Banner Corporation Stock

Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining us, and welcome to the Banner Corporation Third Quarter 2026 Conference Call and Webcast. After today's prepared remarks, we will host a question-and-answer session. [Operator Instructions]

I will now hand the call over to Mark Grescovich, President and CEO of Banner. Mark? Please go ahead.

Thank you, Trevor, and good morning, everyone. I would also like to welcome you to the Third Quarter 2026 earnings call for Banner Corporation. Joining me on the call today is Rob Butterfield, Banner Corporation's Chief Financial Officer; Jill Rice, our Chief Credit Officer; and Rich Arnold, our Head of Investor Relations.

Rich, would you please read our forward-looking safe harbor statement? .

Sure, Mark. Good morning. Our presentation today to us of Banner's business outlook and will include forward-looking statements. These statements include descriptions of management's plans, objectives or goals for future operations, products or services, forecasts of financial or other performance measures and statements about Banner's general outlook for economic and other conditions. We also may make other forward-looking statements in the question-and-answer period following management's discussion.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed today. Information on the risk factors that could cause the actual results to differ are available from the earnings press release that was released yesterday and the most recently filed Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. Forward-looking statements are effective only as of the date they are made, and Banner assumes no obligation to update information concerning its expectations. Mark?

Thank you, Rich. As is customary, today, we will cover four primary items with you. First, I will provide you high-level comments on Banner's third quarter 2026 performance. Second, the actions Banner continues to take to support all of our stakeholders, including our Banner team, our clients, our communities and our shareholders. Third, Jill Rice will provide comments on the current status of our loan portfolio. And finally, Rob Butterfield will provide more detail on our operating performance for the quarter as well as comments on our balance sheet.

Before I get started, I want to welcome our new colleagues from the Bank of the Pacific team to Banner. And thank all of my 2,000 colleagues in our company who are working extremely hard to assist our clients and communities. Banner has lived our core values, summed up as doing the right thing for the past 135 years. Our overarching goal continues to be to do the right thing for our clients, our communities, our colleagues, our company, and our shareholders and to provide a consistent and reliable source of commerce and capital through all economic cycles and change events.

I am pleased to report again to you that is exactly what we continue to do. I'm very proud of the entire Banner team that are living our core values. Now let me turn to an overview of our performance. As announced, Banner Corporation reported a net profit available to common shareholders of $47.7 million or $1.36 per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2026. This compares to a net profit to common shareholders of $1.54 per share for the third quarter of 2025.

The third quarter 2026 performance was impacted by the closure of the previously announced Pacific Financial acquisition. Rob will discuss this in more detail shortly. Also, our strategy to maintain a moderate risk profile and the investments we have made and continue to make in order to improve our operating performance have positioned the company well for the future. The strength of our balance sheet coupled with a strong reputation we maintain in our markets will allow us to manage through the current market uncertainty.

To illustrate the core earnings power of Banner. I would direct your attention to pretax pre-provision earnings, excluding gains and losses on the sale of securities, changes in fair value of financial instruments, merger and acquisition-related expenses, and building and lease exit costs. Our third quarter 2026 core earnings were $68.6 million compared to $67.8 million for the third quarter of 2025. Banner's third quarter 2026 revenue from core operations was $179 million compared to $169 million for the third quarter of 2025, an increase of 6%.

We continue to benefit from a strong core deposit base that has proved to be resilient and loyal banner, a very good net interest margin and core expense control. Overall, this resulted in a return on average assets of 1.11% for the third quarter of 2026. Once again, our core performance reflects continued execution on our super community bank strategy. That is, growing new client relationships, maintaining our core funding position promoting client loyalty and advocacy through our responsive service model and demonstrating our safety and soundness through all economic cycles and change events.

To that point, our core deposits represent 90% of total deposits. Reflective of this performance, coupled with our strong regulatory capital ratios, and our strong tangible common equity per share, we announced a core dividend of $0.52 per share. In the quarter, we also released our 2025 corporate responsibility report. Banner has always been committed to doing the right thing in support of our clients, the many communities that we serve and our colleagues. The accomplishments highlighted in this report are meant to reflect the deep connection we have with all of our stakeholders and our commitment to creating positive change in the communities we serve.

Finally, I'm pleased to say that we continue to receive marketplace recognition and validation of our business model and our value proposition. Banner was again named one of America's 100 Best Banks as well as one of the best banks in the world by Forbes. In Newsweek named banner, one of the most trustworthy companies both in America and the world again this year and just recently again, named Banner one of the best regional banks in the country. Additionally, our company was certified by Great Place to Work. S&P Global Market Intelligence ranked Banner's financial performance among the top 50 public banks with more than $10 billion in assets.

The accrual bond rating agency affirmed all of Banner's investment-grade debt and deposit ratings. And as we have noted previously, Banner Bank again received an outstanding CRA rating.

Let me now turn the call over to Jill to discuss trends in our loan portfolio and her comments on Banner's credit quality. Jill?

Thank you, Mark, and good morning, everyone. As noted, we completed the acquisition of Pacific Financial this month, adding to our portfolio growth while maintaining strong credit metrics, a testament to the credit culture at both organizations. Loan originations exceeded expectations, increasing 2% from the linked quarter in contrast to the typical seasonal slowdown and increasing 61% when compared to the third quarter of 2025. Importantly, Banner's credit metrics remain stable. Loan outstandings grew by $1 billion in the quarter or 8% from the linked quarter. Of that amount, $766 million was attributable to the acquisition, while the additional $235 million resulted from organic loan growth.

On a stand-alone basis, $235 million equates to an annualized growth rate of approximately 8% for the legacy Banner portfolio. Commercial real estate was the primary driver of loan growth during the quarter. owner-occupied real estate grew by $100 million, including $74 million of acquisition-related growth and $26 million of organic growth. Investor CRE grew by $61 million, reflecting acquired balances of $77 million that were partially offset by payoffs within the legacy portfolio. Growth within the small balance real estate portfolio was entirely acquisition related.

Multifamily real estate grew by $57 million, including $37 million of acquisition-related growth with the remainder driven by transfers from construction and new originations partially offset by continued refinancing activity into the secondary markets. The construction portfolio increased $108 million, including $29 million of acquisition-related growth and $79 million of organic growth. The majority of this increase occurred within the land and land development and commercial construction segment.

The construction portfolio remains well balanced with 1:4 family construction continuing to represent 5% of total loans and the overall construction portfolio representing 14% of total loans. As discussed in prior calls, we continue to closely monitor the completed and unsold inventory levels within the 1:4 family for-sale construction portfolio. Current levels remain well within historical norms and builders remain cautious regarding Neustar.

C&I loan balances increased by $72 million, approximately 45% of which was acquisition-related while the small business portfolio grew by $79 million entirely through organic growth. Looking at the ag portfolio, the $52 million increase primarily reflects acquired balances. The 1-4 family portfolio increased by $64 million, including $46 million of acquisition-related growth with the balance reflecting custom construction conversions upon completion net of payoffs.

Finally, consumer balances increased by $103 million, including $63 million of acquisition-related growth and $40 million in new originations, primarily via home equity lines of credit. Turning to our credit metrics. Delinquent loans at 0.56% of total loans increased 5 basis points from the linked quarter and compared to 0.39% as of September 30, 2025. Adversely classified assets declined by $9 million in the quarter and now represent 1.61% of total loans.

Nonperforming assets increased by $2.4 million in the quarter and are comprised of nonperforming loans of $59 million and REO balances of $4 million. Net charge-offs were modest during the quarter. Loan losses totaled $1.2 million and were partially offset by recovery totaling $528,000. The provision for credit losses in the quarter was $2.8 million, consisting of a $1.8 million provision for loan losses and a $1 million provision for unfunded loan commitments. Additionally, the allowance for credit losses increased by $8.6 million to establish the initial reserve associated with the acquired loan portfolio.

At 1.32% of total loans, the reserve remained strong and compares to 1.35% as of the linked quarter and 1.36% as of September 30, 2020. I will close by noting that our credit metrics remain strong and reflective of our moderate risk profile. The addition of the Pacific Financial portfolio aligns well with Banner's underwriting standards and the credit culture is highly consistent with our own, further reinforcing our risk profile. We remain well positioned to navigate this economic cycle with a granular and diversified loan portfolio that is supported by a strong balance sheet. A robust reserve for credit losses and capital levels well in excess of regulatory requirements.

With that, I will hand the mic over to Rob for his comments. Rob?

Great. Thank you, Jill. We reported $1.36 per diluted share for the third quarter compared to $1.43 per diluted share in the prior quarter. The decrease in earnings per share compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to merger and acquisition expenses and a loss on the sale of securities acquired in the Pacific Financial merger, partially offset by stronger net interest income and a lower provision for credit losses.

Core pretax pre-provision income increased $4.2 million or 7% compared to the prior quarter. As Jill previously mentioned, total loans increased $1 billion during the quarter, which included $766 million of loans acquired from Pacific Financial Corporation and $235 million of organic loan growth. The loan-to-deposit ratio ended the quarter at 84%. Total security balances increased $158 million during the quarter, primarily reflecting securities acquired in the Pacific Financial transaction after repositioning the acquired portfolio, partially offset by an increase in unrealized loss in the security portfolio due to an increase in interest rates.

Deposits increased $1.6 billion during the quarter as part of the Pacific Financial acquisition. We acquired $1 billion in deposits, excluding acquisition-related organic deposit growth. Organic deposit growth was $463 million during the quarter or 13% on an annualized basis, demonstrating the strength of our balance sheet and our deposit franchise and our client relationships. Core deposits increased $1.46 billion and represent 90% of total deposits at the end of the quarter. Certificates of deposits increased $142 million during the quarter due to the CDs acquired from Pacific Financial.

Total borrowings declined during the quarter as we repaid all outstanding FHLB advances, reflecting the strength of our deposit funding base. Tangible equity to asset ratio was 9.48%, and total shareholder equity increased to $135 million during the quarter to $2.13 billion. Net interest income increased $8.2 million from the prior quarter due to a combination of net interest margin expansion and growth in average earning assets, including the impact of the Pacific Financial acquisition and organic loan growth. The tax equivalent net interest margin was 4.14% compared to 4.13% in the prior quarter.

The increase in net interest margin was driven by higher yields on earning assets as average loan yields increased 3 basis points and the yield on investment securities increased by 7 basis points. The average rate on new loan production for the current quarter was 6.55% compared to 6.53% from the prior quarter. The increase in asset yields was partially offset by higher funding costs, primarily reflecting an increase in the cost of deposits due to a combination of an increase in market interest rates, and the majority of the growth in deposits being in interest-bearing accounts.

Total deposit cost increased 5 basis points to 1.38%. Noninterest-bearing deposits ended the quarter at 32% of total deposits. Total noninterest income decreased $2.8 million from the prior quarter. The decrease was primarily driven by a $2.1 million loss on the sale of securities acquired from Pacific Financial as market interest rates increased during September prior to the sale being completed. Higher debit card transaction expenses, lower gains on the sale of mortgage and SBA loans and lower income from swap related activities also contributed to the decrease. These decreases were partially offset by favorable changes in the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value.

Total noninterest expense increased $7.7 million from the prior quarter. The primary driver was a $4.9 million increase in merger and acquisition expenses associated with the closing of the Pacific Financial transaction and a $1.1 million increase in write-downs of foreclosed real estate holdings. The current quarter also included one month of expense associated with the operations acquired from Pacific Financial. Our capital liquidity and credit quality metrics continue to position us well to support our clients, communities and future growth opportunities while maintaining a disciplined risk profile. This concludes my prepared comments.

Now I'll turn it back to Mark.

Thank you, Jill and Rob for your comments. That concludes our prepared remarks, and Trevor, we will now open the call and welcome questions.

[Operator Instructions] Our first question comes from the line of Jeff Rulis with D.A. Davidson.

This is Ryan Pan on for Jeff Rulis. Bigger picture on the margin, some moving pieces with the FHLB advances runoff, I mean, security sale. So where do you see the NIM trajectory from here?

Sure, Ryan. This is Rob. So if we think about the fourth quarter and the asset side of it, I would expect some expansion in loan yields has about 25% of our loan portfolio would have repriced up with the increase in Fed funds rate in September. And then in addition, the closing of the Pacific Financial deal would also add a couple of basis points to the loan yield as well. And then I would expect the portfolio also to see an increase in yield in that 6 to 7 basis point range.

On the funding side, I would expect some increase in the cost of deposits as we have seen competitors increase deposit pricing after the Fed increased the Fed funds rate. So on a net basis, I would expect some expansion in NIM in the fourth quarter.

If we're looking out further, 2027 would really be dependent on Fed actions. I've seen the market pricing in anywhere from 1 to 2 increases in '27 in addition to the increase that they're pricing in December. I will say Moody's forecast is showing something different, and we usually follow Moody's they're actually showing two rate decreases in 2027. So I would say there's a bit of lack of clarity out there around the interest rate trajectory right now. the market is right, and we see some increase in the fourth quarter and then also a few increases in 2027, then I would expect some expansion of our net interest margin as we are slightly asset sensitive. If the Fed were on pause for some reason, I think we'd also see some moderate expansion during 2027, really just dependent on the level of deposit rate competition. And a gradual decline or if the Fed decides to decrease some interest rates in 2027, then I think it's either flat to a moderate compression.

Understood. Very helpful. On the loan side of things, strong organic loan growth this quarter. If you could talk to what you're hearing from customers midst of a rising rate environment. I know, Jill, you mentioned that builders might be cautious. But if that could impact demand? And any expectations as we head into 2027 on loan growth side?

Sure, Ryan. It's a bit early to really peg what's going to happen in terms of loan demand with the rate environment. We have had a I'll call it a handful of clients who have hit the pause button and are stepping back and looking at some of their expansion plans. But again, it's too soon to really know, the strong loan growth was fantastic this quarter. I do think the increasing rate environment that we're moving into is going to be an initial headwind. But that said, we have meaningful unfunded construction projects in process outside of the residential portfolio that -- yes, they are being cautious with new starts.

Commercial and commercial real estate pipelines remain healthy. We're still anticipating a mid-single-digit loan growth as we close out 2026, and I would position that to be the same loan growth rate we will expect into 2027.

Okay. And just last for me, trying to gauge a run rate on fee income. And stripping out that loss on securities, is that kind of where we can think of where we should think the run rate is? Or where would you set expectations on fees? .

Sure, Ryan. It's Rob. So noninterest income in the third quarter, I think, was lower than our typical run rate. We have seen lower mortgage banking activity and also SBA gain on loan sale as higher interest rates have slowed activity in these areas. If I think about the fourth quarter, and you wanted to get to a run rate, you would need to add a full quarter of Bank Pacific activity. We saw one month of that in the third quarter. So you need to add to more months in there. They're running about $400,000 a month. So that would be an additional $800,000 on top of what we saw in the third quarter.

And I think there's just a number of areas where we just -- you always see fees move up and down quarter-over-quarter. So I think there's probably some normalization above that after you added Bank of Pacific maybe $0.5 million or something in that range. And I think that gets you probably close to a run rate as long as we see that slowdown in mortgage banking and SBA.

Our next question comes from the line of Matthew Clark with Piper Sandler.

Just a couple more on the margin. if you had the spot rate on deposits at the end of September and then your expectations around the interest-bearing deposit beta, I think it was 28% on the way down. Just curious what you think you might achieve on the way up.

Sure, Matthew. So spot cost of deposits for the month of September was $140 million compared to $138 million for the quarter. So we were seeing some additional pressure in the month of September there. And then as far as the deposit beta on the interest-bearing deposits, as you said, 28 basis points is what we're seeing on the upside. Modeling-wise, we're modeling something higher. We're modeling $40 million. So I would say it would end up somewhere between 28% and 40%.

But that tends to be very lagged as what we've experienced in the past. Oftentimes, I think we've seen some front-running of that. If you think about that deposit cost increased 5 basis points during the third quarter. And typically, we would expect that to be relatively flat without the kind of pressure on market index rates that we saw during the third quarter. So we're hoping some of that it was front-end loaded, but I would expect some carryover from the Fed actions in the fourth quarter.

Got it. And then just on deposits on the organic side, really strong. I think some of that was seasonal, but maybe speak to the portion that you wouldn't attribute to being seasonality and where it's coming from and whether or not there's anything -- whether or not those balances are sustainable.

