
43,731
Other assets
243,823
211,481
Total assets
$
15,816,194
$
15,670,391
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Non-interest-bearing
$
4,537,803
$
4,792,369
Interest-bearing transaction and savings accounts
7,016,327
6,759,661
Interest-bearing certificates
1,525,133
1,477,467
Total deposits
13,079,263
13,029,497
Advances from FHLB
398,000
323,000
Other borrowings
165,956
182,877
Subordinated notes, net
89,561
92,851
Junior subordinated debentures at fair value (issued in connection with Trust Preferred Securities)
66,831
66,413
Operating lease liabilities
44,056
48,659
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
235,515
228,428
Deferred compensation
46,246
45,975
Total liabilities
14,125,428
14,017,700
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 11)
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value per share, 500,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023
—
—
Common stock and paid in capital - $0.01 par value per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 34,455,752 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024; 34,348,369 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023
1,302,236
1,299,651
Common stock (non-voting) and paid in capital - $0.01 par value per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024; no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023
—
—
Retained earnings
686,079
642,175
Carrying value of shares held in trust for stock-based compensation plans
(6,364)
(6,563)
Liability for common stock issued to stock related compensation plans
6,364
6,563
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(297,549)
(289,135)
Total shareholders’ equity
1,690,766
1,652,691
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
15,816,194
$
15,670,391
See Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
SELECTED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Banner Corporation (the Company or Banner), a bank holding company incorporated in the State of Washington and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Banner Bank (the Bank).
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In preparing these financial statements, the Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to June 30, 2024, for potential recognition or disclosure. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented have been included. Certain information and note disclosures have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and the accounting standards for interim financial statements. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements. Various elements of the Company’s accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments.
The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year or any other interim period.
Note 2: ACCOUNTING STANDARDS RECENTLY ISSUED OR ADOPTED
Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718)
In March 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance within Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2024-01, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards. The amendments in the ASU apply to companies that provide employees and non-employees with profits interest and similar awards to align compensation with the company’s operating performance and provide those holders with the opportunity to participate in future profits and/or equity appreciation of the company. The purpose of the ASU is to clarify the application of the scope guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) paragraph 718-10-15-3 in determining if a profit interest award should be accounted for in accordance with Topic 718: Compensation—Stock Compensation. The amendment in ASC paragraph 718-10-15-3 is solely intended to improve the overall clarity and does not change the guidance.
The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. If the Company adopts the amendments in an interim period, it should adopt them as of the beginning of the annual period that includes the interim period. The amendments should be applied either (1) retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements or (2) on a prospective basis. The Company has evaluated this ASU and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, as the Company does not typically provide these types of awards.
Income Taxes (Topic 740)
In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments in the ASU are intended to provide more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The ASU requires disclosure in the rate reconciliation of specific categories as well as additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold.
The ASU requires disclosure of the following information about income taxes paid on an annual basis:
•Income taxes paid (net of refunds received), disaggregated by federal and state taxes and by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid (net of refunds received) is equal to or greater than five percent of total income taxes paid (net of refunds received).
•Income tax expense (or benefit) from continuing operations disaggregated by federal and state jurisdictions.
The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is evaluating the adoption of this ASU, as it will require additional disclosures in the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This ASU requires that a public entity that has a single reportable segment provide all the disclosures required by the amendments in this ASU and all existing disclosures in Topic 280. The Company has determined that its current business and operations consist of a single business segment and a single reporting unit.
The amendments in this ASU are intended to improve segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The key amendments included in this ASU:
•Require disclosure on an annual and interim basis, significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM) and are included within each reported measure of segment profit and loss.
•Require disclosure on an annual and interim basis, an amount for other segment items (defined in the ASU) and a description of its composition.
•Clarify that if the CODM uses more than one measure of the segment’s profit or loss in assessing performance, one or more of those additional measures may be reported.
•Require disclosure of the title and position of the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure(s) of segment profit or loss in assessing performance.
This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as the Company has a single reportable segment.
Note 3: SECURITIES
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair value of securities at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Accrued interest receivable on held-to-maturity debt securities was $4.2 million and $4.5 million at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, and was $10.0 million and $10.8 million on available-for-sale debt securities at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Accrued interest receivable on securities is reported in accrued interest receivable on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and is excluded from the calculation of the allowance for credit losses.
At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the gross unrealized losses and the fair value for securities available-for-sale aggregated by the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows (in thousands):
At June 30, 2024, there were 212 securities—available-for-sale with unrealized losses, compared to 224 at December 31, 2023. Management does not believe that any remaining individual unrealized loss as of June 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023 resulted from credit loss. The decline in fair market value of these securities was generally due to changes in interest rates and changes in market-desired spreads subsequent to their purchase. There were no securities—available-for-sale in a nonaccrual status at June 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023.
The following table presents gross gains and losses on sales and partial calls of securities available-for-sale (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Available-for-Sale:
Gross Gains
$
—
$
145
$
36
$
377
Gross Losses
(562)
(4,672)
(5,501)
(12,156)
Balance, end of the period
$
(562)
$
(4,527)
$
(5,465)
$
(11,779)
The following table presents the amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities at June 30, 2024, by contractual maturity and does not reflect any required periodic payments (in thousands). Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because some securities may be called or prepaid with or without call or prepayment penalties.
June 30, 2024
Available-for-Sale
Held-to-Maturity
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Maturing within one year
$
5,774
$
5,632
$
2,818
$
2,615
Maturing after one year through five years
106,035
99,921
17,199
16,842
Maturing after five years through ten years
350,404
308,011
30,763
28,942
Maturing after ten years
2,110,331
1,784,129
972,562
804,310
$
2,572,544
$
2,197,693
$
1,023,342
$
852,709
The following table presents, as of June 30, 2024, investment securities which were pledged to secure borrowings, public deposits or other obligations as permitted or required by law (in thousands):
June 30, 2024
Carrying Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Purpose or beneficiary:
State and local governments public deposits
$
275,068
$
289,122
$
244,194
Federal Reserve
—
—
—
Interest rate swap counterparties
965
965
788
Repurchase transaction accounts
259,976
259,976
208,962
Other
2,312
2,312
2,097
Total pledged securities
$
538,321
$
552,375
$
456,041
The Company monitors the credit quality of held-to-maturity debt securities through the use of credit ratings which are reviewed and updated quarterly. The Company’s non-rated held-to-maturity debt securities are primarily United States government sponsored enterprise debentures carrying minimal to no credit risk. The non-rated corporate bonds primarily consist of Community Reinvestment Act related bonds secured by loan instruments from low to moderate income borrowers. The remaining non-rated held-to-maturity debt securities balance is comprised of local municipal debt from within the Company’s geographic footprint and is monitored through quarterly or annual financial review. This municipal debt is predominately essential service or unlimited general obligation backed debt. The following tables summarize the amortized cost of held-to-maturity debt securities by credit rating at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
We had no allowance for credit losses for securities available-for-sale during three and six months ended June 30, 2024. The following tables present the activity in the allowance for credit losses for securities available-for-sale by major type for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 (in thousands).
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
U.S. Government and agency obligations
Municipal bonds
Corporate bonds
Mortgage-backed or related securities
Total
Allowance for credit losses – securities available-for-sale
Beginning balance
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Provision for credit losses
—
—
2,000
—
2,000
Ending balance
$
—
$
—
$
2,000
$
—
$
2,000
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
U.S. Government and agency obligations
Municipal bonds
Corporate bonds
Mortgage-backed or related securities
Total
Allowance for credit losses – securities available-for-sale
Note 4: LOANS RECEIVABLE AND THE ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES - LOANS
The following table presents the loans receivable at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 by class (dollars in thousands).
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Amount
Percent of Total
Amount
Percent of Total
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
950,922
9
%
$
915,897
8
%
Investment properties
1,536,142
14
1,541,344
14
Small balance CRE
1,234,302
11
1,178,500
11
Multifamily real estate
717,089
6
811,232
8
Construction, land and land development:
Commercial construction
173,296
2
170,011
2
Multifamily construction
663,989
6
503,993
5
One- to four-family construction
490,237
4
526,432
5
Land and land development
352,184
3
336,639
3
Commercial business:
Commercial business
1,298,134
12
1,255,734
12
Small business scored
1,074,465
10
1,022,154
9
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland
334,583
3
331,089
3
One- to four-family residential
1,603,266
14
1,518,046
14
Consumer:
Consumer—home equity revolving lines of credit
611,739
5
588,703
5
Consumer—other
103,500
1
110,681
1
Total loans
11,143,848
100
%
10,810,455
100
%
Less allowance for credit losses – loans
(152,848)
(149,643)
Net loans
$
10,991,000
$
10,660,812
Loan amounts are net of unearned loan fees in excess of unamortized costs of $14.9 million as of June 30, 2024, and $12.1 million as of December 31, 2023. Net loans include net discounts on acquired loans of $4.1 million and $4.6 million as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Net loans does not include accrued interest receivable. Accrued interest receivable on loans was $53.3 million as of June 30, 2024, and $47.8 million as of December 31, 2023 and was reported in accrued interest receivable on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
The Company had pledged $8.0 billion and $7.6 billion of loans as collateral for FHLB and other borrowings at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Purchased credit-deteriorated and purchased non-credit-deteriorated loans. Loans purchased or acquired in business combinations are recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date. Acquired loans are evaluated upon acquisition and classified as either purchased credit-deteriorated (PCD) or purchased non-credit-deteriorated. There were no PCD loans acquired during the six months ended June 30, 2024 or June 30, 2023.
Troubled Loan Modifications. Occasionally, the Company offers modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty by providing principal forgiveness, interest rate reductions, other-than-insignificant payment delays, term extensions or any combination of these. When principal forgiveness is provided, the amount of the forgiveness is charged-off against the allowance for credit losses - loans. Upon the Company’s determination that a modified loan (or portion of a loan) has subsequently been deemed uncollectible, the loan (or a portion of the loan) is charged off. Therefore, the amortized cost basis of the loan is reduced by the uncollectible amount and the allowance for credit losses - loans is adjusted by the same amount. The allowance for credit losses on modified loans is measured using similar credit loss estimation methods used to determine the allowance for credit losses for all other loans held for investment. These methods incorporate the post-modification loan terms, as well as defaults and charge-offs associated with historical modified loans.
There were no loans modified related to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the six months ended June 30, 2024. The following table presents the amortized cost basis and financial effect of loans at June 30, 2023, that were both experiencing financial difficulty and modified during the six months ended June 30, 2023 (in thousands):
June 30, 2023
Term Extension
Total
One- to four-family construction
$
6,361
$
6,361
Total
$
6,361
$
6,361
The Company had committed to lend additional amounts totaling $250,000 to the borrowers included in the previous table as of June 30, 2023. The Company closely monitors the performance of loans that are modified for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts.
The following table presents the performance at June 30, 2024 of loans that had been modified in the previous 12 months (in thousands). There were no loans past due at June 30, 2023 that had been modified in the previous 12 months.
June 30, 2024
30-59 Days Past Due
60-89 Days Past Due
90 Days or More Past Due
Total Past Due
Commercial business
$
—
$
—
$
121
$
121
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland
—
—
1,586
1,586
One- to four-family residential
—
—
1,060
1,060
Total
$
—
$
—
$
2,767
$
2,767
The following table presents the financial effect of the loan modifications presented above for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty for the six months ended June 30, 2023:
Credit Quality Indicators: To appropriately and effectively manage the ongoing credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, management has implemented a risk-rating or loan grading system for its loans. The system is a tool to evaluate portfolio asset quality throughout each applicable loan’s life as an asset of the Company. Generally, loans are risk rated on an aggregate borrower/relationship basis with individual loans sharing similar ratings. There are some instances when specific situations relating to individual loans will provide the basis for different risk ratings within the aggregate relationship. Loans are graded on a scale of 1 to 9. A description of the general characteristics of these categories is shown below.
Overall Risk Rating Definitions: Risk-ratings contain both qualitative and quantitative measurements and take into account the financial strength of a borrower and the structure of the loan. Consequently, the definitions are to be applied in the context of each lending transaction and judgment must also be used to determine the appropriate risk rating, as it is not unusual for a loan to exhibit characteristics of more than one risk-rating category. Consideration for the final rating is centered in the borrower’s ability to repay, in a timely fashion, both principal and interest. The Company’s risk-rating and loan grading policies are reviewed and approved annually. There were no material changes in the risk-rating or loan grading system for the periods presented.
Risk Ratings 1-5: Pass
Credits with risk ratings of 1 to 5 meet the definition of a pass risk rating. The strength of credits vary within the pass risk ratings, ranging from a risk rated 1 being an exceptional credit to a risk rated 5 being an acceptable credit that requires a more than normal level of supervision.
Risk Rating 6: Special Mention
A credit with potential weaknesses that deserves management’s close attention is risk rated a 6. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses will result in deterioration in the capacity to repay debt. A key distinction between Special Mention and Substandard is that in a Special Mention credit, there are identified weaknesses that pose potential risk(s) to the repayment sources, versus well defined weaknesses that pose risk(s) to the repayment sources. Assets in this category are expected to be in this category no more than 9-12 months as the potential weaknesses in the credit are resolved.
Risk Rating 7: Substandard
A credit with well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the ability to repay in full is risk rated a 7. These credits are inadequately protected by either the sound net worth and payment capacity of the borrower or the value of pledged collateral. These are credits with a distinct possibility of loss. Loans headed for foreclosure and/or legal action due to deterioration are rated 7 or worse.
Risk Rating 8: Doubtful
A credit with an extremely high probability of loss is risk rated 8. These credits have all the same critical weaknesses that are found in a substandard loan; however, the weaknesses are elevated to the point that based upon current information, collection or liquidation in full is improbable. While some loss on doubtful credits is expected, pending events may make the amount and timing of any loss indeterminable. In these situations, taking the loss is inappropriate until the outcome of the pending event is clear.
Risk Rating 9: Loss
A credit that is considered to be currently uncollectible or of such little value that it is no longer a viable bank asset is risk rated 9. Losses should be taken in the accounting period in which the credit is determined to be uncollectible. Taking a loss does not mean that a credit has absolutely no recovery or salvage value but, rather, it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off the credit, even though partial recovery may occur in the future.
The following tables present the Company’s portfolio of risk-rated loans by class and by grade as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands). In addition, the tables include the gross charge-offs for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Revolving loans that are converted to term loans are treated as new originations in the table below and are presented by year of origination. Term loans that are renewed or extended for periods longer than 90 days are presented as a new origination in the year of the most recent renewal or extension.
June 30, 2024
Term Loans by Year of Origination
Revolving Loans
Total Loans
By class:
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Prior
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
Risk Rating
Pass
$
67,363
$
162,584
$
136,027
$
155,759
$
133,998
$
208,991
$
46,016
$
910,738
Special Mention
2,469
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,469
Substandard
—
—
13,951
212
4,657
18,895
—
37,715
Doubtful
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Loss
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total Commercial real estate - owner occupied
$
69,832
$
162,584
$
149,978
$
155,971
$
138,655
$
227,886
$
46,016
$
950,922
Current period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
347
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
347
Commercial real estate - investment properties
Risk Rating
Pass
$
73,445
$
128,917
$
185,068
$
273,118
$
119,836
$
708,289
$
36,956
$
1,525,629
Special Mention
—
—
—
—
—
2,682
340
3,022
Substandard
—
—
—
—
—
7,491
—
7,491
Doubtful
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Loss
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total Commercial real estate - investment properties
The following tables present the Company’s portfolio of non-risk-rated loans by class and delinquency status as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands). In addition, the tables include the gross charge-offs for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Revolving loans that are converted to term loans are treated as new originations in the table below and are presented by year of origination. Term loans that are renewed or extended for periods longer than 90 days are presented as a new origination in the year of the most recent renewal or extension.
