Q - BANNER

Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, and the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024

For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, net income was $45.5 million, or $1.31 per diluted share, compared to $45.1 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, for the preceding quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, our net income was $90.6 million, or $2.61 per diluted share, compared to $77.4 million, or $2.24 per diluted share for the same period a year earlier. The increase in net income for the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter was primarily due to an increase in net interest income, partially offset by a decrease in non-interest income as well as increases in non-interest expense and the provision for credit losses. The increase in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to increases in net interest income and non-interest income, partially offset by increases in non-interest expense and the provision for credit losses.

The increase in net interest income compared to the preceding quarter reflects an increase in both the yield and average balance of interest-earning assets, partially offset by an increase in funding costs. The increase in net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the same period a year ago reflects an increase in both the yield and average balance of interest-earning assets.

We recorded a $4.8 million provision for credit losses for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to a $3.1 million provision for credit losses in the preceding quarter. The provision for credit losses recorded in the current quarter primarily reflected loan growth, as well as risk rating migration which increased the overall estimated reserve requirements. We recorded a $7.9 million provision for credit losses for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to a $2.9 million provision for credit losses for the same period a year ago.

Total non-interest income decreased for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to the preceding quarter and increased during the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period a year ago. The decrease in non-interest income during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter was primarily due to a decrease in miscellaneous income, primarily due to losses incurred on building and lease exits during the current quarter as the Company executed on an initiative to reduce excess facilities. The increase in non-interest income during the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period last year was primarily due to a decrease in the net loss recognized on the sale of securities and an increase in the fair value adjustments on financial instruments carried at fair value during the current quarter.

Total non-interest expense increased slightly for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to the preceding quarter and increased during the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period a year ago. Non-interest expense for the current quarter reflects increases in salary and employee benefits, information and computer data services, and advertising and marketing expenses, offset by an increase in capitalized loan origination costs. The increase in non-interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period last year primarily reflects increases in salary and employee benefits, information and computer data services, and professional and legal expenses.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to the preceding quarter. The $3.3 million increase was due to a $6.4 million increase in interest income, primarily attributable to a five basis point increase in average loan yields to 6.12% and an increase in average loan balances, partially offset by a $3.1 million increase in interest expense, reflecting a $221.4 million increase in the average balance of FHLB advances, with higher rates than core deposits.

Net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis was 3.92% for both the second quarter of 2025 and the preceding quarter. Net interest margin for the current quarter, compared to the preceding quarter, benefited from higher yields on interest earning assets, primarily due to an increase in the average loan yield. Despite higher funding costs, the Company maintained a stable net interest margin of 3.92%, reflecting the benefit of improved asset yields and favorable loan mix.

Net interest income increased by $20.0 million, or 8%, to $285.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $265.5 million for the same period one year earlier, primarily due to an increase in the average yields on interest-earning assets and an increase in the balance of average earning assets. The increase was primarily the result of a $20.3 million increase in interest income, reflecting both adjustable-rate loans repricing higher and new loans being originated at rates higher than the overall loan portfolio and a $583.7 million increase in the average balance of loans. The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis increased to 3.92% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 3.72% for the same period in the prior year.

Interest Income. Interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was $200.3 million, compared to $193.9 million for the preceding quarter. The increase was primarily due to higher average loan yields and balances. Average loan yields increased five basis points to 6.12%, while the average loan balance increased $223.2 million. These increases were partially offset by a decline in interest income from investment securities, due to both lower average balances and yields.

Loan yields increased five basis points to 6.12% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, from 6.07% in the preceding quarter, due to new loans being originated at higher interest rates and adjustable rate loans repricing higher. The average balance of loans receivable for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 increased compared to the preceding quarter, primarily reflecting increases in the average balances of mortgage loans, specifically commercial real estate and construction loans.

The average balance of total investment securities decreased to $3.49 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 (excluding the effect of fair value adjustments), compared to $3.52 billion for the preceding quarter. The average yield on the combined portfolio decreased to 2.98% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, from 3.02% for the preceding quarter.

Interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $394.1 million, compared to $373.8 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $20.3 million. This increase reflects both an 18 basis point increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets, to 5.38%, primarily due to adjustable-rate loans repricing higher and new loans being originated at rates higher than the overall loan portfolio, and a $346.2 million increase in the average balance of those assets. Loan growth was the primary contributor, with average balances up $583.7 million, from the prior year.