Yes. So we -- I mean the third quarter is always the best quarter for a deposit growth standpoint. There is some seasonality to that, but the majority have been sticking around typically what we see, and it's mostly on the ag side as we see cash coming in from crop harvest and other things, and it builds as you get into the -- go through the third quarter and typically what happens at the beginning of the fourth quarter, we would normally expect that those clients would use that cash flow to pay down operating lines of credit and do other things with that cash.

So if you think about $463 million, there could be $100 million of that, that would come back out in early fourth quarter. But then typically, what happens as you move into the end of the year, we see other clients that start to position their balance sheet for the end of the year. And oftentimes, they will put additional cash on their balance sheet as we fourth quarter. So that usually ends up balancing out. And typically, we would see some increase in deposits in the fourth quarter when you balance those two out.

Got it. And then last one for me for Mark, on M&A, I know you were in the midst of integrating this latest deal, but any comments around whether or not conversations have picked up at all in your appetite to consider another deal.

Yes. Thank you, Matthew, for the question. Our philosophy hasn't changed. We continue to have dialogue with folks that we think would be great partners with Banner and we're very excited about the Bank of the Pacific combination, Pacific financial closure, and we do have an integration that's going to occur mid-month. So we're focused on that. But to the extent that opportunities arise, we are prepared to move forward. But like I said, we're focused on the current disruption, our organic growth and making sure that the Pacific Financial integration goes extremely well.

Our next question comes from the line of Kelly Motta with KBW.

This is Megan Lynch on for Kelly Mode. So just sort of on specific a bit more? I know they enhanced balance sheet flexibility given their low loan to deposit and their great funding. I was just sort of wondering that now that you're closed, is there any incremental repositioning of the balance sheet or any sort of opportunities that you guys are seeing or taking advantage of?

Yes. Thanks, Megan. This is Rob again. So what we did there is we did reposition their security portfolio in the month of September. And we let the balances there, but we intentionally left the duration short on that security portfolio and where we repositioned it to. But the thought process being that as the cash flows come off of that acquired security portfolio, we're able to redeploy those back into the loan portfolio. But that's going to happen organically.

We're not looking at doing any type of balance sheet repositioning or anything like that from the security side or from a loan portfolio perspective but we just intentionally left the duration short so we can redeploy those cash flows over time into the loan book.

Okay. That was very helpful. And then so you sort of gave -- you touched on how much Pacific is adding to fees and sort of that run rate, but how should we think about like their expense contribution and sort of clearer run rate on that Pacific's contribution and expenses?

Sure. So to get to a run rate from an expense standpoint, if you start with the total expenses for the third quarter, you would need to back out the M&A expense of $5 million and then also back out that write-down on REO properties that we took of around $1 million. And then from there, you need to add in two months of expense for Bank of the Pacific operations. Their quarterly expenses have been running around $10 million at this point. We've probably achieved about 10% synergies. So 10% off the $10 million gets you to kind of a monthly run rate right now. What we expected was to get a total of 40% cost synergies there.

I think another 20% of the 40% would be realized starting at the beginning of the year, so call that January 1 of '27. And then the last 10% of cost synergies would be realized by mid-next year, call it, July 1 to get to that total of 40% cost synergies that we expected. And then if you're trying to get to a 2027 run rate, you would need to abnormal inflationary increase in expenses, plus a little bit on top of that for continued investments into the organization.

Our next question comes from the line of Andrew Terrell with Stephens.

Rob, I wanted to ask you about just the fixed asset repricing dynamics on the margin. I think if I recall, I think it was last quarter, it sounded like it's maybe fizzling out a little bit. We've had a pretty tremendous backup in the curve here. Just your views on fixed repricing and the contribution of the margin going forward?

Sure, Andrew. Thanks for the question. Yes. I mean we certainly think there will be a little bit of pick up there. I think it's going to come from a couple of different pieces. It's not only the fixed asset repricing, but it's also the yields on new loans coming on. If you look at the yields in the third quarter, it was up slightly from the second quarter, but not much, and that's just because even though rates had increased, we had commitments out there prior to the rates increasing. So you had some you didn't really realize the full increase in the market interest rate.

So we think there's some benefit just as new loans are coming on and existing loans are paying off. We're still trying to get our full handle around what the benefit of the fixed asset repricing. We're running a couple of basis points, it almost came down to zero. So I think as we start through the process here, it will probably be a couple of basis points a quarter. And as we get a clear trajectory on where rates are going to stay going forward here, then we'll probably get a better sense on what the full impact would be.

Yes. Got it. Okay. I appreciate it. And then capital, you guys leveraged capital just a little bit with the strong growth in the deal sequentially. Just interest in buyback continuing from here versus maybe holding capital or building capital in anticipation of future M&A? I guess, do you have a preference?

The way we're thinking about that right now, Andrew, core dividend is the first thing that we're focused on. If we're looking at something beyond that, I mean we did repurchase 200,000 shares in September after the Pacific Financial deal closed. We think share repurchases are very attractive where we're currently trading that. And so we will evaluate further share repurchases in the fourth quarter. And I think even with the share repurchases, we're probably keeping capital at about the current level or maybe it goes down a little bit. So I think that still provides us with opportunity to consider the right M&A opportunity that could come along.

Got it. And I think it's like 12.6% CET1. Is 12.5% CET1 kind of how you think about capital targets, if you think long term or is it a different level than that?

I think it would be something below that. We've also been focused on the TCE ratio. If you think about the TCE ratio, we were at 10% at the end of the second quarter, we're at 9.48% right now. Bank of the Pacific reduced at about 20 basis points. The increase in the unrealized loss in the security portfolio was the other, call it, 30 basis points of that. our target range to the upper end of our target range is 9.5%. So we're setting at the upper end of our target range right now. And we're above peer median. And if you look at our proxy peers, we were about 30 basis points above where they were at previously. So I think there's additional room to bring down the TCE ratio.

Our next question comes from the line of David Feaster with Raymond James. .

I wanted to follow up on maybe Jill, your commentary about maintaining a mid-single-digit pace of growth next year. I'm just curious, what gives you confidence in that? What's driving growth? It sounds like there's some construction tailwinds. But are there any markets you're seeing more strength or segments? And just maybe as you touched on the competitive side.

Obviously, it's been tough, especially on the pricing front, but curious if you're seeing that abate at all or whether competition is maybe shifting more towards looser underwriting as well. So just kind of curious on the growth front and the competitive landscape on the loan side.

Sure, David. So competition continues to be fierce with the clientele that we think on a day in and day out basis. and pricing, it continues to be one of the levers that are pulled. There isn't a ton within the banking industry that's pushing out in terms of underwriting standards, certainly, secondary market, insurance companies. And that sort of competition gives underwriting that we don't generally match. So we have some of that, that we're competing with. But the confidence really comes from the good work that our team has been doing over the past year in terms of who they're calling on growing existing client relationships, bringing in new clients as well.

New team members have been really successful existing bankers have been successful as well in terms of expansion. We benefit from the market disruption as well. So some of the combinations that have occurred or shifts in where decisions are made and cause people to rethink where they want to do banking. So all of that together, just you're seeing it. I'm seeing it, I should say, in the originations. And so those originations are frontrunners to dollars that are advancing on the books, whether it's closings, but and funding up of those closings over time. And again, the construction portfolio is -- there's a lot there as well to pull through.

Okay. That's helpful. And then, Jill, maybe just staying with you, touching on the credit side. Obviously, you guys are phenomenal on the credit front and very conservative. I'm curious as you think about higher rates and you stress the book, are there any segments that you're watching more closely? I mean we got small business consumer. And then just high level, how do you think about the health of the CRE book and the markets across your footprint? Just kind of curious what you're seeing and what you're hearing from borrowers broadly.

So what are we watching you hit on all of them, right? I mean, we are looking at the consumer, we're looking at SBA. We're watching what the higher rate environment is doing in terms of segments within CRE, we continue to stress the office portfolio and continually look at that as it will -- as if it had repriced in when is it going to reprice, just to kind of watch what is going to be happening or potentially happening based on their most current operating statements.

To date, we don't have very many that would look like they won't work at a current rate reset. I think that speaks to the underwriting we're doing as we're going in, in terms of the required debt service coverages that we expect for various different types of properties coupled with the significant equity that borrowers have in their properties going in recourse that is on 99% of the loan book as well. And global cash flows that can backstop issues with any particular property. So we're monitoring I would say, most of the book on a very regular basis in terms of what can happen in this rising rate environment. But right now, any issues of size have been idiosyncratic and not really related to the interest rate environment.

Okay. That's helpful. And then Mark, maybe just a high-level one for you. I mean, as we talked about, there's a lot of tailwinds for your business, right? You got the back book of pricing story, margin expansion, a strong core deposit base, strong credit loan growth excess capital. There's a lot to like here. Just given your competitive positioning and kind of the tailwinds for the bank in this market, what are you excited about right now? And where are you investing today that can help maybe take the bank to the next level over the next several years?

Thank you for the question, David. I think you hit a number of the things I'm excited about, right? We have an opportunity on some growth avenues organically, there's quite a bit of market disruption that's occurring with the combination of other financial institutions, which creates uncertainty in clients' minds in our footprint. We're in a great footprint for business. So I'm very excited about our opportunity to grow organically.

And at the same time, the company is extremely well positioned as you already said, from a balance sheet strength standpoint, a moderate risk profile. Our capital posture that Rob talked about is extremely strong. So it presents quite a bit of flexibility for our company going forward. I would also say that given the improvements that we've made in our operations, then the investments we've made to improve our efficiency will also create some scalable efficiencies and generate positive operating leverage as we go into 2027. So I'm very excited about the how the organization is positioned and what we can do going forward and continue to improve returns.

There are no further questions at this time. I will now turn the call back to Mark for closing remarks. Please go ahead.

Right. Thank you, Trevor. As I stated, we're very proud of the Banner team our solid third quarter 2026 performance. Thank you all for your interest in Banner and for joining our call today. We look forward to reporting our results to you again in the future. Have a great day, everyone.

This concludes today's call. Thank you for attending. You may now disconnect.

Thank you for standing by. My name is Jordan, and I'll be your conference operator today. At this time, I'd like to welcome everyone to the Banner Corporation's Second Quarter 2026 Conference Call and Webcast. [Operator Instructions] Thank you. I would now like to turn the call over to Mark Grescovich, President and CEO of Banner Corporation.

Thank you, Jordan, and good morning, everyone. I would also like to welcome you to the Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Call for Banner Corporation. Joining me on the call today is Rob Butterfield, Banner Corporation's Chief Financial Officer; Jill Rice, our Chief Credit Officer; and Rich Arnold, our Head of Investor Relations. Rich, would you please read our forward-looking safe harbor statement?

Sure, Mark. Good morning. Our presentation today discusses Banner's business outlook and will include forward-looking statements. Statements include descriptions of management's plans, objectives or goals for future operations, products or services, forecast of financial or other performance measures and statements about Banner's general outlook for economic and other conditions.

We also may make other forward-looking statements in the question-and-answer period following management's discussion. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed today. Information on the risk factors that could cause actual results to differ are available from the earnings press release that was released yesterday and a recently filed Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Forward-looking statements are effective only as of the date they are made, and Banner assumes no obligation to update information concerning its expectations. Mark?

Thank you, Rich. As is customary, today, we will cover 4 primary items with you. First, I will provide you high-level comments on Banner's second quarter 2026 performance. Second, the actions Banner continues to take to support all of our stakeholders, including our Banner team, our clients, our communities and our shareholders. Third, Jill Rice will provide comments on the current status of our loan portfolio. And finally, Rob Butterfield will provide more detail on our operating performance for the quarter as well as comments on our balance sheet. .

Before I get started, I want to thank all of my 2,000 colleagues in our company who are working extremely hard to assist our clients and our communities. Banner has lived our core values, summed up as doing the right thing for the past 135 years. Our overarching goal continues to be to do the right thing for our clients, our communities, our colleagues, our company and our shareholders and to provide a consistent and reliable source of commerce and capital through all economic cycles and change events.

I am pleased to report again to you that is exactly what we continue to do. I am very proud of the entire Banner team that are living our core values. Now let me turn to an overview of our performance. As announced, Banner Corporation reported a net profit available to common shareholders of $48.9 million or $1.43 per diluted share for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. This compares to a net profit to common shareholders of $1.31 per share for the second quarter of 2025. Our strategy to maintain a moderate risk profile and the investments we have made and continue to make in order to improve our operating performance have positioned the company well for the future.

Rob will discuss these items in more detail shortly. The strength of our balance sheet, coupled with the strong reputation we maintain in our markets will allow us to manage through the current market uncertainty. To illustrate the core earnings power of Banner, I would direct your attention to pretax pre-provision earnings, excluding gains and losses on the sale of securities, changes in fair value of financial instruments, merger and acquisition-related expenses and building and lease exit costs.

Our second quarter 2026 core earnings were $64.4 million compared to $62.5 million for the second quarter of 2025. Banner's second quarter 2026 revenue from core operations was $172 million compared to $163 million for the second quarter of 2025, an increase of nearly 6%. We continue to benefit from a strong core deposit base that has proved to be resilient and loyal to Banner, a very good net interest margin and core expense control. Overall, this resulted in a return on average assets of 1.2% for the second quarter of 2026. Once again, our core performance reflects continued execution on our super community bank strategy, that is growing new client relationships, maintaining our core funding position, promoting client loyalty and advocacy through our responsive service model and demonstrating our safety and soundness through all economic cycles and change events.

To that point, our core deposits continue to represent 89% of total deposits. Reflective of this performance, coupled with our strong regulatory capital ratios and the fact we increased our tangible common equity per share by 11% from the same period last year, we announced a core dividend of $0.52 per common share. Earlier this month, we released our 2025 corporate responsibility report. Banner has always been committed to do the right thing in support of our clients, the many communities that we serve and our colleagues. The accomplishments highlighted in this report are meant to reflect the deep connection we have with all of our stakeholders and our commitment to creating positive change in the communities we serve.

Finally, I'm pleased to say that we continue to receive marketplace recognition and validation of our business model and our value proposition. Banner was again named one of America's 100 Best Banks as well as one of the best banks in the world by Forbes. And Newsweek named Banner one of the most trustworthy companies both in America and the world again this year and just recently named Banner one of the best regional banks in the country.

Additionally, our company was certified by Great Place to Work and S&P Global Market Intelligence ranked Banner's financial performance among the top 50 public banks with more than $10 billion in assets. Also, the Kroll Bond Rating Agency affirmed all of Banner's investment-grade debt and deposit ratings. And as we have noted previously, Banner Bank again received an outstanding CRA rating.

Let me now turn the call over to Jill to discuss trends in our loan portfolio and her comments on Banner's credit quality. Jill?

Thank you, Mark, and good morning, everyone. As detailed in our press release, loan originations were strong again this quarter. We reported solid loan growth across multiple product lines and Banner's credit metrics remained stable. Delinquent loans declined 5 basis points to 0.51% of total loans when compared to the linked quarter and compared to 0.41% as of June 30, 2025. The adversely classified assets also declined quarter-over-quarter, down $16.5 million and represent 1.82% of total loans, a 19 basis point decrease when compared to March 31.

Nonperforming assets increased by $8.9 million, the result of a single condo construction project moving to nonaccrual. In spite of this increase, total nonperforming assets represent a modest 0.36% of total assets. Nonperforming loans totaled $54.8 million, the majority of which are 1-4 family or other consumer-related credits that often involve protracted resolution time lines. REO balances declined by $500,000 quarter-over-quarter and totaled $5.7 million. The net provision for credit losses in the quarter was $3.8 million, including a $1.6 million provision for credit losses, loans and a $2.2 million provision for unfunded loan commitments.

Loan losses in the quarter were modest, totaling $577,000 and were offset in part by recoveries totaling $476,000. The provision was largely driven by loan growth and was partially offset by changes in portfolio mix and positive risk rating migration. The loan loss reserve remains strong, providing coverage of 1.35% of total loans, which compares to 1.37% as of both the linked quarter and as of June 30, 2025. Loan originations increased 45% when compared to the linked quarter, with commercial originations up 85%, construction up 73% and consumer up 55%, respectively, and both commercial and commercial real estate pipelines continue to be strong.

