Q2 2026 Banner Corp Earnings Call

July 23, 2026

Speaker #1: See? 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 2: 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 Q2 2026 conference call and webcast. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there'll be a question-and-answer session. If you'd like to ask a question during this time, simply press star, followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. If you'd like to withdraw your question, press star one again. Thank you. I would now like to turn the call over to Mark Grescovich, President and CEO of Banner Corporation.

Operator: 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 Q2 2026 conference call and webcast. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there'll be a question-and-answer session. If you'd like to ask a question during this time, simply press star, followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. If you'd like to withdraw your question, press star one again. Thank you. I would now like to turn the call over to Mark Grescovich, President and CEO of Banner Corporation.

Speaker #1: All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there'll be a Q&A session. If you'd like to ask a question during this time, simply press Start followed by the number 1 on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #1: If you'd like to withdraw your question, press Star 1 again. Thank you. I would now like to turn the call over to Mark Grescovich.

Speaker #1: President and CEO of BANNER CORPORATION.

Speaker #2: 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 are Rob Butterfield, Banner Corporation's Chief Financial Officer; Jill Rice, our Chief Credit Officer; and Rich Arnold, our Head of Investor Relations.

Mark Grescovich: Thank you, Jordan, good morning, everyone. I would also like to welcome you to the Q2 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?

Speaker #2: Rich, would you please read our forward-looking Safe Harbor statement?

Speaker #3: 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, forecasts of financial or other performance measures, and statements about BANNER's general outlook for economic and other conditions.

Rich Arnold: 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, 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. 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 31 March 2026. Forward-looking statements are effective only as of the day they are made. Banner assumes no obligation to update information concerning its expectations. Mark?

Speaker #3: We may also make other forward-looking statements in the Q&A 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.

Speaker #3: 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.

Speaker #3: Forward-looking statements are effective only as of the day they are made and BANNER assumes no obligation to update information concerning its expectations. Mark?

Speaker #2: Thank you, Rich. As is customary, today we will cover four primary items with you. First, I will provide you with high-level comments on Banner's second quarter 2026 performance.

Mark Grescovich: 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 Q2 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. 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.

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: Before I get started, I want to thank all of my 2000 colleagues in our company who are working extremely hard to assist our clients and our communities.

Speaker #2: 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.

Mark Grescovich: 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. 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 30 June 2026. This compares to a net profit to common shareholders of $1.31 per share for Q2 2025.

Speaker #2: I am pleased to report again to you that this is exactly what we continue to do. I am very proud of the entire BANNER team that are living our core values.

Speaker #2: Now, let me turn to an overview of our performance. As announced, Banner Corporation reported net profit available to common shareholders of $48.9 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.

Speaker #2: 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, position our operating company well for the future.

Mark Grescovich: 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 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 pre-tax, 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 Q2 2026 core earnings were $64.4 million compared to $62.5 million for Q2 2025.

Speaker #2: Rob will discuss these items in more detail shortly. 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.

Speaker #2: To illustrate the core earnings power of BANNER, I would direct your attention to pre-tax, 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.

Speaker #2: 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%.

Mark Grescovich: Banner's Q2 2026 revenue from core operations was $172 million, compared to $163 million for Q2 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 Q2 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.

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: 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 supercommunity bank strategy.

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: 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 $52 per common share.

Mark Grescovich: 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.

Speaker #2: Earlier this month, we 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.

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: 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. 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.

Mark Grescovich: Banner was again named one of America's 100 best banks, as well as one of the best banks in the world by Forbes. Newsweek named Banner one of the most trustworthy companies both in America and the world again this year. 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?

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: 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?

Speaker #3: 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 remain stable.

Jill Rice: 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 five basis points to 0.51% of total loans when compared to the linked quarter and compared to 0.41% as of 30 June 2025. 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 31 March 2025. Non-performing assets increased by $8.9 million, the result of a single condo construction project moving to non-accrual. In spite of this increase, total non-performing assets represent a modest 0.36% of total assets. Non-performing loans total $54.8 million, the majority of which are one to four family or other consumer-related credits that often involve protracted resolution timelines.