The following tables provide the amortized cost basis of collateral-dependent loans as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands). Our collateral dependent loans presented in the tables below have no significant concentrations by property type or location.
June 30, 2024
Real Estate
Accounts Receivable
Equipment
Inventory
Total
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
1,044
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
1,044
Small balance CRE
639
—
—
—
639
Construction, land and land development:
One- to four-family construction
2,087
—
—
—
2,087
Land and land development
1,634
—
—
—
1,634
Commercial business
Commercial business
—
1,000
4,848
583
6,431
Small business scored
—
—
95
—
95
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland
1,586
—
—
—
1,586
One- to four-family residential
4,601
—
—
—
4,601
Consumer—home equity revolving lines of credit
821
—
—
—
821
Total
$
12,412
$
1,000
$
4,943
$
583
$
18,938
December 31, 2023
Real Estate
Accounts Receivable
Equipment
Inventory
Total
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
1,391
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
1,391
Small balance CRE
755
—
—
—
755
One- to four-family construction
8,859
—
—
—
8,859
Commercial business
—
1,059
5,085
812
6,956
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland
The following tables provide additional detail on the age analysis of the Company’s past due loans as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
June 30, 2024
30-59 Days Past Due
60-89 Days Past Due
90 Days or More Past Due
Total Past Due
Current
Total Loans
Non-accrual with no Allowance
Total Non-accrual (1)
Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
—
$
—
$
1,044
$
1,044
$
949,878
$
950,922
$
1,044
$
1,097
$
—
Investment properties
461
—
—
461
1,535,681
1,536,142
—
—
—
Small balance CRE
333
—
540
873
1,233,429
1,234,302
639
1,229
—
Multifamily real estate
—
—
—
—
717,089
717,089
—
—
—
Construction, land and land development:
Commercial construction
—
—
—
—
173,296
173,296
—
—
—
Multifamily construction
—
—
—
—
663,989
663,989
—
—
—
One- to four-family construction
—
—
1,349
1,349
488,888
490,237
1,834
2,087
—
Land and land development
—
50
1,375
1,425
350,759
352,184
1,634
1,912
—
Commercial business:
Commercial business
54
1,649
1,400
3,103
1,295,031
1,298,134
121
6,767
—
Small business scored
985
869
1,294
3,148
1,071,317
1,074,465
—
1,927
—
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland
1,663
—
1,586
3,249
331,334
334,583
1,586
1,586
—
One- to four-family residential
131
1,196
8,228
9,555
1,593,711
1,603,266
3,942
8,184
1,861
Consumer:
Consumer—home equity revolving lines of credit
3,804
334
3,093
7,231
604,508
611,739
821
3,368
692
Consumer—other
390
253
—
643
102,857
103,500
—
12
—
Total
$
7,821
$
4,351
$
19,909
$
32,081
$
11,111,767
$
11,143,848
$
11,621
$
28,169
$
2,553
(1) The Company did not recognize any interest income on non-accrual loans during the six months ended June 30, 2024.
The following tables provide the activity in the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Note 5: GOODWILL, OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: At June 30, 2024, intangible assets are comprised of goodwill and core deposit intangibles (CDI) acquired in business combinations. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase consideration paid over the fair value of the assets acquired, net of the fair values of liabilities assumed in a business combination, and is not amortized but is reviewed at least annually for impairment. The Company has identified one reporting unit for the purpose of evaluating goodwill for impairment. The Company completed an assessment of qualitative factors as of December 31, 2023 and concluded that no further analysis was required as it is more likely than not that the fair value of Banner Bank, the reporting unit, exceeds the carrying value.
CDI represents the value of transaction-related deposits and the value of the client relationships associated with the deposits. The Company amortizes CDI assets over their estimated useful lives and reviews them at least annually for events or circumstances that could impair their value.
The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s goodwill and other intangibles for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the six months ended June 30, 2024 (in thousands):
Goodwill
CDI
Total
Balance, December 31, 2022
$
373,121
$
9,440
$
382,561
Amortization
—
(3,756)
(3,756)
Balance, December 31, 2023
373,121
5,684
378,805
Amortization
—
(1,447)
(1,447)
Balance, June 30, 2024
$
373,121
$
4,237
$
377,358
The following table presents the estimated amortization expense with respect to CDI as of June 30, 2024, for the periods indicated (in thousands):
Estimated Amortization
Remainder of 2024
$
1,179
2025
1,567
2026
904
2027
426
2028
126
Thereafter
35
$
4,237
Mortgage Servicing Rights: Mortgage and SBA servicing rights are reported in other assets. SBA servicing rights are initially recorded and carried at fair value. Mortgage servicing rights are initially recognized at fair value and are amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Mortgage servicing rights are subsequently evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights compared to the amortized cost (remaining unamortized initial fair value). If the fair value is less than the amortized cost, a valuation allowance is created through an impairment charge to servicing fee income. However, if the fair value is greater than the amortized cost, the amount above the amortized cost is not recognized in the carrying value. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not record any impairment charges or recoveries against mortgage servicing rights. The unpaid principal balance of loans for which mortgage and SBA servicing rights have been recognized totaled $2.80 billion and $2.78 billion at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Custodial accounts maintained in connection with this servicing totaled $17.5 million and $11.6 million at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
An analysis of the mortgage and SBA servicing rights for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 is presented below (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Balance, beginning of the period
$
14,293
$
15,613
$
14,649
$
16,166
Additions—amounts capitalized
478
349
784
485
Additions—through purchase
74
85
109
124
Amortization (1)
(797)
(827)
(1,603)
(1,674)
Fair value adjustments (2)
(38)
(109)
71
10
Balance, end of the period (3)
$
14,010
$
15,111
$
14,010
$
15,111
(1)Amortization of mortgage servicing rights is recorded as a reduction of loan servicing income within mortgage banking operations and any unamortized balance is fully amortized if the loan repays in full.
(2) Fair value adjustments relate to SBA servicing rights. These adjustments are estimated based on an independent dealer analysis by discounting estimated net future cash flows from servicing SBA loans.
(3)There was no valuation allowance on mortgage servicing rights as of both June 30, 2024 and 2023.
Note 6: DEPOSITS
Deposits consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Non-interest-bearing accounts
$
4,537,803
$
4,792,369
Interest-bearing checking
2,208,742
2,098,526
Regular savings accounts
3,192,036
2,980,530
Money market accounts
1,615,549
1,680,605
Total interest-bearing transaction and savings accounts
7,016,327
6,759,661
Certificates of deposit:
Certificates of deposit greater than or equal to $250,000
479,554
473,124
Certificates of deposit less than $250,000
1,045,579
1,004,343
Total certificates of deposit
1,525,133
1,477,467
Total deposits
$
13,079,263
$
13,029,497
Included in total deposits:
Public fund transaction and savings accounts
$
399,148
$
356,615
Public fund interest-bearing certificates
29,101
52,048
Total public deposits
$
428,249
$
408,663
Total brokered certificates of deposit
$
105,309
$
108,058
Scheduled maturities and weighted average interest rates of certificates of deposit at June 30, 2024 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
The following table presents estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, whether or not recognized or recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (dollars in thousands):
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Level
Carrying Value
Estimated Fair Value
Carrying Value
Estimated Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
1
$
247,458
$
247,458
$
254,464
$
254,464
Securities—available-for-sale
2
2,172,260
2,172,260
2,348,479
2,348,479
Securities—available-for-sale
3
25,433
25,433
25,304
25,304
Securities—held-to-maturity
2
1,016,211
845,924
1,052,028
900,522
Securities—held-to-maturity
3
6,817
6,785
7,027
6,992
Loans held for sale
2
13,421
13,608
11,170
11,219
Loans receivable, net
3
10,991,000
10,597,216
10,660,812
10,250,271
Equity securities
1
362
362
449
449
FHLB stock
3
27,311
27,311
24,028
24,028
Bank-owned life insurance
1
307,948
307,948
304,366
304,366
Mortgage servicing rights
3
13,199
37,702
13,909
35,794
SBA servicing rights
3
811
811
740
740
Investments in limited partnerships
3
13,417
13,417
13,475
13,475
Derivatives:
Interest rate swaps
2
26,682
26,682
15,129
15,129
Interest rate lock and forward sales commitments
2,3
324
324
275
275
Liabilities:
Demand, interest checking and money market accounts
2
8,362,094
8,362,094
8,571,500
8,571,500
Regular savings
2
3,192,036
3,192,036
2,980,530
2,980,530
Certificates of deposit
2
1,525,133
1,513,527
1,477,467
1,465,612
FHLB advances
2
398,000
398,000
323,000
323,000
Other borrowings
2
165,956
165,956
182,877
182,877
Subordinated notes, net
2
89,561
84,492
92,851
85,536
Junior subordinated debentures
3
66,831
66,831
66,413
66,413
Derivatives:
Interest rate swaps
2
43,780
43,780
29,809
29,809
Interest rate lock and forward sales commitments
2,3
1
1
185
185
Risk participation agreement
2
13
13
42
42
The Company measures and discloses certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale). When measuring fair value, management will maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs whenever possible. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s estimates for market assumptions.
The estimated fair value amounts of financial instruments have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required to interpret data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize at a future date. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. In addition, reasonable comparability between financial institutions may not be likely due to the wide range of permitted valuation techniques and numerous estimates that must be made given the absence of active secondary markets for many of the financial instruments. This lack of uniform valuation methodologies also introduces a greater degree of subjectivity to these estimated fair values.
Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:
The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy of the fair value measurements for those assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
(1) The unpaid principal balance of residential mortgage loans held for sale carried at fair value on a recurring basis was $9.8 million and $8.8 million at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
The following methods were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments above:
Securities: The estimated fair values of investment securities and mortgage-backed securities are priced using current active market quotes, if available, which are considered Level 1 measurements. For most of the portfolio, matrix pricing based on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices is used to establish the fair value. These measurements are considered Level 2. Due to the continued limited activity in the trust preferred markets that have limited the observability of market spreads for some of the Company’s trust preferred securities (TPS), management has classified these securities, included in Corporate Bonds, as a Level 3 fair value measure. Management periodically reviews the pricing information received from third-party pricing services and tests those prices against other sources to validate the reported fair values.
Loans Held for Sale: Fair values for residential mortgage loans held for sale are determined by comparing actual loan rates to current secondary market prices for similar loans.
Equity Securities: Equity securities are invested in a publicly traded stock. The fair value of these securities is based on daily quoted market prices.
SBA Servicing Rights: Fair values are estimated based on an independent dealer analysis by discounting estimated net future cash flows from servicing. The evaluation utilizes assumptions market participants would use in determining fair value including prepayment speeds, delinquency and foreclosure rates, the discount rate, servicing costs, and the timing of cash flows. The SBA servicing portfolio is stratified by loan type and fair value estimates are adjusted up or down based on the serviced loan interest rates versus current rates on new loan originations since the most recent independent analysis.
Junior Subordinated Debentures: The fair value of junior subordinated debentures is estimated using an income approach technique. The significant inputs included in the estimation of fair value are the credit risk adjusted spread and three month SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate). The credit risk adjusted spread represents the nonperformance risk of the liability. The Company utilizes an external valuation firm to validate the reasonableness of the credit risk adjusted spread used to determine the fair value. The junior subordinated debentures are carried at fair value which represents the estimated amount that would be paid to transfer these liabilities in an orderly transaction amongst market participants. Due to inactivity in the trust preferred markets that have limited the observability of market spreads, management has classified this as a Level 3 fair value measurement.
Derivatives: Derivatives include interest rate swap agreements, interest rate lock commitments to originate loans held for sale, forward sales contracts to sell loans and securities related to mortgage banking activities and risk participation agreements. Fair values for these instruments, which generally change as a result of changes in the level of market interest rates, are estimated based on dealer quotes and secondary market sources. As the interest rate lock commitments use a pull-through rate that is considered an unobservable input, these derivatives are classified as a level 3 fair value measurement.
Off-Balance Sheet Items: Off-balance sheet financial instruments include unfunded commitments to extend credit, including standby letters of credit, and commitments to purchase investment securities. The fair value of these instruments is not considered to be material.
Limitations: The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The factors used in the fair value estimates are subject to change subsequent to the dates the fair value estimates are completed, therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3):
The following table provides a description of the valuation technique, unobservable inputs, and quantitative and qualitative information about the unobservable inputs for the Company’s assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 and measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Weighted Average Rate or Range
Financial Instruments
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Inputs
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Corporate bonds (TPS)
Discounted cash flows
Discount rate
10.84
%
10.84
%
Junior subordinated debentures
Discounted cash flows
Discount rate
10.84
%
10.84
%
Loans individually evaluated
Collateral valuations
Discount to appraised value
—% to 80%
8.75% to 25%
Interest rate lock commitments
Pricing model
Pull-through rate
90.92
%
88.24
%
SBA servicing rights
Discounted cash flows
Constant prepayment rate
18.97
%
16.92
%
Trust preferred securities: Management believes that the credit risk-adjusted spread used to develop the discount rate utilized in the fair value measurement of TPS is indicative of the risk premium a willing market participant would require under current market conditions for instruments with similar contractual rates and terms and conditions and issuers with similar credit risk profiles and with similar expected probability of default. Management attributes the change in fair value of these instruments, compared to their par value, primarily to perceived general market adjustments to the risk premiums for these types of assets subsequent to their issuance.
Junior subordinated debentures: Similar to the TPS discussed above, management believes that the credit risk-adjusted spread utilized in the fair value measurement of the junior subordinated debentures is indicative of the risk premium a willing market participant would require under current market conditions for an issuer with Banner’s credit risk profile. Management attributes the change in fair value of the junior subordinated debentures, compared to their par value, primarily to perceived general market adjustments to the risk premiums for these types of liabilities subsequent to their issuance. Future contractions in the risk adjusted spread relative to the spread currently utilized to measure the Company’s junior subordinated debentures at fair value as of June 30, 2024, or the passage of time, will result in negative fair value adjustments. At June 30, 2024, the discount rate utilized was based on a credit spread of 551 basis points and three-month SOFR of 532 basis points.
Interest rate lock commitments: The fair value of the interest rate lock commitments is based on secondary market sources adjusted for an estimated pull-through rate. The pull-through rate is based on historical loan closing rates for similar interest rate lock commitments. An increase or decrease in the pull-through rate would have a corresponding, positive or negative fair value adjustment.
SBA servicing asset: The constant prepayment rate (CPR) is set based on industry data. An increase in the CPR would result in a negative fair value adjustment, where a decrease in CPR would result in a positive fair value adjustment.
