Banner Corporation Reports Net Income of $46.9 Million, or $1.33 Per Diluted Share, for First Quarter 2021; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.41 Per Share

Rhea-AI Summary

Banner Corporation (NASDAQ: BANR) reported a net income of $46.9 million, or $1.33 per diluted share, for Q1 2021, marking a 20% increase from Q4 2020 and a 178% increase from Q1 2020. The results included an $8.0 million recapture of provision for credit losses and $571,000 in merger-related expenses. The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.41 per share, payable on May 14, 2021. Total assets reached $16.12 billion, with net loans improving to $9.79 billion. Core deposits surged 36% year-over-year to $12.64 billion.

Positive

• Net income rose 20% quarter-over-quarter to $46.9 million.
• Core deposits increased 36% year-over-year to $12.64 billion.
• The declared dividend of $0.41 per share shows confidence in financial stability.
• Return on average assets improved to 1.24% from 1.04% in Q4 2020.

Negative

• Total revenues decreased 2% from the previous quarter to $141.9 million.
• Net interest income fell to $117.7 million, down from $121.4 million in Q4 2020.
• Non-performing assets slightly increased to $37.0 million, or 0.23% of total assets.

WALLA WALLA, Wash., April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Banner Corporation (NASDAQ GSM: BANR) (“Banner”), the parent company of Banner Bank, today reported net income of $46.9 million, or $1.33 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2021, a 20% increase compared to $39.0 million, or $1.10 per diluted share, for the preceding quarter and a 178% increase compared to $16.9 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2020. Banner’s first quarter 2021 results include $8.0 million in recapture of provision for credit losses, compared to $21.7 million in provision for credit losses in the first quarter of 2020. The first quarter 2020 provision for credit losses was primarily the result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. First quarter 2021 results also include $571,000 of merger and acquisition-related expenses, compared to $579,000 for the preceding quarter, and $1.1 million of merger and acquisition-related expenses for the first quarter of 2020.

Banner announced that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.41 per share. The dividend will be payable May 14, 2021, to common shareholders of record on May 5, 2021.

“Banner’s core operating performance during the first quarter reflects the continued execution of our super community bank strategy, even with the challenges of the pandemic,” said Mark Grescovich, President and CEO. “We benefited from continued strong mortgage banking fee revenue, core deposit growth and the branch consolidations we completed during the prior quarter. Overall, we achieved a return on average assets of 1.24% for the quarter. The unprecedented level of market liquidity along with our continued focus on building client relationships contributed to our core deposits increasing 36% compared to March 31, 2020.”

“Due to an improvement in forecasted economic conditions, a decline in loan balances other than guaranteed SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, we recorded an $8.0 million recapture to our provision for credit losses during the current quarter. This compares to a $601,000 recapture to our provision for credit losses during the preceding quarter and a $21.7 million provision for credit losses in the first quarter a year ago. Our allowance for credit losses - loans remains strong at 1.57% of total loans and 426% of non-performing loans at March 31, 2021, compared to 1.69% of total loans and 470% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2020,” said Grescovich. “Banner has provided PPP loans totaling nearly $1.56 billion to 13,210 businesses as of March 31, 2021. We continue to live by our core values: doing the right thing for our clients, communities, colleagues, company and shareholders, while providing a consistent and reliable source of capital through all economic cycles and changing events.”

At March 31, 2021, Banner Corporation had $16.12 billion in assets, $9.79 billion in net loans and $13.55 billion in deposits. Banner operates 155 branch offices, including branches located in eight of the top 20 largest western Metropolitan Statistical Areas by population.

COVID-19 Pandemic Update

• SBA Paycheck Protection Program. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was designed to provide near-term relief to help small businesses sustain operations. Under the initial PPP program, Banner funded 9,103 applications totaling $1.15 billion of loans in its service area. In January 2021, Banner began accepting and processing loan applications under the second PPP program enacted in December 2020. As of March 31, 2021, Banner had funded 4,107 applications totaling $410.8 million of loans under the second PPP program. As of March 31, 2021, Banner had received SBA forgiveness for 1,255 PPP loans totaling $259.9 million.
• Loan Accommodations. Banner is continuing to offer payment and financial relief programs for borrowers impacted by COVID-19. These programs include initial loan payment deferrals or interest-only payments for up to 90 days, waived late fees, and, on a more limited basis, waived interest and temporarily suspended foreclosure proceedings. Deferred loans are re-evaluated at the end of the initial deferral period and will either return to the original loan terms or may be eligible for an additional deferral period for up to 90 days. In addition, Banner has entered into payment forbearance agreements with other clients for periods of up to six months. At March 31, 2021, Banner had 91 loans totaling $33.9 million still on deferral. Of the loans still on deferral, 79 loans totaling $25.7 million are mortgage loans operating under forbearance agreements. Since these loans were performing loans that were current on their payments prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, these modifications are not considered to be troubled debt restructurings pursuant to applicable accounting and regulatory guidance.
• Allowance for Credit Losses. Banner recorded a recapture of provision for credit losses of $8.0 million for the first quarter of 2021. This compares to a $601,000 recapture of provision for credit losses recorded in the preceding quarter and a $21.7 million provision for credit losses recorded in the first quarter a year ago. The recapture of provision for credit losses for the current quarter primarily reflects the decrease in loan balances, excluding the increase in PPP loans, as well as improvement in the forecasted economic indicators, while the recapture of the provision for credit losses recorded in the preceding quarter primarily reflected the decrease in loan balances. The provision for credit losses recorded in the first quarter a year ago reflected the deterioration in forecasted economic indicators and the economic outlook that existed at March 31, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Branch Operations, IT Changes and One-Time Expenses. Banner has been taking steps to resume more normal branch activities with specific guidelines in place to help safeguard the safety of our clients and personnel. To further the well-being of staff and clients, Banner implemented measures to allow employees to work from home to the extent practicable. To facilitate this approach, Banner allocated additional computer equipment to staff and enhanced Banner’s network capabilities with several upgrades. These expenses plus other expenses incurred in response to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in $148,000 of related costs during the first quarter of 2021, compared to $333,000 of related costs in the preceding quarter and $239,000 of related costs in the first quarter a year ago.
• Capital Management. At March 31, 2021, the tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets* ratio was 7.80% and Banner’s capital was well in excess of all regulatory requirements. On December 21, 2020, Banner announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,757,781 shares of Banner’s common stock, which is equivalent to approximately 5% of its common stock. During the current quarter, Banner repurchased 500,000 shares of its common stock at an average cost of $50.62 per share.
  