Speaker #3: 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.

Speaker #3: 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.

Speaker #3: Non-performing assets increased by $8.9 million, the result of a single condo construction project moving to non-accrual. In spite of this increase, total non-performing assets represent a modest 0.36% of total assets. Non-performing loans total $54.8 million, the majority of which are $1–4 family or other consumer-related credits that often involve protracted resolution timelines. REO balances declined by $500,000 quarter over quarter and total $5.7 million.

Jill Rice: REO balances declined by $500,000 quarter-over-quarter and total $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 migrations. 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 30 June 2025. Loan originations increased 45% when compared to the linked quarter, with commercial originations up 85%, construction up 73%, and consumer up 55% respectively. Both commercial and commercial real estate pipelines continue to be strong.

Speaker #3: 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.

Speaker #3: 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.

Speaker #3: The loan loss reserve remained strong, providing coverage of 1.35% of total loans, which compares to 1.37% as of both the linked quarter and June 30, 2025.

Speaker #3: Loan originations increased 45% compared to the linked quarter, with commercial originations up 85%, construction up 73%, and consumer up 55%. Both commercial and commercial real estate pipelines continue to be strong.

Speaker #3: 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 CNI loan payoffs experienced in the quarter.

Jill Rice: Loan outstanding 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.

Speaker #3: The primary drivers of loan growth in the quarter were CNI, up $152 million; consumer loans, up $62 million; and owner-occupied real estate, up $54 million.

Speaker #3: The growth in both CNI 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.

Speaker #3: 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.

Speaker #3: Consistent with owner-occupied commercial real estate, growth in the non-owner-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.

Jill Rice: Consistent with owner-occupied commercial real estate, growth in the non-owner 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 1 to 4 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.

Speaker #3: 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 continued to represent approximately 5% of the total loan portfolio.

Speaker #3: 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 1-4 family construction projects' average days on market again increased modestly this quarter, given the current elevated interest rate environment.

Speaker #3: 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.

Jill Rice: 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?

Speaker #3: 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 supercommunity bank delivery model and disciplined credit culture have enabled us to strengthen existing relationships, grow new business, and maintain our moderate risk profile.

Speaker #3: 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.

Speaker #3: With that, I will hand the microphone over to Rob for his comments.

Speaker #4: Rob.

Speaker #2: 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 non-interest income, and higher non-interest expense, partially offset by stronger net interest income.

Rob Butterfield: Thank you, Jill. We reported $1.43 per diluted share for the Q2, 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 non-interest income, and higher non-interest expense, partially offset by stronger net interest income. Core pre-tax, pre-provision income increased $1.9 million, or 3%, compared to the Q2 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.

Speaker #2: Core pre-tax, 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.

Speaker #2: 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 loans at a positive ratio into the quarter at 87%, which provides us with strong liquidity and funding flexibility.

Speaker #2: 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.

Rob Butterfield: 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 activity as clients used 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 two basis point increase in the tax equivalent net interest margin and average earning assets increasing $129 million.

Speaker #2: Deposits decreased 51 million during the quarter due to normal seasonal activities as clients used deposit balances to make tax payments. Core deposits decreased 59 million, and into the quarter at 89% of total deposits.

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: 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 two-basis-point increase in the tax equivalent net interest margin and average earning assets increasing 129 million.

Speaker #2: The increase in average earning assets was driven by average loan balances increase in 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.

Rob Butterfield: The increase in average earning assets was driven by average loan balances increase of $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 two 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 two basis points from the prior quarter due to further repricing in the CD book.

Speaker #2: The increase in net interest margin was due to an increase in the yield on earning assets due to loan yields increasing two basis points and the continued improvement in the earning asset mix.

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: Deposit cost decreased two 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, the same as the previous quarter.