The following tables provide a reconciliation of the assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) on a recurring basis during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
Level 3 Fair Value Inputs
TPS Securities
Borrowings—Junior Subordinated Debentures
Interest Rate Lock and Forward Sales Commitments
Investments in Limited Partnerships
SBA Servicing Asset
Beginning balance
$
25,357
$
66,586
$
218
$
12,975
$
849
Net change recognized in earnings
65
—
39
(164)
(38)
Net change recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI)
11
245
—
—
—
Purchases, issuances and settlements
—
—
—
606
—
Ending balance at June 30, 2024
$
25,433
$
66,831
$
257
$
13,417
$
811
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
Level 3 Fair Value Inputs
TPS Securities
Borrowings—Junior Subordinated Debentures
Interest Rate Lock and Forward Sales Commitments
Investments in Limited Partnerships
SBA Servicing Asset
Beginning balance
$
25,304
$
66,413
$
251
$
13,475
$
740
Net change recognized in earnings
129
—
6
(1,094)
71
Net change recognized in AOCI
—
418
—
—
—
Purchases, issuances and settlements
—
—
—
1,036
—
Ending balance at June 30, 2024
$
25,433
$
66,831
$
257
$
13,417
$
811
Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
Level 3 Fair Value Inputs
TPS
Borrowings—Junior Subordinated Debentures
Interest Rate Lock and Forward Sales Commitments
Investments in Limited Partnerships
SBA Servicing Asset
Beginning balance
$
28,591
$
74,703
$
480
$
12,394
$
954
Net change recognized in earnings
(2,932)
—
(212)
(142)
(109)
Net change recognized in AOCI
—
(7,466)
—
—
—
Purchases, issuances and settlements
—
—
—
524
—
Ending balance at June 30, 2023
$
25,659
$
67,237
$
268
$
12,776
$
845
Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
Level 3 Fair Value Inputs
TPS Securities
Borrowings—Junior Subordinated Debentures
Interest Rate Lock and Forward Sales Commitments
Investments in Limited Partnerships
SBA Servicing Asset
Beginning balance
$
28,694
$
74,857
$
39
$
12,427
$
835
Net change recognized in earnings
(3,035)
229
(662)
10
Net change recognized in AOCI
(7,620)
—
—
—
Purchases, issuances and settlements
—
—
—
1,011
—
Ending balance at June 30, 2023
$
25,659
$
67,237
$
268
$
12,776
$
845
Interest income, dividends and amortization related to TPS are recorded as a component of interest income. Interest expense related to the junior subordinated debentures is measured based on contractual interest rates and reported in interest expense. The change in fair value of the junior subordinated debentures, which represents changes in instrument specific credit risk, and the change in fair value of TPS securities are recorded in other comprehensive income. The change in fair value of investments in limited partnerships and the SBA servicing asset are recorded as a component of non-interest income. The change in fair value of the interest rate lock and forward sales commitments are included in mortgage banking operations in non-interest income.
Items Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis:
The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy of the fair value measurements for those assets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
June 30, 2024
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Loans individually evaluated
$
—
$
—
$
4,760
$
4,760
Real Estate Owned (REO)
$
—
$
—
$
2,564
$
2,564
December 31, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Loans individually evaluated
$
—
$
—
$
8,308
$
8,308
REO
—
—
526
526
The following table presents the gains and losses resulting from non-recurring fair value adjustments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Loans individually evaluated
$
347
$
—
$
347
$
—
Loans held for sale
—
(757)
—
(463)
Total loss from non-recurring measurements
$
347
$
(757)
$
347
$
(463)
Loans individually evaluated: Expected credit losses for loans evaluated individually are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or when the Bank determines that foreclosure is probable, the expected credit loss is measured based on the fair value of the collateral as of the reporting date, less estimated selling costs, as applicable. As a practical expedient, the Bank measures the expected credit loss for a loan using the fair value of the collateral, if repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty based on the Bank’s assessment as of the reporting date. In both cases, if the fair value of the collateral is less than the amortized cost basis of the loan, the Bank will recognize an allowance as the difference between the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell (if applicable) and the amortized cost basis of the loan. If the fair value of the collateral exceeds the amortized cost basis of the loan, any expected recovery added to the amortized cost basis will be limited to the amount previously charged-off. Subsequent changes in the expected credit losses for loans evaluated individually are included within the provision for credit losses in the same manner in which the expected credit loss initially was recognized or as a reduction in the provision that would otherwise be reported.
REO: The Company records REO (acquired through a lending relationship) at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Fair value adjustments on REO are based on updated real estate appraisals which are based on current market conditions. All REO properties are recorded at the lower of the estimated fair value of the real estate, less expected selling costs, or the carrying amount of the defaulted loans. From time to time, non-recurring fair value adjustments to REO are recorded to reflect partial write-downs based on an observable market price or current appraised value of property. Banner considers any valuation inputs related to REO to be Level 3 inputs. The individual carrying values of these assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually and any additional impairment charges are expensed.
Note 8: INCOME TAXES AND DEFERRED TAXES
The Company files a consolidated income tax return including all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries on a calendar year basis. Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, a deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the enacted tax rates which will be in effect when the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of existing assets and liabilities are expected to be reported in the Company’s income tax returns. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period of change. A valuation allowance is recognized as a reduction to deferred tax assets when management determines it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be available to offset future income tax liabilities.
Accounting standards for income taxes prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and also provide guidance on the de-recognition of previously recorded benefits and their classification, as well as the proper recording of interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transition. The Company periodically reviews its income tax positions based on tax laws and regulations and financial reporting considerations, and records adjustments as appropriate. This review takes into consideration the status of current taxing authorities’ examinations of the Company’s tax returns, recent positions taken by the taxing authorities on similar transactions, if any, and the overall tax environment.
As of June 30, 2024, the Company has recognized $2.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions. The Company does not anticipate that there are additional uncertain tax positions or that any uncertain tax position which has not been recognized would materially affect the effective tax rate if recognized. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company files consolidated income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in the Oregon, California, Utah, Idaho and Montana state jurisdictions.
Tax credit investments: The Company invests in low income housing tax credit funds that are designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal tax credits. The Company accounts for these investments by amortizing the cost of tax credit investments over the life of the investment using a proportional amortization method and tax credit investment amortization expense is a component of the provision for income taxes.
The following table presents the balances of the Company’s tax credit investments and related unfunded commitments at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Tax Credit Investments:
Total commitments
$
128,435
$
103,453
Unfunded commitments
85,405
62,594
The following table presents other information related to the Company’s tax credit investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Tax credits and other tax benefits recognized
$
3,163
$
2,134
$
6,326
$
4,269
Tax credit amortization expense included in provision for income taxes
2,519
1,722
5,018
3,444
Note 9: CALCULATION OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING FOR EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
The following table reconciles basic to diluted weighted average shares outstanding used to calculate earnings per share data for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands, except shares and per share data):
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net income
$
39,795
$
39,591
$
77,354
$
95,146
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
34,488,163
34,373,434
34,439,863
34,306,853
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock
48,849
35,590
99,757
128,368
Diluted weighted shares outstanding
34,537,012
34,409,024
34,539,620
34,435,221
Earnings per common share
Basic
$
1.15
$
1.15
$
2.25
$
2.77
Diluted
$
1.15
$
1.15
$
2.24
$
2.76
Restricted stock units and stock options excluded from the diluted average outstanding share calculation (1)
119,057
283,313
119,057
88,210
(1)Anti-dilution occurs when the unrecognized compensation cost per share of a restricted stock unit exceeds the current market price of the Company’s stock.
Note 10: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
The Company operates the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the 2014 Plan), the 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the 2018 Plan) and the 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the 2023 Plan), all of which were approved by its shareholders. The purpose of these plans is to promote the success and enhance the value of the Company by providing a means for attracting and retaining highly skilled employees, officers and directors of the Company and linking their personal interests with those of the Company’s shareholders. Under these plans, the Company currently has outstanding awards of restricted stock shares and restricted stock units.
The Company reserved 900,000 shares of its common stock for issuance under the 2014 Plan in connection with the exercise of awards. As of June 30, 2024, 277,304 restricted stock shares and 600,100 restricted stock units have been granted under the 2014 Plan of which no restricted stock shares and 167,040 restricted stock units were unvested. No further awards will be granted under the 2014 Plan.
The Company reserved 900,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the 2018 Plan in connection with the exercise of awards. As of June 30, 2024, 813,657 restricted stock units have been granted under the 2018 Plan of which 270,318 restricted stock units were unvested.
The Company reserved 625,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the 2023 Plan in connection with the exercise of awards. As of June 30, 2024, 4,927 restricted stock shares and 9,798 restricted stock units have been granted under the 2023 Plan all of which were unvested.
The expense associated with all restricted stock grants (including restricted stock shares and restricted stock units) was$2.4 million and $4.7 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2024, and was $2.3 million and $4.4 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2023, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense for these awards as of June 30, 2024, was $18.7 million and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 14 months.
Note 11: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk — The Company has financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk generated in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our clients. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, commitments related to standby letters of credit, commitments to originate loans, commitments to sell loans, and commitments to buy or sell securities. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk similar to the risk involved in on-balance-sheet items.
Our exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument from commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. We use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for on-balance-sheet instruments.
Outstanding commitments for which no asset or liability for the notional amount has been recorded consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):
Contract or Notional Amount
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Commitments to extend credit
$
3,874,233
$
3,887,423
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees
29,120
29,312
Commitments to originate loans
35,924
27,487
Risk participation agreements
44,889
46,348
Derivatives also included in Note 12:
Commitments to originate loans held for sale
44,632
19,572
Commitments to sell loans secured by one- to four-family residential properties
15,689
8,437
Commitments to sell securities related to mortgage banking activities
29,000
17,000
In addition to the commitments disclosed in the table above, the Company is committed to funding the unfunded portion of its tax credit investments. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the funded balances and remaining outstanding commitments of these unfunded tax investments were as follows (in thousands):
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Funded Balance
Unfunded Balance
Funded Balance
Unfunded Balance
Tax credit investments
$
71,748
$
85,405
$
68,559
$
62,594
The Company has also entered into agreements to invest in limited partnerships. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the funded balances and remaining outstanding commitments of these limited partnership investments were as follows (in thousands):
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Funded Balance
Unfunded Balance
Funded Balance
Unfunded Balance
Limited partnerships investments
$
13,074
$
14,426
$
12,038
$
10,462
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a client, as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Many of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon; therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each client’s creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the client. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income producing commercial properties. The Company’s allowance for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $14.0 million and $14.5 million, respectively.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee a client’s performance or payment to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to clients. Under a risk participation agreement, the Bank guarantees the financial performance of a borrower on the participated portion of an interest rate swap on a loan.
Interest rates on residential one- to four-family mortgage loan applications are typically rate locked (committed) to clients during the application stage for periods ranging from 30 to 60 days, the most typical period being 45 days. Traditionally, these loan applications with rate lock commitments had the pricing for the sale of these loans locked with various qualified investors under a best-efforts delivery program at or near the time the interest rate is locked with the client. The Bank then attempts to deliver these loans before their rate locks expired. This arrangement generally required delivery of the loans prior to the expiration of the rate lock. Delays in funding the loans would require a lock extension. The cost of a lock extension at times was borne by the client and at times by the Bank. These lock extension costs have not had a material impact to the Company’s operations. For mandatory delivery commitments the Company enters into forward commitments at specific prices and settlement dates to deliver either: (1) residential mortgage loans for purchase by secondary market investors (i.e., Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae), or (2) mortgage-backed securities to broker/dealers. The purpose of these forward commitments is to offset the movement in interest rates between the execution of its residential mortgage rate lock commitments with borrowers and the sale of those loans to the secondary market investor. There were no counterparty default losses on forward contracts during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 or June 30, 2023. Market risk with respect to forward contracts arises principally from changes in the value of contractual positions due to changes in interest rates. The Company limits its exposure to market risk by monitoring differences between commitments to clients and forward contracts with market investors and securities broker/dealers. In the event the Company has forward delivery contract commitments in excess of available mortgage loans, the transaction is completed by either paying or receiving a fee to or from the investor or broker/dealer equal to the increase or decrease in the market value of the forward contract.
In the normal course of business, the Company and/or its subsidiaries have various legal proceedings and other contingent matters outstanding. These proceedings and the associated legal claims are often contested and the outcome of individual matters is not always predictable. These claims and counter-claims typically arise during the course of collection efforts on problem loans or with respect to action to enforce liens on properties in which the Bank holds a security interest. Based upon the information known to management at this time, the Company has accrued $702,000 related to outstanding legal proceedings as of June 30, 2024, compared to $14.8 million as of December 31, 2023. There are no other legal proceedings that management believes would have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or consolidated financial position at June 30, 2024.
In connection with certain asset sales, the Bank typically makes representations and warranties about the underlying assets conforming to specified guidelines. If the underlying assets do not conform to the specifications, the Bank may have an obligation to repurchase the assets or indemnify the purchaser against any loss. The Bank believes that the potential for material loss under these arrangements is remote. Accordingly, the fair value of such obligations is not material.
Note 12: DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING
Banner Bank is party to various derivative instruments that are used for asset and liability management and client financing needs. Derivative instruments are contracts between two or more parties that have a notional amount and an underlying variable, require no net investment and allow for the net settlement of positions. The notional amount serves as the basis for the payment provision of the contract and takes the form of units, such as shares or dollars. The underlying variable represents a specified interest rate, index, or other component. The interaction between the notional amount and the underlying variable determines the number of units to be exchanged between the parties and influences the market value of the derivative contract.
The Company’s derivative and hedging activities involve interest rate swaps related to certain term loans and forward sales contracts associated with mortgage banking activities. Generally, these instruments help the Company manage exposure to market risk and meet client financing needs. Market risk represents the possibility that economic value or net interest income will be adversely affected by fluctuations in external factors such as market-driven interest rates and prices or other economic factors.
As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the notional values or contractual amounts and fair values of the Company’s derivatives were as follows (in thousands):
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Notional/ Contract Amount
Fair Value
Notional/ Contract Amount
Fair Value
Notional/ Contract Amount
Fair Value
Notional/ Contract Amount
Fair Value
Hedged interest rate swaps
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
400,000
$
8,202
$
400,000
$
15,141
Interest rate swaps not designated in hedge relationships
$
398,489
$
33,726
$
416,711
$
29,058
$
398,489
$
33,764
$
416,711
$
29,126
Master netting agreements
(7,044)
(13,929)
(7,044)
(13,929)
Cash offset/(settlement)
—
—
8,858
(529)
Net interest rate swaps
26,682
15,129
43,780
29,809
Risk participation agreements
933
—
1,050
—
43,955
13
45,298
42
Mortgage loan commitments
44,632
258
19,572
275
—
—
—
—
Forward sales contracts
36,164
66
5,406
—
5,250
1
17,966
185
Total
$
480,218
$
27,006
$
442,739
$
15,404
$
447,694
$
43,794
$
479,975
$
30,036
The Company’s asset derivatives are included in other assets, while the liability derivatives are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Interest Rate Swaps used in Cash Flow Hedges: The Company’s floating rate loans result in exposure to losses in value or net interest income as interest rates change. The risk management objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to reduce volatility in net interest income and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company entered into interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing floating rate loans. These hedge contracts involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making floating-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.
For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the unrealized gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in AOCI and subsequently reclassified into interest income in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in AOCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest income as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate assets. During the next 12 months, the Company estimates that an additional $7.0 million will be reclassified as a decrease to interest income.
