Banner Corporation (NASDAQ:BANR) (“Banner”), the parent company of Banner Bank, today reported net income of $37.6 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $42.6 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, for the preceding quarter and $55.6 million, or $1.61 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2023. Net interest income was $133.0 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $138.4 million in the preceding quarter and $153.3 million in the first quarter a year ago. The decrease in net interest income compared to the preceding quarter and prior year quarter reflects an increase in funding costs, partially offset by an increase in yields on earning assets. Banner’s first quarter 2024 results included a $4.9 million net loss on the sale of securities, compared to a $4.8 million net loss on the sale of securities in the preceding quarter and a $7.3 million net loss on the sale of securities in the first quarter of 2023. Banner’s first quarter 2024 results also included a $520,000 provision for credit losses, compared to a $2.5 million provision for credit losses in the preceding quarter and a $524,000 recapture of provision for credit losses in the first quarter of 2023. In addition, the preceding quarter included a $3.5 million fair value gain recorded on multifamily loans as a result of their transfer from held for sale to held for investment, with no similar transaction recorded in the current quarter.

Banner announced that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.48 per share. The dividend will be payable May 10, 2024, to common shareholders of record on April 30, 2024.

“Banner’s operating performance for the first quarter of 2024 reflects our super community bank business strategy of emphasizing a moderate risk profile and strong relationship banking, positioning the Company to weather current market conditions,” said Mark Grescovich, President and CEO. “Our results for the first quarter of 2024 benefited from higher yields on interest-earning assets. However, the continued high interest rate environment, and its effect on funding costs, resulted in moderate compression in our net interest margin during the quarter. We continue to maintain strong credit quality metrics and a solid reserve for potential credit losses. Additionally, we continue to benefit from a strong core deposit base, with core deposits representing 89% of total deposits at quarter end. Banner has upheld its core values for the past 133 years, which are to do the right thing for our clients, communities, colleagues, company and shareholders; and to provide consistent and reliable strength through all economic cycles and change events.”

At March 31, 2024, Banner, on a consolidated basis, had $15.52 billion in assets, $10.72 billion in net loans and $13.16 billion in deposits. Banner operates 135 full-service branch offices, including branches located in eight of the top 20 largest western Metropolitan Statistical Areas by population.

First Quarter 2024 Highlights

• Revenues were $144.6 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $152.5 million in the preceding quarter and $162.6 million in the first quarter a year ago.
• 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 $150.4 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $157.1 million in the preceding quarter and $170.4 million in the first quarter a year ago.
• Net interest income was $133.0 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $138.4 million in the preceding quarter and $153.3 million in the first quarter a year ago.
• Net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis, was 3.74%, compared to 3.83% in the preceding quarter and 4.30% in the first quarter a year ago.
• Mortgage banking operations revenue was $2.3 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $5.4 million in the preceding quarter and $2.7 million in the first quarter a year ago.
• Return on average assets was 0.97%, compared to 1.09% in the preceding quarter and 1.44% in the first quarter a year ago.
• Net loans receivable increased 1% to $10.72 billion at March 31, 2024, compared to $10.66 billion at December 31, 2023, and increased 7% compared to $10.02 billion at March 31, 2023.
• Non-performing assets were $29.9 million, or 0.19% of total assets, at March 31, 2024, compared to $30.1 million, or 0.19% of total assets, at December 31, 2023 and $27.1 million, or 0.17% of total assets, at March 31, 2023.
• The allowance for credit losses - loans was $151.1 million, or 1.39% of total loans receivable, as of March 31, 2024, compared to $149.6 million, or 1.38% of total loans receivable, as of December 31, 2023 and $141.5 million, or 1.39% of total loans receivable, as of March 31, 2023.
• Total deposits increased to $13.16 billion at March 31, 2024, compared to $13.03 billion at December 31, 2023 and $13.15 billion at March 31, 2023. Core deposits represented 89% of total deposits at March 31, 2024.
• Banner Bank’s estimated uninsured deposits were approximately 31% of total deposits at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
• Banner Bank’s estimated uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized public deposits and affiliate deposits, were approximately 28% of total deposits at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
• Available borrowing capacity was $5.05 billion at March 31, 2024, compared to $4.65 billion at December 31, 2023.
• On-balance sheet liquidity was $2.77 billion at March 31, 2024, compared to $2.93 billion at December 31, 2023.
• Dividends paid to shareholders were $0.48 per share in the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
• Common shareholders’ equity per share increased 1% to $48.39 at March 31, 2024, compared to $48.12 at the preceding quarter end, and increased 8% from $44.64 at March 31, 2023.
• Tangible common shareholders’ equity per share* increased 1% to $37.40 at March 31, 2024, compared to $37.09 at the preceding quarter end, and increased 12% from $33.52 at March 31, 2023.

