UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
OR
Commission File Number 0-26584
BANNER CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
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BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 - Financial Statements. The Consolidated Financial Statements of Banner Corporation and Subsidiaries filed as a part of this report are as follows:
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004
2
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Quarters and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
3
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Quarters and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
7
Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
12
General
Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004
Comparison of Results of Operations for the Quarters and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
14
Asset Quality
19
Liquidity and Capital Resources
21
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk
Capital Requirements
Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market Risk and Asset/Liability Management
23
Sensitivity Analysis
Item 4 - Controls and Procedures
27
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings
28
Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 3 - Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Stockholders
Item 5 - Other Information
Item 6 - Exhibits
29
SIGNATURES
31
1
BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (In thousands, except shares)June 30, 2005 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2004
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
June 302005
December 312004
Cash and due from banks
$
82,266
51,767
Securities available for sale, cost $529,190 and $548,722, respectively
Encumbered
25,892
31,096
Unencumbered
500,737
516,739
526,629
547,835
Securities held to maturity, fair value $52,517 and $51,437, respectively
--
50,801
49,914
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
35,844
35,698
Loans receivable:
Held for sale, fair value $5,924 and $2,176
5,837
2,145
Held for portfolio
2,308,808
2,090,703
Allowance for loan losses
(29,788
)
(29,610
2,284,857
2,063,238
Accrued interest receivable
17,015
15,097
Real estate owned, held for sale, net
1,290
1,485
Property and equipment, net
45,091
39,315
Goodwill and other intangibles, net
36,325
36,369
Deferred income tax asset, net
6,612
5,888
Bank-owned life insurance
36,154
35,371
Other assets
16,986
15,090
3,139,870
2,897,067
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Non-interest-bearing
302,266
234,761
Interest-bearing
1,872,649
1,691,148
2,174,915
1,925,909
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
566,458
583,558
Junior subordinated debentures (issued in connection with Trust Preferred Securities)
72,168
Other borrowings
65,905
68,116
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
27,511
25,027
Deferred compensation
6,010
5,208
Income taxes payable
6,185
1,861
2,919,152
2,681,847
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
128,210
127,460
Retained earnings
98,124
92,327
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale
(1,952
(888
(3,096
(6,363
(6,135
5,795
5,552
(568
(583
220,718
215,220
See notes to consolidated financial statements
BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME(Unaudited) (In thousands except for per share amounts)For the Quarters and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
2005
2004
INTEREST INCOME:
Loans receivable
39,842
30,298
75,979
59,317
Mortgage-backed securities
3,586
4,394
7,259
8,921
Securities and cash equivalents
2,943
3,140
5,792
6,221
46,371
37,832
89,030
74,459
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Deposits
12,146
8,404
22,560
16,268
5,927
4,962
11,544
10,087
Junior subordinated debentures
1,193
843
2,260
1,535
392
223
724
460
19,658
14,432
37,088
28,350
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
26,713
23,400
51,942
46,109
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
1,300
1,450
2,503
2,900
Net interest income
25,413
21,950
49,439
43,209
OTHER OPERATING INCOME:
Deposit fees and other service charges
2,401
2,057
4,405
3,900
Mortgage banking operations
1,645
1,452
2,876
2,704
Loan servicing fees
232
347
671
613
Gain on sale of securities
8
62
73
Miscellaneous
339
207
662
651
Total other operating income
4,625
4,125
8,622
7,941
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salary and employee benefits
15,263
13,024
29,056
25,127
Less capitalized loan origination costs
(2,753
(1,891
(4,794
(3,378
Occupancy and equipment
3,394
2,645
6,621
5,132
Information/computer data services
1,016
2,310
2,042
Professional services
818
790
1,619
1,705
Advertising
1,512
1,341
2,863
2,449
3,373
2,611
6,428
5,287
Total other operating expenses
22,800
19,536
44,103
38,364
Income before provision for income taxes
7,238
6,539
13,958
12,786
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
2,222
1,991
4,235
3,875
NET INCOME
5,016
4,548
9,723
8,911
Earnings per common share (see Note 5):
Basic
0.43
0.41
0.85
0.80
Diluted
0.42
0.39
0.82
0.76
Cumulative dividends declared per common share:
0.17
0.16
0.34
0.32
BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)(Unaudited) (In thousands except for per share amounts)For the Quarters and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF INCOME TAXES:
3,666
(10,483
(1,059
(7,605
(5
(40
(47
3,661
(10,523
(1,064
(7,652
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
8,663
(5,975
8,659
1,259
BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY(Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share amounts)For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Unearned Restricted ESOP Shares
Value, Net of Liability, Of Shares Held in Trust for Stock-Related Compensation Plans
Stockholders' Equity
BALANCE, January 1, 2004
123,375
80,286
3,191
(3,589
(463
$202,800
Net income
Change in valuation of securities available for sale, net of income taxes
Cash dividend on common stock ($.32/share cumulative)
(3,703
Common stock surrendered as consideration for exercise of stock options
(553
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for exercise of stock options
2,512
Net issuance of stock through employees' stock plans, including tax benefit
104
(39
(159
(94
BALANCE, June 30, 2004
125,438
85,494
(4,461
(3,628
(549
202,294
BALANCE, January 1, 2005
$215,220
Cash dividend on common stock ($.34/share cumulative)
(3,926
(2,103
2,757
96
(76
20
Amortization of compensation related to MRP
91
BALANCE, June 30, 2005
BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (continued)(Unaudited) (In thousands)For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
COMMON STOCK, SHARES ISSUED:
Number of shares, beginning of period
13,201
Number of shares, end of period
LESS COMMON STOCK RETIRED:
(1,344
(1,728
Purchase and retirement of common stock
(20
Issuance of common stock to exercised stock options and/or employee stock plans
210
177
Number of shares retired, end of period
(1,210
(1,571
SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING, END OF PERIOD
11,991
11,630
UNEARNED, RESTRICTED ESOP SHARES:
(375
(434
Adjustment of earned shares
(439
6
BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(Unaudited) (In thousands)For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Depreciation
2,375
1,764
Deferred income and expense, net of amortization
2,061
548
(8
(73
(783
(860
127
(107
Provision for losses on loans and real estate held for sale
2,509
FHLB stock (dividend) reversal
(694
Net change in:
Loans held for sale
(3,692
10,025
(4,317
(2,882
Other liabilities
7,879
2,539
Net cash provided by operating activities
13,170
19,427
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of available for sale securities
(27,396
(151,964
Principal repayments and maturities of available for sale securities
39,279
164,403
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities
7,102
34,671
Purchases of held to maturity securities
(1,295
(8,715
Principal repayments and maturities of held to maturity securities
370
148
Origination of loans, net of principal repayments
(402,963
(357,484
Purchases of loans and participating interest in loans
(1,142
(6,131
Proceeds from sales of loans and participating interest in loans
184,857
172,192
Purchases of property and equipment-net
(8,253
(11,761
Proceeds from sale of real estate held for sale-net
640
1,231
Other
(315
(56
Net cash used by investing activities
(209,116
(163,466
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in deposits
249,006
161,653
Proceeds from FHLB advances
1,647,900
596,800
Repayment of FHLB advances
(1,665,000
(654,294
Proceeds from issuance of junior subordinated debentures
15,000
Repayment of repurchase agreement borrowings
(4,954
(11,200
Increase (decrease) in other borrowings, net
2,743
14,295
Cash dividends paid
(3,904
(3,679
Repurchases of stock, net of forfeitures
(552
ESOP shares earned
Exercise of stock options
2,511
Net cash provided by financing activities
226,445
120,440
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS
30,499
(23,599
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
77,298
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, END OF PERIOD
53,699
(Continued on next page)
BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)(Unaudited) (In thousands)For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid in cash
35,647
28,361
Taxes paid in cash
2,250
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:
401
1,604
Net change in accrued dividends payable
22
24
Recognition of investment in trusts due to deconsolidation
475
Change in other assets/liabilities
237
Recognize tax benefit of vested MRP shares
Investments available for sale reclassified as held to maturity
15,334
BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESSELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1: Basis of Presentation and Critical Accounting Policies
Banner Corporation (BANR or the Company) is a bank holding company incorporated in the State of Washington. The Company is primarily engaged in the business of commercial banking through its wholly owned subsidiary, Banner Bank (the Bank). The Bank is a Washington-chartered commercial bank that conducts business from its main office in Walla Walla, Washington, and its 52 branch offices and 13 loan production offices located in 24 counties in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. The Company is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board (FRB). The Bank is subject to regulation by the State of Washington Department of Financial Institutions Division of Banks and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition and related interim consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows reflect all adjustments (which include reclassifications and normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary for a fair presentation in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements. Various elements of the Company's accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments. In particular, management has identified several accounting policies that, due to the judgments, estimates and assumptions inherent in those policies, are critical to an understanding of the Company's financial statements. These po licies relate to the methodology for the recognition of interest income, determination of the provision and allowance for loan and lease losses and the valuation of investment securities, goodwill, mortgage servicing rights and real estate held for sale. These policies and the judgments, estimates and assumptions are described in greater detail in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Management believes that the judgments, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements are appropriate based on the factual circumstances at the time. However, given the sensitivity of the financial statements to these critical accounting policies, the use of different judgments, estimates and assumptions could result in mate rial differences in the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
Stock Compensation Plans: The Company measures its employee stock-based compensation arrangements under the provisions outlined in Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock option plans. If the compensation cost for the Company's compensation plans had been determined consistent with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (revised 2004), and reissued as SFAS No. 123(R), Share Based Payment, the Company's net income available to common stockholders on a diluted basis and diluted earnings per common share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below (in thousands except per share amounts):
Net income available to common stockholders:
Basic:
As reported
Pro forma
4,735
4,344
9,141
8,469
Diluted:
Net income per common share:
0.79
0.40
0.37
0.77
0.72
The compensation expense included in the pro forma net income available to common stockholders on a diluted basis and diluted earnings per common share are not likely to be representative of the effect on reported net income for future years because options vest over several years and additional awards generally are made each year.