Rob Butterfield: Non-interest-bearing deposits ended the quarter at 33% of total deposits, same as the previous quarter. Total non-interest 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 non-interest expense increased $5.4 million from the prior quarter. As I noted last quarter, the expenses in the Q1 were lower than typical, as some expenses expected to be incurred in the Q1 were delayed until the Q2.

Speaker #2: Total non-interest income decreased 939,000 from the prior quarter. It decreased 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.

Speaker #2: These decreases were partially offset by the prior quarter having a loss on the sales securities and the current quarter having higher service fee income.

Speaker #2: Total non-interest expense increased $5.4 million from the prior quarter. As I noted last quarter, 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.

Speaker #2: Software expense was 1.8 million higher, which included 924,000 of non-reoccurring expense related to the write-off of the previous commercial loan origination system, which was recently replaced.

Rob Butterfield: Software expense was $1.8 million higher, which included $924,000 of non-recurring 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 Q1, 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. I will turn it back to Mark. Mark?

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: This concludes my prepared comments. Now I will turn it back to Mark. Mark.

Speaker #1: 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.

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

Operator 2: Your first question comes from the line of Matthew Clark from Piper Sandler. Your line is now live.

Operator: Your first question comes from the line of Matthew Clark from Piper Sandler. Your line is now live.

Speaker #3: Your first question comes from the line of Matthew Clark from Piper Sandler. Your line is now live.

Speaker #4: Hey, good morning, everyone.

Matthew Clark: Hey, good morning, everyone.

Speaker #1: Morning, Matthew.

Mark Grescovich: Morning, Matthew.

Speaker #4: Just on the loan yields, 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?

Matthew Clark: Just on the loan yields, wondered what the weighted average rate was on new loans. I may have missed it in your prepared comments. What's your outlook on loan yields in general, knowing that you still have some backbook repricing, but also wanting to consider the competitive pricing and rate environment?

Speaker #4: Knowing that you still have some back book repricing, but also wanted to consider the competitive pricing and rate environment.

Speaker #2: Yeah, thanks for that question, Matthew. 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.

Rob Butterfield: Yeah, thanks for the question, Matthew. This is Rob. The average yield on new loan production for the quarter was 6.53%. We've been seeing some backbook repricing there. We've been seeing new loans come on at higher yields. We've also seen that slowing over time. This most recent quarter, it was 2 basis points increase in overall loan yields. 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. It is slowing at this point.

Speaker #2: We've been seeing new loans come on at higher yields, but we've also seen that slowing over time. In this most recent quarter, there was a two basis point increase in overall loan yields.

Speaker #2: 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 one to two basis points of increase quarter over quarter.

Speaker #2: So it is slowing at this point.

Speaker #4: Okay, thank you. 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 margin in the month of June, and your thoughts on deposit costs going forward, assuming the Fed's on hold.

Matthew Clark: Okay, thank you. Similar question on the deposit side. If you had the spot rate on deposits at the end of the quarter on 30 June, maybe the monthly NIM margin in the month of June and your thoughts on deposit costs going forward, assuming the Fed's on hold.

Speaker #2: Yeah. So deposit costs were relatively flat throughout the quarter. The 133 basis points was pretty close to what we saw throughout the quarter.

Rob Butterfield: Yeah. Deposit costs were relatively flat throughout the quarter. The 133 basis points was pretty close to what we saw throughout the quarter. NIM was fairly flat as well. What I'd say is earlier in the quarter, we had a higher reliance on FHLB advances, NIM was a bit lower, it did increase a bit as we moved through the quarter. Just as far as what we're looking at from a go-forward standpoint, we've been benefiting from the CD book repricing, that's the benefit that you saw, the 2 basis points decline in deposit costs was the CD book repricing. The CD book has pretty much fully repriced at this point, 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.

Speaker #2: And NIM was fairly flat as well. What I would say is earlier in the quarter, we had a higher reliance on FHLB advances. So NIM was a bit lower.