First Quarter 2021 Highlights

• Revenues decreased to $141.9 million, compared to $144.9 million in the preceding quarter, and increased 3% when compared to $138.4 million in the first quarter a year ago.
• Net interest income, before the recapture of provision for credit losses, decreased to $117.7 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $121.4 million in the preceding quarter and $119.3 million in the first quarter a year ago.
• Net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis was 3.44%, compared to 3.64% in the preceding quarter and 4.25% in the first quarter a year ago.
• Mortgage banking revenues increased 7% to $11.4 million, compared to $10.7 million in the preceding quarter, and 12% compared to $10.2 million in the first quarter a year ago.
• Return on average assets was 1.24%, compared to 1.04% in the preceding quarter and 0.54% in the first quarter a year ago.
• Net loans receivable increased to $9.79 billion at March 31, 2021, compared to $9.70 billion at December 31, 2020, and 7% when compared to $9.16 billion at March 31, 2020.
• Non-performing assets increased slightly to $37.0 million, or 0.23% of total assets, at March 31, 2021, compared to $36.5 million, or 0.24% of total assets in the preceding quarter, and decreased from $46.1 million, or 0.36% of total assets, at March 31, 2020.
• The allowance for credit losses - loans was $156.1 million, or 1.57% of total loans receivable, as of March 31, 2021, compared to $167.3 million, or 1.69% of total loans receivable as of December 31, 2020 and $130.5 million or 1.41% of total loans receivable as of March 31, 2020.
• A $1.2 million recapture of provision for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments was recorded and the allowance for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments was $12.1 million as of March 31, 2021, compared to $13.3 million as of December 31, 2020 and $11.5 million as of March 31, 2020.
• Core deposits (non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing transaction and savings accounts) increased 8% to $12.64 billion at March 31, 2021, compared to $11.65 billion at December 31, 2020, and increased 36% compared to $9.28 billion a year ago. Core deposits represented 93% of total deposits at March 31, 2021.
• Dividends to shareholders were $0.41 per share in the quarter ended March 31, 2021.
• Common shareholders’ equity per share decreased 2% to $46.60 at March 31, 2021, compared to $47.39 at the preceding quarter end, and increased 2% from $45.63 a year ago.
• Tangible common shareholders’ equity per share* decreased 2% to $35.29 at March 31, 2021, compared to $36.17 at the preceding quarter end, and increased 3% from $34.23 a year ago.
  

*Tangible common shareholders’ equity per share and the ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets (both of which exclude goodwill and other intangible assets, net), and references to adjusted revenue (which excludes fair value adjustments and net gain (loss) on the sale of securities from the total of net interest income before provision for loan credit and non-interest income) and the adjusted efficiency ratio (which excludes merger and acquisition-related expenses, COVID-19 expenses, amortization of core deposit intangibles, real estate owned gain (loss), Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) prepayment penalties, state/municipal taxes and provision for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments from non-interest expense divided by adjusted revenue) represent non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measures. Management has presented these non-GAAP financial measures in this earnings release because it believes that they provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in Banner’s core operations reflected in the current quarter’s results and facilitate the comparison of our performance with the performance of our peers. Where applicable, comparable earnings information using GAAP financial measures is also presented. See also Non-GAAP Financial Measures reconciliation tables on the last two pages of this press release.

Significant Recent Initiatives and Events

On February 5, 2021, Islanders Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Banner Corporation, was merged into Banner Bank. As a result, Banner recorded expenses associated with the merger of $571,000 during the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

On December 11, 2020, Banner Bank completed the consolidation of 15 branches and on September 25, 2020, Banner Bank completed the consolidation of six branches. As a result, Banner recorded expenses associated with these branch consolidations of $257,000 and $1.7 million, during the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Client adoption of mobile and digital banking accelerated beginning in the second quarter of 2020 and has continued since, while physical branch transaction volume declined. Banner anticipates this shift in client service delivery channel preference will continue after the COVID-19 pandemic social distancing related restrictions have ended.

Income Statement Review

Net interest income, before the recapture of provision for credit losses, was $117.7 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $121.4 million in the preceding quarter and $119.3 million in the first quarter a year ago.

Banner’s net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis was 3.44% for the first quarter of 2021, a 20 basis-point decrease compared to 3.64% in the preceding quarter and an 81 basis-point decrease compared to 4.25% in the first quarter a year ago.

“Higher core deposit balances, resulting in a significant increase in low yielding short term investments, adversely affected our net interest margin during the quarter,” said Grescovich. “Additionally, the on-going low interest rate environment continues to put pressure on loan yields.” Acquisition accounting adjustments added five basis points to the net interest margin in both the current and preceding quarter and ten basis points in the first quarter a year ago. The total purchase discount for acquired loans was $13.9 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $16.1 million at December 31, 2020, and $22.2 million at March 31, 2020.

Average interest-earning asset yields decreased 23 basis points to 3.64% in the first quarter compared to 3.87% for the preceding quarter and decreased 105 basis points compared to 4.69% in the first quarter a year ago. Average loan yields decreased ten basis points to 4.43% compared to 4.53% in the preceding quarter and decreased 65 basis points compared to 5.08% in the first quarter a year ago. The decrease in average loan yields during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter was primarily the result of lower rates on new originations and adjustable rate loans resetting lower as well as a decrease in interest recoveries and prepayment penalties. Loan discount accretion added seven basis points to average loan yields in both the first quarter of 2021 and in the preceding quarter and added 12 basis points in the first quarter a year ago. Deposit costs were 0.11% in the first quarter of 2021, a three basis-point decrease compared to the preceding quarter and a 24 basis-point decrease compared to the first quarter a year ago. The year-over-year decrease in quarterly deposit costs was primarily the result of decreases in market interest rates during 2020. The total cost of funds was 0.21% during the first quarter of 2021, a three basis-point decrease compared to the preceding quarter and a 25 basis-point decrease compared to the first quarter a year ago.

Banner recorded an $8.0 million recapture to its provision for credit losses in the current quarter, compared to a $601,000 recapture to its provision for credit losses in the prior quarter and a $21.7 million provision for credit losses in the first quarter a year ago. The recapture of provision for credit losses for the current quarter primarily reflects the decrease in loan balances, excluding the increase in PPP loans, as well as improvement in the forecasted economic indicators, while the recapture of the provision for credit losses recorded in the preceding quarter primarily reflected the decrease in loan balances other than PPP loans. The provision for credit losses recorded in the first quarter a year ago reflected the deterioration in forecasted economic indicators and the economic outlook that existed at March 31, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Total non-interest income was $24.3 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $23.5 million in the preceding quarter and $19.2 million in the first quarter a year ago. Deposit fees and other service charges were $8.9 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $8.3 million in the preceding quarter and $9.8 million in the first quarter a year ago. The decrease in deposit fees and other service charges from the first quarter a year ago is primarily a result of fee waivers and reduced transaction deposit account activity since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mortgage banking revenues, including gains on one- to four-family and multifamily loan sales and loan servicing fees, increased to $11.4 million in the first quarter, compared to $10.7 million in the preceding quarter and $10.2 million in the first quarter of 2020. The higher mortgage banking revenue quarter-over-quarter primarily reflects higher gains on the sale of multifamily held-for-sale loans, partially offset by a decrease in the gain on sale margin on one- to four-family held-for-sale loans. The increases compared to the first quarter of 2020 were primarily due to increased production of one- to four-family held-for-sale loans, primarily due to increased refinance activity along with higher gains on the sale of multifamily held-for-sale loans. Home purchase activity accounted for 54% of one- to four-family mortgage loan originations in the first quarter of 2021, compared to 51% in the prior quarter and 54% in the first quarter of 2020.