The following table presents the effect of cash flow hedge accounting on AOCI for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Included Component
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Excluded Component
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized from AOCI into Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income Included Component
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income Excluded Component
Interest rate swaps
$
(577)
$
(577)
$
—
Interest Income
$
(4,581)
$
(4,581)
$
—
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Included Component
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Excluded Component
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized from AOCI into Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income Included Component
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income Excluded Component
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Included Component
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Excluded Component
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized from AOCI into Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income Included Component
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income Excluded Component
Interest rate swaps
$
(5,514)
$
(5,514)
$
—
Interest Income
$
(4,159)
$
(4,159)
$
—
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Included Component
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Excluded Component
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized from AOCI into Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income Included Component
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income Excluded Component
Interest rate swaps
$
(4,390)
$
(4,390)
$
—
Interest Income
$
(7,772)
$
(7,772)
$
—
At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we recorded total net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges in AOCI of $5.4 million and $10.6 million, respectively.
Interest Rate Swaps: The Bank uses an interest rate swap program for commercial loan clients that provides the client with a variable-rate loan and enters into an interest rate swap in which the client receives a variable-rate payment in exchange for a fixed-rate payment. The Bank offsets its risk exposure by entering into an offsetting interest rate swap with a dealer counterparty for the same notional amount and length of term as the client interest rate swap providing the dealer counterparty with a fixed-rate payment in exchange for a variable-rate payment. These swaps do not qualify as designated hedges; therefore, each swap is accounted for as a freestanding derivative.
Risk Participation Agreements: In conjunction with the purchase or sale of participating interests in loans, the Company also participates in related swaps through risk participation agreements. The existing credit derivatives resulting from these participations are not designated as hedges as they are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Company’s assets or liabilities and are not speculative.
Mortgage Loan Commitments: The Company sells originated one- to four-family mortgage loans into the secondary mortgage loan markets. During the period of loan origination and prior to the sale of the loans into the secondary market, the Company has exposure to movements in interest rates associated with written interest rate lock commitments with potential borrowers to originate one- to four-family loans that are intended to be sold and for closed one- to four-family mortgage loans held for sale for which fair value accounting has been elected, that are awaiting sale and delivery into the secondary market. The Company economically hedges the risk of changing interest rates associated with these mortgage loan commitments by entering into forward sales contracts to sell one- to four-family mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities to broker/dealers at specific prices and dates.
Gains (losses) recognized in income within mortgage banking operations on non-designated hedging instruments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Mortgage loan commitments
$
40
$
(210)
$
73
$
230
Forward sales contracts
10
(221)
80
79
$
50
$
(431)
$
153
$
309
The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty to these agreements. Credit risk of the financial contract is controlled through the credit approval, limits, and monitoring procedures and management does not expect the counterparties to fail their obligations.
In connection with the interest rate swaps between the Bank and the dealer counterparties, the agreements contain a provision where if the Bank fails to maintain its status as a well/adequately capitalized institution, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and the Bank would be required to settle its obligations. Similarly, the Bank could be required to settle its obligations under certain of its agreements if specific regulatory events occur, such as a publicly issued prompt corrective action directive, cease and desist order, or a capital maintenance agreement that required the Bank to maintain a specific capital level. If the Bank had breached any of these provisions at June 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had no obligations to dealer counterparties related to these agreements. The Company generally posts collateral against derivative liabilities in the form of cash, government agency-issued bonds, mortgage-backed securities, or commercial mortgage-backed securities. Collateral posted against derivative liabilities was $18.6 million and $15.0 million as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The collateral posted included restricted cash of $17.7 million and $14.0 million as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Derivative assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. Master netting agreements allow the Company to settle all derivative contracts held with a single counterparty on a net basis and to offset net derivative positions with related collateral where applicable. In addition, some interest rate swap derivatives between the Company and the dealer counterparties are cleared through central clearing houses. These clearing houses characterize the variation margin payments as settlements of the derivative’s market exposure and not as collateral. The variation margin is treated as an adjustment to our cash collateral, as well as a corresponding adjustment to our derivative liability. The variation margin adjustment was a positive adjustment of $8.9 million and a negative adjustment of $529,000 as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
The following tables present additional information related to the Company’s derivative contracts, by type of financial instrument, as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
June 30, 2024
Gross Amounts of Financial Instruments Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition
Gross Amounts Recognized
Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Net Amounts in the Statement of Financial Condition
Netting Adjustment Per Applicable Master Netting Agreements
Fair Value of Financial Collateral in the Statement of Financial Condition
Net Amount
Derivative assets
Interest rate swaps
$
33,726
$
(7,044)
$
26,682
$
—
$
—
$
26,682
$
33,726
$
(7,044)
$
26,682
$
—
$
—
$
26,682
Derivative liabilities
Interest rate swaps
$
41,966
$
1,814
$
43,780
$
—
$
(16,793)
$
26,987
$
41,966
$
1,814
$
43,780
$
—
$
(16,793)
$
26,987
December 31, 2023
Gross Amounts of Financial Instruments Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition
Gross Amounts Recognized
Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Net Amounts in the Statement of Financial Condition
Netting Adjustment Per Applicable Master Netting Agreements
Fair Value of Financial Collateral in the Statement of Financial Condition
ITEM 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Executive Overview
Banner is a bank holding company incorporated in the State of Washington, which wholly owns one subsidiary bank, Banner Bank. The Bank is a Washington-chartered commercial bank that conducts business from its main office in Walla Walla, Washington, and as of June 30, 2024, it had 135 branch offices and 13 loan production offices located in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Utah. Banner is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve. The Bank is subject to regulation by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions-Division of Banks (the DFI) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC). As of June 30, 2024, we had total consolidated assets of $15.82 billion, total loans of $11.14 billion, total deposits of $13.08 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $1.69 billion.
The Bank is a regional bank that offers a wide variety of commercial banking services and financial products to individuals, businesses and public sector entities in its primary market areas. The Bank’s primary business is that of traditional banking institutions, accepting deposits and originating loans in locations surrounding our offices in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Utah. The Bank is also an active participant in secondary loan markets, engaging in mortgage banking operations through the origination and sale of one- to four-family residential loans. Lending activities include commercial business and commercial real estate loans, agriculture business loans, construction and land development loans, one- to four-family and multifamily residential loans, SBA loans and consumer loans.
The Company’s successful execution of its super community bank model and strategic initiatives has delivered solid core operating results and profitability over the last several years. The Company’s longer term strategic initiatives continue to focus on originating high quality assets and client acquisition, which we believe will continue to generate strong revenue while maintaining the Company’s moderate risk profile.
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights
•Revenue was $149.7 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to $144.6 million in the preceding quarter.
•Adjusted revenue* (the total of net interest income and total non-interest income adjusted for the net gain or loss on the sale of securities and the net change in valuation of financial instruments) was $150.5 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared to $150.4 million in the preceding quarter.
•Net interest income was $132.5 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared to $133.0 million in the preceding quarter.
•Net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis, was 3.70%, compared to 3.74% in the preceding quarter.
•Mortgage banking operations revenue was $3.0 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to $2.3 million in the preceding quarter.
•Return on average assets was 1.02%, compared to 0.97% in the preceding quarter.
•Net loans receivable increased 3% to $10.99 billion at June 30, 2024, compared to $10.72 billion at March 31, 2024.
•Non-performing assets were $33.3 million, or 0.21% of total assets, at June 30, 2024, compared to $29.9 million, or 0.19% of total assets at March 31, 2024.
•The allowance for credit losses - loans was $152.8 million, or 1.37% of total loans receivable, as of June 30, 2024, compared to $151.1 million, or 1.39% of total loans receivable, at March 31, 2024.
•Total deposits decreased to $13.08 billion at June 30, 2024, compared to $13.16 billion at March 31, 2024. Core deposits represented 88% of total deposits at June 30, 2024.
•Available borrowing capacity was $4.73 billion at June 30, 2024, compared to $5.05 billion at March 31, 2024.
•On balance sheet liquidity was $2.83 billion at June 30, 2024, compared to $2.77 billion at March 31, 2024.
•Dividends paid to shareholders were $0.48 per share in the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
•Common shareholders’ equity per share increased 1% to $49.07 at June 30, 2024, compared to $48.39 at the preceding quarter end.
•Tangible common shareholders’ equity per share* increased 2% to $38.12 at June 30, 2024, compared to $37.40 at the preceding quarter end.
*Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Management has presented non-GAAP financial measures in this discussion and analysis because it believes that they provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in our core operations and to facilitate the comparison of our performance with the performance of our peers. However, these non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP. Where applicable, we have also presented comparable earnings information using GAAP financial measures. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures, see the tables below. Because not all companies use the same calculations, our presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as calculated by other companies.
Adjusted revenue, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted return on average assets, adjusted return on average equity and adjusted efficiency ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. To calculate these non-GAAP measures, we make adjustments to our GAAP revenues and expenses as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide information to investors that is useful in evaluating the operating performance and trends of financial services companies, including the Company (dollars in thousands except per share data).
Quarters Ended
Six Months Ended June 30,
Jun 30, 2024
Mar 31, 2024
Jun 30, 2023
2024
2023
ADJUSTED REVENUE
Net interest income (GAAP)
$
132,546
$
132,959
$
142,518
$
265,505
$
295,830
Non-interest income (GAAP)
17,199
11,591
8,422
28,790
17,699
Total revenue (GAAP)
149,745
144,550
150,940
294,295
313,529
Exclude: Net loss on sale of securities
562
4,903
4,527
5,465
11,779
Net change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value
190
992
3,151
1,182
3,703
Adjusted revenue (non-GAAP)
$
150,497
$
150,445
$
158,618
$
300,942
$
329,011
Quarters Ended
Six Months Ended June 30,
Jun 30, 2024
Mar 31, 2024
Jun 30, 2023
2024
2023
ADJUSTED EARNINGS
Net income (GAAP)
$
39,795
$
37,559
$
39,591
$
77,354
$
95,146
Exclude: Net loss on sale of securities
562
4,903
4,527
5,465
11,779
Net change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value
190
992
3,151
1,182
3,703
Banner Forward expenses(1)
—
—
195
—
338
Related net tax benefit
(180)
(1,415)
(1,890)
(1,595)
(3,797)
Total adjusted earnings (non-GAAP)
$
40,367
$
42,039
$
45,574
$
82,406
$
107,169
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)
$
1.15
$
1.09
$
1.15
$
2.24
$
2.76
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP)
$
1.17
$
1.22
$
1.32
$
2.39
$
3.11
Return on average assets
1.02
%
0.97
%
1.02
%
1.00
%
1.23
%
Adjusted return on average assets (2)
1.04
%
1.08
%
1.18
%
1.06
%
1.39
%
Return on average equity
9.69
%
9.14
%
10.25
%
9.42
%
12.57
%
Adjusted return on average equity (3)
9.83
%
10.24
%
11.80
%
10.03
%
14.16
%
Quarters Ended
Six Months Ended June 30,
Jun 30, 2024
Mar 31, 2024
Jun 30, 2023
2024
2023
ADJUSTED EFFICIENCY RATIO
Non-interest expense (GAAP)
$
98,128
$
97,641
$
95,405
$
195,769
$
190,026
Exclude: Banner Forward expenses (1)
—
—
(195)
—
(338)
CDI amortization
(724)
(723)
(991)
(1,447)
(2,041)
State and municipal tax expense
(1,394)
(1,304)
(1,229)
(2,698)
(2,529)
REO operations
(297)
220
(75)
(77)
202
Adjusted non-interest expense (non-GAAP)
$
95,713
$
95,834
$
92,915
$
191,547
$
185,320
Net interest income (GAAP)
$
132,546
$
132,959
$
142,518
$
265,505
$
295,830
Non-interest income (GAAP)
17,199
11,591
8,422
28,790
17,699
Total revenue (GAAP)
149,745
144,550
150,940
294,295
313,529
Exclude: Net loss on sale of securities
562
4,903
4,527
5,465
11,779
Net change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value
190
992
3,151
1,182
3,703
Adjusted revenue (non-GAAP)
$
150,497
$
150,445
$
158,618
$
300,942
$
329,011
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)
65.53
%
67.55
%
63.21
%
66.52
%
60.61
%
Adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) (4)
63.60
%
63.70
%
58.58
%
63.65
%
56.33
%
(1)Included in miscellaneous expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
(2)Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) divided by average assets.
(3)Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) divided by average equity.
(4)Adjusted non-interest expense (non-GAAP) divided by adjusted revenue.
The ratio of tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets is also a non-GAAP financial measure. We calculate tangible common equity by excluding goodwill and other intangible assets from shareholders’ equity. We calculate tangible assets by excluding the balance of goodwill and other intangible assets from total assets. We believe that this is consistent with the treatment by our bank regulatory agencies, which exclude goodwill and other intangible assets from the calculation of risk-based capital ratios. Management believes that this non-GAAP financial measure provides information to investors that is useful in understanding the basis of our capital position (dollars in thousands except share and per share data).
TANGIBLE COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY TO TANGIBLE ASSETS
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
June 30, 2023
Shareholders’ equity (GAAP)
$
1,690,766
$
1,652,691
$
1,542,513
Exclude goodwill and other intangible assets, net
377,358
378,805
380,520
Tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP)
$
1,313,408
$
1,273,886
$
1,161,993
Total assets (GAAP)
$
15,816,194
$
15,670,391
$
15,584,736
Exclude goodwill and other intangible assets, net
377,358
378,805
380,520
Total tangible assets (non-GAAP)
$
15,438,836
$
15,291,586
$
15,204,216
Common shareholders’ equity to total assets (GAAP)
10.69
%
10.55
%
9.90
%
Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)
8.51
%
8.33
%
7.64
%
TANGIBLE COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY PER SHARE
Shareholders’ equity (GAAP)
$
1,690,766
$
1,652,691
$
1,542,513
Tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP)
$
1,313,408
$
1,273,886
$
1,161,993
Common shares outstanding at end of period
34,455,752
34,348,369
34,344,627
Common shareholders’ equity (book value) per share (GAAP)
$
49.07
$
48.12
$
44.91
Tangible common shareholders’ equity (tangible book value) per share (non-GAAP)
$
38.12
$
37.09
$
33.83
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to assist in understanding our financial condition and results of operations. The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates
Our critical accounting estimates are described in detail in the Critical Accounting Estimates section of our 2023 Form 10-K. The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP and follow general practices within the financial services industry in which the Company operates. This preparation requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements. As this information changes, actual results could differ from the estimates, assumptions, and judgments reflected in the financial statements. Certain estimates inherently have a greater reliance on the use of assumptions and judgments and, as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Management believes that the allowance for credit losses and fair value require significant judgements and assumptions which are susceptible to significant changes based on the current environment. There have been no significant changes in our application of critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2023.
Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023
General: Total assets increased $145.8 million to $15.82 billion at June 30, 2024, from $15.67 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to loan growth, partially offset by a decrease in the securities portfolio resulting from principal repayments, maturities and sales of securities.
Loans and lending: Loans are our most significant and generally highest yielding earning assets. We attempt to maintain a total loans to total deposits ratio at a level designed to enhance our revenues, while adhering to sound underwriting practices and appropriate diversification guidelines in order to maintain a moderate risk profile. Our loan to deposit ratio at June 30, 2024 was 85%. We offer a wide range of loan products to meet the demands of our clients. Our lending activities are primarily directed toward the origination of real estate and commercial loans. Total loans receivable (gross loans less deferred fees and discounts and excluding loans held for sale) increased $333.4 million at June 30, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, primarily reflecting increased one-to-four family residential loans, multifamily construction loans, commercial business loans and home equity revolving lines of credit, partially offset by decreased one-to-four family construction loans. At June 30, 2024, our loans receivable totaled $11.14 billion compared to $10.81 billion at December 31, 2023.