*Non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measure; See, “Additional Financial Information - Non-GAAP Financial Measures” on the final two pages of this press release for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.

Income Statement Review

Net interest income was $133.0 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $138.4 million in the preceding quarter and $153.3 million in the first quarter a year ago. Net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis decreased nine basis points to 3.74% for the first quarter of 2024, compared to 3.83% in the preceding quarter, and decreased compared to 4.30% in the first quarter a year ago. 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.

Average yields on interest-earning assets increased 10 basis points to 5.16% for the first quarter of 2024, compared to 5.06% for the preceding quarter, and increased compared to 4.68% in the first quarter a year ago. Average loan yields increased 10 basis points to 5.87%, compared to 5.77% in the preceding quarter, and increased compared to 5.38% in the first quarter a year ago. The increase in average yields on interest-earning assets, particularly loans, during the current quarter reflects the benefit of new loans being originated at higher interest rates. Total deposit costs increased 19 basis points to 1.37% in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 1.18% in the preceding quarter, and compared to 0.28% in the first quarter a year ago. The increase in the cost of deposits was due to a larger percentage of core deposits being in interest bearing accounts as well as an increase in the mix of higher cost retail CDs. The average rate paid on borrowings increased 21 basis points to 4.98% in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 4.77% in the preceding quarter, and compared to 3.41% in the first quarter a year ago. The total cost of funding liabilities increased 22 basis points to 1.53% during the first quarter of 2024, compared to 1.31% in the preceding quarter, and compared to 0.40% in the first quarter a year ago.

A $520,000 provision for credit losses was recorded in the current quarter (comprised of a $1.4 million provision for credit losses - loans, an $887,000 recapture of provision for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments and a $17,000 recapture of provision for credit losses - held-to-maturity debt securities). This compares to a $2.5 million provision for credit losses in the prior quarter (comprised of a $3.8 million provision for credit losses - loans, a $526,000 recapture of provision for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments, a $750,000 recapture of provision for credit losses - available for sale securities and a $23,000 recapture of provision for credit losses - held-to-maturity debt securities) and a $524,000 recapture of provision for credit losses in the first quarter a year ago (comprised of a $774,000 provision for credit losses - loans, a $1.3 million recapture of provision for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments and a $20,000 recapture of provision for credit losses - held-to-maturity debt securities). The provision for credit losses for the current quarter is primarily related to the loan growth in the construction and one- to four-family loan portfolios and was partially offset by a reduction in unfunded loan commitments in the construction portfolio. The provision for credit losses for the preceding quarter primarily reflected increased loan balances and higher than forecasted net loan charge-offs, partially offset by an increase in the trading price of our investments in other banks’ subordinated debt.

Total non-interest income was $11.6 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $14.1 million in the preceding quarter and $9.3 million in the first quarter a year ago. The decrease in non-interest income during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter was primarily due to a $3.1 million decrease in mortgage banking operations revenue and a $1.1 million decrease in the fair value adjustments on financial instruments carried at fair value during the current quarter, partially offset by a $1.5 million increase in deposit fees and other service charges. The increase in non-interest income during the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter was primarily due to a $2.3 million decrease in the net loss recognized on the sale of securities.

Mortgage banking operations revenue, including gains on one- to four-family and multifamily loan sales and loan servicing fees, was $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $5.4 million in the preceding quarter and $2.7 million in the first quarter a year ago. The decrease from the preceding quarter primarily reflects a $3.5 million reversal of the lower of cost or market adjustment on multifamily loans held for sale recognized during the preceding quarter due to the transfer of all remaining multifamily loans held for sale to the held for investment loan portfolio in the fourth quarter of 2023. In 2023, the Bank discontinued the origination of multifamily loans for sale into the secondary market. The volume of one- to four-family loans sold during the current quarter increased compared to the prior year quarter, although overall volumes remained low due to reduced refinancing and purchase activity in the current rate environment. Home purchase activity accounted for 89% of one- to four-family mortgage loan originations in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 92% in the preceding quarter and 88% in the first quarter of 2023.