Banner’s first quarter 2021 results included a $59,000 net gain for fair value adjustments as a result of changes in the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value, principally comprised of certain investment securities held for trading, and a $485,000 net gain on the sale of securities. In the preceding quarter, results included a $1.7 million net gain for fair value adjustments and a $197,000 net gain on the sale of securities. In the first quarter a year ago, results included a $4.6 million net loss for fair value adjustments and a $78,000 net gain on the sale of securities.

Banner’s total revenue decreased 2% to $141.9 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $144.9 million in the preceding quarter, and increased 3% compared to $138.4 million in the first quarter a year ago. Adjusted revenue* (the total of net interest income before recapture of provision for credit losses and total non-interest income excluding the net gain and loss on the sale of securities and the net change in valuation of financial instruments) was $141.4 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $143.0 million in the preceding quarter and $142.9 million in the first quarter of 2020.

Total non-interest expense was $92.3 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $96.8 million in the preceding quarter and $95.2 million in the first quarter of 2020. The decrease in non-interest expense in the current quarter includes a $1.2 million recapture of provision for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments as compared to a $1.2 million provision for the prior quarter and a $1.7 million provision in the first quarter a year ago. The decrease in non-interest expense for the current quarter compared to the prior quarter also reflects a $2.5 million accrual recorded in the prior quarter related to pending litigation as well as a $1.6 million decrease in advertising and marketing expenses and a $1.3 million decrease in occupancy and equipment expense due to branch consolidations expenses recorded in the prior quarter. The year-over-year quarterly decrease in non-interest expense also reflects increased capitalized loan origination costs, primarily related to the origination of PPP loans during the current quarter. The decreases in non-interest expense for both the current quarter compared to the prior quarter and the first quarter a year ago were partially offset by increased salary and employee benefits expense. These increases include $1.3 million of severance expense related to a reduction in staffing and a $1.2 million adjustment recorded in the current quarter to increase the liability related to deferred compensation plans. Merger and acquisition-related expenses were $571,000 for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $579,000 for the preceding quarter and $1.1 million in the first quarter a year ago. Banner’s efficiency ratio was 65.04% for the current quarter, compared to 66.76% in the preceding quarter and 68.76% in the year ago quarter. Banner’s adjusted efficiency ratio* was 63.85% for the current quarter, compared to 64.31% in the preceding quarter and 62.26% in the year ago quarter.

For the first quarter of 2021, Banner had $10.8 million in state and federal income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 18.7%, reflecting the benefits from tax exempt income. Banner’s statutory income tax rate is 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 increased 7% to $16.12 billion at March 31, 2021, compared to $15.03 billion at December 31, 2020, and increased 26% when compared to $12.78 billion at March 31, 2020. The total of securities and interest-bearing deposits held at other banks was $4.81 billion at March 31, 2021, compared to $3.69 billion at December 31, 2020 and $2.15 billion at March 31, 2020. The average effective duration of Banner's securities portfolio was approximately 5.2 years at March 31, 2021, compared to 2.9 years at March 31, 2020.

Net loans receivable increased 1% to $9.79 billion at March 31, 2021, compared to $9.70 billion at December 31, 2020, and increased 7% when compared to $9.16 billion at March 31, 2020. The increase in net loans reflects the origination of SBA PPP loans, primarily during the second quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, partially offset by decreased loan demand and lower line usage as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Commercial real estate and multifamily real estate loans increased slightly to $4.05 billion at March 31, 2021, compared to $4.03 billion at December 31, 2020, and increased 1% compared to $4.02 billion a year ago. Commercial business loans increased 6% to $3.09 billion at March 31, 2021 compared to $2.92 billion at December 31, 2020, and increased 43% compared to $2.17 billion a year ago, primarily due to SBA PPP loans. Agricultural business loans decreased to $262.4 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $299.9 million three months earlier and $330.3 million a year ago. Total construction, land and land development loans were $1.31 billion at March 31, 2021, a 2% increase from $1.29 billion at December 31, 2020, and a 7% increase compared to $1.22 billion a year earlier. Consumer loans decreased to $570.7 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $605.8 million at December 31, 2020, and $661.8 million a year ago. One- to four-family loans decreased to $655.6 million at March 31, 2021, reflecting held for investment loans being refinanced and sold as held for sale loans, compared to $717.9 million at December 31, 2020, and $881.4 million a year ago.

Loans held for sale were $135.3 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $243.8 million at December 31, 2020, and $182.4 million at March 31, 2020. The volume of one- to four- family residential mortgage loans sold was $300.3 million in the current quarter, compared to $356.6 million in the preceding quarter and $204.0 million in the first quarter a year ago. During the first quarter of 2021, Banner sold $107.7 million in multifamily loans compared to $10.4 million in the preceding quarter and $119.7 million in the first quarter a year ago.

Total deposits increased 8% to $13.55 billion at March 31, 2021, compared to $12.57 billion at December 31, 2020, and increased 30% when compared to $10.45 billion a year ago. The year-over-year increase in total deposits was due primarily to SBA PPP loan funds deposited into client accounts and an increase in general client liquidity due to reduced business investment and consumer spending during the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-interest-bearing account balances increased 9% to $5.99 billion at March 31, 2021, compared to $5.49 billion at December 31, 2020, and increased 46% compared to $4.11 billion a year ago. Core deposits increased 8% from the prior quarter and increased 36% compared to a year ago and represented 93% of total deposits at both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Certificates of deposit decreased to $907.0 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $915.3 million at December 31, 2020, and decreased 22% compared to $1.17 billion a year earlier. Banner had no brokered deposits at March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020, compared to $251.0 million a year ago. FHLB borrowings totaled $100.0 million at March 31, 2021, $150.0 million at December 31, 2020, and $247.0 million a year ago.