Speaker #2: And then it did increase a bit as we moved 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.

Speaker #2: And that's the benefit that you saw—the two basis points decline in deposit costs was due to the CD book repricing. The CD book has pretty much fully repriced at this point.

Speaker #2: And I wouldn't expect any further repricing in the CD book until we start to see some Fed action, which really isn't forecast for the foreseeable future.

Speaker #2: So I'm expecting deposit costs to remain relatively flat. The only other thing I'll add is that we have started to see CD specials in our marketplaces.

Rob Butterfield: 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. This most recent quarter, we did increase the advertised rate that we were advertising as well. If anything, I would say it's holding deposit costs flat is going to be the goal at this point.

Speaker #2: We've started to see those increase. And this most recent quarter, we did increase the advertised rate that we were promoting as well.

Speaker #2: So if anything, I would say it's holding deposit costs flat. It's going to be the goal at this point.

Speaker #4: Okay. And then last one from me, just on expenses. A little heavier than expected, even if you strip out the software. Write-off on the merger costs.

Matthew Clark: Okay, last one from 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. Thank you.

Speaker #4: Maybe you could 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?

Speaker #4: What do you investing in? That would be helpful. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Sure. Yeah. As I mentioned last quarter, the Q1 expenses were lower than expected due to the timing of certain expenses that were expected to be incurred in the first quarter but got delayed into the second quarter.

Rob Butterfield: Sure. Yeah. 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 Q1 got delayed into Q2. As I talked about, IT expenses were up about half of that, a million dollars of that was the write-off of the old commercial loan origination system that was recently replaced. We're also seeing additional modules and seeing the new loan origination system continue to go live. We're seeing some expense increase there. Just some of the marketing campaigns that we had. We didn't have anything that went really live in Q1. Really, Q2 was basically 2 quarters worth of marketing expense that you saw there.

Speaker #2: As I talked about, IT expenses were up about half of that. A million dollars of that was the write-off of the old commercial loan origination system that was recently replaced.

Speaker #2: And then we're also seeing additional modules and seeing all the new loan origination systems continue to go live. So we're seeing some expense increase there.

Speaker #2: 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 two quarters' worth of marketing expense that you saw there.

Speaker #2: 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.

Rob Butterfield: 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 a million or two quarter-to-quarter just because of timing type items. I think you probably saw Q1 was a bit low, Q2 was a bit high just from timing type items. 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.

Speaker #2: Expenses are always going to bounce around a million or two 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.

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: 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 standpoint because of that investment we made in that new loan origination system.

Rob Butterfield: We're benefiting from that standpoint because of that investment we made in that new loan origination system.

Speaker #4: Great. Thanks again.

Matthew Clark: Great. Thanks again.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Matthew.

Rob Butterfield: Thank you, Matthew.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from the line of Jeff Rulis from DA Davidson. Your line is now live.

Operator 2: The next question comes from the line of Jeff Rulis from D.A. Davidson. Your line is now live.

Operator: The next question comes from the line of Jeff Rulis from D.A. Davidson. Your line is now live.

Speaker #5: Good morning. This is Ryan Paynon for Jeff Rulis. Starting off, hey, strong loan growth this quarter, last quarter we saw elevated payoffs. Just wanted to gauge those dynamics this quarter.

Ryan Payne: Good morning. This is Ryan Payne on for Jeff Rulis.

Rob Butterfield: Ryan.

Ryan Payne: Starting off. Strong loan growth this quarter. Last quarter, we saw elevated payoffs. I just wanted to gauge those dynamics this quarter and the pace of expected net loan growth through the remainder of the year.

Speaker #5: And the pace of expected net loan growth through the remainder of the year.

Speaker #6: Yeah, 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 CNI payoffs due to business sales and other transactions, asset sales.

Jill Rice: Yeah, Ryan, this is Jill. 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. 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. Even looking at history as the driver, Q3 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.

Speaker #6: 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.

Speaker #6: 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.