First quarter 2024, non-interest income included a $992,000 net loss for fair value adjustments as a result of changes in the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value, principally comprised of limited partnership investments, and a $4.9 million net loss on the sale of securities. In the preceding quarter, non-interest income included a $139,000 net gain for fair value adjustments and a $4.8 million net loss on the sale of securities. In the first quarter a year ago, non-interest income included a $552,000 net loss for fair value adjustments and a $7.3 million net loss on the sale of securities.

Total non-interest expense was $97.6 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $96.6 million in the preceding quarter and $94.6 million in the first quarter of 2023. The increase in non-interest expense for the current quarter compared to the prior quarter primarily reflects a $2.3 million increase in salary and employee benefits, primarily due to typically higher first quarter payroll taxes and 401(k) expense, as well as higher medical insurance expense, partially offset by a $737,000 decrease in professional and legal expense and a $607,000 decrease in advertising and marketing expense. The increase in non-interest expense for the current quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago primarily reflects increases in salary and employee benefits, payment and card processing services expense and deposit insurance expense. Banner’s efficiency ratio was 67.55% for the first quarter of 2024, compared to 63.37% in the preceding quarter and 58.20% in the same quarter a year ago. Banner’s adjusted efficiency ratio* was 63.70% for the first quarter of 2024, compared to 60.04% in the preceding quarter and 54.23% in the year ago quarter.

*Non-GAAP financial measures. See, “Additional Financial Information - Non-GAAP Financial Measures” on the final two pages of this press release for a discussion and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.

Federal and state income tax expense totaled $8.8 million for the first quarter of 2024 resulting in an effective tax rate of 19.0%, reflecting the benefits from tax exempt income. Banner’s statutory income tax rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, was 23.7%, representing a blend of the statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0% and apportioned effects of the state income tax rates.

Balance Sheet Review

Total assets decreased to $15.52 billion at March 31, 2024, compared to $15.67 billion at December 31, 2023, and $15.53 billion at March 31, 2023. Securities and interest-bearing deposits held at other banks totaled $3.32 billion at March 31, 2024, compared to $3.48 billion at December 31, 2023 and $3.99 billion at March 31, 2023. The decrease compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to the sale of securities and normal cash flows from the security portfolio. The average effective duration of the securities portfolio was approximately 6.6 years at both March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023.

Total loans receivable increased to $10.87 billion at March 31, 2024, compared to $10.81 billion at December 31, 2023, and $10.16 billion at March 31, 2023. One- to four-family residential loans increased 3% to $1.57 billion at March 31, 2024, compared to $1.52 billion at December 31, 2023, and increased 25% compared to $1.25 billion at March 31, 2023. The increase in one- to four-family residential loans was the result of one- to four-family construction loans converting to one- to four-family portfolio loans upon the completion of the construction phase and new loan production. Multifamily real estate loans decreased slightly to $809.1 million at March 31, 2024, compared to $811.2 million at December 31, 2023, and increased 16% compared to $696.9 million at March 31, 2023. The increase in multifamily real estate loans year over year was primarily the result of the conversion of affordable housing multifamily construction loans to the multifamily portfolio upon the completion of the construction phase as well as the transfer of $43.5 million of multifamily loans held for sale to the held for investment loan portfolio in the fourth quarter of 2023. Construction, land and land development loans increased 2% to $1.57 billion at March 31, 2024, compared to $1.54 billion at December 31, 2023, and increased 7% compared to $1.47 billion at March 31, 2023. The increase in construction, land and land development loans was primarily the result of new loan production and advances on multifamily construction loans, primarily related to affordable housing projects. Agricultural business loans decreased 4% to $318.0 million at March 31, 2024, compared to $331.1 million at December 31, 2023, primarily due to operating line paydowns, and increased 17% compared to $272.7 million at March 31, 2023, primarily due to new loan production.