At March 31, 2021, total common shareholders’ equity was $1.62 billion, or 10.04% of assets, compared to $1.67 billion or 11.09% of assets at December 31, 2020, and $1.60 billion or 12.53% of assets a year ago. The decrease in total common shareholders’ equity from the prior quarter reflects the stock repurchased during the current quarter as discussed above. At March 31, 2021, tangible common shareholders’ equity*, which excludes goodwill and other intangible assets, net, was $1.23 billion, or 7.80% of tangible assets*, compared to $1.27 billion, or 8.69% of tangible assets, at December 31, 2020, and $1.20 billion, or 9.70% of tangible assets, a year ago. Banner’s tangible book value per share* increased to $35.29 at March 31, 2021, compared to $34.23 per share a year ago.

Banner and its subsidiary bank continue to maintain capital levels in excess of the requirements to be categorized as “well-capitalized.” At March 31, 2021, Banner's common equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 11.24%, its Tier 1 leverage capital to average assets ratio was 9.10%, and its total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio was 14.74%.

Credit Quality

The allowance for credit losses - loans was $156.1 million at March 31, 2021, or 1.57% of total loans receivable outstanding and 426% of non-performing loans, compared to $167.3 million at December 31, 2020, or 1.69% of total loans receivable outstanding and 470% of non-performing loans, and $130.5 million at March 31, 2020, or 1.41% of total loans receivable outstanding and 299% of non-performing loans. In addition to the allowance for credit losses - loans, Banner maintains an allowance for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments, which was $12.1 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $13.3 million at December 31, 2020 and $11.5 million at March 31, 2020. Net loan charge-offs totaled $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to net loan charge-offs of $93,000 in the preceding quarter and $404,000 of net loan recoveries in the first quarter a year ago. Banner recorded an $8.0 million recapture of provision for credit losses in the current quarter, compared to a $601,000 recapture of provision for credit losses in the prior quarter and a $21.7 million provision for loan losses in the year ago quarter. The recapture of provision for credit losses for the current quarter primarily reflects the decrease in loan balances, excluding the increase in PPP loans, as well as improvement in the forecasted economic indicators, while the recapture of the provision for credit losses recorded in the preceding quarter primarily reflected the decrease in loan balances other than PPP loans. The provision for credit losses recorded in the first quarter a year ago reflected the deterioration in forecasted economic indicators and the economic outlook that existed at March 31, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-performing loans were $36.6 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $35.6 million at December 31, 2020, and $43.7 million a year ago. Real estate owned and other repossessed assets were $377,000 at March 31, 2021, compared to $867,000 at December 31, 2020, and $2.4 million a year ago.

In accordance with acquisition accounting, loans acquired from acquisitions were recorded at their estimated fair value, which resulted in a net purchase discount to the loans’ contractual amounts, a portion of which reflects a discount for possible credit losses. Credit discounts were included in the determination of fair value, and as a result, no allowance for credit losses was recorded for loans acquired from acquisitions prior to January 1, 2020. At March 31, 2021, the total purchase discount for acquired loans was $13.9 million.

Banner’s total substandard loans were $311.6 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $340.2 million at December 31, 2020, and $126.1 million a year ago. The quarter over quarter decrease reflects the payoff of substandard loans as well as risk rating upgrades as certain industries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic have begun to stabilize.

Banner’s total non-performing assets were $37.0 million, or 0.23% of total assets, at March 31, 2021, compared to $36.5 million, or 0.24% of total assets, at December 31, 2020, and $46.1 million, or 0.36% of total assets, a year ago.

Conference Call

Banner will host a conference call on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. PDT, to discuss its first quarter results. To listen to the call on-line, go to www.bannerbank.com. Investment professionals are invited to dial (866) 235-9915 to participate in the call. A replay will be available for one week at (877) 344-7529 using access code 10153346, or at www.bannerbank.com.

About the Company

Banner Corporation is a $16.12 billion bank holding company operating one 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.

The COVID-19, pandemic is adversely affecting us, our clients, counterparties, employees, and third-party service providers, and the ultimate extent of the impacts on our business, financial position, results of operations, liquidity, and prospects is uncertain. Deterioration in general business and economic conditions, including increases in unemployment rates, or turbulence in domestic or global financial markets could adversely affect our revenues and the values of our assets and liabilities, reduce the availability of funding, lead to a tightening of credit, and increase stock price volatility. In addition, changes to statutes, regulations, or regulatory policies or practices as a result of, or in response to COVID-19, could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated or projected include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) 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; (2) 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; (3) competitive pressures among depository institutions; (4) interest rate movements and their impact on client behavior and net interest margin; (5) the impact of repricing and competitors’ pricing initiatives on loan and deposit products; (6) fluctuations in real estate values; (7) the ability to adapt successfully to technological changes to meet clients’ needs and developments in the market place; (8) the ability to access cost-effective funding; (9) changes in financial markets; (10) changes in economic conditions in general and in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and California in particular; (11) the costs, effects and outcomes of litigation; (12) legislation or regulatory changes, including but not limited to the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations adopted thereunder, changes in regulatory capital requirements pursuant to the implementation of the Basel III capital standards, other governmental initiatives affecting the financial services industry and changes in federal and/or state tax laws or interpretations thereof by taxing authorities; (13) changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines; (14) future acquisitions by Banner of other depository institutions or lines of business; (15) future goodwill impairment due to changes in Banner’s business, changes in market conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or other factors; and (16) other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting our operations, pricing, products and services; and other risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Annual Reports on Form 10-K.