The following table sets forth the composition of the Company’s loans receivable by type of loan as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
Percentage Change
Jun 30, 2024
Dec 31, 2023
Jun 30, 2023
Year End
Prior Year Qtr.
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
950,922
$
915,897
$
894,876
4
%
6
%
Investment properties
1,536,142
1,541,344
1,558,176
—
(1)
Small balance CRE
1,234,302
1,178,500
1,172,825
5
5
Total Commercial real estate
3,721,366
3,635,741
3,625,877
2
3
Multifamily real estate
717,089
811,232
699,830
(12)
2
Construction, land and land development:
Commercial construction
173,296
170,011
183,765
2
(6)
Multifamily construction
663,989
503,993
433,868
32
53
One- to four-family construction
490,237
526,432
547,200
(7)
(10)
Land and land development
352,184
336,639
345,053
5
2
Total Construction, land and land development
1,679,706
1,537,075
1,509,886
9
11
Commercial business:
Commercial business
1,298,134
1,255,734
1,313,226
3
(1)
Small business scored
1,074,465
1,022,154
982,283
5
9
Total Commercial business
2,372,599
2,277,888
2,295,509
4
3
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland
334,583
331,089
310,120
1
8
One- to four-family residential
1,603,266
1,518,046
1,340,126
6
20
Consumer:
Consumer—home equity revolving lines of credit
611,739
588,703
577,725
4
6
Consumer—other
103,500
110,681
113,334
(6)
(9)
Total Consumer
715,239
699,384
691,059
2
3
Total loans receivable
$
11,143,848
$
10,810,455
$
10,472,407
3
%
6
%
Commercial real estate loans totaled $3.72 billion, or 33% of our loan portfolio, and multifamily real estate loans totaled $717.1 million, or 6% of our loan portfolio, at June 30, 2024. Commercial real estate loans increased by $85.6 million during the first six months of 2024, while multifamily real estate loans decreased by $94.1 million, primarily due to certain affordable housing loans transferring to small balance commercial real estate.
Our construction, land and land development loans totaled $1.68 billion, or 15% of our loan portfolio, at June 30, 2024, compared to $1.54 billion at December 31, 2023. The largest shifts in our construction, land and land development portfolio occurred in multifamily and one- to four-family construction loans. Multifamily construction loans increased $160.0 million, or 32%, to $664.0 million at June 30, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023. Multifamily construction loans represented approximately 6% of our total loan portfolio at June 30, 2024 and was comprised of affordable housing projects and, to a lesser extent, market rate multifamily projects across our footprint. One- to four-family construction loans decreased $36.2 million, or 7%, to $490.2 million at June 30, 2024, compared to $526.4 million at December 31, 2023. One- to four-family construction loans represented approximately 4% of our total loan portfolio at June 30, 2024, and included speculative construction loans, as well as “all-in-one” construction loans made to owner occupants that convert to permanent loans upon completion of the homes that, depending on market conditions, may be subsequently sold into the secondary market.
Our commercial business lending is directed toward meeting the credit and related deposit needs of various small- to medium-sized business and agribusiness borrowers operating in our primary market areas. Our commercial and agricultural business loans were $2.71 billion at June 30, 2024 and $2.61 billion at December 31, 2023. Commercial and agricultural business loans represented approximately 24% of our loan portfolio at June 30, 2024. Our commercial business lending also includes participation in certain syndicated loans, including shared national credits, which totaled $226.0 million, or 2% of our loan portfolio, at June 30, 2024, compared to $239.0 million, or 2% of our loan portfolio, at December 31, 2023.
We are active originators of one- to four-family residential loans in most communities where we have established offices in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Utah. Most of the one- to four-family residential loans we originate in normal market conditions are sold in secondary markets with net gains on sales and loan servicing fees reflected in our revenues from mortgage banking operations. At June 30, 2024, one- to four-family residential loans retained in our portfolio increased $85.2 million, to $1.60 billion, compared to $1.52 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase in one- to four-family residential loans was primarily the result of a higher percentage of one- to four-family construction loans converting to one- to four-family residential loans. One- to four-family residential loans represented 14% of our loan portfolio at June 30, 2024.
Our consumer loan activity is primarily directed at meeting demand from our existing deposit clients. At June 30, 2024, consumer loans, including home equity revolving lines of credit, increased $15.9 million to $715.2 million, compared to $699.4 million at December 31, 2023.
The following table shows the commitment amount for loan origination activity (excluding loans held for sale) for the periods indicated (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
Jun 30, 2024
Mar 31, 2024
Jun 30, 2023
Jun 30, 2024
Jun 30, 2023
Commercial real estate
$
102,258
$
67,362
$
94,640
$
169,620
$
170,408
Multifamily real estate
2,774
385
3,441
3,159
38,961
Construction and land
546,675
437,273
488,980
983,948
736,822
Commercial business
167,168
154,715
128,404
321,883
260,230
Agricultural business
22,255
34,406
28,367
56,661
51,548
One-to four- family residential
34,498
17,568
52,618
52,066
86,883
Consumer
120,470
66,145
112,555
186,615
173,443
Total commitment amount for loan originations (excluding loans held for sale)
$
996,098
$
777,854
$
909,005
$
1,773,952
$
1,518,295
Loans held for sale increased to $13.4 million at June 30, 2024, compared to $11.2 million at December 31, 2023. Originations of loans held for sale decreased to $107.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $110.4 million for the same period last year. The volume of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans sold was $140.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $103.1 million in the same period a year ago.
The following table presents loans by geographic concentration at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
Jun 30, 2024
Dec 31, 2023
Jun 30, 2023
Percentage Change
Amount
Percentage
Amount
Amount
Year End
Prior Year Qtr.
Washington
$
5,182,378
47
%
$
5,095,602
$
4,945,074
2
%
5
%
California
2,787,190
25
2,670,923
2,537,121
4
10
Oregon
2,072,153
19
1,974,001
1,913,929
5
8
Idaho
641,209
6
610,064
595,065
5
8
Utah
80,295
1
68,931
62,720
16
28
Other
380,623
2
390,934
418,498
(3)
(9)
Total loans receivable
$
11,143,848
100
%
$
10,810,455
$
10,472,407
3
%
6
%
Investment Securities: Total securities decreased $212.1 million to $3.22 billion at June 30, 2024, from $3.43 billion at December 31, 2023, primarily due to securities sales, paydowns and maturities. Securities sales, paydowns and maturities exceeded purchases during the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. Purchases during the six months ended June 30, 2024, consisted primarily of state and local government obligations and agency commercial mortgage-backed securities. The average effective duration of the Company’s securities portfolio was 6.5 years at both June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Fair value adjustments for securities designated as available-for-sale decreased $24.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, which was included, net of the associated tax benefit of $5.8 million, as a component of other comprehensive income, and largely occurred as a result of increases in market interest rates during the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Deposits: Deposits, client retail repurchase agreements and loan repayments are the major sources of our funds for lending and other investment purposes. We compete with other financial institutions and financial intermediaries in attracting deposits and we generally attract deposits within our primary market areas. Much of the focus of our branch strategy and marketing efforts over the last several years have been directed toward attracting additional deposit client relationships and balances. This effort has been particularly directed towards emphasizing core deposit activity in non-interest-bearing and other transaction and savings accounts. Despite rate sensitive deposits shifting out of non-interest-bearing deposits due to clients seeking higher yields on their deposits, our strategy of focusing on relationship banking remains intact.
The following table sets forth the Company’s deposits by type of deposit account as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
Percentage Change
Jun 30, 2024
Dec 31, 2023
Jun 30, 2023
Year End
Prior Year Qtr.
Non-interest-bearing
$
4,537,803
$
4,792,369
$
5,369,187
(5)
%
(15)
%
Interest-bearing checking
2,208,742
2,098,526
1,908,402
5
16
Regular savings accounts
3,192,036
2,980,530
2,588,298
7
23
Money market accounts
1,615,549
1,680,605
1,876,569
(4)
(14)
Interest-bearing transaction & savings accounts
7,016,327
6,759,661
6,373,269
4
10
Total core deposits
11,554,130
11,552,030
11,742,456
—
(2)
Interest-bearing certificates
1,525,133
1,477,467
1,356,600
3
12
Total deposits
$
13,079,263
$
13,029,497
$
13,099,056
—
%
—
%
Total deposits increased $49.8 million at June 30, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, with core deposits increasing $2.1 million and certificates of deposit increasing $47.7 million. The increase in certificates of deposit is a result of higher rates attracting clients to these deposit types. We had $105.3 million of brokered deposits at June 30, 2024, compared to $108.1 million at December 31, 2023. Core deposits represented 88% of total deposits at both June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Competition for deposits in our market areas remains strong.
The following table sets forth the number and average account balance of the Company’s deposit accounts as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
Jun 30, 2024
Dec 31, 2023
Jun 30, 2023
Number of deposit accounts
460,107
463,750
467,490
Average account balance per account
$
29
$
29
$
28
The following table presents deposits by geographic concentration at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
Jun 30, 2024
Dec 31, 2023
Jun 30, 2023
Percentage Change
Amount
Percentage
Amount
Amount
Year End
Prior Year Qtr.
Washington
$
7,171,699
55
%
$
7,247,392
$
7,255,731
(1)
%
(1)
%
Oregon
2,909,838
22
2,852,677
2,914,267
2
—
California
2,331,793
18
2,269,557
2,257,247
3
3
Idaho
665,933
5
659,871
671,811
1
(1)
Total deposits
$
13,079,263
100
%
$
13,029,497
$
13,099,056
—
%
—
%
Borrowings: We had $398.0 million of FHLB advances at June 30, 2024, compared to $323.0 million at December 31, 2023. Other borrowings, consisting of retail repurchase agreements primarily related to client cash management accounts, decreased $16.9 million to $166.0 million at June 30, 2024, compared to $182.9 million at December 31, 2023. The increased borrowings were primarily used to fund loan growth. At June 30, 2024, the Company’s off-balance sheet liquidity included additional borrowing capacity of $3.02 billion at the FHLB and $1.59 billion at the Federal Reserve as well as federal funds line of credit agreements with other financial institutions of $125.0 million. Junior subordinated debentures totaled $66.8 million at June 30, 2024, compared to $66.4 million at December 31, 2023. Subordinated notes, net of issuance costs were $89.6 million at June 30, 2024, compared to $92.9 million at December 31, 2023.
Shareholders’ Equity: Total shareholders’ equity increased $38.1 million to $1.69 billion, or 10.69% of total assets, at June 30, 2024, compared to $1.65 billion, or 10.55% of total assets, at December 31, 2023. The increase in shareholders’ equity was primarily due to a $43.9 million increase in retained earnings as a result of $77.4 million in net income, partially offset by the accrual of cash dividends during the six months ended June 30, 2024. In addition, accumulated other comprehensive loss increased by $8.4 million, primarily due to an increase in the unrealized losses on the security portfolio. There were no shares of common stock repurchased during the six months ended June 30, 2024. Tangible common shareholders’ equity, which excludes goodwill and other intangible assets and is a non-GAAP financial measure, increased $39.5 million to $1.31 billion, or 8.51% of tangible assets, at June 30, 2024, compared to $1.27 billion, or 8.33% of tangible assets at December 31, 2023. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to its comparable GAAP financial measure is presented above following “Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights.”
Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2024, and March 31, 2024, and for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023
For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, net income was $39.8 million, or $1.15 per diluted share, compared to $37.6 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, for the preceding quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, our net income was $77.4 million, or $2.24 per diluted share, compared to $95.1 million, or $2.76 per diluted share for the same period a year earlier. The increase in net income for the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter primarily was due to increased non-interest income, partially offset by an increase in the provision for credit losses. The increase in non-interest income was primarily the result of a decrease in the net loss recognized on the sale of securities and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in the net loss recognized for fair value adjustments on financial instruments carried at fair value. Our net income for the six months ended June 30, 2024, included a decrease in net interest income and an increase in non-interest expense, partially offset by an increase in non-interest income and a decrease in the provision for credit losses.
Net interest margin for the current quarter was impacted by an increase in funding costs due to the high interest rate environment and its effect on deposit costs, partially offset by increased yields on loans due to new loans being originated at higher interest rates and adjustable rate loans repricing higher. Total revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, increased compared to the preceding quarter primarily due to a decrease in the net loss recognized on the sale of securities. Total revenue decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period a year earlier due to increased funding costs, partially offset by increased interest income, a decrease in the net loss on the sale of securities recorded during the current period and a decrease in the net loss recognized for fair value adjustments on financial instruments carried at fair value.
We recorded a $2.4 million provision for credit losses for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to a $520,000 provision for credit losses in the preceding quarter. The provision for credit losses for the current quarter primarily reflected loan growth and an increase in the reserve for collateral dependent loans. The provision for credit losses for the preceding quarter was primarily related to the loan growth in the construction and one- to four-family loan portfolios, partially offset by a reduction in unfunded loan commitments in the construction portfolio. We recorded a $2.9 million provision for credit losses for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to a $6.2 million provision for credit losses for the same period a year ago.
Total non-interest income increased for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to the preceding quarter and increased during the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period a year ago. The increase in non-interest income during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter was primarily due to decreases in the net loss recognized on the sale of securities and in the net loss recognized for fair value adjustments on financial instruments carried at fair value. The increase in non-interest income during the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period last year was also primarily due to a reduction in the net loss recognized on the sale of securities and a decrease in the net loss recognized for fair value adjustments on financial instruments carried at fair value.
Total non-interest expense increased for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to the preceding quarter and increased during the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period a year ago. The increase in non-interest expense for the current quarter compared to the prior quarter reflects an increase in salary and employee benefits, primarily resulting from normal annual salary and wage increases and an increase in loan production related commission expense, partially offset by an increase in capitalized loan origination costs, also due to increased loan production. The increase in non-interest expense compared to the same period a year ago primarily reflects increases in salary and employee benefits, payment and card processing services expense and deposit insurance expense, partially offset by a decrease in professional and legal expenses.
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
130,177
132,439
135,754
262,616
289,590
Deposit fees and other service charges
10,590
11,022
10,600
21,612
21,162
Mortgage banking operations
3,006
2,335
1,686
5,341
4,377
Net loss on sale of securities
(562)
(4,903)
(4,527)
(5,465)
(11,779)
Net change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value
(190)
(992)
(3,151)
(1,182)
(3,703)
All other non-interest income
4,355
4,129
3,814
8,484
7,642
Total non-interest income
17,199
11,591
8,422
28,790
17,699
Salary and employee benefits
63,831
62,369
61,972
126,200
123,361
All other non-interest expenses
34,297
35,272
33,433
69,569
66,665
Total non-interest expense
98,128
97,641
95,405
195,769
190,026
Income before provision for income tax expense
49,248
46,389
48,771
95,637
117,263
Provision for income tax expense
9,453
8,830
9,180
18,283
22,117
Net income
$
39,795
$
37,559
$
39,591
$
77,354
$
95,146
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:
Quarters Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2024
March 31, 2024
June 30, 2023
June 30, 2024
June 30, 2023
Net income:
Basic
$
1.15
$
1.09
$
1.15
$
2.25
$
2.77
Diluted
1.15
1.09
1.15
2.24
2.76
Net Interest Income. Net interest income decreased for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to the preceding quarter. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in the cost of funding liabilities, partially offset by increases in the average yields on loans and investment securities.