Loans held for sale were $9.4 million at March 31, 2024, compared to $11.2 million at December 31, 2023 and $49.0 million at March 31, 2023. One- to four-family residential mortgage loans sold totaled $65.9 million in the current quarter, compared to $65.6 million in the preceding quarter and $40.5 million in the first quarter a year ago. The decrease in loans held for sale compared to March 31, 2023 was due to the previously mentioned transfer of multifamily loans held for sale to the held for investment loan portfolio in the fourth quarter of 2023. There were no multifamily loans held for sale at March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

Total deposits increased to $13.16 billion at March 31, 2024, compared to $13.03 billion at December 31, 2023 and $13.15 billion a year ago. Core deposits increased 1% to $11.67 billion at March 31, 2024, compared to $11.55 billion at December 31, 2023, and decreased 4% compared to $12.20 billion at March 31, 2023. The increase in core deposits compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to increases in savings accounts while the decrease compared to the prior year quarter reflected clients moving funds out of non-interest bearing accounts into higher yielding certificates of deposits. Core deposits were 89% of total deposits at March 31, 2024, compared to 89% of total deposits at December 31, 2023 and 93% of total deposits at March 31, 2023. Certificates of deposit increased 1% to $1.49 billion at March 31, 2024, compared to $1.48 billion at December 31, 2023, and increased 56% compared to $949.9 million a year earlier. The increase in certificates of deposit during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter and first quarter a year ago was principally due to clients seeking higher yields moving funds from core deposit accounts to higher yielding certificates of deposit. The increase in certificates of deposit from the first quarter a year ago was also due to a $107.5 million increase in brokered deposits.

Banner Bank’s estimated uninsured deposits were $4.18 billion or 31% of total deposits at March 31, 2024, compared to $4.08 billion or 31% of total deposits at December 31, 2023. The uninsured deposit calculation includes $316.6 million and $305.3 million of collateralized public deposits at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Uninsured deposits also include cash held by the holding company of $113.9 million and $108.2 million at March 31, 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 March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Banner had $52.0 million of FHLB advances at March 31, 2024, compared to $323.0 million at December 31, 2023 and $170.0 million a year ago. At March 31, 2024, Banner’s off-balance sheet liquidity included additional borrowing capacity of $3.27 billion at the FHLB and $1.66 billion at the Federal Reserve as well as federal funds line of credit agreements with other financial institutions of $125.0 million.

Subordinated notes, net of issuance costs, were $89.5 million at March 31, 2024 compared to $92.9 million at December 31, 2023 and $99.0 million at March 31, 2023. The decrease in subordinated notes from both the preceding and prior year quarters was due to Banner Bank’s purchase of $10.0 million of Banner’s subordinated debt over the past year.

At March 31, 2024, total common shareholders’ equity was $1.66 billion, or 10.73% of total assets, compared to $1.65 billion or 10.55% of total assets at December 31, 2023, and $1.53 billion or 9.86% of total assets at March 31, 2023. The increase in total common shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 was primarily due to a $20.8 million increase in retained earnings as a result of $37.6 million in net income, partially offset by the accrual of $16.7 million of cash dividends during the first quarter of 2024. The increase in retained earnings was partially offset by a $10.3 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss, primarily due to a decrease in the fair value of the security portfolio as a result of an increase in market interest rates during the first quarter of 2024. At March 31, 2024, tangible common shareholders’ equity*, which excludes goodwill and other intangible assets, net, was $1.29 billion, or 8.50% of tangible assets*, compared to $1.27 billion, or 8.33% of tangible assets, at December 31, 2023, and $1.15 billion, or 7.59% of tangible assets, a year ago.

*Non-GAAP financial measures. See, “Additional Financial Information - Non-GAAP Financial Measures” on the final two pages of this press release for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.

Banner and Banner Bank continue to maintain capital levels in excess of the requirements to be categorized as “well-capitalized.” At March 31, 2024, Banner’s estimated common equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 12.06%, its estimated Tier 1 leverage capital to average assets ratio was 10.71%, and its estimated total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio was 14.70%. These regulatory capital ratios are estimates, pending completion and filing of Banner’s regulatory reports.