CONTACT:	MARK J. GRESCOVICH,
	PRESIDENT & CEO
	PETER J. CONNER, CFO
	(509) 527-3636

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS		Quarters Ended
(in thousands except shares and per share data)		Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020
INTEREST INCOME:
Loans receivable		$	108,924			$	115,545			$	118,926
Mortgage-backed securities		9,371				7,438				9,137
Securities and cash equivalents		6,226				6,170				3,602
		124,521				129,153				131,665
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Deposits		3,609				4,392				8,750
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		934				987				2,064
Other borrowings		109				121				116
Junior subordinated debentures and subordinated notes		2,208				2,216				1,477
		6,860				7,716				12,407
Net interest income before (recapture)/provision for credit losses		117,661				121,437				119,258
(RECAPTURE)/PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES		(8,031		)		(601		)		21,748
Net interest income		125,692				122,038				97,510
NON-INTEREST INCOME:
Deposit fees and other service charges		8,939				8,293				9,803
Mortgage banking operations		11,440				10,690				10,191
Bank-owned life insurance		1,307				1,319				1,050
Miscellaneous		2,042				1,306				2,639
		23,728				21,608				23,683
Net gain on sale of securities		485				197				78
Net change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value		59				1,704				(4,596		)
Total non-interest income		24,272				23,509				19,165
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:
Salary and employee benefits		64,819				60,906				59,908
Less capitalized loan origination costs		(9,696		)		(9,415		)		(5,806		)
Occupancy and equipment		12,989				14,248				13,107
Information / computer data services		6,203				6,402				5,810
Payment and card processing services		4,326				3,960				4,240
Professional and legal expenses		3,328				5,643				1,919
Advertising and marketing		1,263				2,828				1,827
Deposit insurance expense		1,533				1,548				1,635
State/municipal business and use taxes		1,065				1,071				984
Real estate operations		(242		)		(283		)		100
Amortization of core deposit intangibles		1,711				1,865				2,001
(Recapture)/provision for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments		(1,220		)		1,203				1,722
Miscellaneous		5,509				5,871				6,357
		91,588				95,847				93,804
COVID-19 expenses		148				333				239
Merger and acquisition-related expenses		571				579				1,142
Total non-interest expense		92,307				96,759				95,185
Income before provision for income taxes		57,657				48,788				21,490
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		10,802				9,831				4,608
NET INCOME		$	46,855			$	38,957			$	16,882
Earnings per share available to common shareholders:
Basic		$	1.34			$	1.11			$	0.48
Diluted		$	1.33			$	1.10			$	0.47
Cumulative dividends declared per common share		$	0.41			$	0.41			$	0.41
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		34,973,383				35,200,769				35,463,541
Diluted		35,303,483				35,425,810				35,640,463
(Decrease) increase in common shares outstanding		(423,857		)		632				(649,117		)

FINANCIAL  CONDITION														Percentage Change
(in thousands except shares and per share data)		Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020				Prior Qtr			Prior Yr Qtr
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks		$	296,184			$	311,899			$	211,013			(5.0	)%		40.4	%
Interest-bearing deposits		1,353,743				922,284				83,988				46.8	%		nm
Total cash and cash equivalents		1,649,927				1,234,183				295,001				33.7	%		459.3	%
Securities - trading		25,039				24,980				21,040				0.2	%		19.0	%
Securities - available for sale		2,989,760				2,322,593				1,608,224				28.7	%		85.9	%
Securities - held to maturity		441,857				421,713				437,846				4.8	%		0.9	%
Total securities		3,456,656				2,769,286				2,067,110				24.8	%		67.2	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		14,001				16,358				20,247				(14.4	)%		(30.8	)%
Loans held for sale		135,263				243,795				182,428				(44.5	)%		(25.9	)%
Loans receivable		9,947,697				9,870,982				9,285,744				0.8	%		7.1	%
Allowance for credit losses - loans		(156,054		)		(167,279		)		(130,488		)		(6.7	)%		19.6	%
Net loans receivable		9,791,643				9,703,703				9,155,256				0.9	%		7.0	%
Accrued interest receivable		49,214				46,617				40,732				5.6	%		20.8	%
Real estate owned held for sale, net		340				816				2,402				(58.3	)%		(85.8	)%
Property and equipment, net		161,268				164,556				175,235				(2.0	)%		(8.0	)%
Goodwill		373,121				373,121				373,121				—	%		—	%
Other intangibles, net		19,715				21,426				27,157				(8.0	)%		(27.4	)%
Bank-owned life insurance		191,388				191,830				193,140				(0.2	)%		(0.9	)%
Other assets		277,256				265,932				249,121				4.3	%		11.3	%
Total assets		$	16,119,792			$	15,031,623			$	12,780,950			7.2	%		26.1	%
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Non-interest-bearing		$	5,994,693			$	5,492,924			$	4,107,262			9.1	%		46.0	%
Interest-bearing transaction and savings accounts		6,647,196				6,159,052				5,175,969				7.9	%		28.4	%
Interest-bearing certificates		906,978				915,320				1,166,306				(0.9	)%		(22.2	)%
Total deposits		13,548,867				12,567,296				10,449,537				7.8	%		29.7	%
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank		100,000				150,000				247,000				(33.3	)%		(59.5	)%
Customer repurchase agreements and other borrowings		216,260				184,785				128,764				17.0	%		68.0	%
Subordinated notes, net		98,290				98,201				—				0.1	%		nm
Junior subordinated debentures at fair value		117,248				116,974				99,795				0.2	%		17.5	%
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		373,685				202,643				208,753				84.4	%		79.0	%
Deferred compensation		46,625				45,460				45,401				2.6	%		2.7	%
Total liabilities		14,500,975				13,365,359				11,179,250				8.5	%		29.7	%
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock		1,326,269				1,349,879				1,343,699				(1.7	)%		(1.3	)%
Retained earnings		279,582				247,316				177,922				13.0	%		57.1	%
Other components of shareholders’ equity		12,966				69,069				80,079				(81.2	)%		(83.8	)%
Total shareholders’ equity		1,618,817				1,666,264				1,601,700				(2.8	)%		1.1	%
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	16,119,792			$	15,031,623			$	12,780,950			7.2	%		26.1	%
Common Shares Issued:
Shares outstanding at end of period		34,735,343				35,159,200				35,102,459
Common shareholders’ equity per share (1)		$	46.60			$	47.39			$	45.63
Common shareholders’ tangible equity per share (1) (2)		$	35.29			$	36.17			$	34.23
Common shareholders’ tangible equity to tangible assets (2)		7.80		%		8.69		%		9.70		%
Consolidated Tier 1 leverage capital ratio		9.10		%		9.50		%		10.45		%

(1	)	Calculation is based on number of common shares outstanding at the end of the period rather than weighted average shares outstanding.
(2	)	Common shareholders’ tangible equity excludes goodwill and other intangible assets.  Tangible assets exclude goodwill and other intangible assets. These ratios represent non-GAAP financial measures. See also Non-GAAP Financial Measures reconciliation tables on the final two pages of the press release tables.