Net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis decreased four basis points to 3.70% for the second quarter of 2024, compared to 3.74% in the preceding quarter. Net interest margin for the current quarter was impacted by increased funding costs reflecting the persistent high interest rate environment, partially offset by increased yields on loans due to new loans being originated at higher interest rates and adjustable rate loans repricing higher. The increase in the overall cost of funding liabilities was primarily due to the increase in rates across all deposits and most borrowing categories due to higher market rates generally, as well as a shift in the average balance of non-interest-bearing deposits to higher costing interest-bearing checking accounts and savings accounts.
Net interest income decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period one year earlier, primarily due to increased funding costs, partially offset by an increase in the average yields on interest-earning assets. The higher funding costs and average yields on interest-earning assets compared to same period a year ago was primarily the result of higher interest rates. The higher funding costs was also impacted by a shift in the average balance of non-interest-bearing deposits to higher costing interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit. The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis decreased to 3.72% for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to 4.15% for the same period in the prior year.
Interest Income. Interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 was $189.1 million, compared to $184.7 million for the preceding quarter. The increase in interest income occurred primarily as a result of average yields on total interest-earning assets increasing nine basis points. The increased yield on interest-earning assets primarily reflects increases in both the average yields and average balances of loans.
The increased interest income on loans for the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter was due to the average loan yields increasing to 5.96% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, from 5.87% in the preceding quarter, reflecting new loans being originated at higher interest rates and adjustable rate loans repricing higher. The average balance of loans receivable for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 increased compared to the preceding quarter, primarily reflecting increases in the average balances of multifamily construction and one- to four-family loans.
Interest and dividend income on total investment securities for the current quarter decreased from the preceding quarter due to a decrease in the average balance of total investment securities, partially offset by a higher average yield earned on total investment securities during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter. The average balance of total investment securities decreased to $3.71 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 (excluding the effect of fair value adjustments), compared to $3.78 billion for the preceding quarter. The average yield on the combined portfolio increased to 3.14% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, from 3.11% in the preceding quarter.
Interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $373.8 million, compared to $338.8 million for the same period in the prior year, primarily reflecting an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets, mostly due to rising interest rates, as well as an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets.
Interest Expense. Interest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 increased $4.9 million, or 9%, compared to the preceding quarter. The increase occurred as a result of a 13 basis point increase in the average cost of all funding liabilities to 1.66% and an increase in the average balance of funding liabilities during the current quarter. The average balance of funding liabilities increased primarily due to higher average balances of interest-bearing transaction and savings accounts and FHLB advances, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of non-interest-bearing deposits.
Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $108.3 million, compared to $42.9 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase occurred as a result of an increase in the average cost of all funding liabilities compared to the same period in the prior year, partially offset by a decrease in average balances of funding liabilities. The decrease in the average balance of funding liabilities reflects decreases in non-interest-bearing deposits and money market accounts, partially offset by higher average balances of interest-bearing transaction checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
Deposit interest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 increased $4.2 million, or 9%, compared to the preceding quarter. The increase was the result of a larger percentage of core deposits being in interest-bearing accounts and an increase in higher cost certificates of deposit, as well as an overall increase in the average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits. The cost of interest-bearing deposits increased to 2.32% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to 2.15% in the preceding quarter. The increase in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits was primarily the result of an increase in the cost of certificates of deposit. The average rate paid on total deposits, which includes non-interest-bearing deposits, was 1.50% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to 1.37% in the preceding quarter. Average deposit balances increased to $13.10 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, from $13.06 billion for the preceding quarter.
Deposit interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased to $93.5 million, compared to $29.8 million for the same period in the prior year. Average deposit balances decreased to $13.08 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2024, from $13.13 billion for the same period a year earlier, while the average rate paid on deposits increased to 1.44% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from 0.46% for the same period in the prior year. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits increased by 143 basis points to 2.24% for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to 0.81% in the same period a year earlier. The increase in the cost of interest-bearing deposits was the result of an overall increase in the average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits, reflecting the increase in market interest rates.
Interest expense on total borrowings for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 increased $626,000, or 9%, compared to the prior quarter, due to an increase in both the average balance of and rate paid on total borrowings. The average balance of total borrowings was $614.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to $575.3 million for the preceding quarter, largely due to an increase in the average balance of FHLB advances. The average rate paid on total borrowings for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 increased to 5.07% from 4.98% for the preceding quarter.
Interest expense on total borrowings for the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased to $14.9 million from $13.2 million for the same period a year earlier due to an increase in the rate paid on total borrowings, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of total borrowings. The average balance of total borrowings was $594.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $645.9 million for the same period a year earlier. The decrease was due to a $12.9 million decrease in the average balance of FHLB advances and a $30.5 million decrease in the average balance of other borrowings. The average rate paid on total borrowings for the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased to 5.02% from 4.11% for the same period a year earlier.
Analysis of Net Interest Spread. The following table presents for the periods indicated our condensed average balance sheet information, together with interest income and yields earned on average interest-earning assets and interest expense and rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities with additional comparative data on our operating performance (dollars in thousands). Average balances are computed using daily average balances.
ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST SPREAD
Quarters Ended
(rates / ratios annualized)
Jun 30, 2024
Mar 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)
Average Balance
Interest and Dividends
Yield / Cost (3)
Average Balance
Interest and Dividends
Yield / Cost (3)
Interest-earning assets:
Held for sale loans
$
11,665
$
206
7.10
%
$
9,939
$
167
6.76
%
Mortgage loans
9,006,857
129,230
5.77
%
8,892,561
125,284
5.67
%
Commercial/agricultural loans
1,874,039
31,761
6.82
%
1,830,095
30,847
6.78
%
Consumer and other loans
132,661
2,156
6.54
%
133,854
2,196
6.60
%
Total loans (1)
11,025,222
163,353
5.96
%
10,866,449
158,494
5.87
%
Mortgage-backed securities
2,672,187
16,850
2.54
%
2,728,640
17,076
2.52
%
Other securities
958,809
11,181
4.69
%
984,639
11,501
4.70
%
Interest-bearing deposits with banks
58,022
578
4.01
%
45,264
459
4.08
%
FHLB stock
21,080
365
6.96
%
19,073
209
4.41
%
Total investment securities
3,710,098
28,974
3.14
%
3,777,616
29,245
3.11
%
Total interest-earning assets
14,735,320
192,327
5.25
%
14,644,065
187,739
5.16
%
Non-interest-earning assets
926,411
943,725
Total assets
$
15,661,731
$
15,587,790
Deposits:
Interest-bearing checking accounts
$
2,156,214
7,621
1.42
%
$
2,104,242
6,716
1.28
%
Savings accounts
3,147,522
17,200
2.20
%
3,066,448
15,279
2.00
%
Money market accounts
1,659,327
9,124
2.21
%
1,674,159
8,388
2.02
%
Certificates of deposit
1,503,597
14,905
3.99
%
1,500,429
14,230
3.81
%
Total interest-bearing deposits
8,466,660
48,850
2.32
%
8,345,278
44,613
2.15
%
Non-interest-bearing deposits
4,634,738
—
—
%
4,711,922
—
—
%
Total deposits
13,101,398
48,850
1.50
%
13,057,200
44,613
1.37
%
Other interest-bearing liabilities:
FHLB advances
259,549
3,621
5.61
%
212,989
2,972
5.61
%
Other borrowings
175,518
1,160
2.66
%
180,692
1,175
2.62
%
Junior subordinated debentures and subordinated notes
179,178
2,961
6.65
%
181,579
2,969
6.58
%
Total borrowings
614,245
7,742
5.07
%
575,260
7,116
4.98
%
Total funding liabilities
13,715,643
56,592
1.66
%
13,632,460
51,729
1.53
%
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities (2)
294,794
303,412
Total liabilities
14,010,437
13,935,872
Shareholders’ equity
1,651,294
1,651,918
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
15,661,731
$
15,587,790
Net interest income/rate spread (tax equivalent)
$
135,735
3.59
%
$
136,010
3.63
%
Net interest margin (tax equivalent)
3.70
%
3.74
%
Reconciliation to reported net interest income:
Adjustments for taxable equivalent basis
(3,189)
(3,051)
Net interest income and margin, as reported
$
132,546
3.62
%
$
132,959
3.65
%
Additional Key Financial Ratios:
Return on average assets
1.02
%
0.97
%
Adjusted return on average assets(4)
1.04
%
1.08
%
Return on average equity
9.69
%
9.14
%
Adjusted return on average equity(4)
9.83
%
10.24
%
Average equity/average assets
10.54
%
10.60
%
Average interest-earning assets/average interest-bearing liabilities
162.27
%
164.16
%
Average interest-earning assets/average funding liabilities
107.43
%
107.42
%
Non-interest income/average assets
0.44
%
0.30
%
Non-interest expense/average assets
2.52
%
2.52
%
Efficiency ratio
65.53
%
67.55
%
Adjusted efficiency ratio (4)
63.60
%
63.70
%
(1)Average balances include loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis and accruing loans 90 days or more past due. Amortization of net deferred loan fees/costs is included with interest on loans.
(2)Average other non-interest-bearing liabilities include fair value adjustments related to junior subordinated debentures.
(3)Tax-exempt income is calculated on a tax equivalent basis. The tax equivalent yield adjustment to interest earned on loans was $2.2 million and $2.0 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively. The tax equivalent yield adjustment to interest earned on tax exempt securities was $1.0 million for both the quarters ended June 30, 2024 and March 31, 2024.
(4)Represents non-GAAP financial measures. See non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations presented above following Second Quarter 2024 Highlights.
Junior subordinated debentures and subordinated notes
180,379
5,930
6.61
%
188,142
5,584
5.99
%
Total borrowings
594,753
14,858
5.02
%
645,918
13,157
4.11
%
Total funding liabilities
13,674,052
108,321
1.59
%
13,780,357
42,940
0.63
%
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities (2)
299,103
286,084
Total liabilities
13,973,155
14,066,441
Shareholders’ equity
1,651,606
1,525,863
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
15,624,761
$
15,592,304
Net interest income/rate spread (tax equivalent)
$
271,745
3.61
%
$
301,618
4.11
%
Net interest margin (tax equivalent)
3.72
%
4.15
%
Reconciliation to reported net interest income:
Adjustments for taxable equivalent basis
(6,240)
(5,788)
Net interest income and margin
$
265,505
3.63
%
$
295,830
4.07
%
Additional Key Financial Ratios:
Return on average assets
1.00
%
1.23
%
Adjusted return on average assets (4)
1.06
%
1.39
%
Return on average equity
9.42
%
12.57
%
Adjusted return on average equity (4)
10.03
%
14.16
%
Average equity/average assets
10.57
%
9.79
%
Average interest-earning assets/average interest-bearing liabilities
163.21
%
181.50
%
Average interest-earning assets/average funding liabilities
107.43
%
106.40
%
Non-interest income/average assets
0.37
%
0.23
%
Non-interest expense/average assets
2.52
%
2.46
%
Efficiency ratio
66.52
%
60.61
%
Adjusted efficiency ratio (4)
63.65
%
56.33
%
(1)Average balances include loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis and accruing loans 90 days or more past due. Amortization of net deferred loan fees/costs is included with interest on loans.
(2)Average other non-interest-bearing liabilities include fair value adjustments related to junior subordinated debentures.
(3)Tax-exempt income is calculated on a tax equivalent basis. The tax equivalent yield adjustment to interest earned on loans was $4.2 million and $3.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023, respectively. The tax equivalent yield adjustment to interest earned on tax exempt securities was $2.1 million and $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023, respectively.
(4)Represents non-GAAP financial measures. See non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations presented above following Second Quarter 2024 Highlights.
Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses. Management estimates the allowance for credit losses using relevant information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level sufficient to provide for expected credit losses over the life of the loan based on evaluating historical credit loss experience and making adjustments to historical loss information for differences in the specific risk characteristics in the current loan portfolio. These factors include, among others, changes in the size and composition of the loan portfolio, differences in underwriting standards, delinquency rates, actual loss experience and current economic conditions. The following table sets forth an analysis of our allowance for credit losses - loans for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
Quarters Ended
Six Months Ended
CHANGE IN THE ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES - LOANS
Jun 30, 2024
Mar 31, 2024
Jun 30, 2023
Jun 30, 2024
Jun 30, 2023
Balance, beginning of period
$
151,140
$
149,643
$
141,457
$
149,643
$
141,465
Provision for credit losses – loans
1,953
1,424
3,559
3,377
4,333
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
Commercial real estate
98
1,389
74
1,487
258
One- to four-family residential
17
16
36
33
153
Commercial business
324
781
524
1,105
643
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland
195
106
2
301
111
Consumer
112
159
117
271
286
746
2,451
753
3,197
1,451
Loans charged off:
Commercial real estate
(347)
—
—
(347)
—
Construction and land
—
—
(156)
—
(156)
One- to four-family residential
—
—
(4)
—
(34)
Commercial business
(137)
(1,809)
(566)
(1,946)
(1,724)
Consumer
(507)
(569)
(363)
(1,076)
(655)
(991)
(2,378)
(1,089)
(3,369)
(2,569)
Net (charge-offs) recoveries
(245)
73
(336)
(172)
(1,118)
Balance, end of period
$
152,848
$
151,140
$
144,680
$
152,848
$
144,680
Net (charge-offs) recoveries / Average loans receivable
(0.002)
%
0.001
%
(0.003)
%
(0.002)
%
(0.011)
%
Allowance for credit losses - loans as a percentage of total loans
1.37
%
1.39
%
1.38
%
1.37
%
1.38
%
The provision for credit losses - loans reflects the amount required to maintain the allowance for credit losses - loans at an appropriate level based upon management’s evaluation of the adequacy of collective and individual loss reserves. During the quarter ended June 30, 2024, we recorded a provision for credit losses - loans of $2.0 million, compared to a provision for credit losses - loans of $1.4 million during the preceding quarter. The provision for credit losses - loans for the current quarter primarily reflects loan growth and an increase in the reserve for collateral dependent loans. The provision for credit losses - loans for the preceding quarter primarily reflected loan growth in the construction and one- to four-family loan portfolios. Future assessments of the expected credit losses will not only be impacted by changes in both the composition and amount of loans, and to the reasonable and supportable forecast, but will also include an updated assessment of qualitative factors, as well as consideration of any required changes in the reasonable and supportable forecast reversion period.
The provision for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments reflects the amount required to maintain the allowance for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments at an appropriate level based upon management’s evaluation of the adequacy of collective and individual loss reserves. The following table sets forth an analysis of our allowance for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
Quarters Ended
Six Months Ended
CHANGE IN THE ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES - UNFUNDED LOAN COMMITMENTS
Jun 30, 2024
Mar 31, 2024
Jun 30, 2023
Jun 30, 2024
Jun 30, 2023
Balance, beginning of period
$
13,597
$
14,484
$
13,443
$
14,484
$
14,721
Provision/(recapture) for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments
430
(887)
1,221
(457)
(57)
Balance, end of period
$
14,027
$
13,597
$
14,664
$
14,027
$
14,664
The increase in the allowance for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments for the current quarter primarily reflects an increase in unfunded loan commitments in the one- to four-family construction portfolio as well as an increase in the forecast model related to construction, land and land development loans.
