Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter of 2025 showed a strong start with a 4.8% annualized loan growth and a 23 basis point increase in return on assets [5] - Total assets reached $18.4 billion, with total loans at $13 billion and total deposits at $14.5 billion [5] - Net income for the first quarter was $54.9 million, an increase of $7.4 million or 15.6% year-over-year [5] - GAAP earnings per share increased to $0.94 from $0.80 a year ago, reflecting a 17.5% increase [6] - Tangible common equity stood at 8.9%, providing optimal capital flexibility [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial segment drove loan growth, increasing by $169 million or a 7% annualized growth rate, with C&I loans growing by $248 million [10] - The consumer portfolio saw a 15% increase in mortgage unit volume and over 30% increase in dollar volume year-over-year [13] - Total deposits declined by 1.6% on an annualized basis, primarily due to a $208 million decline in public funds [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates primarily in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, focusing on commercial banking [9] - The commercial deposit balance decline was largely attributed to public funds, which are high-cost deposits [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a commercially focused strategy across all business segments [9] - There is a focus on organic growth and high performance, with a selective approach to M&A [41] - The company plans to continue its share repurchase program, having already repurchased $10 million in shares [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about maintaining loan growth despite market volatility and potential impacts from tariffs [42] - The loan pipeline remains strong, with expectations of mid to high single-digit loan growth for the year [42] - Management is actively monitoring the impact of tariffs on their customer base [42] Other Important Information - The company has a new $100 million share repurchase program approved by the board [7] - Noninterest income totaled $30 million, with customer-related fees declining from the previous quarter [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations on additional charge-offs related to multifamily NPA - Management does not expect any additional loss and is optimistic about the closing of the nonperforming asset [46][47] Question: Outlook on fee income for the second quarter - Management expects mid to high single-digit growth in fee income, with double-digit growth anticipated in mortgage banking [51][52] Question: Impact of fixed-rate loans on loan yields - There are $190 million of fixed-rate loans that will be repricing through the end of 2025, with a rate of about 4.65% [58] Question: Updated outlook on expenses - Guidance remains at 1% to 3% expense growth over the 2024 base, with current trends running ahead of that [66][67] Question: Strategy for cash flows from the securities portfolio - The company is reallocating cash flows to support loan growth rather than reinvesting in securities [68] Question: Thoughts on M&A strategy - The company continues to stay close to potential partners in its primary markets, but the current volatility makes it challenging to create momentum [71] Question: Expectations for margin in the second quarter - Management expects margin to remain stable, with potential for slight expansion depending on Fed actions [76][79] Question: Areas of exposure due to tariffs - Management is analyzing the impact of tariffs on various portfolios but finds it too early to quantify specific risks [100][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Banner Corporation reported a net profit available to common shareholders of $45.1 million or $1.30 per diluted share for Q1 2025, compared to $1.09 per share for Q1 2024 and $1.34 per share for Q4 2024 [9] - Core earnings for Q1 2025 were $59 million, up from $53 million in Q1 2024, with revenue from core operations increasing to $160 million from $150 million year-over-year [11] - Return on average assets was 1.15% for Q1 2025, reflecting continued execution on the super community bank strategy [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans increased by $84 million in Q1 2025, with a 5% year-over-year growth, while core deposits increased by 3% [13][21] - Delinquent loans rose to 0.63% of total loans, up from 0.49% at year-end and 0.36% in March 2024, indicating a manageable increase despite the higher interest rate environment [16] - Nonperforming assets increased to 0.26% of total assets, consisting of $39 million in nonperforming loans [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agricultural sector remains a concern due to tariff implications, with the ag portfolio representing 3% of total loans [51][26] - The construction portfolio, including residential, commercial, and multifamily construction, remains acceptable at 15% of total loans [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a moderate risk profile while focusing on core deposit growth and client relationships [12][13] - Banner has been recognized as one of America's 100 best banks and continues to receive accolades for its business model and value proposition [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the economic environment, anticipating a slowdown due to tariffs and market volatility, but remains optimistic about capturing market share [118][119] - The company plans to continue robust portfolio reviews and maintain close contact with borrowers to understand long-term implications of economic changes [27] Other Important Information - The company announced a core dividend of 48 cents per common share, reflecting strong capital ratios and tangible common equity growth of 13% year-over-year [13] - The company has a strong balance sheet and capital base, exceeding regulatory requirements [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin expectations and components - Management noted that funding costs were flat throughout the quarter, with expectations for NIM expansion in Q2 if the Fed cuts rates [44] Question: Agricultural sector concerns - Management indicated ongoing caution regarding the agricultural sector due to tariff implications, expecting continued strain in the coming months [49] Question: Competitive dynamics and client demand - Management reported that pipelines continue to grow despite uncertainty, with clients eager to proceed once clarity is achieved [61] Question: Capital plans and stock buyback - Management emphasized maintaining the core dividend as a priority, with potential for stock buybacks under consideration [85] Question: Economic outlook and defense spending - Management expressed a pessimistic view on economic growth but noted opportunities for market share due to disruptions in the banking sector [118] Question: Changes in oversight on retail CRE book - Management confirmed no changes in oversight but maintains a thorough quarterly review process [136]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Banner Corporation reported a net profit available to common shareholders of $45.1 million or $1.30 per diluted share for Q1 2025, compared to $1.09 per share for Q1 2024 and $1.34 per share for Q4 2024 [9] - Core earnings for Q1 2025 were $59 million, up from $53 million in Q1 2024, with revenue from core operations increasing to $160 million from $150 million year-over-year [11] - Return on average assets was 1.15% for Q1 2025, reflecting continued execution on the company's super community bank strategy [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans increased by $84 million in Q1 2025, with a 5% year-over-year growth, while core deposits increased by 3% [13][21] - Delinquent loans rose to 0.63% of total loans, up from 0.49% at year-end and 0.36% in March 2024, indicating a higher interest rate environment's impact [16] - Nonperforming assets increased to 0.26% of total assets, consisting of $39 million in nonperforming loans [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agricultural sector remains a concern due to tariff implications, with the ag portfolio representing 3% of total loans [51][26] - The construction portfolio, including residential, commercial, and multifamily construction, remains acceptable at 15% of total loans [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a moderate risk profile while focusing on organic growth and client relationships [12][13] - Banner continues to receive recognition for its business model, being named one of America's 100 best banks and one of the best regional banks [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the economic environment, anticipating a slowdown due to tariffs and market volatility [118] - The company plans to maintain robust portfolio reviews and close contact with borrowers to understand long-term implications [27] Other Important Information - The company announced a core dividend of 48 cents per common share, reflecting a 13% increase in tangible common equity per share year-over-year [13] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with capital ratios exceeding regulatory requirements [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin expectations and components - Management indicated that funding costs were flat, with expectations for net interest margin expansion in Q2 if the Fed maintains rates [44] Question: Agricultural sector concerns - Management acknowledged ongoing caution regarding the agricultural sector due to tariff implications, expecting continued strain [49] Question: Competitive dynamics and client demand - Management noted that pipelines continue to grow despite uncertainty, with clients eager to proceed once clarity is achieved [61] Question: Capital plans and stock buyback - Management emphasized maintaining the core dividend as a priority, with potential for stock buybacks under consideration [85] Question: Economic outlook and defense spending - Management expressed a pessimistic view on economic growth but noted opportunities to gain market share due to disruptions in the banking sector [118] Question: Changes in oversight on retail CRE book - Management confirmed no changes in oversight but emphasized ongoing thorough portfolio reviews [136]