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(dollars in thousands)
														Percentage Change
LOANS		Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020				Prior Qtr			Prior Yr Qtr
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied		$	1,045,656			$	1,076,467			$	1,024,089			(2.9	)%		2.1	%
Investment properties		1,931,805				1,955,684				2,007,537				(1.2	)%		(3.8	)%
Small balance CRE		639,330				573,849				591,783				11.4	%		8.0	%
Multifamily real estate		433,775				428,223				400,206				1.3	%		8.4	%
Construction, land and land development:
Commercial construction		199,037				228,937				205,476				(13.1	)%		(3.1	)%
Multifamily construction		305,694				305,527				250,410				0.1	%		22.1	%
One- to four-family construction		542,840				507,810				534,956				6.9	%		1.5	%
Land and land development		266,730				248,915				232,506				7.2	%		14.7	%
Commercial business:
Commercial business		2,376,594				2,178,461				1,357,817				9.1	%		75.0	%
Small business scored		717,502				743,451				807,539				(3.5	)%		(11.1	)%
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland		262,410				299,949				330,257				(12.5	)%		(20.5	)%
One- to four-family residential		655,627				717,939				881,387				(8.7	)%		(25.6	)%
Consumer:
Consumer—home equity revolving lines of credit		466,132				491,812				521,618				(5.2	)%		(10.6	)%
Consumer—other		104,565				113,958				140,163				(8.2	)%		(25.4	)%
Total loans receivable		$	9,947,697			$	9,870,982			$	9,285,744			0.8	%		7.1	%
Restructured loans performing under their restructured terms		$	6,424			$	6,673			$	6,423
Loans 30 - 89 days past due and on accrual		$	19,233			$	12,291			$	39,974
Total delinquent loans (including loans on non-accrual), net		$	42,444			$	36,131			$	61,101
Total delinquent loans  /  Total loans receivable		0.43		%		0.37		%		0.66		%

LOANS BY GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION																	Percentage Change
		Mar 31, 2021							Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020				Prior Qtr			Prior Yr Qtr
		Amount				Percentage			Amount				Amount
Washington		$	4,683,600			47.1	%		$	4,647,553			$	4,350,273			0.8	%		7.7	%
California		2,320,384				23.3	%		2,279,749				2,140,895				1.8	%		8.4	%
Oregon		1,801,104				18.1	%		1,792,156				1,664,652				0.5	%		8.2	%
Idaho		539,061				5.4	%		537,996				524,663				0.2	%		2.7	%
Utah		92,399				0.9	%		80,704				52,747				14.5	%		75.2	%
Other		511,149				5.2	%		532,824				552,514				(4.1	)%		(7.5	)%
Total loans receivable		$	9,947,697			100.0	%		$	9,870,982			$	9,285,744			0.8	%		7.1	%

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(dollars in thousands)

The following table shows loan originations (excluding loans held for sale) activity for the quarters ending March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020 (in thousands).

LOAN ORIGINATIONS	Quarters Ended
	Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020
Commercial real estate	$	199,294			$	93,838			$	76,359
Multifamily real estate	13,271				7,900				10,171
Construction and land	451,545				515,280				369,613
Commercial business:
Commercial business	168,049				133,112				199,873
SBA PPP	428,180				—				—
Agricultural business	27,267				11,552				31,261
One-to four-family residential	64,286				28,402				31,041
Consumer	131,671				97,416				67,357
Total loan originations (excluding loans held for sale)	$	1,483,563			$	887,500			$	785,675

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(dollars in thousands)
		Quarters Ended
CHANGE IN THE		Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES - LOANS
Balance, beginning of period		$	167,279			$	167,965			$	100,559
Beginning balance adjustment for adoption of ASC 326		—				—				7,812
(Recapture)/provision for credit losses - loans		(8,035		)		(593		)		21,713
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
Commercial real estate		24				31				167
Construction and land		100				—				—
One- to four-family real estate		113				194				148
Commercial business		979				2,444				205
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland		—				51				1,750
Consumer		296				90				96
		1,512				2,810				2,366
Loans charged off:
Commercial real estate		(3,763		)		(1,375		)		(100		)
Multifamily real estate		—				—				(66		)
One- to four-family real estate		—				—				(64		)
Commercial business		(789		)		(1,019		)		(1,384		)
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland		—				(37		)		—
Consumer		(150		)		(472		)		(348		)
		(4,702		)		(2,903		)		(1,962		)
Net charge-offs		(3,190		)		(93		)		404
Balance, end of period		$	156,054			$	167,279			$	130,488
Net charge-offs / Average loans receivable		(0.032		)%		(0.001		)%		0.004		%

ALLOCATION OF
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES - LOANS		Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020
Specific or allocated credit loss allowance:
Commercial real estate		$	59,411			$	57,791			$	29,339
Multifamily real estate		4,367				3,893				2,805
Construction and land		36,440				41,295				34,217
One- to four-family real estate		7,988				9,913				11,884
Commercial business		31,411				35,007				31,648
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland		4,617				4,914				4,513
Consumer		11,820				14,466				16,082
Total allowance for credit losses - loans		$	156,054			$	167,279			$	130,488
Allowance for credit losses - loans / Total loans receivable		1.57		%		1.69		%		1.41		%
Allowance for credit losses - loans / Non-performing loans		426		%		470		%		299		%

		Quarters Ended
CHANGE IN THE		Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES - UNFUNDED LOAN COMMITMENTS
Balance, beginning of period		$	13,297			$	12,094			$	2,716
Beginning balance adjustment for adoption of ASC 326		—				—				7,022
(Recapture)/provision for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments		(1,220		)		1,203				1,722
Balance, end of period		$	12,077			$	13,297			$	11,460

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(dollars in thousands)
	Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020
NON-PERFORMING ASSETS
Loans on non-accrual status:
Secured by real estate:
Commercial	$	21,615			$	18,199			$	8,512
Construction and land	986				936				1,393
One- to four-family	4,456				3,556				3,045
Commercial business	4,194				5,407				25,027
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland	1,536				1,743				495
Consumer	2,244				2,719				1,812
	35,031				32,560				40,284
Loans more than 90 days delinquent, still on accrual:
Secured by real estate:
Commercial	—				—				24
Construction and land	—				—				1,407
One- to four-family	1,524				1,899				1,089
Commercial business	37				1,025				77
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland	—				—				461
Consumer	—				130				320
	1,561				3,054				3,378
Total non-performing loans	36,592				35,614				43,662
Real estate owned (REO)	340				816				2,402
Other repossessed assets	37				51				47
Total non-performing assets	$	36,969			$	36,481			$	46,111
Total non-performing assets to total assets	0.23		%		0.24		%		0.36		%

	Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020
LOANS BY CREDIT RISK RATING
Pass	$	9,584,429			$	9,494,147			$	9,095,264
Special Mention	51,692				36,598				64,406
Substandard	311,576				340,237				126,074
Total	$	9,947,697			$	9,870,982			$	9,285,744

	Quarters Ended
REAL ESTATE OWNED	Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020
Balance, beginning of period	$	816			$	1,795			$	814
Additions from loan foreclosures	—				—				1,588
Proceeds from dispositions of REO	(783		)		(1,555		)		—
Gain on sale of REO	307				603				—
Valuation adjustments in the period	—				(27		)		—
Balance, end of period	$	340			$	816			$	2,402