Non-interest Income. The following table presents the key components of non-interest income for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
Quarters Ended
Six Months Ended
Jun 30, 2024
Mar 31, 2024
Change Amount
Change Percent
Jun 30, 2024
Jun 30, 2023
Change Amount
Change Percent
Deposit fees and other service charges
$
10,590
$
11,022
$
(432)
(4)
%
$
21,612
$
21,162
$
450
2
%
Mortgage banking operations
3,006
2,335
671
29
5,341
4,377
964
22
Bank owned life insurance
2,367
2,237
130
6
4,604
4,574
30
1
Miscellaneous
1,988
1,892
96
5
3,880
3,068
812
26
17,951
17,486
465
3
35,437
33,181
2,256
7
Net loss on sale of securities
(562)
(4,903)
4,341
(89)
(5,465)
(11,779)
6,314
(54)
Net change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value
(190)
(992)
802
(81)
(1,182)
(3,703)
2,521
(68)
Total non-interest income
$
17,199
$
11,591
$
5,608
48
%
$
28,790
$
17,699
$
11,091
63
%
The increase in non-interest income during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter was primarily due to an increase in mortgage banking operations revenue and decreases in the net loss recognized on the sale of securities and the net loss recognized on the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value, partially offset by a decrease in deposit fees and other service charges. The increase in non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period a year earlier was primarily due to decreases in the net loss recognized on the sale of securities and the net loss recognized on the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value, as well as increases in revenue from mortgage banking operations.
Revenue from mortgage banking operations increased $671,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to the preceding quarter and increased $964,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period a year earlier. The increase from the preceding quarter and the prior year included a $284,000 gain related to the sale of $19.8 million of one- to four-family portfolio loans during the second quarter of 2024. The increase from the preceding quarter also reflects an increase in the percentage of loans sold servicing retained. The prior year period also reflected a downward lower of cost or market adjustment on multifamily loans held for sale. In 2023, the Bank discontinued the origination of multifamily loans for sale into the secondary market. All of the multifamily loans held for sale were transferred to the held for investment loan portfolio and the related lower of cost or market adjustment was reversed in the fourth quarter of 2023. Gains on sales of one- to four-family loans resulted in income of $2.0 million and $3.3 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to $1.3 million in the preceding quarter, and $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Home purchase activity accounted for 89% of one- to four-family mortgage loan originations in both the second quarter of 2024 and the preceding quarter.
Miscellaneous income increased for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period a year earlier, primarily as a result of an increase in the gain on sale of SBA loans.
The net loss on sale of securities recognized for the prior quarter and the six months ended June 30, 2023 reflected strategic sales of securities to minimize the impact of increasing rates on our securities portfolio. The net loss for fair value adjustments for changes in the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value for the prior quarter and the six months ended June 30, 2023 were due to declines in the current market valuation of limited partnership investments. The net loss for fair value adjustments for changes in the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was also impacted by declines in the market valuation of investment securities held for trading.
Non-interest Expense. The following table represents key elements of non-interest expense for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
Quarters Ended
Six Months Ended
Jun 30, 2024
Mar 31, 2024
Change Amount
Change Percent.
Jun 30, 2024
Jun 30, 2023
Change Amount
Change Percent
Salary and employee benefits
$
63,831
$
62,369
$
1,462
2
%
$
126,200
$
123,361
$
2,839
2
%
Less capitalized loan origination costs
(4,639)
(3,676)
(963)
26
(8,315)
(7,888)
(427)
5
Occupancy and equipment
12,128
12,462
(334)
(3)
24,590
23,964
626
3
Information and computer data services
7,240
7,320
(80)
(1)
14,560
14,229
331
2
Payment and card processing services
5,691
5,710
(19)
—
11,401
9,287
2,114
23
Professional and legal expenses
1,201
1,530
(329)
(22)
2,731
4,521
(1,790)
(40)
Advertising and marketing
1,198
1,079
119
11
2,277
1,746
531
30
Deposit insurance
2,858
2,809
49
2
5,667
4,729
938
20
State and municipal business and use taxes
1,394
1,304
90
7
2,698
2,529
169
7
Real estate operations, net
297
(220)
517
(235)
77
(202)
279
(138)
Amortization of core deposit intangibles
724
723
1
—
1,447
2,041
(594)
(29)
Miscellaneous
6,205
6,231
(26)
—
12,436
11,709
727
6
Total non-interest expense
$
98,128
$
97,641
$
487
—
%
$
195,769
$
190,026
$
5,743
3
%
The slight increase in non-interest expense for the current quarter compared to the prior quarter primarily reflects an increase in salary and employee benefits, an increase in real estate operations, net expense, offset by an increase in capitalized loan origination costs. The increase in non-interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period a year earlier primarily reflects increases in salary and employee benefits, payment and card processing services expense and deposit insurance expense, partially offset by a decrease in professional and legal expenses.
Salary and employee benefits increased for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2024 and the six months ended June 30, 2023, primarily as the result of normal annual salary and wage increases and an increase in loan production related commission expense.
Payment and card processing services expense increased for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period a year earlier, primarily due to an increase in online banking costs and operational losses.
Professional and legal expense decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period a year ago, primarily due to a reduction in legal and consulting expenses as well as one-time reductions in litigation settlement costs.
Expenses related to real estate operations, net increased for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to an increase in property tax expense related to a real estate foreclosure that occurred during the second quarter of 2024, compared to a gain recognized on the sale of foreclosed properties in the prior quarter.
Our efficiency ratio was 65.53% for the current quarter, compared to 67.55% in the preceding quarter. Our adjusted efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 63.60% for the current quarter, compared to 63.70% in the preceding quarter. The efficiency ratio for the current quarter reflects an increase in total revenues. See non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations presented above under “Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights.”
Income Taxes. For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, we recognized $9.5 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 19.2%, which reflects our blended statutory tax rate reduced by the effect of tax-exempt income, certain tax credits, and tax benefits related to restricted stock vesting. Our statutory income tax rate is 23.7%, representing a statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0% and apportioned effects of the state income tax rates. For the quarter ended March 31, 2024, we recognized $8.8 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 19.0%. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, we recognized $18.3 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 19.1%, compared to $22.1 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 18.9% for the same period in the prior year.
Maintaining a moderate risk profile by employing appropriate underwriting standards, avoiding excessive asset concentrations and aggressively managing troubled assets has been and will continue to be a primary focus for us. We actively engage with our borrowers to resolve adversely classified loans and other problem assets.
Non-Performing Assets: Non-performing assets were $33.3 million, or 0.21% of total assets, at June 30, 2024, compared to $30.1 million, or 0.19% of total assets, at December 31, 2023. Our allowance for credit losses - loans was $152.8 million, or 498% of non-performing loans, at June 30, 2024, compared to $149.6 million, or 506% of non-performing loans, at December 31, 2023.
The following table sets forth information with respect to our non-performing assets at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
June 30, 2023
Nonaccrual Loans:
Secured by real estate:
Commercial
$
2,326
$
2,677
$
2,478
Construction and land
3,999
3,105
2,280
One- to four-family
8,184
5,702
7,605
Commercial business
8,694
9,002
8,439
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland
1,586
3,167
3,997
Consumer
3,380
3,204
3,272
28,169
26,857
28,071
Loans more than 90 days delinquent, still on accrual:
Secured by real estate:
Construction and land
—
1,138
—
One- to four-family
1,861
1,205
60
Commercial business
—
1
—
Consumer
692
401
49
2,553
2,745
109
Total non-performing loans
30,722
29,602
28,180
REO, net
2,564
526
546
Total non-performing assets
$
33,286
$
30,128
$
28,726
Total non-performing assets to total assets
0.21
%
0.19
%
0.18
%
Total nonaccrual loans to loans before allowance for credit losses – loans
0.25
%
0.25
%
0.27
%
Loans 30-89 days past due and on accrual
$
11,850
$
19,744
$
6,259
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, interest income was reduced by $838,000 as a result of nonaccrual loan activity, which included the reversal of $267,000 of accrued interest as of the date the loan was placed on nonaccrual. There was no interest income recognized on nonaccrual loans for the six months ended June 30, 2024.
The following table presents the Company’s portfolio of loans by risk grade at the dates indicated (in thousands):
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
June 30, 2023
Pass
$
10,971,850
$
10,671,281
$
10,315,687
Special Mention
50,027
13,732
11,745
Substandard
121,971
125,442
144,975
Total
$
11,143,848
$
10,810,455
$
10,472,407
The increase in special mention from December 31, 2023 primarily reflects loan downgrades. The decrease in substandard loans from the prior year quarter primarily reflects paydowns and payoffs of substandard loans, as well as risk rating upgrades.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowings, proceeds from loan principal and interest payments and sales of loans, and the maturity of and interest payments on mortgage-backed and investment securities. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions, competition and our pricing strategies.
Our primary investing activity is the origination of loans and, in certain periods, the purchase of securities or loans. During the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, our loan originations, including originations of loans held for sale, exceeded our loan repayments by $501.2 million and $437.8 million, respectively. There were $4.7 million of loan purchases during the six months ended June 30, 2024, and no loan purchases during the six months ended June 30, 2023. During the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, we received proceeds of $175.0 million and $113.9 million, respectively, from the sale of loans. Securities purchased during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 totaled $19.3 million and $52.8 million, respectively, and securities repayments, maturities and sales in those periods were $202.7 million and $390.4 million, respectively.
Our primary financing activity is gathering deposits. Total deposits increased by $49.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to an increase in certificates of deposit. Core deposits were $11.55 billion at both June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Certificates of deposit are generally more vulnerable to competition and more price sensitive than other retail deposits and our pricing of those deposits varies significantly based upon our liquidity management strategies at any point in time. At June 30, 2024, certificates of deposit totaled $1.53 billion, or 12% of our total deposits, including $1.45 billion which were scheduled to mature within one year. The increase in certificates of deposit during 2024 was due to clients seeking higher yields moving excess non-interest-bearing funds to higher-yielding certificates of deposit. While no assurance can be given as to future periods, historically, we have been able to retain a significant amount of our certificates of deposit as they mature.
The Bank’s estimated uninsured deposits were $4.09 billion or 31% of total deposits at June 30, 2024, compared to $4.08 billion or 31% of total deposits at December 31, 2023. The estimated uninsured deposit calculation includes $326.5 million and $305.3 million of collateralized public deposits at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Estimated uninsured deposits also includes cash held by the Company of $63.9 million and $108.2 million at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Banner Bank’s estimated uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized public deposits and cash held at the holding company, were 28% of total deposits at both June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
We had $398.0 million of FHLB advances at June 30, 2024, compared to $323.0 million at December 31, 2023. Other borrowings decreased to $166.0 million at June 30, 2024 from $182.9 million at December 31, 2023. Subordinated notes, net of issuance costs decreased to $89.6 million at June 30, 2024, compared to $92.9 million at December 31, 2023, due to Banner Bank’s purchase of $3.5 million of Banner’s subordinated debt during the first quarter of 2024.
We must maintain an adequate level of liquidity to ensure the availability of sufficient funds to accommodate deposit withdrawals, to support loan growth, to satisfy financial commitments and to take advantage of investment opportunities. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we used our sources of funds primarily to fund loan growth. At June 30, 2024, we had outstanding loan commitments totaling $4.03 billion, relating to undisbursed loans in process and unused credit lines. While representing potential growth in the loan portfolio and lending activities, this level of commitments is proportionally consistent with our historical experience and does not represent a departure from normal operations.
We generally maintain sufficient cash and readily marketable securities to meet short-term liquidity needs; however, our primary liquidity management practice to supplement deposits is to increase or decrease short-term borrowings, including FHLB advances and Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (FRBSF) borrowings. We maintain credit facilities with the FHLB, which provide for advances that in the aggregate would equal the lesser of 45% of the Bank’s assets or adjusted qualifying collateral (subject to a sufficient level of ownership of FHLB stock). At June 30, 2024, under these credit facilities based on pledged collateral, the Bank had $3.02 billion of available credit capacity. Advances under these credit facilities totaled $398.0 million at June 30, 2024. At June 30, 2024, the Bank also had uncommitted federal funds line of credit agreements with other financial institutions totaling $125.0 million. No balances were outstanding under these agreements as of June 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023. Availability of lines is subject to federal funds balances available for loan and continued borrower eligibility. These lines are intended to support short-term liquidity needs and the agreements may restrict consecutive day usage. Management believes it has adequate resources and funding potential to meet our foreseeable liquidity requirements.
Banner is a separate legal entity from the Bank and, on a stand-alone level, must provide for its own liquidity, and pay its own operating expenses and cash dividends. At June 30, 2024, Banner (on an unconsolidated basis) had liquid assets of $64.2 million. During the quarter ended June 30, 2024, Banner and the Bank entered into an intercompany loan agreement for $50.0 million, which reduced Banner’s cash balance while maintaining liquidity with the note receivable from the Bank. The note has a term of one year, automatically renewable each quarter. The note eliminates upon consolidation.
Banner’s primary sources of funds consist of capital raised through dividends or capital distributions from the Bank, although there are regulatory restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends. We currently expect to continue our current practice of paying quarterly cash dividends on our common stock subject to our Board of Directors’ discretion to modify or terminate this practice at any time and for any reason without prior notice. Our current quarterly common stock dividend rate is $0.48 per share, as approved by our Board of Directors, which we believe is a dividend rate per share which enables us to balance our multiple objectives of managing and investing in the Bank, and returning a substantial portion of our cash to our shareholders. Assuming continued dividend payments during 2024 at this rate of $0.48 per share, our average total dividend paid each quarter would be approximately $16.5 million based on the number of outstanding shares at June 30, 2024.
As noted below, Banner Corporation and its subsidiary bank continued to maintain capital levels in excess of the requirements to be categorized as “Well-Capitalized” under applicable regulatory standards. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, total shareholders’ equity increased $38.1 million, to $1.69 billion or 10.69% of total assets. At June 30, 2024, tangible common shareholders’ equity, which excludes goodwill and other intangible assets, was $1.31 billion, or 8.51% of tangible assets. Tangible common shareholders’ equity represents a non-GAAP financial measure. See, non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations presented above under “Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights.”
Capital Requirements
Banner is a bank holding company registered with the Federal Reserve. Bank holding companies are subject to capital adequacy requirements of the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and the regulations of the Federal Reserve. The Bank, as a state-chartered, federally insured commercial bank, is subject to the capital requirements established by the FDIC.
The capital adequacy requirements are quantitative measures established by regulation that require Banner and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of capital. The Federal Reserve requires Banner to maintain capital adequacy that generally parallels the FDIC requirements. The FDIC requires the Bank to maintain minimum capital ratios of total capital, tier 1 capital, and common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets as well as tier 1 leverage capital to average assets. In addition to the minimum capital ratios, the Bank has to maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of additional common equity tier 1 capital greater than 2.5% of risk-weighted assets above the required minimum levels in order to avoid limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses. At June 30, 2024, Banner and the Bank each exceeded all regulatory capital requirements to be “well capitalized.”