Loan outstandings grew by $287 million in the quarter or nearly 10% on an annualized basis in spite of continued commercial real estate and to a lesser extent, C&I loan payoffs experienced in the quarter. The primary drivers of loan growth in the quarter were C&I up $152 million, consumer loans up $62 million and owner-occupied real estate up $54 million. The growth in both C&I lending and owner-occupied real estate was a mix of both new and expanded small business relationships as well as several new middle market commercial relationships spread across the footprint. The growth in the consumer portfolio was driven largely by the generation of new home equity lines of credit resulting from a successful marketing campaign with a smaller contribution from utilization of existing facilities.

Consistent with owner-occupied commercial real estate, growth in the nonowner-occupied balances reflects our success in developing new middle market relationships while deepening existing client relationships. Notably, this quarter's growth was materially tempered by multiple loan payoffs associated with real estate sales and refinancing activity into the secondary market. The increase in multifamily real estate loan balances was driven primarily by the conversion of several affordable housing projects upon completion of construction. Residential construction loans continue to represent approximately 5% of the total loan portfolio.

Across all business lines, the overall construction portfolio remains well balanced at 14% of total loans reflecting our measured approach to managing construction-related exposure. The completed for sale one- to four-family construction projects average days on market again increased modestly this quarter given the current elevated interest rate environment. However, completed and unsold inventory levels remain within historical norms and are considered manageable.

We continue to closely monitor sales velocity, particularly within the higher-end product segment given ongoing economic uncertainty. Last quarter, I noted the economic uncertainty resulting from persistent inflation, a higher for longer interest rate environment and heightened geopolitical tensions. While these headwinds continue, Banner's super community bank delivery model and disciplined credit culture have enabled us to strengthen existing relationships, grow new business and maintain our moderate risk profile. Supported by a strong balance sheet, robust capital levels and a solid allowance for credit losses, we remain well positioned to navigate the current environment and capitalize on future opportunities.

With that, I will hand the microphone over to Rob for his comments. Rob?

Thank you, Jill. We reported $1.43 per diluted share for the second quarter compared to $1.60 per diluted share for the prior quarter. The decrease in earnings per share compared to the prior quarter was primarily driven by a higher provision for credit losses, lower noninterest income and higher noninterest expense, partially offset by stronger net interest income. Core pretax pre-provision income increased $1.9 million or 3% compared to the second quarter of last year. .

Our performance metrics remain solid as we reported a return on average tangible common equity of 12.27% and a return on average assets of 1.20% for the current quarter. As Jill previously mentioned, loan balances increased $287 million during the quarter or nearly 10% on an annualized basis, reflecting continued client demand across our markets. The loan-to-deposit ratio ended the quarter at 87%, which provides us with strong liquidity and funding flexibility. Total security balances decreased $34 million during the quarter due to a slight decline in fair value, partially offset by purchases exceeding portfolio cash flows.

Deposits decreased $51 million during the quarter due to normal seasonal activities as clients use deposit balances to make tax payments. Core deposits decreased $59 million and ended the quarter at 89% of total deposits. Certificates of deposits increased $8 million during the quarter. Total borrowings increased $319 million during the quarter as FHLB advances were temporarily used to fund loan growth and the seasonal deposit outflows. The tangible common equity to asset ratio increased to 10.02%. Total shareholders' equity increased $33 million during the quarter to approximately $2 billion.

Net interest income increased $3.6 million from the prior quarter due to a combination of a 2 basis point increase in the tax equivalent net interest margin and average earning assets increasing $129 million. The increase in average earning assets was driven by average loan balances increasing $158 million, partially offset by a decline in interest-bearing cash. The tax equivalent net interest margin was 4.13% compared to 4.11% in the prior quarter. The increase in net interest margin was due to an increase in the yield on earning assets due to loan yields increasing 2 basis points and the continued improvement in the earning asset mix.

The average rate on new loan production for the current quarter was 6.53% compared to 6.69% for the prior quarter. The increase in the earning asset yield was partially offset by an increase in funding costs as FHLB advances were used to temporarily fund loan growth and seasonal deposit outflows. Deposit costs decreased 2 basis points from the prior quarter due to further repricing in the CD book.

Non-interest-bearing deposits ended the quarter at 33% of total deposits, same as the previous quarter. Total noninterest income decreased $939,000 from the prior quarter. The decrease was primarily due to the prior quarter having a $1.7 million increase in the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value and the current quarter having lower gain on loan sale income. These decreases were partially offset by the prior quarter having a loss on the sale of securities and the current quarter having higher service fee income.

Total noninterest expense increased $5.4 million from the prior quarter. As I noted last quarter, the expenses in the first quarter were lower than typical as some expenses expected to be incurred in the first quarter were delayed until the second quarter. Software expense was $1.8 million higher, which included $924,000 of nonrecurring expense related to the write-off of the previous commercial loan origination system, which was recently replaced. Marketing expense was $1.3 million higher due to the timing of advertising campaigns. Salary expense was $800,000 higher due to normal annual salary increases being completed at the end of the first quarter and legal expenses were $764,000 higher due to various legal matters.

In addition, the current quarter included $238,000 of M&A expense related to the Bank of the Pacific acquisition. Our capital and liquidity positions remain strong and continue to support our clients, communities and future growth opportunities.

This concludes my prepared comments. Now I will turn it back to Mark. Mark?

Thank you, Jill and Rob, for your comments. That concludes our prepared remarks today. And Jordan, we will now open the call and welcome questions.

Your first question comes from the line of Matthew Clark from Piper Sandler.

Just on the loan yields, I wondered what the weighted average rate was on new loans. I may have missed it in your prepared comments. And then what's your outlook on loan yields in general, knowing that you still have some back book repricing, but also want to consider the competitive pricing and rate environment.

Yes. Thanks for the question, Matt. This is Rob. So the average yield on new loan production for the quarter was 6.53%. And we've been seeing some back book repricing there. We've been seeing new loans coming on at higher yields, but we've also seen that slowing over time. And this most recent quarter, it was 2 basis points increase in overall loan yields. And so the pace of that increase is slowing at this time. Going forward, I would expect probably through the end of the year, we might see 1 to 2 basis points of increase quarter-over-quarter. So it is slowing at this point.

Okay. And then similar question on the deposit side. If you had the spot rate on deposits at the end of the quarter on June 30, maybe the monthly NIM margin in the month of June and your thoughts on deposit costs going forward, assuming the Fed is on hold?

Yes. So deposit costs were relatively flat throughout the quarter. So the 133 basis points was pretty close to what we saw throughout the quarter. And NIM was fairly flat as well. What I'd say is earlier in the quarter, we had a higher reliance on FHLB advances. So NIM was a bit lower, and then it did increase a bit as we move through the quarter. And then just as far as what we're looking at from a go-forward standpoint, we've been benefiting from the CD book repricing, and that's the benefit that you saw, the 2 basis points decline in deposit costs was the CD book repricing.

The CD book is pretty much fully repriced at this point, and I wouldn't expect any further repricing in the CD book until we start to see some Fed action, which really isn't forecasted for the foreseeable future. So I'm expecting deposit costs to remain relatively flat. The only other thing I will add is we have started to see CD specials in our marketplaces. We have started to see those increase. And this most recent quarter, we did increase the advertised rate that we were advertising as well. So if anything, I would say it's holding deposit costs flat is going to be the goal at this point.

Okay. And then last one for me, just on expenses, a little heavier than expected even if you strip out the software write-off on the merger costs. Maybe speak to your thoughts on the run rate going forward, whether or not we might see some relief and what you're doing on the technology side? What did you get rid of? What are you investing in? That would be helpful.

Sure. Yes. As I mentioned last quarter, the Q1 expenses were lower than expected due to the timing of certain expenses that were expected to incur in the first quarter got delayed into the second quarter. As I talked about, I mean, IT expenses were up about half of that, $1 million of that was the write-off of the old commercial loan origination system that was recently replaced. And then we're also seeing additional modules and seeing how the new loan origination system continue to go live. So we're seeing some expense increase there.

And then just some of the marketing campaigns that we had -- we didn't have anything that went really live in the first quarter. So really, the second quarter was basically 2 quarters' worth of marketing expense that you saw there. And I think if you're looking for kind of a run rate at this point, if you back out the loan origination system, write off the old one, the M&A expense for the quarter, that's going to get you pretty close. Expenses are always going to bounce around $1 million or $2 million quarter-to-quarter just because of timing type items.

So I think you probably saw Q1 was a bit low, Q2 was a bit high just from timing type items. And we continue to see the loan and deposit origination system. We continue to see the benefits of that. And the benefits aren't only from an efficiency expense standpoint, but I think what you saw also is you saw an increase in loan originations, and we're starting to see the pull-through and the timing on how quickly we can get loans through the pipeline. We're benefiting from that this standpoint because of that investment we made in that new loan origination system.

Next question comes from the line of Jeff Rulis from D.A. Davidson.

This is Ryan Payne on for Jeff Rulis. Starting off, strong loan growth this quarter. Last quarter, we saw elevated payoffs. Just wanted to gauge those dynamics this quarter and the pace of expected net loan growth for the remainder of the year?

Yes, Ryan, this is Jill. So this quarter, as I alluded to in my comments, we did still have the commercial real estate payoffs and more a little bit unexpected increased elevated C&I payoffs due to business sales and other transactions, asset sales. But what I would say is that in spite of that, we continue to have meaningful unfunded construction projects underway. The pipelines continue to rebuild and are strong. And even looking at history as the driver, third quarter will probably come down a little bit in originations and loan growth, yet we still expect to end the year -- the full year at that mid-single-digit growth rate. CRE payoffs are slowing, but they're not done.

Got it. And on the deposit side, how would you characterize the competition there? Are customers looking for higher rates with maybe some rate hike anticipations.

Ryan, I wouldn't necessarily say that the expectation of rate hikes are there. But I would say, just as I mentioned earlier, we're starting to see some pressure on the CD pricing. We haven't seen that necessarily cross over into the core products at this point. And I wouldn't say -- I mean, we consider exception pricing for various clients as we look at things always. But we haven't necessarily seen an increase in the level of exception pricing at this point for our core products.

Got it. And last for me, with the California peer takeout announced recently, how do you view that in terms of any potential market share gains or competition for deals in that area?

Ryan, this is Mark. Look, I think it was a great transaction, obviously, that is a very good and well-run bank. It has a great reputation. So any time there's some type of system conversion, there's opportunity for us. Maybe they will be distracted with integration, but it's a well-run bank, and we're just going to continue along with our organic model. And I think you can see by the numbers that we're doing pretty well in California. So I think we're just going to continue that. And if opportunities present themselves, we'll take advantage of it.

The next question comes from the line of Kelly Motta from KBW.

This is Meghan Lynch on for Kelly Motta. So thinking about capital return and your priorities here, sort of how are you thinking about doing this alongside the Pacific deal? And what are your priorities going forward near term? And then what about buybacks? Any more color on timing of that?

Yes. This is Rob. Thanks for the question. So yes, we put any alternative capital actions outside of the core dividend on hold until we get the Bank of the Pacific deal closed. If you're assuming the right market conditions or exist, it doesn't necessarily change the total number of shares that we're going to repurchase for the year. It just kind of pushes out the timing of those at this time. So we're really waiting for the Bank of the Pacific transaction to close before we do anything.

Okay. Got it. And then on the Pacific deal, is timing still for third quarter close? And how is it going in general in terms of the progress of the acquisition?

Yes. The timing hasn't changed. We expect it to close here in the third quarter, I would say, as far as getting all the required approvals and by everyone, everything is on track at this point. We feel really good about it. And so nothing has changed since we announced the deal.

Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Liesch from StoneX Group.

Just a question on the -- maybe one last point on the margin. The FHLB balances, have you seen the deposit growth kind of rebuild here this quarter? I guess how should we look at the balance sheet makeup on the funding side here for this quarter?

Yes. I think as we move through the second quarter, we saw the FHLB balances grow as we move through the first half of the quarter, and then we started to see the deposit balances come back in as we move through the end of it. So I would say at this point, it's just normal seasonality. And assuming we see that normal deposit growth that we would expect in the third quarter, which is typically our strongest quarter from a deposit growth standpoint, we'd expect those FHLB advances to continue to come down as we move through the quarter.

Got it. So from what I'm hearing on the loan and deposit side, maybe not too much benefit like you've seen going forward, but maybe you get some benefit here with the wholesale funding flowing up. So maybe we see a couple of basis points of margin expansion.

Yes, I think that's right. If you think about if we -- I still think we're going to get a little bit on the loan repricing, call it, a basis point or 2. And then in the third quarter, we should see funding costs come down just because of the mix change there with additional deposits coming in lower FHLB advances. So a couple of basis points of margin expansion in the third quarter. Beyond that, it's going to be tougher as you move past the third quarter just because I'm thinking funding costs are going to level out and you might see a little bit on the loan side. But again, that pace is continuing to slow.

Got it. And then just on the new software and the old software that you wrote off -- wrote down, what does the new system do that you didn't have before?

I think primarily, it just creates a lot of efficiencies in the sense that there was a lot of back-office processes that continue to be fairly manual. So it really automates a lot of the processes and allows the time it takes a deal to get through the system from start to finish, it slows or increases that timing.

This is Mark. Let me just add. I think it was -- there were 2 separate systems, right, that we had running. We had a consumer system -- actually 3. We had a consumer system, small business and the commercial. So it helps refine all of that into one particular operating system. So it does streamline the operations.

Got it. So it sounds like this was something you've been wanting to do for quite some time, but now you felt the timing was right and you have the great technology.

I think that's correct. I think we've been wanting to do it for a while. But as you know, we had a few bank acquisitions that we were combining, and we didn't want to disrupt our market performance and our organic growth during those integrations. So the timing was perfect for us to do this.

Your next question comes from the line of David Feaster from Raymond James.

This is actually Evan on for David Feaster. Just wanted to maybe switch back to the growth side. Origination trends were really encouraging and loan growth was seemingly pretty broad-based. You also touched on the resiliency of customers in your marketplace. So I'm just curious whether you believe this was a function of improving demand as customers get more used to the operating environment? Or is it rather just getting more out of your producers? Then maybe more broadly, where are you seeing the most opportunities to drive loan growth today, whether geographically or by industry? .

So as to the first part of the question, it really was both. I mean it's new client acquisition. It's our new relationship managers really hitting the street and bringing in business and just expansion of existing relationships. So I'd say we're hitting on all cylinders this quarter, and I would expect that to continue given the way the pipelines are continuing to build. If you look back over the last 3 quarters, originations have been pretty healthy in each of those quarters. They take time to actually end up being funded loan balances. So I feel really good about it. And as to the geographies, it was broad-based. I mean I went looking for the pockets of where we were finding these loans, and it was up and down the West Coast across the mountains into Eastern Washington. So we don't have an industry or a particular geography that is doing all of the work for us.

That's really helpful. And then maybe just sticking on growth. And with the Pacific deal, it's good to hear that's going well. I was just -- I know it brings a very strong core deposit base and it's very complementary on the funding side. But I'm just curious if you're also seeing opportunities on the lending side in terms of their bankers being able to bank larger credits or if there's any verticals that they had that you're excited to be able to expand on.

No new verticals, but certainly, their bankers will have a much greater upside in terms of growing their relationships with their existing clients and actually bringing on new clients in their markets that they couldn't bank given their much smaller hold limits at that institution. So I don't want to speak for them, but I think they're pretty excited about their opportunities as they come into Banner. And we're excited as well, I should say. I mean it's great for both of us.

That's great to hear. And then last one for me. Just on the credit side, I saw the increase in nonperforming, but there was also positive migration in substandard. Just curious what you're seeing in terms of broad credit trends? And then maybe if you have any more detail on that condo loan that migrated and expectations for resolution or recovery on that? .

Yes. So it was a small condo project in the California market. Ultimately, I don't expect it to be sitting in nonperforming for very long. It experienced significant delays from the outset. And I see a medium-term resolution to that. But the biggest area of nonperforming assets, they're 1-4 family residential, they're home equity lines of credit. It's an average loan size of under $500,000 in that specific segment. So what am I watching most closely? It's the consumer segment, mortgage, home equity, all of that, that has been impacted by this higher rate environment for this elongated time period and the strain that they're experiencing.