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 increased $3.1 million, or 6%, to $55.9 million compared to $52.8 million for the preceding quarter. The increase was largely driven by a $184.1 million increase in average funding liabilities, primarily due to a $221.4 million increase in FHLB advances. The average cost of funding liabilities also rose five basis points, to 1.60% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $108.6 million, compared to $108.3 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase in interest expense occurred as a result of a $243.5 million, or 2%, increase in average funding liabilities, which was mostly offset by a two basis-point decrease in the average cost of funds to 1.57% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 1.59% for the same period in the prior year. The increase in the average balance of funding liabilities reflects increases in interest-bearing transaction and savings accounts, partially offset by decreases in non-interest-bearing deposits, money market accounts, FHLB advances and other borrowings.

Deposit interest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 increased 1% to $49.3 million compared to $48.7 million for the preceding quarter. The increase in deposit costs in the current quarter compared to the prior quarter was due to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits. The average rate paid on total deposits, which includes non-interest-bearing deposits, was 1.47% for both the quarter ended June 30, 2025 and the preceding quarter. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits decreased to 2.21% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to 2.22% in the preceding quarter. The decrease in the rate paid on interest-bearing deposits compared to the preceding quarter reflects a decrease in the interest rate on certificates of deposit and shifts in the deposit mix. Total average deposit balances, including non-interest-bearing deposits, decreased to $13.42 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, from $13.45 billion for the preceding quarter.

Deposit interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased $4.6 million to $98.1 million, compared to $93.5 million for the same period in the prior year. Average deposit balances increased to $13.43 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2025, from $13.08 billion for the same period a year earlier and the average rate paid on deposits increased to 1.47% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 from 1.44% for the same period in the prior year. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits decreased by three basis points to 2.21% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 2.24% in the same period a year earlier. The decrease in the average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits was primarily the result of a 23 basis-point decrease in the cost of certificates of deposit.

Interest expense on total borrowings for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 increased 62%, to $6.5 million compared to $4.0 million for the prior quarter, primarily due to an increase in the average balance of total borrowings. The average balance of total borrowings increased to $587.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to $379.7 million for the preceding quarter, primarily due to a $221.4 million increase in the average balance of FHLB advances. The average rate paid on total borrowings for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 increased to 4.47% from 4.32% for the preceding quarter, primarily due to the increase in the average balance of FHLB advances.

Interest expense on total borrowings for the six months ended June 30, 2025 decreased to $10.6 million from $14.9 million for the same period a year earlier due to a decrease in both the average balance of and rate paid on total borrowings. Average total borrowings were $484.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $594.8 million for the same period a year earlier. The decrease was primarily due to a $49.7 million decrease in the average balance of FHLB advances and a $49.6 million decrease in the average balance of other borrowings. The average rate paid on total borrowings for the six months ended June 30, 2025 decreased to 4.41% from 5.02% for the same period a year earlier.

Analysis of Net Interest Spread. The following table presents for the periods indicated our condensed average balance sheet information, together with interest income and yields earned on average interest-earning assets and interest expense and rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities with additional comparative data on our operating performance (dollars in thousands). Average balances are computed using daily average balances.

(1)Average balances include loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis and accruing loans 90 days or more past due. Amortization of net deferred loan fees/costs is included with interest on loans.

(2)Average other non-interest-bearing liabilities include fair value adjustments related to junior subordinated debentures.

(3)Tax-exempt income is calculated on a tax equivalent basis. The tax equivalent yield adjustment to interest earned on loans was $2.3 million and $2.2 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively. The tax equivalent yield adjustment to interest earned on tax exempt securities was $1.1 million and $1.0 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively.

(4)Represents non-GAAP financial measures. See non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations presented above following Second Quarter 2025 Highlights.

(1)Average balances include loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis and accruing loans 90 days or more past due. Amortization of net deferred loan fees/costs is included with interest on loans.

(2)Average other non-interest-bearing liabilities include fair value adjustments related to junior subordinated debentures.

(3)Tax-exempt income is calculated on a tax equivalent basis. The tax equivalent yield adjustment to interest earned on loans was $4.6 million and $4.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The tax equivalent yield adjustment to interest earned on tax exempt securities was $2.1 million for both the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024.

(4)Represents non-GAAP financial measures. See non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations presented above following Second Quarter 2025 Highlights.

Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses. Management estimates the allowance for credit losses using relevant information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level sufficient to provide for expected credit losses over the life of the loan based on evaluating historical credit loss experience and making adjustments to historical loss information for differences in the specific risk characteristics in the current loan portfolio. These factors include, among others, changes in the size and composition of the loan portfolio, differences in underwriting standards, delinquency rates, actual loss experience and current economic conditions. The following table sets forth an analysis of our allowance for credit losses - loans for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

The provision for credit losses - loans reflects the amount required to maintain the allowance for credit losses - loans at an appropriate level based upon management’s evaluation of the adequacy of collective and individual loss reserves. During the quarter ended June 30, 2025, we recorded a provision for credit losses - loans of $4.2 million, compared to a provision for credit losses - loans of $4.5 million during the preceding quarter. The provision for credit losses recorded in the current quarter primarily reflected loan growth, as well as risk rating migration. The provision for credit losses for the preceding quarter primarily reflected loan growth in the construction portfolio and to a lesser extent risk rating migration and qualitative adjustments applied to address economic uncertainty. Future provisions for credit losses will continue to be influenced by changes in the amount and composition of the loan portfolio, updates to the reasonable and supportable forecast of future economic conditions, revisions to qualitative factor assessments, and any necessary changes to the reversion period applied in estimating expected credit losses.

The provision for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments reflects the amount required to maintain the allowance for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments at an appropriate level based upon management’s evaluation of the adequacy of collective and individual loss reserves. The following table sets forth an analysis of our allowance for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

The increase in the allowance for credit losses - unfunded loan commitments for the current quarter reflects an increase in unfunded loan commitments and risk rating migration primarily in the construction portfolio.

Non-interest Income. The following table presents the key components of non-interest income for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

The decrease in non-interest income during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter was primarily due to a $1.1 million, or 48%, decrease in miscellaneous income, which included $919,000 of losses incurred on building and lease exits during the second quarter.

The increase in non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period a year earlier was primarily due to a $5.5 million reduction in net losses on the sale of securities, as no material losses were recognized in the current period, compared to $5.5 million in strategic losses recorded during the first half of 2024 to mitigate rising interest rate risk in the securities portfolio. In addition, the $1.6 million improvement in the fair value of financial instruments during the first six months of 2025, compared to a $1.2 million negative valuation change in the same period of 2024, contributed significantly to the increase. These instruments primarily include limited partnership investments, which were positively impacted by current market valuations.

Revenue from mortgage banking operations increased $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period a year earlier. The volume of one- to four-family loans sold increased for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period a year earlier. Gains on sales of one- to four-family loans resulted in income of $4.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively, compared to $3.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period a year earlier, was primarily due to a higher volume of one- to four-family loans sold.

Deposit fees and other service charges remained relatively unchanged, totaling $21.6 million for both six-month periods.

Non-interest Expense. The following table represents key elements of non-interest expense for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

Non-interest expense was flat for the current quarter compared to the previous quarter. Non-interest expense for the current quarter reflects increases in salary and employee benefits, information and computer data services, and advertising and marketing expenses, offset by an increase in capitalized loan origination costs. In addition, the current quarter included $834,000 of building and lease exit costs. The increase in non-interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period a year earlier primarily reflects increases in salary and employee benefits, information and computer data services, and professional and legal expenses, partially offset by decreases in advertising and marketing expenses and amortization of core deposit intangibles.

Salary and employee benefits for the current quarter and the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025 and the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily resulting from increased loan production-related commission expense and normal salary and wage increases. In addition, capitalized loan origination costs increased $1.6 million, or 48%, compared to the prior quarter, and were relatively flat for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Information and computer data services for the current quarter and the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased from the comparable periods primarily due to increases in computer software expenses as the Company continued to invest in technology enhancements.

Professional and legal expense increased for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period a year earlier, primarily due to one-time litigation settlement costs that occurred during the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Advertising and marketing expenses increased in the current quarter compared to the prior quarter due to the timing of campaign spending. However, these expenses decreased $600,000, or 26%, for the six-month period due to lower spending compared to the prior year.

Our efficiency ratio was 62.50% for the current quarter, compared to 63.21% in the preceding quarter. Our adjusted efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 60.28% for the current quarter, compared to 62.18% in the preceding quarter. The improvement in the efficiency ratio and adjusted efficiency ratio for the current quarter reflects an increase in total revenues and adjusted revenues, respectively. See non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations presented above under “Second Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights.”

Income Taxes. For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, we recognized $10.5 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 18.8%, which reflects our blended statutory tax rate reduced by the effect of tax-exempt income, certain tax credits, and tax benefits related to restricted stock vesting. Our statutory income tax rate is 24.0%, representing a statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0% and apportioned effects of the state income tax rates. For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, we recognized $10.7 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 19.1%. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, we recognized $21.2 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 18.9%, compared to $18.3 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 19.1% for the same period in the prior year.