The actual regulatory capital ratios calculated for Banner Corporation and Banner Bank as of June 30, 2024, along with the minimum capital amounts and ratios, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Actual
Minimum to be Categorized as “Adequately Capitalized”
Minimum to be Categorized as “Well-Capitalized”
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Amount
Banner Corporation—consolidated
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
$
1,955,333
14.62
%
$
1,069,901
8.00
%
$
1,337,377
10.00
%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
1,693,543
12.66
%
802,426
6.00
%
802,426
6.00
%
Tier 1 leverage capital to average assets
1,693,543
10.80
%
627,282
4.00
%
n/a
n/a
Common equity tier 1 capital
1,607,043
12.02
%
601,820
4.50
%
n/a
n/a
Banner Bank
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
1,833,271
13.70
%
1,070,352
8.00
%
1,337,940
10.00
%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
1,671,481
12.49
%
802,764
6.00
%
1,070,352
8.00
%
Tier 1 leverage capital to average assets
1,671,481
10.66
%
627,468
4.00
%
784,335
5.00
%
Common equity tier 1 capital
1,671,481
12.49
%
602,073
4.50
%
869,661
6.50
%
ITEM 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market Risk and Asset/Liability Management
Our financial condition and operations are influenced significantly by general economic conditions, including the absolute level of interest rates as well as changes in interest rates and the slope of the yield curve. Our profitability is dependent, to a large extent, on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest received from our interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred on our interest-bearing liabilities.
Our activities, like all financial institutions, inherently involve the assumption of interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates will have an adverse impact on the institution’s earnings and underlying economic value. Interest rate risk is determined by the maturity and repricing characteristics of an institution’s assets, liabilities and off-balance-sheet contracts. Interest rate risk is measured by the variability of financial performance and economic value resulting from changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is the primary market risk affecting our financial performance.
For Banner, the greatest source of interest rate risk results from the mismatch of maturities or repricing intervals for rate sensitive assets, liabilities and off-balance-sheet contracts. This mismatch or gap is generally characterized by a substantially shorter maturity structure for interest-bearing liabilities than interest-earning assets, although our floating-rate assets tend to be more immediately responsive to changes in market rates than most deposit liabilities. Additional interest rate risk results from mismatched repricing indices and formula (basis risk and yield curve risk), and product caps and floors and early repayment or withdrawal provisions (option risk), which may be contractual or market driven, that are generally more favorable to clients than to us. An exception to this generalization is the beneficial effect of interest rate floors on a portion of our performing floating-rate loans, which help us maintain higher loan yields in periods when market interest rates decline significantly. However, in a declining interest rate environment, as loans with floors are repaid they generally are replaced with new loans which have lower interest rate floors. As of June 30, 2024, our loans with interest rate floors totaled $5.05 billion and had a weighted average floor rate of 4.59%, compared to a current average note rate of 6.73%. Our loans with interest rates at their floors at June 30, 2024, totaled $1.29 billion and had a weighted average note rate of 4.14%. The Company actively manages its exposure to interest rate risk through on-going adjustments to the mix of interest-earning assets and funding sources that affect the repricing speeds of loans, investments, interest-bearing deposits and borrowings.
The principal objectives of asset/liability management are to evaluate the interest rate risk exposure; to determine the appropriate level of risk given our operating environment, business plan strategies, performance objectives, capital and liquidity constraints, and asset and liability allocation alternatives; and to manage our interest rate risk consistent with regulatory guidelines and policies approved by the Board of Directors. Through such management, we seek to reduce the vulnerability of our earnings and capital position to changes in the level of interest rates. Our actions in this regard are taken under the guidance of the Asset/Liability Management Committee, which is comprised of members of our senior management. The Committee closely monitors our interest sensitivity exposure, asset and liability allocation decisions, liquidity and capital positions, and local and national economic conditions and attempts to structure the loan and investment portfolios and funding sources to maximize earnings within acceptable risk tolerances.
Sensitivity Analysis
Our primary monitoring tool for assessing interest rate risk is asset/liability simulation modeling, which is designed to capture the dynamics of balance sheet, interest rate and spread movements and to quantify variations in net interest income resulting from those movements under different rate environments. The sensitivity of net interest income to changes in the modeled interest rate environments provides a measurement of interest rate risk. We also utilize economic value analysis, which addresses changes in estimated net economic value of equity arising from changes in the level of interest rates. The net economic value of equity is estimated by separately valuing our assets and liabilities under varying interest rate environments. The extent to which assets gain or lose value in relation to the gains or losses of liability values under the various interest rate assumptions determines the sensitivity of net economic value to changes in interest rates and provides an additional measure of interest rate risk.
The interest rate sensitivity analysis performed by us incorporates beginning-of-the-period rate, balance and maturity data, using various levels of aggregation of that data, as well as certain assumptions concerning the maturity, repricing, amortization and prepayment characteristics of loans and other interest-earning assets and the repricing and withdrawal of deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities into an asset/liability simulation model. The interest rate sensitivity analysis includes a rate ramp sensitivity scenario, which assumes a gradual change in market interest rates at all maturities during the first year, as well as a rate shock interest rate sensitivity scenario, which assumes an instantaneous and sustained uniform change in market interest rates at all maturities. We update and prepare simulation modeling at least quarterly for review by senior management and oversight by the directors. We believe the data and assumptions are realistic representations of our portfolio and possible outcomes under the various interest rate scenarios. Nonetheless, the interest rate sensitivity of our net interest income and net economic value of equity could vary substantially if different assumptions were used or if actual experience differs from the assumptions used.
The following tables set forth, as of June 30, 2024, the estimated changes in our net interest income over one-year and two-year time horizons for our rate ramp and rate shock interest rate sensitivity scenarios, and the estimated changes in economic value of equity for our rate shock interest rate sensitivity scenario based on the indicated interest rate environments (dollars in thousands):
Interest Rate Risk Indicators - Rate Ramp
June 30, 2024
Estimated Increase (Decrease) in
Change (in Basis Points) in Interest Rates (1)
Net Interest Income Next 12 Months
Net Interest Income Next 24 Months
+300
$
(3,505)
(0.6)
%
$
(8,895)
(0.7)
%
+200
644
0.1
7,771
0.6
+100
1,927
0.3
11,571
1.0
0
—
—
—
—
-100
(6,226)
(1.1)
(27,919)
(2.3)
-200
(12,003)
(2.1)
(58,644)
(4.8)
-300
(18,065)
(3.1)
(91,870)
(7.6)
(1)Assumes a gradual change in market interest rates at all maturities during the first year; however, no rates are allowed to go below zero. The targeted Federal Funds Rate was between 5.25% and 5.50% at June 30, 2024.
Interest Rate Risk Indicators - Rate Shock
June 30, 2024
Estimated Increase (Decrease) in
Change (in Basis Points) in Interest Rates (1)
Net Interest Income Next 12 Months
Net Interest Income Next 24 Months
Economic Value of Equity
+300
$
(16,680)
(2.9)
%
$
2,845
0.2
%
$
(304,269)
(11.9)
%
+200
(1,655)
(0.3)
22,286
1.8
(176,488)
(6.9)
+100
4,196
0.7
22,157
1.8
(77,734)
(3.0)
0
—
—
—
—
—
—
-100
(17,096)
(3.0)
(48,558)
(4.0)
43,457
1.7
-200
(34,753)
(6.0)
(102,020)
(8.4)
37,917
1.5
-300
(53,170)
(9.2)
(161,168)
(13.3)
(46,514)
(1.8)
(1)Assumes an instantaneous and sustained uniform change in market interest rates at all maturities; however, no rates are allowed to go below zero. The targeted Federal Funds Rate was between 5.25% and 5.50% at June 30, 2024.
Another monitoring tool for assessing interest rate risk is gap analysis. The matching of the repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities may be analyzed by examining the extent to which assets and liabilities are interest sensitive and by monitoring an institution’s interest sensitivity gap. An asset or liability is said to be interest sensitive within a specific time period if it will mature or reprice within that time period. The interest rate sensitivity gap is defined as the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets anticipated, based upon certain assumptions, to mature or reprice within a specific time period and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities anticipated to mature or reprice, based upon certain assumptions, within that same time period. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest-sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest-sensitive liabilities. A gap is considered negative when the amount of interest-sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of interest-sensitive assets. Generally, during a period of rising rates, a negative gap would tend to adversely affect net interest income while a positive gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income. During a period of falling interest rates, a negative gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income while a positive gap would tend to adversely affect net interest income.
Certain shortcomings are inherent in gap analysis. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods of repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgage loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Further, in the event of a change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels would likely deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table. Finally, the ability of some borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of a severe change in market rates.
The following table presents our interest sensitivity gap between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at June 30, 2024 (dollars in thousands), based on the amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities which are anticipated by us, based upon certain assumptions, to reprice or mature in each of the future periods shown. At June 30, 2024, total interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within one year exceeded total interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing in the same time period by $1.72 billion, representing a one-year cumulative gap to total assets ratio of 10.85%. The interest rate risk indicators and interest sensitivity gaps as of June 30, 2024 are within our internal policy guidelines and management considers that our current level of interest rate risk is reasonable.
Within 6 Months
After 6 Months Within 1 Year
After 1 Year Within 3 Years
After 3 Years Within 5 Years
After 5 Years Within 10 Years
Over 10 Years
Total
Interest-earning assets: (1)
Construction loans
$
1,161,882
$
46,459
$
145,717
$
31,834
$
36,099
$
1,616
$
1,423,607
Fixed-rate mortgage loans
243,940
216,767
792,366
602,369
716,569
257,886
2,829,897
Adjustable-rate mortgage loans
1,065,358
421,588
1,628,005
749,524
421,404
7,021
4,292,900
Fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities
101,968
90,394
366,361
378,197
828,426
846,405
2,611,751
Adjustable-rate mortgage-backed securities
249,861
45
194
210
3,883
—
254,193
Fixed-rate commercial/agricultural loans
96,532
101,060
263,646
143,988
135,670
21,315
762,211
Adjustable-rate commercial/agricultural loans
932,280
24,819
85,586
72,485
2,910
—
1,118,080
Consumer and other loans
527,676
47,080
48,417
33,163
25,446
44,082
725,864
Investment securities and interest-earning deposits
86,545
15,175
43,102
34,480
101,790
544,282
825,374
Total rate sensitive assets
4,466,042
963,387
3,373,394
2,046,250
2,272,197
1,722,607
14,843,877
Interest-bearing liabilities: (2)
Regular savings
601,533
136,511
463,633
358,113
593,807
1,038,440
3,192,037
Interest checking accounts
353,443
108,148
368,789
285,500
467,812
625,051
2,208,743
Money market deposit accounts
205,587
114,118
369,283
261,444
368,269
296,847
1,615,548
Certificates of deposit
1,087,900
363,636
65,985
6,992
620
—
1,525,133
FHLB advances
398,000
—
—
—
—
—
398,000
Subordinated notes
—
90,000
—
—
—
—
90,000
Junior subordinated debentures
89,178
—
—
—
—
—
89,178
Retail repurchase agreements
165,956
—
—
—
—
—
165,956
Total rate sensitive liabilities
2,901,597
812,413
1,267,690
912,049
1,430,508
1,960,338
9,284,595
Excess of interest-sensitive assets over interest-sensitive liabilities
$
1,564,445
$
150,974
$
2,105,704
$
1,134,201
$
841,689
$
(237,731)
$
5,559,282
Cumulative excess of interest-sensitive assets
$
1,564,445
$
1,715,419
$
3,821,123
$
4,955,324
$
5,797,013
$
5,559,282
$
5,559,282
Cumulative ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
(1)Adjustable-rate assets are included in the period in which interest rates are next scheduled to adjust rather than in the period in which they are due to mature, and fixed-rate assets are included in the period in which they are scheduled to be repaid based upon scheduled amortization, in each case adjusted to take into account estimated prepayments. Mortgage loans and other loans are not reduced for allowances for credit losses and non-performing loans. Mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities, other loans and investment securities are not adjusted for deferred fees or unamortized acquisition premiums and discounts.
(2)Adjustable-rate liabilities are included in the period in which interest rates are next scheduled to adjust rather than in the period they are due to mature. Although regular savings, demand, interest checking, and money market deposit accounts are subject to immediate withdrawal, based on historical experience management considers a substantial amount of such accounts to be core deposits having significantly longer maturities. For the purpose of the gap analysis, these accounts have been assigned decay rates to reflect their longer effective maturities. If all of these accounts had been assumed to be short-term, the one-year cumulative gap of interest-sensitive assets would have been a negative $3.8 billion, or negative 23.91% of total assets, at June 30, 2024.
ITEM 4 – Controls and Procedures
The management of Banner Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives are met. Also, because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. As a result of these inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
(a)Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures: An evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and several other members of our senior management as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2024, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to our management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) in a timely manner, and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
(b)Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting: In the quarter ended June 30, 2024, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
In the normal course of our business, we have various legal proceedings and other contingent matters pending. These proceedings and the associated legal claims are often contested and the outcome of individual matters is not always predictable. Furthermore, in some matters, it is difficult to assess potential exposure because the legal proceeding is still in the pretrial stage. These claims and counter claims typically arise during the course of collection efforts on problem loans or with respect to actions to enforce liens on properties in which we hold a security interest, although we also are subject to claims related to employment matters. Claims related to employment matters may include, but are not limited to, claims by our employees of discrimination, harassment, violations of wage and hour requirements, or violations of other federal, state, or local laws and claims of misconduct or negligence on the part of our employees. Some or all of these claims may lead to litigation, including class action litigation, and these matters may cause us to incur negative publicity with respect to alleged claims. Our insurance may not cover all claims that may be asserted against us, and any claims asserted against us, regardless of merit or eventual outcome, may harm our reputation. Should the ultimate judgments or settlements in any litigation exceed our insurance coverage, they could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation for any period. At June 30, 2024, we had accrued $702,000 related to these legal proceedings. The ultimate outcome of these legal proceedings could be more or less than what we have accrued. We are not a party to any pending legal proceedings that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operations or cash flows, except as set forth below.
As disclosed previously, a class and collective action lawsuit, Bolding et al. v. Banner Bank, US Dist. Ct., WD WA., was filed against Banner Bank on April 17, 2017. On February 22, 2024, the Court entered a written order granting final approval of a settlement agreement that resolved this lawsuit. The majority of the settlement amount had been paid by the Bank as at June 30, 2024, with the remaining amount being included in the $702,000 accrual described above.
ITEM 1A – Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in Part 1, Item 1A of our 2023 Form 10-K.
ITEM 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) The following table provides information about repurchases of common stock by the Company during the quarter ended June 30, 2024:
Period
Total Number of Common Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid per Common Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Authorization
Maximum Number of Remaining Shares that May be Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Authorization
April 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024
13,563
$
46.58
—
—
May 1, 2024 - May 31, 2024
—
—
—
—
June 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024
—
—
—
—
Total for quarter
13,563
$
46.58
—
(1) Includes 13,563 shares surrendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock grants during the three months ended June 30, 2024.
On July 25, 2024, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized repurchases of up to 1,722,787 shares of the Company’s common stock (approximately 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares) over the next twelve months. Under the authorization, shares may be repurchased by the Company in open market purchases. The extent to which the Company repurchases its shares and the timing of such repurchases will depend upon market conditions and other corporate considerations.
ITEM 3 – Defaults upon Senior Securities
Not Applicable.
ITEM 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
ITEM 5 – Other Information
(a) None
(b) None
(c) During the quarter ended June 30, 2024, there were no Rule 10b5‑1 trading arrangements (as defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K) or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K) adopted or terminated by any director or officer (as defined in Rule 16a‑1(f) under the Exchange Act) of the Company.
Inline XBRL Instance Document - The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the XBRL document.
The cover page from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, formatted in Inline XBRL (included in Exhibit 101).
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Banner Corporation
August 6, 2024
/s/ Mark J. Grescovich
Mark J. Grescovich
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
August 6, 2024
/s/ Robert G. Butterfield
Robert G. Butterfield
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)