Speaker #6: CRE payoffs are slowing, but they're not done.

Speaker #5: Got it. Thanks. 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 Payne: Got it. Thanks. On the deposit side, how would you characterize the competition there? Are customers looking for higher rates with maybe some rate hike anticipations?

Speaker #2: Ryan, I wouldn't necessarily say that the expectation of rate hikes is there, but I would say, just as I mentioned earlier, we're starting to see some pressure on the CD pricing.

Rob Butterfield: Ryan, I wouldn't necessarily say that the expectation of rate hikes are there. 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. We consider exception pricing for various clients as we look at things always. We haven't necessarily seen an increase in the level of exception pricing at this point for our core products.

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #5: Got it. And last for me, with a 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 Payne: Got it. 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?

Speaker #1: And 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.

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

Speaker #1: So, anytime there's some type of system conversion, there's opportunity for us. Maybe they'll 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.

Speaker #1: So I think we're just going to continue that. And if opportunities present themselves, we'll take advantage of it.

Speaker #5: Okay. Thanks. I'll step back.

Ryan Payne: Okay. Thanks. I'll step back.

Speaker #1: Thanks, Ryan.

Rob Butterfield: Thanks, Ryan.

Operator 2: The next question comes from the line of Kelly Motta from KBW. Your line is now live.

Operator: The next question comes from the line of Kelly Motta from KBW. Your line is now live.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from the line of Kelly Marta from KBW. Your line is now live.

Megan Lynch: Hi, this is Megan Lynch on for Kelly Motta. Thanks for taking my question.

Meghan Lynch: Hi, this is Megan Lynch on for Kelly Motta. Thanks for taking my question.

Speaker #7: Hi, this is Megan Lynch on for Kelly Marta. Thanks for taking my question.

Speaker #1: Good morning, Megan.

Rob Butterfield: Good morning, Megan.

Speaker #7: So just good morning. 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, sort of near-term?

Megan Lynch: Good morning. Thinking about capital return and your priorities here, how are you thinking about doing this alongside the Pacific deal, what are your priorities going forward near term? Then what about buybacks? Any more color on timing of that?

Meghan Lynch: Good morning. Thinking about capital return and your priorities here, how are you thinking about doing this alongside the Pacific deal, what are your priorities going forward near term? Then what about buybacks? Any more color on timing of that?

Speaker #7: And then what about buybacks, any more color on timing of that?

Speaker #2: Yeah, this is Rob. Thanks for the question. So, yeah, we put any alternative capital actions outside of the core dividend on hold until we get the Bank of the Pacific deal closed.

Rob Butterfield: Yeah. This is Rob. Thanks for the question. Yeah, we put any alternative capital actions outside of the core dividend on hold until we get the Bank of the Pacific deal closed. Assuming the right market conditions 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. We're really waiting for the Bank of the Pacific transaction to close before we do anything.

Speaker #2: If you're assuming the right market conditions exist, it doesn't necessarily change the total number of shares that we're going to repurchase for the year.

Speaker #2: It just kind of pushes out the timing of those at this time. So we're really waiting for the bank-specific transaction to close before we do anything.

Speaker #7: 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?

Megan Lynch: Okay, got it. Then on the Pacific deal, is timing still for Q3 close? How is it going in general in terms of the progress of the acquisition?

Meghan Lynch: Okay, got it. Then on the Pacific deal, is timing still for Q3 close? How is it going in general in terms of the progress of the acquisition?

Speaker #2: Yeah, 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 from everyone, everything's on track at this point.

Rob Butterfield: Yeah, the timing hasn't changed. We expect it to close here in Q3. I would say, as far as getting all the required approvals and by everyone, everything's on track at this point. We feel really good about it. Nothing's changed since we announced the deal.

Speaker #2: We feel really good about it, and so nothing's changed since we announced the deal.

Speaker #7: Awesome. Thank you. That's it.

Megan Lynch: Awesome. Thank you. That's it.