I'll step back and congratulations on the quarter.

Thank you, Evan. .

Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Terrell from Stephens Inc.

I was hoping maybe to start just with Jill, and apologies if I missed it. It sounds like after a strong second quarter on loan growth, it sounds like the pipeline and the kind of underlying trends going into the back half of the year are still pretty strong. I was hoping you could just maybe quantify to the extent you can, just where the pipeline sits, whether year-on-year or quarter-on-quarter kind of the sequential changes, just to give us a sense for how it's trending in the back half of the year. .

I don't have those numbers off the top of my head, Andrew. I just know that as we pulled them through into fundings, things are coming in behind them. So I can't compare this quarter to last quarter what's sitting in the pipeline. I just know that they remain full and continue to end up being closings, originations and then ultimately funded balances.

Okay. Fair enough. And then so we're tracking towards that mid-singles on the loan growth for this year. I know it sounds like deposits should pick up seasonally here in the third quarter. But just do you think core deposit growth can kind of keep pace with that mid-single loan growth? And any early indications on how deposits are tracking here in the third quarter?

Andrew, it's Rob. Yes, our expectation is that deposit growth would keep up with the pace of loan growth. We're a core funded bank. That's what we are. That's what we expect to maintain. And I'd just say, I mean, we're just seeing normal seasonality right now.

And let me just add, Andrew, again, let me add to that, recall that the Bank of the Pacific, Pacific Financial Corp. transaction is going to add some fantastic core deposits to us. They are a very, very well-run bank with a strong core deposit base. It's going to be very helpful for us.

Yes, certainly. If I could just sneak one more in, Mark. The -- it feels like the environment for deals has really started picking up some. You guys are obviously working through Pacific now. And as you referenced, great deposit forward acquisition for you guys, a little bit on the smaller side. I'm curious if that changes kind of your opinion on interest in further M&A, potentially more near term. Just maybe characterize kind of your interest going forward.

Yes. I don't -- look, I think the Bank of Pacific transaction, that combination is going to be fantastic. They're a great company to work with. The integration, I expect to go very smoothly, and it should go according to schedule. So that would -- that transaction would not preclude us from doing something else. And we're going to continue to be opportunistic, obviously, with our strong capital levels and good core earnings power, I think we'll continue to be a great partner. And as you know, there's a bit of scarcity on the West Coast now. So we're going to have an opportunity, I think, to really benefit from our balance sheet to be able to do continued nonorganic growth opportunities. So I feel very good about that.

That concludes the question-and-answer session. I would like to turn the call back over to Mark Grescovich for closing remarks.

Thank you, Jordan. As I stated, we're very proud of the Banner team and our second quarter 2026 solid operating performance. Thank you for your interest in Banner and for joining our call today. We look forward to reporting our results to you again in the future. Thank you very much for your attention, and everyone, have a wonderful day.

This concludes today's meeting. You may now disconnect.

Hello, and thank you for standing by. My name is Tiffany, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Banner Corporation First Quarter 2026 Conference Call and Webcast. [Operator Instructions]

I would now like to turn the call over to Mark Grescovich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Banner Corporation. Mark, please go ahead.

Thank you, Tiffany, and good morning, everyone. I would also like to welcome you to the First Quarter 2026 Earnings Call for Banner Corporation. Joining me on the call today is Rob Butterfield, Banner Corporation's Chief Financial Officer; Jill Rice, our Chief Credit Officer; and Rich Arnold, our Head of Investor Relations.

Rich, would you please read our forward-looking safe harbor statement?

Sure, Mark. Good morning. Our presentation today discusses Banner's business outlook and will include forward-looking statements. These statements include descriptions of management's plans, objectives or goals for future operations, products and services, forecast of financial or other performance measures and statements about Banner's general outlook for economic and other conditions. We also may make other forward-looking statements in the question-and-answer period following management's discussion. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed today.

Information on the risk factors that could cause actual results to differ are available in the earnings press release that was released yesterday and our recently filed Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. Forward-looking statements are effective only as of the date they are made, and Banner assumes no obligation to update information concerning its expectations. Mark?

Thank you, Rich. As is customary, today, we will cover four primary items with you. First, I will provide you high-level comments on Banner's first quarter 2026 performance; second, the actions Banner continues to take to support all of our stakeholders, including our Banner team, our clients, our communities and our shareholders; third, Jill Rice will provide comments on the current status of our loan portfolio. And finally, Rob Butterfield will provide more detail on our operating performance for the quarter as well as comments on our balance sheet.

Before I get started, I wanted to thank all of my 2,000 colleagues in our company who are working extremely hard to assist our clients and our communities. Banner has lived our core values, summed up as doing the right thing for the past 135 years. Our overarching goal continues to be to do the right thing for our clients, our communities, our colleagues, our company and our shareholders and to provide a consistent and reliable source of commerce and capital through all economic cycles and change events. I am pleased to report again to you that is exactly what we continue to do. I am very proud of the entire Banner team that are living our core values.

Now let me turn to an overview of our performance. As announced, Banner Corporation reported a net profit available to common shareholders of $54.7 million or $1.60 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. This compares to a net profit to common shareholders of $1.30 per share for the first quarter of 2025 and $1.49 per share for the fourth quarter of 2025. Our strategy to maintain a moderate risk profile and the investments we have made and continue to make in order to improve operating performance have positioned the company well for the future.

Rob will discuss these items in more detail shortly. The strength of our balance sheet, coupled with the strong reputation we maintain in our markets will allow us to manage through the current market uncertainty. To illustrate the core earnings power of Banner, I would direct your attention to pretax pre-provision earnings, excluding gains and losses on the sale of securities, changes in fair value of financial instruments and building and lease exit costs.

Our first quarter 2026 core earnings were $66.3 million compared to $58.6 million for the first quarter of 2025. Banner's first quarter 2026 revenue from core operations was $169 million compared to $160 million for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of nearly 6%. We continue to benefit from a strong core deposit base that has proved to be resilient and loyal to Banner, a very good net interest margin and core expense control.

Overall, this resulted in a return on average assets of 1.37% for the first quarter of 2026. Once again, our core performance reflects continued execution on our super community bank strategy, that is growing new client relationships, maintaining our core funding position, promoting client loyalty and advocacy through our responsive service model and demonstrating our safety and soundness through all economic cycles and change events.

To that point, our core deposits continue to represent 89% of total deposits. Reflective of this performance, coupled with our strong regulatory capital ratios, and the fact that we increased our tangible common equity per share by 11% from the same period last year, we announced a core dividend increase of 4% to $0.52 per common share.

Finally, I'm pleased to say that we continue to receive marketplace recognition and validation of our business model and our value proposition. Banner was again named one of America's 100 Best Banks as well as one of the best banks in the world by Forbes. And Newsweek named Banner Bank, one of the most trustworthy companies both in America and the world again this year. And just recently again, named Banner one of the best regional banks in the country.

Additionally, J.D. Powered Associates named Banner Bank the Best Bank in the Northwest for retail client satisfaction for 2025. Our company was certified by Great Place to Work, S&P Global Market Intelligence ranked Banner's financial performance among the top 50 public banks with more than $10 billion in assets. And as we've noted previously, Banner Bank again received an outstanding CRA rate.

Let me now turn the call over to Jill to discuss trends in our loan portfolio and for comments on Banner's credit quality. Jill?

Thank you, Mark, and good morning, everyone. As detailed in our press release, we again had a strong quarter of loan originations, in line with that reported in the fourth quarter and 61% higher than that reported in the first quarter of 2025. Still, significant commercial real estate payoffs coupled with expected paydowns within the ag portfolio, offset production such that portfolio loans decreased $14 million when compared to December 31, 2025. Year-over-year loan growth was modest at 2.4%.

Production within the commercial real estate portfolio continued to be meaningful with owner-occupied CRE up 3% in the quarter and 15% year-over-year and investor real estate up 1% in the quarter and nearly 8% year-over-year. Those increases, however, were almost entirely offset by the significant commercial real estate paydowns within the multifamily portfolio, down 6% in the quarter and 9% year-over-year as stabilized properties moved into the secondary market.

Within the construction portfolios, the 12% increase quarter-over-quarter in commercial construction reflects the continued funding of previously approved projects. In addition to the multifamily payoffs noted previously, we had two large land development projects payoff, which resulted in a 7.5% decrease in balances this quarter. We are continuing to see an elongation of the days on market within the for-sale 1-4 Family construction portfolio, given the elevated interest rate environment and general economic uncertainty.

Still, the level of completed and unsold inventory remains within historical norms and the builders continue to have strong balance sheet and profit margins to work with. In total, the 1-4 Family construction portfolio continues to represent a modest 5% of the loan portfolio, and the total construction portfolio, including land and land development continues to be acceptable at 14% of the loan book. After declining 3% last quarter, C&I line utilization moved closer to normal, increasing 2% this quarter.

In total, commercial loans were up a modest 1%, both in the quarter and year-over-year. Agricultural balances as expected, were down 6% in the quarter as crop proceeds reduced line balances and the decline reported year-over-year reflects the collection and payoff of multiple classified ag balances.

Shifting to credit quality. Our credit metrics remained strong. Delinquent loans increased 2 basis points and now represents 0.56% of total loans which compares to 0.63% reported as of March 31, 2025. Adversely classified loans increased by $42 million in the quarter, representing 2% of total loans and total nonperforming assets at $51.7 million represent a modest 0.32% of total assets. The increase in adversely classified assets is centered in three relationships, operating and manufacturing, residential construction and wholesale agricultural deposits.

As of March 31, the allowance for credit losses totaled $160.4 million, providing 1.37% coverage of total loans, consistent with prior quarters. Loan losses in the quarter totaled $1.5 million and were offset part by recoveries totaling $253,000. The risk rating migration discussed previously coupled with the net charge-offs resulted in a provision of $1.3 million to the reserve for credit losses loans. This was offset by a release from the reserve for unfunded commitments of $2.1 million for a net provision recapture of $796,000.

The first quarter of 2026 continued to be impacted by economic uncertainty given persistent inflation, the higher for longer interest rate environment and increasing geopolitical issues. Through this, we have maintained consistent underwriting standards, which include a focus on strong sponsors, properly margin collateral, seasoned repayment sources, and in the vast majority of cases, personal guarantees, and we continue our practice of robust quarterly portfolio reviews in order to identify any emerging issues early. We remain well positioned to weather the uncertain economic environment ahead.

With that, I will hand the microphone over to Rob for his comments. Rob?

Thank you, Jill. We reported $1.60 per diluted share for the fourth quarter compared to $1.49 per diluted share for the prior quarter. The increase in earnings per share compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to the current quarter having lower expenses, a recapture of provision for credit losses.

In addition, the prior quarter included a decrease in the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value and a loss on the disposal of assets. Core pretax pre-provision income for the current quarter increased 13% or $7.7 million compared to the quarter ending March 31, 2025. Our performance metrics remain solid as we reported a return on tangible common equity for the current quarter of 14% and return on average assets of 1.37%.

As Jill previously mentioned, loan balances were essentially flat during the quarter as the good loan production was offset by an increase in payoffs. The loan-to-deposit ratio ended the quarter at 85%, giving us ample capacity to continue to support existing clients and to add new clients. Total security balances were relatively flat as normal portfolio cash flows were mostly offset by security purchases. Deposits increased by $97 million during the quarter due to core deposits increasing $165 million or 5.5% on an annualized basis. The increase in core deposits was partially offset by time deposits decreasing $67 million, mostly due to $50 million of brokered CDs maturing during the quarter, ending the quarter with no brokered deposits.

Core deposits ended the quarter at 89% of total deposits. Total borrowings decreased $142 million during the quarter, ending the quarter with no outstanding FHLB advances. The tangible common equity ratio increased from 9.84% to 9.97%. As a reflection of our robust capital and strong liquidity positions, Banner repurchased 250,000 shares during the quarter and declared an increase in the quarterly dividend of $0.52 per share. Net interest income decreased $2.3 million from the prior quarter due to a combination of lower earning assets and 2 fewer interest earning days in the current quarter. Partially offset by an 8 basis point increase in net interest margin.

The decrease in average earning assets was primarily due to average interest-bearing cash and security balances decreased to $953 million. Tax equivalent net interest margin was 4.11% for the current quarter compared to 4.03% for the prior quarter. Funding cost decreased 9 basis points due to deposit costs decreasing 8 basis points. Deposit costs benefited from a full quarter of the deposit pricing reductions implemented in the fourth quarter of last year. We also benefited from an improved earning asset mix as lower-yielding cash and security balances or a smaller percentage of earning assets.

The improved earning asset mix offset the 3 basis point decline in loan yields. The average rate on new loan production for the current quarter was 6.69% compared to 6.88% for the prior quarter. Noninterest-bearing deposits ended the quarter at 33% of total deposits. Total noninterest income increased $3.9 million from the prior quarter, primarily due to the prior quarter, including a loss of $1.4 million on the disposal of assets and a fair value decrease of $2 million on financial instruments carried at fair value.

While the current quarter had a $1.7 million fair value increase on financial instruments carried at fair value, partially offset by a loss of $1.2 million on the sale of securities. Total noninterest expense was $1.5 million lower than the prior quarter, with decreases in occupancy and equipment, marketing and legal expense being partially offset by an increase in salary and benefits. Our strong capital and liquidity levels continue to position us well to support our existing clients and to add new clients.

This concludes my prepared comments. Now I will turn it back to Mark. Mark?

Thank you, Jill and Rob for your comments. That concludes our prepared remarks. And Tiffany, we will now open the call and welcome questions.

[Operator Instructions] Your first question comes from the line of Jeff Rulis with D.A. Davidson.

This is Ryan Payne on for Jeff Rulis. Just starting on the margin, had some deposit fluctuations and lower CD balances this quarter benefiting the NIM. But just trying to gauge your thoughts on expectations for the margin ahead.

Yes, sure. This is Rob. So we typically see an increase in funding costs during the second quarter as clients start to use deposit balances to make tax payments early in the quarter, and we supplement that temporary decline in deposit balances with some FHLB advances. We think that this should be mostly offset by an increase in loan yields as adjustable rate loans continue to reprice up and the new loans coming on are still coming on at higher yields than the average overall portfolio yield, which suggests that NIM would be relatively flat probably in the second quarter, which is similar to what we saw last year where the Q2 NIM was flat compared to the first quarter.

We could see some expansion in NIM in the third quarter due to funding costs coming back down as FHLB advances are replaced by deposit increases in the typical seasonality we see in the third quarter. And in addition, we would expect that loan yields would increase in the third quarter as well as long as the Fed remains on pause. So we would expect some net interest margin expansion in the second half of the year.

Helpful. With the loan production impacted by payoffs this quarter, where do you see payoffs trending from here and maybe your overall expectations for growth?

Sure, Ryan. So we had anticipated that the headwinds of commercial real estate payoffs would potentially offset growth into 2026. I expect that they will slow. I'm not prepared to tell you that they're done coming in, but I think that the rate of payoffs will slow down. Still, the loan production volumes, which were solid and indicative of future loan growth, the strong backlog of construction fundings we have is meaningful and our pipelines are strong. So we're still sticking with the mid-single-digit growth rate for 2026.

Got it. Last for me, capital priorities. We have the dividend increase and buyback. What's your appetite for continued buybacks here? And where would you see M&A on the list of priorities?

Yes. It's Rob again. So as you know, we did increase the core dividend by 4% this quarter, which was the second increase we've done in the last 3 quarters. Our goal from a dividend perspective is to pay out 35% to 40% of earnings as a core dividend. And in addition, we did do those share repurchases again in the first quarter. That's the third quarter in a row that we've done that.

As we think about capital priorities, we always look at the different opportunities we have there, which certainly include additional share repurchases that we could consider in the second quarter. But ultimately, it's really depending on market conditions on where the stock price is trading and other things as we evaluate the best use of our capital. And as always, we just continue to look at different ways we can deploy capital. Mark, as far as M&A, do you have any?

Yes. Thanks for the question, Ryan. Our position on M&A hasn't changed since I've been here, which is we look and try to partner with folks that will be a great fit for Banner, add additional density to our market and be very good core deposit franchises. and it has to be very opportunistic. And so we're very selective on the M&A front. We feel very good about our organic opportunities to continue to grow the bank and improve profitability. But if an opportunity exists in which we can add additional density with a good core deposit franchise and a strong bank, we certainly would look to do that.