Credit Quality

The allowance for credit losses - loans was $151.1 million, or 1.39% of total loans receivable and 513% of non-performing loans, at March 31, 2024, compared to $149.6 million, or 1.38% of total loans receivable and 506% of non-performing loans, at December 31, 2023, and $141.5 million, or 1.39% of total loans receivable and 528% of non-performing loans, at March 31, 2023. In addition to the allowance for credit losses - loans, Banner maintains an allowance for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments, which was $13.6 million at March 31, 2024, compared to $14.5 million at December 31, 2023, and $13.4 million at March 31, 2023. Net loan recoveries totaled $73,000 in the first quarter of 2024, compared to net loan charge-offs of $1.1 million in the preceding quarter and net loan charge-offs of $782,000 in the first quarter a year ago. Non-performing loans were $29.5 million at March 31, 2024, compared to $29.6 million at December 31, 2023, and $26.8 million a year ago.

Substandard loans were $116.1 million at March 31, 2024, compared to $125.4 million at December 31, 2023 and $148.0 million a year ago. The decrease primarily reflects paydowns and payoffs of substandard loans as well as risk rating upgrades.

Total non-performing assets were $29.9 million, or 0.19% of total assets, at March 31, 2024, compared to $30.1 million, or 0.19% of total assets, at December 31, 2023, and $27.1 million, or 0.17% of total assets, a year ago.

Conference Call

Banner will host a conference call on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. PDT, to discuss its first quarter results. Interested investors may listen to the call live at www.bannerbank.com. Investment professionals are invited to dial (833) 470-1428 using access code 062587 to participate in the call. A replay of the call will be available at www.bannerbank.com.

About the Company

Banner Corporation is a $15.52 billion bank holding company operating a commercial bank in four Western states through a network of branches offering a full range of deposit services and business, commercial real estate, construction, residential, agricultural and consumer loans. Visit Banner Bank on the Web at www.bannerbank.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

When used in this press release and in other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in press releases or other public stockholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases “may,” “believe,” “will,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “plans,” “potential,” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made and based only on information then actually known to Banner. Banner does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. These statements may relate to future financial performance, strategic plans or objectives, revenues or earnings projections, or other financial information. By their nature, these statements are subject to numerous uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the statements and could negatively affect Banner’s operating and stock price performance.

Factors that could cause Banner’s actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, include but are not limited to, the following: (1) potential adverse impacts to economic conditions in our local market areas, other markets where the Company has lending relationships, or other aspects of the Company’s business operations or financial markets, including, without limitation, as a result of employment levels, labor shortages and the effects of inflation, a potential recession or slowed economic growth, or increased political instability due to acts of war; (2) changes in the interest rate environment, including past increases in the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) benchmark rate and duration at which such increased interest rate levels are maintained, which could adversely affect our revenues and expenses, the value of assets and obligations, and the availability and cost of capital and liquidity; (3) the impact of continuing elevated inflation and the current and future monetary policies of the Federal Reserve in response thereto; (4) the effects of any federal government shutdown; (5) the impact of bank failures or adverse developments at other banks and related negative press about the banking industry in general on investor and depositor sentiment; (6) the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, which could necessitate additional provisions for credit losses, resulting both from loans originated and loans acquired from other financial institutions; (7) results of examinations by regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, require increases in the allowance for credit losses or writing down of assets or impose restrictions or penalties with respect to Banner’s activities; (8) competitive pressures among depository institutions; (9) the effect of inflation on interest rate movements and their impact on client behavior and net interest margin; (10) the impact of repricing and competitors’ pricing initiatives on loan and deposit products; (11) fluctuations in real estate values; (12) the ability to adapt successfully to technological changes to meet clients’ needs and developments in the market place; (13) the ability to access cost-effective funding; (14) disruptions, security breaches or other adverse events, failures or interruptions in, or attacks on, information technology systems or on the third-party vendors who perform critical processing functions; (15) changes in financial markets; (16) changes in economic conditions in general and in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and California in particular; (17) the costs, effects and outcomes of litigation; (18) legislation or regulatory changes, including but not limited to changes in regulatory policies and principles, or the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules, other governmental initiatives affecting the financial services industry and changes in federal and/or state tax laws or interpretations thereof by taxing authorities; (19) changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines; (20) future acquisitions by Banner of other depository institutions or lines of business; (21) future goodwill impairment due to changes in Banner’s business or changes in market conditions; (22) effects of critical accounting policies and judgments, including the use of estimates in determining fair value of certain of our assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; (23) other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting our operations, pricing, products and services; and (24) other risks detailed from time to time in Banner’s other reports filed with and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission including Banner’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K.