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(dollars in thousands)
DEPOSIT COMPOSITION														Percentage Change
		Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020				Prior Qtr			Prior Yr Qtr
Non-interest-bearing		$	5,994,693			$	5,492,924			$	4,107,262			9.1	%		46.0	%
Interest-bearing checking		1,722,085				1,569,435				1,331,860				9.7	%		29.3	%
Regular savings accounts		2,597,731				2,398,482				1,997,265				8.3	%		30.1	%
Money market accounts		2,327,380				2,191,135				1,846,844				6.2	%		26.0	%
Total interest-bearing transaction and savings accounts		6,647,196				6,159,052				5,175,969				7.9	%		28.4	%
Total core deposits		12,641,889				11,651,976				9,283,231				8.5	%		36.2	%
Interest-bearing certificates		906,978				915,320				1,166,306				(0.9	)%		(22.2	)%
Total deposits		$	13,548,867			$	12,567,296			$	10,449,537			7.8	%		29.7	%

GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION OF DEPOSITS
		Mar 31, 2021							Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020				Percentage Change
		Amount				Percentage			Amount				Amount				Prior Qtr			Prior Yr Qtr
Washington		$	7,504,389			55.4	%		$	7,058,404			$	6,037,864			6.3	%		24.3	%
Oregon		2,929,027				21.6	%		2,604,908				2,093,738				12.4	%		39.9	%
California		2,401,299				17.7	%		2,237,949				1,828,064				7.3	%		31.4	%
Idaho		714,152				5.3	%		666,035				489,871				7.2	%		45.8	%
Total deposits		$	13,548,867			100.0	%		$	12,567,296			$	10,449,537			7.8	%		29.7	%

INCLUDED IN TOTAL DEPOSITS		Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020
Public non-interest-bearing accounts		$	151,850			$	175,352			$	115,354
Public interest-bearing transaction & savings accounts		169,192				127,523				130,958
Public interest-bearing certificates		51,021				59,127				48,232
Total public deposits		$	372,063			$	362,002			$	294,544
Total brokered deposits		$	—			$	—			$	250,977

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(dollars in thousands)
		Actual							Minimum to be categorized as "Adequately Capitalized"							Minimum to be categorized as "Well Capitalized"
REGULATORY CAPITAL RATIOS AS OF MARCH 31, 2021		Amount				Ratio			Amount				Ratio			Amount				Ratio
Banner Corporation-consolidated:
Total capital to risk-weighted assets		$	1,594,230			14.74	%		$	865,281			8.00	%		$	1,081,602			10.00	%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets		1,358,958				12.56	%		648,961				6.00	%		648,961				6.00	%
Tier 1 leverage capital to average assets		1,358,958				9.10	%		597,434				4.00	%		n/a				n/a
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets		1,215,458				11.24	%		486,721				4.50	%		n/a				n/a
Banner Bank:
Total capital to risk-weighted assets		1,473,846				13.63	%		865,096				8.00	%		1,081,370				10.00	%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets		1,338,602				12.38	%		648,822				6.00	%		865,096				8.00	%
Tier 1 leverage capital to average assets		1,338,602				8.95	%		598,565				4.00	%		748,207				5.00	%
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets		1,338,602				12.38	%		486,616				4.50	%		702,890				6.50	%

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(dollars in thousands)
(rates / ratios annualized)
ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST SPREAD	Quarters Ended
	March 31, 2021											December 31, 2020											March 31, 2020
	Average Balance				Interest and Dividends				Yield / Cost(3)			Average Balance				Interest and Dividends				Yield / Cost(3)			Average Balance				Interest and Dividends				Yield / Cost(3)
Interest-earning assets:
Held for sale loans	$	119,341			$	925			3.14	%		$	110,414			$	976			3.52	%		$	152,627			$	1,520			4.01	%
Mortgage loans	7,144,770				80,580				4.57	%		7,251,101				84,634				4.64	%		7,310,115				93,061				5.12	%
Commercial/agricultural loans	2,691,554				26,711				4.02	%		2,752,352				29,145				4.21	%		1,884,006				22,959				4.90	%
Consumer and other loans	127,469				1,947				6.19	%		135,498				2,057				6.04	%		163,098				2,595				6.40	%
Total loans(1)(3)	10,083,134				110,163				4.43	%		10,249,365				116,812				4.53	%		9,509,846				120,135				5.08	%
Mortgage-backed securities	1,953,820				9,472				1.97	%		1,429,635				7,536				2.10	%		1,354,585				9,236				2.74	%
Other securities	1,048,856				6,687				2.59	%		975,166				6,634				2.71	%		458,116				3,310				2.91	%
Equity securities	1,742				—				—	%		234,822				64				0.11	%		—				—				—	%
Interest-bearing deposits with banks	1,032,138				262				0.10	%		611,234				219				0.14	%		92,659				393				1.71	%
FHLB stock	15,952				161				4.09	%		16,361				162				3.94	%		26,522				322				4.88	%
Total investment securities (3)	4,052,508				16,582				1.66	%		3,267,218				14,615				1.78	%		1,931,882				13,261				2.76	%
Total interest-earning assets	14,135,642				126,745				3.64	%		13,516,583				131,427				3.87	%		11,441,728				133,396				4.69	%
Non-interest-earning assets	1,237,281											1,349,055											1,193,256
Total assets	$	15,372,923										$	14,865,638										$	12,634,984
Deposits:
Interest-bearing checking accounts	$	1,616,824			315				0.08	%		$	1,483,183			315				0.08	%		$	1,266,647			469				0.15	%
Savings accounts	2,486,820				521				0.08	%		2,375,015				691				0.12	%		2,039,857				1,755				0.35	%
Money market accounts	2,242,748				775				0.14	%		2,165,960				1,047				0.19	%		1,743,118				2,439				0.56	%
Certificates of deposit	913,053				1,998				0.89	%		916,286				2,339				1.02	%		1,124,994				4,087				1.46	%
Total interest-bearing deposits	7,259,445				3,609				0.20	%		6,940,444				4,392				0.25	%		6,174,616				8,750				0.57	%
Non-interest-bearing deposits	5,663,820				—				—	%		5,499,240				—				—	%		3,965,380				—				—	%
Total deposits	12,923,265				3,609				0.11	%		12,439,684				4,392				0.14	%		10,139,996				8,750				0.35	%
Other interest-bearing liabilities:
FHLB advances	144,444				934				2.62	%		150,000				987				2.62	%		405,429				2,064				2.05	%
Other borrowings	202,930				109				0.22	%		187,560				121				0.26	%		124,771				116				0.37	%
Junior subordinated debentures and subordinated notes	247,944				2,208				3.61	%		247,944				2,216				3.56	%		147,944				1,477				4.02	%
Total borrowings	595,318				3,251				2.21	%		585,504				3,324				2.26	%		678,144				3,657				2.17	%
Total funding liabilities	13,518,583				6,860				0.21	%		13,025,188				7,716				0.24	%		10,818,140				12,407				0.46	%
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities(2)	207,560											195,965											212,162
Total liabilities	13,726,143											13,221,153											11,030,302
Shareholders’ equity	1,646,780											1,644,485											1,604,682
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	15,372,923										$	14,865,638										$	12,634,984
Net interest income/rate spread (tax equivalent)					$	119,885			3.43	%						$	123,711			3.63	%						$	120,989			4.23	%
Net interest margin (tax equivalent)									3.44	%										3.64	%										4.25	%
Reconciliation to reported net interest income:
Adjustments for taxable equivalent basis					(2,224		)									(2,274		)									(1,731		)
Net interest income and margin, as reported					$	117,661			3.38	%						$	121,437			3.57	%						$	119,258			4.19	%
Additional Key Financial Ratios:
Return on average assets									1.24	%										1.04	%										0.54	%
Return on average equity									11.54	%										9.42	%										4.23	%
Average equity/average assets									10.71	%										11.06	%										12.70	%
Average interest-earning assets/average interest-bearing liabilities									179.96	%										179.60	%										166.97	%
Average interest-earning assets/average funding liabilities									104.56	%										103.77	%										105.76	%
Non-interest income/average assets									0.64	%										0.63	%										0.61	%
Non-interest expense/average assets									2.44	%										2.59	%										3.03	%
Efficiency ratio(4)									65.04	%										66.76	%										68.76	%
Adjusted efficiency ratio(5)									63.85	%										64.31	%										62.26	%