Your next question comes from the line of Matthew Clark with Piper Sandler.

Good morning. On the funding side of the equation for the margin outlook, on the deposit side, if you had the spot rate on deposits at the end of March? And then how are you thinking about deposit pricing going forward with the Fed on hold, do you think you'll just be managing as best you can to hold that level? Or do you feel like there are opportunities to trim exception-based pricing in CD rates?

Sure. Thanks, Matthew. It's Rob. So the spot price the cost of deposits from March was the same as the quarter. It was pretty much across the board at that 135 basis points. Early in the quarter in January, we did make some additional rate reductions really in response to the December Fed rate cut that we saw, and we did that in early January. So really, the whole quarter benefited from that.

As we think about going forward, while the Fed is on pause, I don't think you're going to see much change in our core deposit pricing for our core products. Where we might get a little bit of benefit is on the CD pricing side of it just because the cost of our CD book, we would expect to continue to trend down for the next few quarters as the lag effect of the rate cuts that we saw the Fed do in the fourth quarter. The average rate of the new CDs coming on is around 3% right now. The CDs rolling off are around 330. Approximately 40% of our CD book matures in the second quarter. So we would expect some there.

But what I'd say is what happened is now that the expectation is the Fed will be on pause through the remainder of the year, maybe seeing the rate cut late in the year, fourth quarter or something like that. We are seeing some additional pressure on deposit pricing right now where we are seeing some competitors start to increase some of their promotion specials on deposits right now. So I'll caveat with that as we ultimately we'll have to respond to what the market is doing.

Okay. Great. And then on the service charges and fees line this quarter, up pretty nicely in a quarter with 2 less days. Did you do anything -- did you change your product pricing there at all? Or what can you attribute that to? And is that sustainable?

Yes. So we didn't change any of our pricing there. We did renegotiate our MasterCard contract. So we're seeing a little bit of benefit from that from the first quarter. So otherwise, I think if you look at the trending there, the first quarter is probably a pretty good trending when you look at that.

Okay. And then on the noninterest expense run rate, down nicely pretty broad-based outside of the seasonal increase in comp. Anything unusual there? Is that more partly a seasonal decline relative to the fourth quarter? I'm just trying to get a sense for that run rate going forward.

Yes, there certainly is some seasonality to that. Typically, the first quarter, we have lower advertising and marketing expense in the first quarter than the campaigns that we run throughout the year start to ramp up. So that's a bit lower. And the fourth quarter did have kind of a legal settlement charge in there of around $1 million that didn't carry forward into the first quarter.

If you think about the remainder of the year, we've talked about expecting normal inflationary increase in '26 compared to '25. And I think if you look at the full year, that's still my expectation. And Q2 will be higher from a salary and standpoint and benefits just because we do our annual salary increases really in mid-March. So you didn't really see that impact in the first quarter. So I would expect expenses to be a bit higher as we move throughout the year.

Okay. Last one for me, just back to M&A. Have there been -- have you seen or heard of an increase among sellers or maybe being more willing to talk. Just trying to get a sense for a change relative to last quarter.

I don't -- Matthew, this is Mark. Thank you for the question. I don't think that there's been a change in behavior. I think there are a number of folks that are trying to strategically figure out what the best next step is. And as you might expect, given my earlier comments about who we think would be a good partner with Banner in which we could leverage our balance sheet to service their clients in a more robust way.

The universe is still fairly limited. on the West Coast. And we know that the partners that would make a lot of sense for Banner. So I wouldn't suggest that there's been an increase in conversations, but I wouldn't be surprised if folks as they go through and are delivering on their first quarter strategic plan are trying to figure out what the best thing to do for their organizations are.

Your next question comes from the line of David Feaster with Raymond James.

I wanted to maybe touch on, I guess, two things. From -- on the loan growth side, originations have held up pretty well. How is demand? Like have you seen any -- I mean, obviously, there's a lot of macro uncertainty. I'm curious if that has impacted demand and pipelines at all from your standpoint? And then just -- I was hoping you could give some color on the payoffs and paydowns that you're seeing. Like what's driving that? Is it deleveraging, asset sales, competition and losing some deals? Just kind of curious on those two fronts.

So in terms of pipelines, David, -- everybody is telling me that they're busy. They're having good conversations and moving things forward, whether it's early on in the discussions or whether it's my credit team busy working through deals. So demand is out there. I can't say that the level of economic uncertainty doesn't cause -- give some pause, but there is still demand.

And as we move through them, we certainly see pricing being pushed and multiple banks going for these same deals. So it's tough out there, I guess, I would say, in terms of getting to the close, and I feel good about what we have been pulling through in terms of originations and what that means for our future growth. As to -- what was the second part driving the payoff...

Yes. So if you think about it, they're just delayed. Many of these loans we ultimately expected to pay off, we expected them to pay off 18 months ago, and they sat waiting for what was going to be the lower rate environment in those mini perm loans that we offer at the end of the construction and/or as they were stabilizing and getting stronger. So it is delayed payoffs, not losing because we don't want them or to competition, but to the secondary market that offer terms that most regional banks don't offer, long-term interest only, nonrecourse, those sorts of things. So again, expected, they just are lumpy because of the delay from 18 months ago.

Okay. That's helpful. And then there's been a lot of disruption across your footprint. I mean, over the past 12, 18 months, I mean, really from top to bottom, right? I wanted to get a sense of how you've been capitalizing on that, your appetite for new hires potentially coming out of some of those deals or just hires in general? And what markets or segments you might be interested in adding talent to?

So I'll start and then if Mark or Rob want to jump in behind me. If you think back to the last several quarters, we've talked about the personnel we've added because of the disruption in the -- across the footprint. And really, when we find good strong bankers in the markets, we want to add them. This last quarter, we've added a commercial banking center manager. We've added multiple portfolio managers and some treasury management personnel. So it isn't about one business line or one market. When we find the right people, we're adding to improve our talent.

And David, I would just follow up with that. This is Mark. It's been across the geography. So it's not specific to any particular area. I think we've done a very good job of adding talent into the organization. And as you've heard me say before, we tend to do this as a rifle shot, not a shotgun shot, right? So that we end up doing this because we know who the good bankers are, we court them over time. And when the timing is right, because there is disruption, we find that we are a good source for them to join our organization.

Okay. And Mark, maybe just another higher-level one. I'm curious how you and your team are thinking about technology. I think investors, when I have conversations and there's a lot of conversations around AI and stable coin or digital deposits in general. I'm just kind of curious, how are you thinking about those two issues today? And what are some of the things that you're working on? And how do you see this kind of playing out for Banner?

Thank you for the question, David. I'm going to ask Rob to answer that because we've made some -- a series of investments. But at the same time, we've set up a governance structure, I think, that will help guide us as a lot of this technology and AI infrastructure is evolving. Rob?

Yes. Thanks for the question, David. So as Mark mentioned, we do have a fintech council committee that we have internally that evaluates all the different kind of new AI type technology or even different technology products that are being offered by fintechs out there. And so we try to stay on top of what the current pulse is on that stuff. And we have started to adopt some AI technology. At this point, it's more turning on AI within existing software platforms.

And of course, we've made some significant investments that we've talked about recently with the new loan and deposit origination system that went fully live last year. And then we also have a lot of conversations around tokenized deposits, stable coin, that type of stuff as well. We -- as part of our annual strategic planning process, we've brought in different experts in those fields to talk to our executive committee to make sure we understand what's out there. And so while we haven't necessarily have any plans to roll that out in the short term, we're really staying on top of what all the different kind of payment channels are out there and keeping our pulse on that kind of stuff.

So David, just to follow up on that. When you think about regional banks like us have to -- we want to be very cautious and make sure that we're protecting the data integrity of our clients. So examples of AI would be BSA AML in which you can really utilize some of the tools there and certainly the call center which will allow you to be more responsive to your client base over a 24 period of time. So those are the kinds of things, I think, when you think of regional banks, the investments we'll be making in AI.

Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Terrell with Stephens Inc.

Most of mine were addressed already, but just on the margin, and you guys have kind of consistently been outperforming the kind of margin expectations you laid out. I know in the past, we've talked about no rate cuts better for kind of the near, medium-term margin trajectory. It seems like kind of the backdrop we're getting now, but still sounds like relatively flattish in 2Q and maybe some back half expansion opportunities. I guess the question is why not more constructive on the margin? And can you walk us through the puts and takes and specifically kind of the limiting factors for the margin term?

Yes. Thanks, Andrew. It's Rob. So if you think about the second quarter, and I talked about it a little bit, I'm just looking at normal seasonality there. We always see deposit outflows early in the quarter. You have to supplement those with FHLB advances. And typically, the second quarter has been a little bit better for us from a loan growth standpoint as well, and we're going to be funding those loans with FHLB advances. So I think just naturally, you're going to see funding cost increase in the second quarter.

And some of that will be offset by the repricing of loan portfolio. So that's why I'm thinking more flat for the second quarter. And if you look at last year, it's the same seasonality we saw last year. First quarter last year, we saw net interest margin expansion. Second quarter was flat. Third quarter is typically one of the better margin expansion quarters for us. So I think that's where you're going to see some additional expansion again, would be in the third quarter because funding costs will come back down as deposit flow in.

So we'll pay off FHLB advances. We'll get the benefit of the asset growth that we saw in the second quarter. And so -- and then in addition, naturally, you're going to see loan yields also increase in the third quarter. So I think the third quarter will probably be the strongest quarter for the remainder of the year from a net interest margin expansion standpoint. And we -- if the Fed is on pause, then we would expect some additional margin expansion in the fourth quarter. But I don't think you're going to see the benefit on the funding side at that point. What you're going to see is just kind of the loan yield continuing to reprice up, which is repricing up about 3 basis points a quarter right now while the Fed is on pause.

Great. No, I really appreciate it. And then last question for me. Just I guess, looking back, last time you were generating a comparable, call it, 130-ish ROA consistently was back in 2018, 2019. Your stock was trading 4x higher on an earnings multiple, call it, 40%, 50% higher on tangible book value multiple then. Your capital is 200-plus basis points better today, your allowance is 30 basis points higher. The growth environment feels a little bit slower than then. I guess with that as a backdrop, why not get more aggressive on the buyback here?

I mean I think any time you look at the capital priorities, we're weighing all the different options there, Andrew. We've certainly had the conversations around the level of share repurchases and where they should be, where we repurchased shares at last quarter.

The earnback on that is attractive. The multiple is attractive. So we're just trying to balance the different ones. But to your point, if we think about the TCE ratio right now approaching 10%, that's above where we'd like it to be. So we will have to address that over time as we think about different capital actions. Ideally, we'd like that to be about 100 basis points lower than it is today. So we're continuing to have those conversations and think about the best use.

Your next question comes from the line of Charlie Driscoll with KBW.

This is Charlie on for Kelly. Most of mine have been answered. Just kind of want to give you guys the opportunity to take a step back on credit here and talk about what you're seeing. It feels like NPAs kind of stabilize here, but just any color you can give us on what's in that portfolio? Any areas of concern if things do take a downturn? Just high level here.

So I'll just start by saying that when the portfolio is as clean as it is, you're going to see fits and starts of things moving in and out of adversely classified and NPAs. When you look at the nonperforming loans, relatively flat this quarter, but centered in consumer and small business and ag-related businesses.

Average loan size of nonaccrual loans is less than $250,000 and the largest loan is approximately $3 million. So nothing that is extremely worrisome in terms of that portfolio. And in the substandard, we're early to downgrade. We work them as fast as we can. And so some of them may sit there a little longer because we're slower to move them on up and out. We don't want them bouncing around.

But when you think about that portfolio, the changes when they've gone in there, it's idiosyncratic. There's no one industry that's raising alarms. And we just are beginning to see the impact of the higher interest rates and wage inflation and other economic factors strained certain business operations.

That concludes our question-and-answer session. I will now turn the call back over to Mark Grescovich for closing remarks.

Great. Thank you, Tiffany, and thank you all for your questions and your attention today. As I stated, we are very proud of the Banner team in our first quarter 2026 performance. It's been a strong kickoff to the full year. Thank you for your interest in Banner for joining our call today. We look forward to reporting our results to you again in the future. Thank you, again, everyone, and have a wonderful day.

Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's call. Thank you all for joining. You may now disconnect.

Hello, everyone, and thank you for joining the Banner Corporation Fourth Quarter 2025 Conference Call and Webcast. My name is Lucy, and I'll be coordinating your call today. [Operator Instructions]

It is now my pleasure to hand over to President and CEO, Mark Grescovich, to begin. Please go ahead.

Thank you, Lucy, and good morning, and Happy New Year, everyone. I would also like to welcome you to the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Call for Banner Corporation. Joining me on the call today is Rob Butterfield, Banner Corporation's Chief Financial Officer; Jill Rice, our Chief Credit Officer; and Rich Arnold, our Head of Investor Relations.

Rich, would you please read our forward-looking safe harbor statement?

Sure, Mark. Good morning. Our presentation today discusses Banner's business outlook and will include forward-looking statements. These statements include descriptions of management's plans, objectives or goals for future operations, products or services, forecast of financial or other performance measures and statements about Banner's general outlook for economic and other conditions. We also may make other forward-looking statements in the question-and-answer period following management's discussion. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed today.

Information on the risk factors that could cause actual results to differ are available in the earnings press release that was released yesterday and a recently filed Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. Forward-looking statements are effective only as of the date they are made, and Banner assumes no obligation to update information concerning its expectations.

Mark?

Thank you, Rich. As is customary, today, we will cover four primary items with you. First, I will provide you high-level comments on Banner's fourth quarter and full year 2025 performance; second, the actions Banner continues to take to support all of our stakeholders, including our Banner team, our clients, our communities and our shareholders; third, Jill Rice will provide comments on the current status of our loan portfolio; and finally, Rob Butterfield will provide more detail on our operating performance for the quarter as well as comments on our balance sheet.

Before I get started, I wanted to thank all of my 2,000 colleagues in our company who are working extremely hard to assist our clients and communities. Banner has lived our core values, summed up as doing the right thing for the past 135 years. Our overarching goal continues to be to do the right thing for our clients, our communities, our colleagues, our company and our shareholders and to provide a consistent and reliable source of commerce and capital through all economic cycles and change events. I am pleased to report again to you that is exactly what we continue to do. I am very proud of the entire Banner team that are living our core values.

Now let me turn to an overview of our performance. As announced, Banner Corporation reported a net profit available to common shareholders of $51.2 million or $1.49 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. This compares to a net profit to common shareholders of $1.54 per share for the third quarter of 2025 and $1.34 per share for the fourth quarter of 2024. For the full year ended December 31, 2025, Banner reported net income available to common shareholders of $195.4 million or $5.64 per diluted share compared to $168.9 million or $4.88 per share for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Our strategy to maintain a moderate risk profile and the investments we have made and continue to make in order to improve our operating performance have positioned the company well for the future. Rob will discuss these in more detail shortly.

The strength of our balance sheet, coupled with the strong reputation we maintain in our markets, will allow us to manage through the current market uncertainty. To illustrate the core earnings power of Banner, I would direct your attention to pretax pre-provision earnings, excluding gains and losses on the sale of securities, changes in fair value of financial instruments and building and lease exit costs. For the full year 2025, core earnings were $255 million compared to $223.2 million for the full year of 2024. Banner's fourth quarter 2025 revenue from core operations was $170 million compared to $169 million for the prior quarter and $160 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The full year 2025 core revenue was $661 million compared to $615 million for the full year of 2024, an increase of 8%.

We continue to benefit from a strong core deposit base that has proved to be resilient and loyal to Banner, a very good net interest margin and core expense control. Overall, this resulted in a return on average assets of 1.24% for the fourth quarter of 2025. Once again, our core performance reflects continued execution on our super community bank strategy, that is growing new client relationships, maintaining our core funding position, promoting client loyalty and advocacy through our responsive service model and demonstrating our safety and soundness through all economic cycles and change events.

To that point, our core deposits continue to represent 89% of total deposits. Reflective of this performance, coupled with our strong regulatory capital ratios, and the fact that we increased our tangible common equity per share by 14% from the same period last year, we announced a core dividend of $0.50 per common share.