Meghan Lynch: Awesome. Thank you. That's it.

Speaker #2: All right. Thank you.

Rob Butterfield: All right. Thank you.

Mark Grescovich: Thank you, Megan.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Megan.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Visha from StoneX Group. Your line is live.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Liesch from StoneX Group. Your line is live.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Liesch from StoneX Group. Your line is live.

Speaker #8: Hey, good morning, everyone.

Andrew Liesch: Hey, good morning, everyone.

Speaker #1: Morning, Andrew.

Rob Butterfield: Morning, Andrew.

Speaker #8: Good morning. Just a question—let me make one last point on the margin. Regarding FHLB balances, have you seen deposit growth start to rebuild this quarter?

Andrew Liesch: Morning. Just a question maybe one last point on the margin. 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?

Speaker #8: I guess, how should we look at the balance sheet makeup on the funding side here for this quarter?

Speaker #2: Yeah, I think as we moved through the second quarter, we saw the FHLB balances grow as we moved through the first half of the quarter.

Rob Butterfield: Yeah, I think as we move through the Q2, we saw the FHLB balances grow as we moved through the first half of the quarter, and then we started to see the deposit balances come back in as we moved through the end of it. 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 Q3, 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.

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: And, assuming we see the 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.

Speaker #8: 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.

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

Speaker #8: So maybe we see a couple of basis points of margin expansion?

Speaker #2: Yeah, 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 two, 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.

Rob Butterfield: Yeah, I think that's right. If you think about, I still think we're going to get a little bit on the loan repricing, call it a basis point or two, and then in the Q3, we should see funding costs come down just because of the mix change there with additional deposits coming in, lower FHLB advances. A couple basis points of margin expansion in the Q3. Beyond that, it's going to be tougher as you move past the Q3, just because I'm thinking funding costs are going to level out and you might see a little bit on the loan side, again, that pace is continuing to slow.

Speaker #2: 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.

Speaker #2: But again, that pace continues to slow.

Speaker #8: 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?

Andrew Liesch: Got it. Just on the new software and the old software that you wrote down, what does the new system do that you didn't have before?

Speaker #2: I think primarily it just creates a lot of efficiencies, in the sense that there were a lot of back office processes that continue to be fairly manual.

Rob Butterfield: I think primarily it just creates a lot of efficiencies, in the sense that there was a lot of back office processes that continued to be fairly manual. 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.

Speaker #2: So it really automates a lot of the processes and reduces the time it takes a deal to get through the system from start to finish.

Speaker #2: It increases that timing.

Mark Grescovich: This is Mark. Let me just add, I think it was-

Speaker #1: This is Mark. Let me just add. I think it was there were two separate systems, right? That we had running. We had a consumer system.

Andrew Liesch: Yeah

Mark Grescovich: There were two separate systems, right? That we had running. We had a consumer system. Actually three. We had a consumer system, small business, and a commercial. It helps refine all of that into one particular operating system. It does streamline the operations.

Speaker #1: Actually, three. We had a consumer system, small business, and a commercial. So it helps refine all of that into one particular operating system. So it does streamline the operations.

Speaker #8: 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 had the right technology?

Andrew Liesch: Got it. It sounds like this was something you'd been wanting to do for quite some time, now you felt the timing was right, and you had the good break technology?

Speaker #1: 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 or our organic growth during those integrations.

Mark Grescovich: 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. The timing was perfect for us to do this.

Speaker #1: So the timing was perfect for us to do this.

Speaker #8: Got it. Makes sense. All right, thanks. I'll step back.

Andrew Liesch: Got it. Makes sense. All right, thanks. I'll step back.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Andrew.

Mark Grescovich: Thank you, Andrew.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of David Feaster from Raymond James. Your line is live.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from the line of David Feaster from Raymond James. Your line is live.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of David Feaster from Raymond James. Your line is live.

Speaker #5: Hey, good morning, guys. This is actually Evan on for David Feaster.