⁽¹⁾ Average balances include loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis and 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 $1.2 million, $1.3 million, and $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020, respectively. The tax equivalent yield adjustment to interest earned on tax exempt securities was $985,000, $1.0 million, and $522,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020, respectively.
⁽⁴⁾ Non-interest expense divided by the total of net interest income (before provision for loan losses) and non-interest income.
⁽⁵⁾ Adjusted non-interest expense divided by adjusted revenue. These represent non-GAAP financial measures. See the non-GAAP Financial Measures on the final two pages of the press release tables.

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(dollars in thousands)
* Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), this press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. Management has presented these non-GAAP financial measures in this earnings release because it believes that they provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in Banner’s core operations reflected in the current quarter’s results and 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, comparable earnings information using GAAP financial measures is also presented. Because not all companies use the same calculations, our presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as calculated by other companies. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures, see the tables below:
ADJUSTED REVENUE	Quarters Ended
	Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020
Net interest income before (recapture)/provision for credit losses	$	117,661			$	121,437			$	119,258
Total non-interest income	24,272				23,509				19,165
Total GAAP revenue	141,933				144,946				138,423
Exclude net gain on sale of securities	(485		)		(197		)		(78		)
Exclude net change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value	(59		)		(1,704		)		4,596
Adjusted revenue (non-GAAP)	$	141,389			$	143,045			$	142,941

ADJUSTED EARNINGS		Quarters Ended
		Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020
Net income (GAAP)		$	46,855			$	38,957			$	16,882
Exclude net gain on sale of securities		(485		)		(197		)		(78		)
Exclude net change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value		(59		)		(1,704		)		4,596
Exclude merger and acquisition-related expenses		571				579				1,142
Exclude COVID-19 expenses		148				333				239
Exclude related net tax (benefit) expense		(42		)		237				(1,405		)
Total adjusted earnings (non-GAAP)		$	46,988			$	38,205			$	21,376
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)		$	1.33			$	1.10			$	0.47
Diluted adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP)		$	1.33			$	1.08			$	0.60

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(dollars in thousands)
ADJUSTED EFFICIENCY RATIO		Quarters Ended
		Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020
Non-interest expense (GAAP)		$	92,307			$	96,759			$	95,185
Exclude merger and acquisition-related expenses		(571		)		(579		)		(1,142		)
Exclude COVID-19 expenses		(148		)		(333		)		(239		)
Exclude CDI amortization		(1,711		)		(1,865		)		(2,001		)
Exclude state/municipal tax expense		(1,065		)		(1,071		)		(984		)
Exclude REO operations		242				283				(100		)
Exclude recapture/(provision) for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments		1,220				(1,203		)		(1,722		)
Adjusted non-interest expense (non-GAAP)		$	90,274			$	91,991			$	88,997
Net interest income before (recapture)/provision for credit losses (GAAP)		$	117,661			$	121,437			$	119,258
Non-interest income (GAAP)		24,272				23,509				19,165
Total revenue		141,933				144,946				138,423
Exclude net gain on sale of securities		(485		)		(197		)		(78		)
Exclude net change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value		(59		)		(1,704		)		4,596
Adjusted revenue (non-GAAP)		$	141,389			$	143,045			$	142,941
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)		65.04		%		66.76		%		68.76		%
Adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)		63.85		%		64.31		%		62.26		%

TANGIBLE COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY TO TANGIBLE ASSETS		Mar 31, 2021				Dec 31, 2020				Mar 31, 2020
Shareholders’ equity (GAAP)		$	1,618,817			$	1,666,264			$	1,601,700
Exclude goodwill and other intangible assets, net		392,836				394,547				400,278
Tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP)		$	1,225,981			$	1,271,717			$	1,201,422
Total assets (GAAP)		$	16,119,792			$	15,031,623			$	12,780,950
Exclude goodwill and other intangible assets, net		392,836				394,547				400,278
Total tangible assets (non-GAAP)		$	15,726,956			$	14,637,076			$	12,380,672
Common shareholders’ equity to total assets (GAAP)		10.04		%		11.09		%		12.53		%
Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)		7.80		%		8.69		%		9.70		%
TANGIBLE COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY PER SHARE
Tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP)		$	1,225,981			$	1,271,717			$	1,201,422
Common shares outstanding at end of period		34,735,343				35,159,200				35,102,459
Common shareholders’ equity (book value) per share (GAAP)		$	46.60			$	47.39			$	45.63
Tangible common shareholders’ equity (tangible book value) per share (non-GAAP)		$	35.29			$	36.17			$	34.23

FAQ

What is the recent dividend payout for Banner Corporation (BANR)?

Banner Corporation declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.41 per share, payable on May 14, 2021.

How did Banner Corporation's net income perform in Q1 2021?

Banner Corporation reported a net income of $46.9 million for Q1 2021, a 20% increase from the previous quarter.

What are the key financial highlights from Banner Corporation's Q1 2021 report?

Key highlights include a 20% increase in net income, total assets of $16.12 billion, and an increase in core deposits by 36% year-over-year.

How did Banner Corporation's total assets change in Q1 2021?

Total assets increased by 7% to $16.12 billion in Q1 2021 compared to Q4 2020.

What was the return on average assets for Banner Corporation in Q1 2021?

The return on average assets for Banner Corporation was 1.24% in Q1 2021.