Finally, I'm pleased to say that we continue to receive marketplace recognition and validation of our business model and our value proposition. Banner was again named one of America's 100 Best Banks and one of the best banks in the world by Forbes. Newsweek named Banner one of the most trustworthy companies in America and the World again this year, and just recently again, named Banner one of the best regional banks in the country. J.D. Power and Associates named Banner Bank the best bank in the Northwest for retail client satisfaction.

Our company was also recently certified by Great Place to Work. And S&P Global Market Intelligence ranked Banner's financial performance among the top 50 public banks with more than $10 billion in assets. Additionally, as we've noted previously, Banner Bank received an outstanding CRA rating.

Let me now turn the call over to Jill to discuss trends in our loan portfolio and her comments on Banner's credit quality. Jill?

Thank you, Mark, and good morning, everyone. In spite of the solid level of loan originations, up 9% compared to the linked quarter and 8% when compared to the quarter ending 12/31/2024, we experienced negligible loan growth during the quarter. Loan production was offset by higher-than-expected affordable housing credit tax -- housing tax credit paydowns, a small number of both CRE and shared national credit payoffs and significantly lower C&I line utilization, down 3% in the quarter and 4% year-over-year. Year-over-year, portfolio loan balances increased 3.2%.

Within the commercial real estate portfolio, we reported solid growth year-over-year with investor CRE increasing 5% and owner-occupied CRE increasing 11%. This growth was diversified both in product type and geography and was granular in nature with our small business teams providing nearly 40% of the owner-occupied originations by dollar. As mentioned earlier, the fourth quarter results were impacted by prepayments. The decline year-over-year in the multifamily portfolio is primarily the result of stabilized properties moving to the secondary market.

Looking at the construction portfolio. Construction lending has long been a core competency at Banner and it continues to be a source of strength. In aggregate, it remains well balanced at 15% of total loans. The growth in commercial construction, one- to four-family construction and land and land development reported in the quarter reflects the continued funding of previously approved projects. The decline reflected in the multifamily construction was primarily driven by the affordable housing tax credit paydowns mentioned earlier.

In spite of the housing affordability crisis, our residential construction portfolio at 5% of the total continues to perform well. It remains geographically dispersed and is diversified by product mix and price point with levels of completed inventory continuing to be manageable. Sales activity within the general market as well as by submarket continues to be monitored closely.

The decline reflected in C&I is driven largely by a continued reduction in line utilization down 3% in the quarter and 4% when compared to last December. Additionally, the year-over-year decline includes the exiting of several classified relationships, the refinancing off balance sheet of multiple shared national credits as well as the payoff of certain relationships that we chose not to retain based on underwriting terms offered by others.

The decline was offset in part by continued growth in the small business segment, up 8% year-over-year, which continues to be a focus of our Community Banking division. The modest increase in agricultural balances year-over-year is the result of expanding a select number of existing relationships. The decline reflected in the one- to four-family portfolio year-over-year is the result of slightly lower mortgage rates as we closed out 2025, resulting in home refinances. And the growth in home equity lines of credit, both in the current quarter and year-over-year represent new originations versus an increase in line utilization.

As reported, our overall credit metrics remain strong. Delinquent loans increased modestly due primarily to a spike in the one- to four-family portfolio and now represent 0.54% of total loans, up 15 basis points from the linked quarter. This compares to 0.49% reported as of December 31, 2024. Adversely classified loans increased by $19 million in the quarter and now represent 1.65% of total loans. And total nonperforming assets at $51.3 million continue to represent a modest 0.31% of total assets.

The net provision for credit losses for the quarter was $2.4 million, including a $1.5 million provision for loan losses and a $945,000 provision related to unfunded loan commitments. Loan losses in the quarter totaled $1.2 million and were offset in part by recoveries totaling $310,000, with net charge-offs for the year, representing a nominal 6 basis points of average total loans. After the provision, the allowance for credit losses totaled $160.3 million, providing 1.37% coverage of total loans consistent with prior quarters.

I will close by again saying Banner's moderate risk profile with stable and strong credit metrics, a solid reserve for loan losses and robust capital levels continues to be a significant source of strength. We are well positioned to manage through the balance of this economic cycle and the market uncertainty that comes with it.

With that, I will hand the microphone over to Rob for his comments. Rob?

Thank you, Jill. We reported $1.49 per diluted share for the fourth quarter compared to $1.54 per diluted share for the prior quarter. For the full year 2025, we reported $5.64 per diluted share compared to $4.88 per diluted share for 2024. The decrease in earnings per share compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to a decrease in the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value, a loss on the disposal of assets related to software no longer being used as well as an increase in medical and IT expenses, partially offset by an increase in net interest income. Compared to 2024, the increase in the full year 2025 earnings per share was primarily due to an 8.5% increase in net interest income due to higher net interest margin and growth in earning assets.

Core pretax pre-provision income for the current quarter increased 9% or $5.5 million compared to the quarter ended December 2024, while core pretax preprovision income for the current year increased 14% or $32 million compared to the prior year. Our performance metrics remain solid as we reported a return on tangible common equity for the current quarter of 13.11% and a return on tangible common equity for the full year 2025 of 13.16%.

As Jill previously mentioned, loan growth was limited during the quarter as the increase in production was mostly offset by an increase in payoffs and reduced line utilization. The loan-to-deposit ratio ended the quarter at 86%, giving us ample capacity to continue to support existing clients and add new clients. Total securities decreased $13 million during the quarter as normal portfolio cash flows were partially offset by security purchases.

Deposits decreased by $273 million during the quarter, primarily due to normal seasonal activity as clients use deposits to pay down lines of credit and larger deposit clients started to deploy excess liquidity. Core deposits ended the quarter at 89% of total deposits. Total borrowings increased $40 million during the quarter as we continue to have a low reliance on wholesale borrowings. The tangible common equity ratio increased from 9.5% to 9.84%. As a reflection of our robust capital and strong liquidity positions, Banner repurchased approximately 250,000 shares during the quarter and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share.

Net interest income increased $2.5 million from the prior quarter due to a 5 basis point increase in net interest margin as well as average earning assets increasing $60 million during the quarter. The increase in average earning assets was due to average loan balances increasing $115 million, partially offset by total average interest-bearing cash and investment balances decreasing $55 million. The tax equivalent net interest margin was 4.03% for the current quarter compared to 3.98% for the prior quarter. Earning asset yields decreased 4 basis points due to a 7 basis point decrease in loan yields as floating rate loans repriced down as a result of the 75 basis point reduction in the Fed funds rate. Average rate on new loan production for the current quarter was 6.88% compared to 7.35% for the prior quarter. Funding costs decreased 10 basis points due to average borrowings decreasing $137 million and deposit costs decreasing 7 basis points as deposit pricing was reduced due to the reduction in the Fed funds rate.

Noninterest-bearing deposits ended the quarter at 33% of total deposits. Total noninterest income increased $5.5 million or decreased $5.5 million from the prior quarter, primarily due to recording a loss of $1.4 million on the disposal of assets, which included the write-off of $1 million for software no longer being used as compared to a $1.4 million gain on the sale of assets in the prior quarter. In addition, the current quarter had a fair value decrease of $2 million on financial instruments carried at fair value. Total noninterest expense was $2.1 million higher than the prior quarter with increases in medical claims, software expense and legal expense as well as lower capitalized loan origination costs. Our strong capital and liquidity levels position us well for 2026.

This concludes my prepared comments. Now I'll turn it back to Mark. Mark?

Thank you, Jill and Rob for your comments on the operating performance of Banner. That concludes our prepared remarks. And Lucy, we will now open the call and welcome questions.

[Operator Instructions] The first question comes from Jeff Rulis of D.A. Davidson.

I appreciate the detail on the loan front. It sounds like some payoffs and line utilization impact. Jill, thinking about '26 and the outlook, payoffs is tough to gauge, but you're thinking on kind of net growth in the coming year?

Yes, Jeff, certainly payoffs are tough to gauge, and I would expect that the commercial real estate payoffs are likely to continue to be a headwind this next year. Still, our pipelines are again building. You saw decent growth this last quarter. We've seen positive impact from new bankers hired in the last 2 years. So all in, if the economy holds up, I'm going to say we would expect to grow our loan book in the mid-single digits again over the course of this next year.

And Jill, just to kind of the competitive landscape. It seems like the production side is originations pretty strong. Is that much of a headwind, if you will? I mean that sounds pretty positive if -- just want to kind of check in on the competitive environment?

Well, it's always been competitive in the spaces that we engage in, Jeff. So I mean, certainly, some banks, as I indicated, we lost over the course of the year some credits because we just weren't going to stretch on some of the terms that people are offering to expand their loan book. But all in, I think we compete well both in the product offering suite we have and in pricing.

Appreciate it. Maybe a similar question for Rob on the margin and the outlook as you talk 4% -- some deposit fluctuations into the year, but your expectations for margin ahead?

Yes. Thanks, Jeff. So I mean, what I'd say is, ultimately, I think it's going to be largely influenced by the level of actions from the Federal Reserve. We've talked about in the past that if there's no Fed action in a quarter, then we'd likely expect some NIM expansion as adjustable rate loans continue to reprice up. And even at this point, new production is coming on at higher rates than the average rate of the overall portfolio. If there's 125 basis point cut in a quarter or just at the end of the quarter before a quarter, then we would expect that NIM would be more of a flat scenario as deposit repricing would mostly offset the impacts of the floating rates and we also have the benefit of the adjustable rates. If you get multiple rate cuts in a quarter, then that's where we would expect that we would see some net interest margin compression.

We use Moody's for our interest rate forecasting. Most recently in January, they had 3 rate cuts really in the first half of the year, March, June and July. If that's correct, that would suggest somewhat of a flat first half of the year potentially down a bit in the third quarter and expansion in the fourth quarter. But I think the Fed actions is -- there's a lot of uncertainty around that right now because the most recent market stuff, I saw the market was expecting no rate cuts next year. So somewhere between no rate cuts, which would suggest higher net interest margin expansion and three rate cuts, which would suggest more of a flattish type environment. So I'll let everybody pick their own Fed scenario there.

The next question comes from Matthew Clark from Piper Sandler.

[Audio Gap] on deposits at the end of December and the average margin in the month of December?

Matthew, could you repeat the question? Glad to have you on the call. I don't think [indiscernible] through.

Sure. Just looking for the spot rate on deposits at the end of the year, either interest-bearing or total? And then if you had the average margin in the month of December.

Yes. Matthew, it's Rob. So spot deposit cost for the month of December were 1.39%. Margin was, for December was essentially the same as the quarter, right around 4.03%.

Okay. And the 1.39% for the month of December, not year-end?

That's correct. That's the average for the month, yes.

Got it. Okay. And then just on expenses, a couple of unusual items there this quarter. It also seemed like there might have been some transitory expenses. How do you think about that not -- kind of core run rate going into the first quarter?

Yes, sure. So it's not -- I'd just say, in general, it's not unusual for expenses to bounce around a little bit quarter-to-quarter. And we saw some of those -- we saw an increase in IT expenses as the new loan and deposit origination system was fully rolled out early in the fourth quarter. And then we also saw higher medical claims, which isn't unusual for the fourth quarter, but I'd just say they were even for the first 9 months of the year on medical expenses, they are running lower than typical. And then the fourth quarter kind of made up the difference. So probably medical expenses for the full year were kind of as expected. It was just more back-end loaded than normal. And then we had some higher legal expenses during the current quarter as well. We have one legal matter that concluded this quarter and then the capitalized loan costs were down a little bit. As I think about that going into 2025 or 2026, I would look at the full year 2025 expenses. And then above that for '26, I would just expect normal inflationary, whatever you want to call that, in that 3% range as far as total expenses in '26 compared to '25.

Okay. Great. And last one for me. On Special Mention and substandard, it looked like about a 55 basis point increase. Can you give us some color on what drove those changes this quarter?

Sure, Matthew. When you look at Special Mention, the largest drivers of the increase were related to downgrading a couple of alcoholic beverage related enterprises due to declining cash flows. Within that category, the largest relationship is approximately $25 million and the average Special Mention loan size is modest to $2 million. If we shift over to substandard, we saw a modest increase, up $19 million. Within the commercial and construction segments, downgrades continue to be idiosyncratic and the largest substandard relationship has approximately $19 million outstanding. The average substandard loan remains well under $1 million. There's nothing screaming about a certain industry or segment that we should be worried about.

The next question comes from Andrew Terrell from Stephens.

If I could go just quickly to capital. I mean you're obviously still in a very good capital position. Just hoping you could refresh us. I think you still got 1 million or so shares or maybe a little more on the buyback authorization. You've been somewhat active. Just where the valuation is at today, talk about the appetite for buyback or potentially increasing the buyback? And then just any update on how you're approaching M&A right now?

Sure, Andrew. I'll start with the capital aspect of it. So I mean, I think as you saw over the last couple of quarters, we've taken a number of capital actions middle of the year, repaying the $100 million of sub debt and then increase in the core dividend last quarter. And then as you mentioned, we have repurchased around 250,000 shares over the last 2 quarters in a row. And we still have about 1.2 million shares that are available under the repurchase authorization right now. We think if you look at the last 2 quarters, we've repurchased the shares right around that $63 level. And so we think that's an attractive point to be repurchasing shares. So based on where we ended the day yesterday, it's a little bit above that. We still think that is attractive. So ultimately, what we'll be doing during the first quarter here is really monitoring market activity and market conditions and then also the price of the stock to see if it makes sense to continue to do that. But I think if you look at our capital levels right now, we think the capital -- we target capital more of in a range than a specific number, but we're probably still in that upper end of the capital right now. And so that would suggest that the market conditions are right, we would continue to look at repurchasing shares.

Yes, Andrew, and this is Mark. As it relates to M&A, our posture has not changed. We continue to have conversations with parties that we think would be a great combination for Banner. And given the strong capital position we have, the strong core earnings power of the company, and our market reputation, we think we would continue to be an excellent partner. So as you know, those are a matter of timing. When things work out appropriately, it's not necessarily something that you could force. So we continue to have very good dialogue with folks that we think would be great partners for Banner.

Okay. I appreciate it. And then, Rob, just on the margin. I guess the question is what's kind of driving some of the conservatism around -- you referenced getting successive rate cuts could lead to margin down. But when I look at fourth quarter of this year, your margin was up when we digested most of the cuts and then same 4Q of '24, we had a lot of cuts in that quarter, and your margin was still up in that quarter. So I guess, what's kind of driving the conservatism? Are you trying to kind of imply that maybe there's some lag to the loan repricing on a monthly basis, and we should expect some margin headwinds in the first quarter? Just wanted to unpack that maybe a little bit more.

Yes. So I wouldn't expect some headwinds against margin necessarily in the first quarter. If you think we did get the Fed rate cut in December, that's not fully baked in necessarily to the run rate in the first quarter. But I think if you think about it, the one thing that we're looking at is those adjustable rate loans that have been repricing through the cycle and then also the new loans coming out at higher yields. The backlog of those adjustable rate loans that have been repricing is coming down. At one point, I think if you look at 1.5 years ago, we might have been getting 9 basis points a quarter from that. And at this point, it may be a benefit of 4 basis points a quarter. And then also the average loan yield -- new loan yields compared to the average yield of the portfolio is also kind of narrowing as well. So I think the repricing aspect of the loan portfolio, even under a flat rate environment, I think it's more, call it, 4 basis points a quarter at this point. So if the Fed is on pause and we're able to maintain funding costs where they're at right now, and we get that backlog then you're looking at maybe 4 basis points a quarter of expansion while the Feds on pause. But I've gone through the other scenarios that is just different once the Fed starts to cut rates because we still have 30% of the book that floating rate and -- of that 30%, 10% are on their floors right now. So 90% of that continues to reprice down 25 basis points as the Fed cut. So that's just the way we're looking at it at a high level.

The next question is from Kelly Motta of KBW.

I apologize if this has been asked earlier. I joined a little late, but just -- on the tax rate, it looked a bit lower in the fourth quarter, understanding there can sometimes be catch up or adjustments for the full year. Maybe, Rob, if you could provide what you're expecting here for the tax rate next year as a normalized number?