[Analyst] (Raymond James): Hey, good morning, guys. This is actually Evan on for David Feaster.

Evan Kwiatkowski: Hey, good morning, guys. This is actually Evan on for David Feaster.

Speaker #1: Morning, Evan.

Rob Butterfield: Morning, Evan.

Speaker #5: Good morning. I 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.

[Analyst] (Raymond James): Morning. 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. 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? Maybe more broadly, where are you seeing the most opportunities to drive loan growth today, whether geographically or by industry? Thanks.

Evan Kwiatkowski: Morning. 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. 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? Maybe more broadly, where are you seeing the most opportunities to drive loan growth today, whether geographically or by industry? Thanks.

Speaker #5: 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?

Speaker #5: And maybe more broadly, where are you seeing the most opportunities to drive loan growth today rather geographically or by industry? Thanks.

Speaker #6: 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.

Jill Rice: As to the first part of the question, it really was both. 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. 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 three quarters, originations have been pretty healthy in each of those quarters. They take time to actually end up being funded loan balances. I feel really good about it. As to the geographies, it was broad-based. 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.

Speaker #6: 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.

Speaker #6: If you look back over the last three quarters, originations have been pretty healthy in each of those quarters. They take time to actually end up being funded loan balances.

Speaker #6: So I feel really good about it. And as to the geographies, it really 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.

Speaker #6: So, we don't have an industry or a particular geography that is doing all of the work for us.

Jill Rice: We don't have an industry or a particular geography that is doing all of the work for us.

Speaker #5: That's really helpful. And then, maybe just sticking on growth and with the Pacific deal—it's good to hear that it's going well. I know it brings a very strong core deposit base, and it's very complementary.

[Analyst] (Raymond James): That's really helpful. Then maybe just sticking on growth and with the Pacific deal-

Evan Kwiatkowski: That's really helpful. Then maybe just sticking on growth and with the Pacific deal-

Jill Rice: Yeah

[Analyst] (Raymond James): it's good to hear that's going well. 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. Thanks.

Evan Kwiatkowski: it's good to hear that's going well. 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. Thanks.

Speaker #5: On the funding side, 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 are any verticals that they have that you're excited to be able to expand on.

Speaker #5: Thanks.

Speaker #6: 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.

Jill Rice: No new verticals, certainly their bankers will have a much greater upside in terms of growing their relationships 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. I don't want to speak for them, but I think they're pretty excited about their opportunities as they come into Banner. We're excited as well, I should say. It's great for both of us.

Speaker #6: 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.

Speaker #6: I should say. I mean, it's great for both of us.

[Analyst] (Raymond James): That's great to hear. Last one from me, just on the credit side, I saw the increase in non-performing, there was also positive migration in substandard. Curious what you're seeing in terms of broad credit trends, maybe if you have any more detail on that condo loan that migrated and expectations for resolution or recovery on that. Thanks.

Evan Kwiatkowski: That's great to hear. Last one from me, just on the credit side, I saw the increase in non-performing, there was also positive migration in substandard. Curious what you're seeing in terms of broad credit trends, maybe if you have any more detail on that condo loan that migrated and expectations for resolution or recovery on that. Thanks.

Speaker #5: That's great to hear. And then, last one from me, just on the credit side—I saw the increase in non-performing, but there was also positive migration in substandard.

Speaker #5: 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.

Speaker #5: Thanks.

Speaker #6: Yeah. So it was a small condo project in the California market. Ultimately, I don't expect to it to be sitting in non-performing for a very long time.

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

Speaker #6: It experienced significant delays from the outset. I see a medium-term resolution to that, but the biggest area of non-performing assets is in one-to-four family residential.

Speaker #6: 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?

Speaker #6: 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.

[Analyst] (Raymond James): That's really helpful. I'll step back and congratulations on the quarter.

Evan Kwiatkowski: That's really helpful. I'll step back and congratulations on the quarter.

Speaker #5: That's really helpful. I'll step back, and congratulations on the quarter.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Evan.