Yes. Thanks, Kelly. So on that one, you are correct. So the fourth quarter, we just had some annual year-end true-up of some of the tax items there. But the rate that we're expecting is right around 19%, I think that's what we were for the first 9 months of the year. So I think if you're looking at 2026, it's probably right around 19%.

Got it. That's helpful. And then in terms of -- it looks like there was some noise too in other fees. I know there was some building lease exit costs that ran through. Was there anything else of note that we should keep in mind as we kind of start to think about a normalized fee rate?

Yes. So the other item in there, so we had a total of $1.4 million loss on the disposal of assets, and part of that was building related, which we adjusted out of our core numbers to get to the $1.55 earnings per share for the quarter. But it also included a $1 million write-off of software-related assets that we're no longer using. And that's not typically an item that we back out of our core number. So that's a $1 million nonrecurring item in there that I wouldn't expect to see going forward.

Got it. Maybe last one, and I apologize again if this was taken. But for Jill, it seems like payoffs in the move of construction to permanent financing weighed on some growth this quarter. What's your expectation there? I know that's been something you've been talking about for a while. Is this a continued potential headwind here as we look to '26?

Yes, Kelly, I did note that I do expect that commercial real estate payoffs will continue to be a headwind as we move into this next year. Still, we're going to project that we're going to grow our loan book as long as the economy holds up in the mid-single digits over 2026 as well given the kind of numbers that we're showing in production, the strength of the new relationship managers we've brought on and the activities they're bringing to the table as well.

[Operator Instructions] The next question comes from Liam Coohill of Raymond James.

Liam on for David. So just to take it at a higher level, you've noted the core deposit seasonality in your prepared remarks, but deposits have increased year-on-year across all of your geographies. Could you discuss some of the key drivers behind that year-on-year growth? And could we maybe expect some similar core deposit growth in '26 given the new banker adds?

Liam, it's Rob. So -- yes, I think if you look at it, there's always some seasonality to deposits. At our core, we are a relationship bank. So as we're bringing in new clients, we expect those clients not only come with the loan relationship, but also the deposit relationship. And then also, we're -- we've been heavily focused on small -- building our small business relationships. And small businesses typically are deposit rich in nature, where oftentimes, their deposits are larger than the loans that we're giving them. So I think that part of the success, and Jill talked about it earlier, the bankers that we've added over the last 2 years, starting to get some traction there, and then also seeing some traction on the small business side.

I appreciate it. And just one more for me. How are you thinking about deposit betas in 2026, given your already low-cost core deposit base?

Yes. It's Rob again. So we've been modeling 28% for the deposit beta, and that's essentially, I think, what we've seen through the cycle, specifically here in the fourth quarter and the activity that we saw there. We do think that over time, that will start to trend down some. At this point, we've been able to take that 28% deposit beta by really taking even the full 25 basis points on some of the exception price clients and also on CDs and then a higher amount even on some of our high-yield savings accounts. But as time goes by, we think that will continue to narrow some. So we might get that full 28% on the next cut or two, but I see it trending down in '26 depending on the level of effect to activity.

Thank you. We have no further questions at this time. So I'd like to hand back to Mark for closing remarks.

Thank you, Lucy. As I've stated, we are very proud of the Banner team and our full year 2025 performance, a significant improvement over 2024. Thank you, again, for your interest in Banner and for joining the call today. We look forward to reporting our results again to you in the future. Have a great day, everyone. Thank you for attending.

This concludes today's call. Thank you all for joining. You may now disconnect your lines.

Hello, everyone, and thank you for joining the Banner Corporation Third Quarter 2025 Conference Call and Webcast. My name is Claire and I will be coordinating your call today. [Operator Instructions]

I will now hand over to Mark Grescovich, President and CEO of Banner Corporation to begin. Please go ahead

Thank you, Claire, and good morning, everyone. I would also like to welcome you to the third quarter earnings call for Banner Corporation. Joining me on the call today is Rob Butterfield, Banner Corporation's Chief Financial Officer; Jill Rice, our Chief Credit Officer; and Rich Arnold, our Head of Investor Relations.

Rich, would you please read our forward-looking safe harbor statement?

Sure, Mark. Good morning. Our presentation today discusses Banner's business outlook and will include forward-looking statements. These statements include descriptions of management's plans, objectives or goals for future operations, products or services, forecast of financial or other performance measures and statements about Banner's general outlook for economic and other conditions.

We also may make other forward-looking statements in the question-and-answer period following management's discussion. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed today.

Information on the risk factors that could cause actual results to differ are available from the earnings press release that was released yesterday and the most recently filed Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. Forward-looking statements are effective only as of the date they are made, and Banner assumes no obligation to update information concerning its expectations. Mark?

Thank you, Rich. As is customary, today, we will cover four primary items with you.

First, I will provide you high-level comments on Banner's third quarter performance. Second, the actions Banner continues to take to support all of our stakeholders, including our Banner team, our clients, our communities and our shareholders. Third, Jill Rice will provide comments on the current status of our loan portfolio. And finally, Rob Butterfield will provide more detail on our operating performance for the quarter, as well as comments on our balance sheet.

Before I get started, I wanted to thank all of my 2,000 colleagues in our company who are working extremely hard to assist our clients and communities. Banner has lived our core values, summed up as doing the right thing for the past 135 years.

Our overarching goal continues to be to do the right thing for our clients, our communities, our colleagues, our company and our shareholders and to provide a consistent and reliable source of commerce and capital through all economic cycles and change events. I am pleased to report again to you that is exactly what we continue to do. I'm very proud of the entire Banner team that are living our core values.

Now let me turn to an overview of our performance. As announced, Banner Corporation reported a net profit available to common shareholders of $53.5 million or $1.54 per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. This compares to a net profit to common shareholders of $1.30 per share for the third quarter of 2024 and $1.31 per share for the second quarter of 2025.

Our strategy to maintain a moderate risk profile and the investments we have made and continue to make in order to improve operating performance and position the company well for the future. The strength of our balance sheet, coupled with the strong reputation we maintain in our markets will allow us to manage through the current market uncertainty. Rob will discuss these items in more detail shortly.

To illustrate the core earnings power of Banner, I would direct your attention to pretax pre-provision earnings, excluding gains and losses on the sale of securities, changes in fair value of financial instruments and building and lease exit costs. Our third quarter 2025 core earnings were $67.8 million compared to $62.5 million in the prior quarter and $57.4 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Banner's third quarter 2025 revenue from core operations was $169 million compared to $163 million for the prior quarter and $154 million for the third quarter of 2024. We continue to benefit from a strong core deposit base that has proved to be resilient and loyal to Banner, a very good net interest margin and core expense control. Overall, this resulted in a return on average assets of 1.3% for the third quarter of 2025.

Once again, our core performance reflects continued execution on our super community bank strategy, that is growing new client relationships, maintaining our core funding position promoting client loyalty and advocacy through our responsive service model and demonstrating our safety and soundness through all economic cycles and change events. To that point, our core deposits continue to represent 89% of total deposits.

Further, we continued our solid organic growth with loans and core deposits, both increasing 4% over the same period last year. Reflective of this solid performance, coupled with our strong regulatory capital ratios and the fact that we increased our tangible common equity per share by 9% from the same period last year, we announced an increase of 4% in the core dividend to $0.50 per common share.

Finally, I'm pleased to say that we continue to receive marketplace recognition and validation of our business model and our value proposition. Banner, again, was named one of America's 100 Best Banks -- in one of the best banks in the world by Forbes. Newsweek named Banner Bank, one of the most trustworthy companies in America and the world again this year and just recently named Banner one of the best regional banks in the country. J.D. Power and Associates named Banner Bank the Best Bank in the Northwest for retail client satisfaction. Our company was also recently certified by -- Great Place to Work and S&P Global Market Intelligence ranked Banner's financial performance among the top 50 public banks with more than $10 billion in assets.

Additionally, the Kroll Bond Rating Agency affirmed all of Banner's investment-grade debt and deposit ratings. And as we've noted before, Banner Bank received an outstanding CRA rating.

Let me now turn the call over to Jill to discuss trends in our loan portfolio and her comments on Banner's credit quality. Jill?

Thank you, Mark, and good morning, everyone. As reported, our overall credit metrics remained strong. Delinquent loans improved slightly and now represents 0.39% of total loans, down 2 basis points from the linked quarter and compared to 0.40% reported as of September 30, 2024.

Adversely classified loans declined by $16 million quarter-over-quarter and now represent 1.49% of total loans down 13 basis points from June 30, and our total nonperforming assets down $4.5 million represent a modest 0.27% of total assets.

Loan losses in the quarter totaled $3.2 million and were offset in part by recoveries totaling $1 million. The net provision for credit losses for the quarter was $2.7 million, including a $1.4 million provision for loan losses and a $1.3 million provision related to unfunded loan commitments.

After the provision, the allowance for credit losses totaled $159.7 million and provide coverage of 1.36% of total loans, which compares to 1.37% as of the linked quarter and 1.38% as of September 2024. After recording very strong second quarter loan growth, I indicated that we expected a pullback this quarter. And as anticipated, loan originations were $172 million lower than that reported for the quarter ending June 30.

Additionally, new production was offset by material payoffs and paydowns on adversely classified relationships, as well as reduced commercial line utilization and a small handful of anticipated commercial real estate and C&I payoffs. Still, portfolio loan balances, while basically flat when compared to the linked quarter, remained up 4% year-over-year.

The decline in the commercial construction portfolio reflects the net effect of additional construction advances offset by the transition of both completed owner-occupied and investor real estate projects to the permanent portfolio. The residential construction portfolio at 5% of total loans continues to be diversified across markets and product mix and while days on market has increased again slightly this quarter, the level of completed and unsold inventory continues to remain below historical norms.

Consistent with prior quarters, the total construction portfolio remains balanced at 15% of total loans when you aggregate all business lines. The decline reflected in C&I is driven in part by reduced loanization, down 2% quarter-over-quarter as well as the previously mentioned exiting of adversely classified relationships.

The decline was offset in part by continued growth in the small business segment, up 8% year-over-year. And as expected, agricultural balances increased again this quarter due to line utilization, up 3% compared to last quarter and up 2% year-over-year.

Lastly, I will just note that commercial pipelines remain solid. Fourth quarter loan growth is typically strong, and we expect the same to be true this year. As such, we still anticipate reporting a mid-single-digit growth rate for the full year. Banner's moderate risk profile with stable and strong credit metrics remains a significant source of strength.

With that, I will hand the microphone over to Rob for his comments. Rob?

Great. Thank you, Jill. We reported $1.54 per diluted share for the third quarter compared to $1.31 per diluted share for the prior quarter. The $0.23 increase in earnings per share was primarily due to an increase in net interest income, a lower provision for credit losses, as well as the current quarter, including a gain of $1.4 million on the disposal of assets, while the prior quarter included a loss of $919,000 on the disposable of assets.

We experienced strong positive operating leverage during the quarter compared to both the prior quarter and the quarter ended September 30, 2024. As core pretax pre-provision income increased 8.5% or $5.3 million compared to the prior quarter and increased 18% or $10.4 million compared to the year ago quarter.

Held-for-investment loan balances increased $12 million from the prior quarter, as pipelines rebuilt after the strong pull-through we experienced in the second quarter. In addition, we saw higher prepayments in the third quarter. The loan-to-deposit ratio ended the quarter at 84%, giving us ample capacity to continue to add new clients.

Total securities decreased $56 million due to a combination of normal portfolio cash flows and some securities being called early. Deposits increased by $489 million during the quarter, primarily due to core deposits increasing $426 million, as well as time deposits increasing $63 million during the quarter.

Core deposits ended the quarter at 89% of total deposits. Total borrowings decreased $459 million during the quarter as the growth in deposits was used to pay off short-term FHLB advances. Banner's liquidity and capital profile continue to remain strong with a robust core funding base, a low reliance on wholesale borrowings and significant off-balance sheet borrowing capacity.

As a reflection of our robust capital and strong liquidity positions, Banner repurchased 250,000 shares during the quarter and announced a 4% increase in its declared dividend to common shareholders. Net interest income increased $5.6 million from the prior quarter due to a 6 basis point increase in net interest margin, as well as average earning assets increasing $151 million and one more interest earning day in the current quarter.

The increase in average earning assets was due to average loan balances increasing $33 million, and total average interest-bearing cash and investment balance is increasing $118 million. Tax equivalent net interest margin was 3.98% for the quarter compared to 3.92% for the prior quarter. Earning asset yields increased 3 basis points due to a 5 basis point increase in loan yields as adjustable loans continue to reprice higher and new loans are being originated at rates higher than the average yield on the loan portfolio. Average on new loan production for the quarter was 7.35%, compared to 7.27% for the prior quarter.

Funding costs decreased by 3 basis points as a result of using the increase in deposit balances to reduce higher costing borrowings. Deposit costs were 1.50% for the quarter, which was 3 basis points higher than the prior quarter, as the deposit growth during the quarter was mostly in interest-bearing accounts and noninterest-bearing deposits ended the quarter at 33% of total deposits.

Total noninterest income increased $3 million from the prior quarter, primarily due to the current quarter, including a gain of $1.4 million on the disposal of assets, while the prior quarter included a loss of $919,000 on the disposal of assets. Both of these related to back office consolidation.

In addition, the current quarter had a net gain of $377,000 on security sales and a positive fair value adjustment of $223,000 on financial instruments carried at fair value.

Total noninterest expense was $674,000 higher than the prior quarter with increases in marketing, employee-related expense, occupancy expense and business and use tax. And partially offset by lower salary and benefit expense. The current quarter occupancy expense included $1 million of lease termination costs associated with the back office space consolidation compared to $834,000 in the prior quarter. Our strong capital and liquidity levels position us well to continue to execute on our super community bank business model.

This concludes my prepared comments. Now I will turn it back to Mark. Mark?

Thank you, Jill and Rob for your comments. That concludes our prepared remarks. And Claire, we will now open the call and welcome questions.

[Operator Instructions] We have our first question from Jeff Rulis from D.A. Davidson.

I wanted to check in on the margin. I guess, kind of 2-part question is the first kind of the timing of those FHLB payoffs, I mean, I guess I'm kind of centering on. Is there a tale of benefit that came later in the quarter in terms of the go-forward margin? And then maybe just checking in on Rob, maybe the impact of rate sensitivity as you see the cut we had and the expected cuts ahead?

Sure, Jeff. So on the first part of it, we started to see the deposits come in fairly early in the quarter. So I would say probably FHLB advances were paid down to their ending level. I would say, probably halfway through the quarter. So there could be a little bit of additional benefit there from just an overall funding cost standpoint.

If I think about kind of the impact of the Fed rate cuts on our margin overall, I think the story is kind of the same that we've been talking about essentially in a quarter where the Fed -- there's no Fed actions at all. We would expect margin to expand like we saw in the second -- or the third quarter here. As those adjustable rate loans continue to reprice up in general, absent what we saw as far as the pay down borrowings, we would expect funding cost to be relatively flat.

If the Fed does 1 rate cut in the quarter, then we're expecting that our margin would be relatively flat. It doesn't mean it can't be plus or minus a basis point or 2, but relatively flat overall. And if you think about the fourth quarter here, we have the rate cut in September, the market and Moody's who we use for interest rate forecast is forecasting another cut at the end of October here and then the third cut in the middle of December.

And under that scenario where we have essentially multiple rate cuts in 1 quarter, then we would expect some margin compression in that quarter. So moderate in nature, what we would expect because we will have those adjustable rate loans that are 29% of our portfolio. Those will essentially reprice down.

So as soon as the Fed cuts, and we want that second rate cut, we won't have necessarily the benefit of the adjustable rate loans repricing up because that's already offsetting the first rate cut. And we will get some improvement in funding cost, obviously, because we will take some additional deposit rate reductions, but it won't be enough to offset the full impact of the variable floating rates repricing down.

Appreciate it. Did you have a September average for the margin?

Margin was pretty -- it was pretty flat. So I would say September margin is really close to at least on the quarter.

Got it. Okay. And Mark, I guess just checking in on capital on several fronts, you're pretty active with the dividend. And the buyback, I guess the first question is sort of the sensitivity on price. I mean, I think you -- just below where you were on average, the buybacks in the third quarter. So checking in on buyback activity or appetite versus also the ongoing question on the M&A side, if you care to opine on your interest there?

Yes. Thank you, Jeff. Look, I think it's pretty evident that we thought we were confident in repurchasing shares at an average rate of $63.50 the current pricing structure would suggest that we would be confident continuing to repurchase shares.

We continue to build capital, our TCE ratio at 9.5%. We're continuing to build capital. The company's earnings momentum is very strong. Obviously, there's some momentum with M&A and I would think that if an opportunity presented itself, we would certainly be in a position to combine and do some additional fill-in acquisitions.

Again, my philosophy on this is, I don't think we need to do anything. I think our -- the earnings performance that we've demonstrated this quarter and will continue to demonstrate suggest we don't need to do an acquisition to have improved earnings power. But to the extent that there's an opportunity that presents itself, I think it would be a great combination, and we have ample capital to accomplish that.

Our next question comes from Kelly Motta from KBW.

I might just follow up in terms of how you guys are thinking about the buyback. Notably, this was one of the first quarters you guys have repurchased shares in quite a while. Wondering if you can remind us any sort of like what you look at in terms of valuation, how you guys are viewing the buyback? It seems like the door to M&A is open. So just wondering how we should be thinking through greater activity on that versus keeping dry powder ahead.

Thank you, Kelly. Rob, would you like to address that?

Sure, Mark. So yes, Kelly, I mean, we're always looking at the different alternatives for capital deployment. You saw at the end of the second quarter, we essentially paid off the $100 million of sub debt out there and then the current quarter where we had the repurchase of the 250,000 shares and then also announced the increase in our core dividend by 4%.

And I think the range that you saw in this current quarter as far as share repurchases, certainly that's a price where we think it's attractive and beneficial to shareholders and the tangible book value earn-back makes sense. I think could extend a bit above where that's at right now.

I think as we look at the fourth quarter, we'll look at all the different alternatives for capital deployment, which clearly, the share repurchases is on the table. We do have the share repurchase authorization in place right now that would allow us to continue to do that. But ultimately, it's going to be based on an assessment of the market conditions and what's going on in the market at the time. Right now, we are in a blackout period, so we wouldn't consider that until after we're out of our blackout period.

Got it. That's helpful. Maybe turning to the balance sheet. Your deposit growth was really strong and you were able to pay down some of that FHLB that you backfilled last quarter -- in the prior quarter. Just wondering if you could let us know if there was any -- what was the drivers of that if you were running any specials? And how you guys are thinking through deposit pricing here after the Fed's cut in September?

Yes. So a couple of things. I mean, if you look back even last year, Q3 is our strongest growth from a deposit standpoint from a seasonality standpoint. That is when the crops come in and the cash comes in from our ad clients. So it is a strong quarter for us. We weren't running any particular promotions or specials, just the standard hard work that all of our teams do in going out and trying to get existing clients to bring additional deposits on balance sheet and continuing to prospect for new clients.

On the pricing side of things, so post Fed rate cut, we did reduce our advertised CD specials, which, as you know, are generally below market already, but we pretty much took the full 25 basis points and a reduction of the advertised CD rates. And then we also reduced our high-yield savings account, the different tiers there as well. And that probably -- let's say that range from 5 to 20 basis points depending on what the pier was. And then we also looked at our exception price clients and took some reduction there as well.

Got it. Last question for me, if I can just sneak it in related. Your cash -- average cash balances were elevated in part in light of the great deposit growth you had. Just wondering how we should be thinking about the liquidity position on balance sheet and just kind of optimizing that?

Yes. We were holding throughout the quarter, the majority of the quarter, we were holding more cash on average than we typically would. The way we're thinking about that is -- and I'll let Jill talk about loan growth in the fourth quarter here. But in general, when we look at that as kind of dry powder we have right now where we can use that cash to fund loan growth in the fourth quarter instead of using any kind of wholesale borrowings.

Our next question comes from David Feaster from Raymond James.

I wanted to maybe touch on the competitive landscape a bit. I mean originations declined a bit quarter-over-quarter. Obviously, there's some noise. But I'm curious, what in your mind drove the decrease in originations. Is that just -- is that weaker demand or slower pull through the pipelines or just -- is there more competition? We're hearing more competition from -- especially the larger banks that are moving down market a bit, and that's leading to some pricing competition.

Just kind of curious what you're seeing on the demand side. Obviously, we iterated the mid-single-digit loan growth guidance, but just hoping you could touch on, again, what you're seeing on the demand originations and the competitive landscape?

Sure, David. So I think I'm pretty consistent in the message that the competitive landscape is it's not really unchanged. We're competing all the time for all of the deals that we book. Certainly, there are players who are coming back in offering some maybe different terms than we would. But by and large, competitive landscape is the same.

I would suggest that the decline in originations this quarter was multifaceted, right? We had that really strong pull-through in the second quarter. Our pipelines have built and are continuing to build. So they're really strong going into the fourth quarter. the reaction to the 25 basis point rate cut was really rather muted on the credit side where people were saying, great, but when is the next one coming expecting a little bit more. So I think as we start to see that, it will pull some of the fourth quarter pipeline through a little bit faster.

And again, fourth quarter is generally a strong quarter for us. I feel like I missed one piece of your question there, David. So it was competition, it was pipeline and did I get it? Or is there something else?

Yes, that was pretty much it. And I guess maybe just following up on that, like sort of the competitive landscape, maybe touching on -- you've got two sides of it. We hear mostly the competition has been on the pricing side. Is that -- I guess where are you seeing new origination yields and spreads. And then have you started to see that stretch the competitive landscape, maybe stretch more into underwriting and structures and standards? Or has that held up pretty well from your standpoint?

Mostly held up well. I mean we are seeing a little bit more stretching in terms of ask for longer interest-only periods, while people wait for rate cuts to come down and take that term P&I amortizing loan structure. So there's that ask, and I think some of the banks are more inclined to give longer terms than we would be. But generally, the underwriting is holding up.

Yes. Okay. And then maybe just last one for me. In your prepared remarks, you talked about and even some of the commentary at the beginning of the call, you talked about the strategic investments that you guys have been making paying off and generating some pretty meaningful returns.

I'm curious if you could touch on maybe where are you seeing the most benefit from those investments where you're investing currently, whether it be technology, is it new talent? There's obviously been a lot of disruption around you. Expansion plans or investment into other business lines. Just kind of curious where your strategic investments have -- you're starting to see some of the fruits pay off? And then where are you investing currently? And what are you excited about on the horizon?

To address some of our investment. And then, Jill, if you want to talk about some of the talent we've added.

Sure, Mark. So David, yes, we've talked about some of the investments we're making. I would say the largest investments we're making is on the technology side. We've talked about the new deposit loan origination system, which went live with the initial modules earlier this year, and we expect the rest of the modules to go live here in the fourth quarter.

And the way we're thinking about that is that it will provide the organization with additional scalability, allowing us to grow loans and deposits into the future with adding less expenses into it. So we think the payoff for that is a longer-term payoff initially any time you implement a new system, of course, your expenses are typically going to go up temporarily related to it. And then over time, you'll get those efficiencies and be able to have that scalability.

Other areas that we continue to invest in is fraud-related technology, which, I mean, we've talked about multiple times that our fraud costs outpace our credit losses. So fraud is something you're continuing to look at. And then, I mean, we -- like everyone, AI is on top of mind on everyone as our part of our moderate risk profile. We spent probably at the beginning of it taking -- doing a lot of governance-related activities, making sure that we were not taking any additional risk for the organization if we're going to implement different types of AI as we've been heading down that path.

We've started to implement or turn on different AI features on existing software and technology that we have right now. And then we're also working on kind of a longer-term strategic AI road map right now as well. But when we think about AI, we don't think about it as immediate cost reductions. We think about AI as being a longer-term investment that will give the scalability to the organization.

So Jill, anything on the talent side?

Yes. The talent story is, David, the same as before and that we continue to add talent in the commercial and commercial real estate teams up and down the West Coast primarily this quarter, but we've added team leaders, RMs, commercial real estate lenders as well. And they're coming from different organizations that are experiencing, whether it's changes in the management structure and/or just an overall feel that the way Banner is operating open for business, they just resonate with our current operating model.

Our next question comes from Andrew Terrell from Stevens.

Rob, if I could start just maybe a question on deposit costs. I'd love to hear maybe some color on just your approach. I heard moving some of the promotional rates down, some of the exception pricing down following the 25 basis points from the Fed. I'm curious from a magnitude perspective, how you're approaching the rate cuts this time versus the 100 basis points we got late last year?

Are -- you're approaching the cuts magnitude-wise similarly to last year and trying to get at, ultimately, from a beta perspective on interest-bearing deposits, would you expect something similar to this go around to the first 100 basis points? Or do you feel like client behavior has changed or gotten more sensitive at all?

Sorry. Sorry, Mark. Yes. So Andrew, I guess what I'd start with is from a modeling perspective, we're modeling a 28% deposit beta. But from an overall, what we're expecting on this set of rate cuts compared to last time.

Right now, our expectation is that we would get a similar deposit beta that we got last time on it. And that deposit beta has always lagged. We've taken initial cut at it and reduction and then we evaluate what we're seeing in the marketplace and determine if we can layer in some additional rate reductions related to that. So it's generally a lag impact.

And then the other piece of it, of course, is your CD book, the CD book doesn't reprice right away. So even though we've reduced our advertised specials by 25 basis points, it takes some time for that to flow through. Probably about 2/3 of our CD book typically matures within a 6-month period of time. So it will take a little bit for us to see the impact on the CD side of things.

Understood. I appreciate it. And then just on the -- the kind of customer sensitivity. Do you feel like that's changed much relative to prior experiences?

We haven't seen that at this point. I mean we implemented the reduction in rates shortly after the Fed made their move in September and we haven't received any kind of feedback from clients necessarily as far as their sensitivity to that deposit cut.

I mean, keep in mind, a lot of our largest depositors are commercial depositors and those same clients saw a reduction in some of their loans at the same time. So they're seeing kind of a benefit on one side of it even if they're getting a reduction on what we're paying them. So I think they're sophisticated enough to understand that as rates come down, the rate that they're earning on the deposits, all market deposit rates are going to come down. So we haven't seen any unusual sensitivity at this point.

Yes. Okay. Great. I appreciate it. And then just sticking kind of overall on the margin. I heard your comments about just expectations in a static quarter versus a quarter where the Fed cuts. But if I look back over the past year, your margin is up, I think it's right at 25 basis points relative to 3Q of last year. We digested 100 basis points of rate cuts over that time frame.

Just when I look at the next 12 months, I think consensus margin is up only 6 basis points over the next 12 months. And then historically, you've been able to operate in that 4.25% to 4.5% margin range. So I guess my two questions are, one, do you feel like the 6 basis points is kind of conservative on the NIM forecasting over the next 12 months? And then just over the medium term, do you feel like a 4.25% to 4.50% kind of margin range is still achievable?

Yes. So Andrew, I guess, in general, what I'd say is, I mean, ultimately, it's going to be dependent on how aggressive the Fed gets and how they approach any kind of reductions. And so it's a bit hard to predict what they're going to do if you're going out longer term. At 3.98% right now, I mean, I think we're happy to see us approaching 4%. I haven't necessarily considered the idea of getting back to 4.25% or 4.30%. It's going to depend on the Fed actions, but I don't see that as being something. I think if you're saying 6 basis points is what the market is expecting, I mean, I think that's a more reasonable number certainly than getting up to 4.25% or 4.30%.

Our next question comes from Tim Coffey from Janney.

I had a couple of questions -- a couple of questions I want to start with Jill. Jill, can you kind of give us maybe a thumbnail sketch or a high-level overview of how the company incorporates monitoring personal guarantees, appraising collateral on an ongoing basis as a way to maintain the solid credit quality you have and have shown over the recent past?

Sure, Tim. So as to reappraising properties, that is not an ongoing annual updated type of action. What we do as we're going into these credits and then through the life of the loan is considered changes to the environment, contemplate changes to cap rates using original appraisals and current operating income and kind of use that as a basis to test where we think we are, recognizing that the originating on the values that we go into are generally much lower than some of the other lending institutions out there.

And so we've got room for some valuation drop, certainly where things still continue to work. We also are continually contemplating what might happen to top line and revenue changes. So we're stressing in the income side we're stressing the cap rates and that sort of thing to look at the collateral. When you go back to guarantees, I would suggest to you that the vast majority, and I'm talking north of 95% of our loans have personal or corporate guarantees that add significant secondary sources of repayment to backstop losses. Did I get all of your questions?

That's great. Sorry. Yes, it was. Yes. And I just want to clarify, I wasn't so much asking about the -- how often you reprice collateral. It's more of how are you ensuring that the borrowers are doing what they told you they were going to do, right? So the personal guarantees does that, monitoring the collateral for sure, actually does that as well. So yes, but that...

Sorry, I was covenant testing financial statement, we require ongoing reporting from our borrowers. So -- and then testing covenants is the key there to what are they doing? And are they maintaining their properties, annual site inspections, that sort of thing.

Okay. great. That's helpful. And then my question for you, Jill. So look at the loan-to-deposit ratio solidly mid-80s, which is a good number to be at. Is there any thought to taking it higher? And did you see -- do you have any line of sight to that loan deposit ratio being higher than 90?

We have in the past certainly been higher than that. I would I would say that if we were to approach 95% would be okay, I don't think we'd go above that.

Okay. And then for Rob, I had a question about kind of the overall deposit pipeline. So in parts of the Western region Bay Area specifically, we started to see clients move around, and you started to see deposits start to change banks. Are you seeing any change in the sales cycle to bring in new deposits? Is it getting shorter? Are you seeing any kind of momentum with long-time bank customers now looking for a new place to deposit the funds?

So Tim, overall, what I'd say is, I mean, we have a lot of clients that are very loyal to Banner. Our deposit base is one where half of it is what I would call rural in nature, and then half of it is more metro. So we have a sticky client base that tends not to want to move around that values -- the value of the relationship and the long-term value that we provide. So we haven't necessarily seen more movement in clients.

And we have been successful in adding new clients and bringing those relationships in and part of that is our focus on small business, which tends to bring in more deposits and loan balances. So, I still think it's a lot of hard work by our relationship folks to bring in those quality new clients. And I wouldn't say it's changed as far as seeing clients moving from bank to bank in a shorter cycle.

Okay. Okay. Well, the core deposit growth year-over-year has been very strong at Banner. So good job. And then, Mark, if I can ask a question about a special dividend. Now I understand your capital priorities. I understand your comments about M&A. But I also see kind of the anticipated capital growth on your income statement over the next, say, 12 months or so. Is it possible that a special dividend could be on the table discussion this time next year?

Well thanks for the question, Tim. I don't think we rule out any options on capital deployment. We've done special dividends in the past. I would suggest to you that the reason you do a special dividend is to do a blunt force reduction in your capital position and you can do it very quickly and with little execution risk.

I don't suspect that is our top priority to do a special dividend. I think our core focus is making sure that we focus on the core dividend itself. We'll continue to deploy capital through share repurchases as appropriate and certainly M&A. But we've done special dividends in the past. It's less likely that we will do one going forward, unless we really need to reduce capital for some reason.

We have a follow-up question from Jeff Rulis from D.A. Davidson.

Hello. Mark, can you hear me?

I can hear you now, Jeff.

Okay. Sorry, just a follow-up. On the consolidating of office space, I want to kind of see if we're at the sort of the tail end of that in terms of some of the lease termination costs and the gains and losses on that. Is that at the tail end of that or kind of continue to nipple away at those as it comes up?

Thanks, Jeff, it's Rob. So Yes, we'll see a couple more quarters of those back office consolidation lease termination costs come through. So I would say we're going to see a potentially through the middle of '26. So maybe over the next 3 quarters, just depending on how quickly we can get through the space that we're exiting. So we'll see a few more quarters of it.

[Operator Instructions] We currently have no further questions. So I will hand back to Mark for any closing remarks.

Right. Thank you, Claire. As I stated, we're very proud of the Banner team and our third quarter 2025 performance, even though it doesn't appear that the market is reflecting the value of Banner or some of the other bank stocks, but in particular, Banner, we're very proud of our performance and how we are viewing the future of performance for Banner. So thank you for your interest in our company and joining the call today. We look forward to reporting our results to you again in the future. Have a great day, everyone.

This concludes today's call. Thank you for joining. You may now disconnect your lines.