Jill Rice: Thank you, Evan.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Terrell from Stephens Inc. Your line is now live.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Terrell from Stephens Inc. Your line is now live.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Terrell from Stevens, Inc. Your line is now live.

Speaker #7: Hey, good morning.

Andrew Terrell: Hey, good morning.

Speaker #1: Good morning, Andrew.

Jill Rice: Morning, Andrew.

Speaker #7: Hey. 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.

Andrew Terrell: Hey. I was hoping maybe to start just with Jill, and apologies if I missed it. It sounds like after a strong Q2 on loan growth, it sounds like the pipeline and the kind of underlying trends going into the H2 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 into the H2.

Speaker #7: I was hoping you could just maybe quantify to the extent you can, just where the pipeline sits, whether year-on-year, quarter-on-quarter, kind of a sequential changes just to give us a sense for how it's turning into the back half of the year.

Speaker #6: I don't have those numbers off the top of my head, Andrew. I just know that as we've pulled them through into fundings, things are coming in behind them.

Jill Rice: I don't have those numbers off the top of my head, Andrew. I just know that as we've pulled them through into fundings, things are coming in behind them. 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.

Speaker #6: 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.

Speaker #7: Okay, fair enough. So, we're tracking towards that mid-single digits on the loan growth for this year. I know it sounds like deposits should pick up seasonally here in the third quarter, but do you think core deposit growth can kind of keep pace with that mid-single digit loan growth? And are there any early indications on how deposits are tracking here in the third quarter?

Andrew Terrell: Okay, fair enough. 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 Q3, but just do you think core deposit growth can kind of keep pace with that mid-singles loan growth? Any early indications on how deposits are tracking here in Q3?

Speaker #1: Hey Andrew, it's Rob. Yeah, 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.

Rob Butterfield: Hey, Andrew, it's Rob. Yeah. 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. I'd just say, we're just seeing normal seasonality right now.

Speaker #1: That's what we expect to maintain. And I would just say, we're just seeing normal seasonality right now.

Speaker #4: And let me just add, Andrew, again, let me add to that that recall the Bank of the Pacific, Pacific Financial Corp, transaction is going to add some fantastic core deposits to us.

Jill Rice: Let me just add, Andrew, again.

Andrew Terrell: Okay.

Jill Rice: Let me add to that, recall the Bank of the Pacific Financial Corporation transaction is going to add some fantastic core deposits to us. They're a very well-run bank with a strong core deposit base. It's going to be very helpful for us.

Speaker #4: They're a very well-run bank with a strong core deposit base. It's going to be very helpful for us.

Speaker #7: Yep, certainly. If I could just sneak one more in, Mark, it feels like the environment for deals has really started picking up some.

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

Speaker #7: 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.

Speaker #1: 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.

Mark Grescovich: Yes. Look, I think the Bank of the 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. That transaction would not preclude us from doing something else, 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. As you know, there's a bit of scarcity on the West Coast now. We're going to have an opportunity, I think, to really benefit from our balance sheet to be able to do continued non-organic growth opportunities. I feel very good about that.

Speaker #1: The integration I expect to go very smoothly. And it should go according to schedule. So that transaction would not preclude us from doing something else.

Speaker #1: 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.

Speaker #1: So, we're going to have an opportunity, I think, to really benefit from our balance sheet to be able to do continued non-organic growth opportunities.

Speaker #1: So I feel very good about that.

Operator 2: That concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the call back over to Mark Grescovich for closing remarks.

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

Speaker #3: That concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the call back over to Mark Grescovich for closing remarks.

Speaker #1: 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.

Mark Grescovich: Thank you, Jordan. As I stated, we're very proud of the Banner team and our Q2 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. Everyone have a wonderful day.

Speaker #1: 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.

Operator 2: This concludes today's meeting. You may now disconnect.

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

Q2 2026 Banner Corp Earnings Call

Request DemoDemo

Banner

Earnings