The fair value of options granted under the Company's stock option plans is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for new grants:
Quarter Ended
Annual dividend yield
2.31 to 2.69
%
2.21 to 2.44
Expected volatility
29.2 to 31.2
31.7 to 34.2
Risk free interest rate
3.73 to 4.28
2.72 to 4.78
Expected lives
5 to 9
yrs
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2004 consolidated financial statements and/or schedules to conform to the 2005 presentation. These reclassifications may have affected certain ratios for the prior periods. The effect of these reclassifications is considered immaterial. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 filed with the SEC. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
Note 2: Recent Developments and Significant Events
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, which replaces SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. SFAS No. 123(R) requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions (for example, stock options granted to employees of the Company) be recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements. That cost will be measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments used. SFAS No. 123(R) covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including stock options, restricted stock plans, performance-based awards, stock appreciation rights, and employee stock purchase plans. On April 21, 2005, the SEC issued a ruling extending the mandatory compliance date for SFAS No. 123(R). Under the ruling, public entities (other than those filing as small bus iness issuers) will be required to apply SFAS No. 123(R) as of the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company plans to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) effective January 1, 2006, and is in the process of evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations.
Note 3: Business Segments
The Company is managed by legal entity and not by lines of business. The Bank is a community oriented commercial bank chartered in the State of Washington. The Bank's primary business is that of a traditional banking institution, gathering deposits and originating loans for its portfolio in its primary market area. The Bank offers a wide variety of deposit products to its consumer and commercial customers. Lending activities include the origination of real estate, commercial/agriculture business and consumer loans. The Bank is also an active participant in the secondary market, originating residential loans for sale on both a servicing released and servicing retained basis. In addition to interest income on loans and investment securities, the Bank receives other income from deposit service charges, loan servicing fees and from the sale of loans and investments. The performance of the Bank is reviewed by the Company's executive management and Board of Directors on a monthly basis. All of t he executive officers of the Company are members of the Bank's executive management team.
Generally accepted accounting principles establish standards to report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and require reporting of selected information about operating segments in interim reports to stockholders. The Company has determined that its current business and operations consist of a single business segment.
10
Note 4: Additional Information Regarding Interest-Bearing Deposits and Securities
Encumbered Securities: Securities labeled "Encumbered" are pledged securities that are subject to certain agreements which may allow the secured party to either sell and replace them with similar but not the same security or otherwise pledge the securities. In accordance with SFAS No. 140, the amounts have been separately identified in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as "Encumbered."
The following table sets forth additional detail on the Company's interest-bearing deposits and securities at the dates indicated (at carrying value) (in thousands):
Interest-bearing deposits included in cash and due from banks
15,619
47
7,053
307,589
332,185
382,408
Other securities-taxable
220,660
216,826
220,445
Other securities-tax exempt
45,460
44,801
42,648
Equity securities with dividends
3,721
3,937
5,758
Total securities
577,430
597,749
651,259
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock
35,387
628,893
633,494
693,699
The following table provides additional detail on income from deposits and securities for the periods indicated (in thousands):
Mortgage-backed securities interest
Taxable interest and dividends
2,434
2,335
4,809
4,650
Tax-exempt interest
509
456
1,012
877
FHLB stock dividends
349
(29
694
6,529
7,534
13,051
15,142
Note 5: Calculation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding for Earnings Per Share (EPS)
The following table reconciles total shares originally issued to weighted shares outstanding used to calculate earnings per share data(in thousands):
Total shares originally issued
(1,294
(1,621
(1,325
(1,666
Less unallocated shares held by the ESOP
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
11,532
11,141
11,501
11,096
363
579
407
590
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
11,895
11,720
11,908
11,686
11
ITEM 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management's Discussion and Analysis and other portions of this report contain certain "forward-looking statements" concerning the future operations of the Company. Management desires to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this statement for the express purpose of availing the Company of the protections of such safe harbor with respect to all "forward-looking statements" contained in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. We have used "forward-looking statements" to describe future plans and strategies, including our expectations of the Company's future financial results. Management's ability to predict results or the effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, regional and general economic conditions, management's ability to maintain acceptable asset quality and to successfully resolve new or existing credit issues, competition, changes in interest rates, deposit flows, demand for mortgages and other loans, real estate values, agricultural commodity prices, crop yields and weather conditions, loan delinquency rates, changes in accounting principles, practices, policies or guidelines, changes in legislation or regulation, other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technological factors affecting operations, pricing, products and services. Accordingly, these factors should be considered in evaluating the "forward-looking statements," and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company undertakes no responsibility to update or revise any "forward-looking statements."
Banner Corporation, a Washington corporation, is primarily engaged in the business of commercial banking through its wholly owned subsidiary, Banner Bank. The Bank is a Washington-chartered commercial bank, the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The Bank is a regional bank which offers a wide variety of commercial banking services and financial products to both businesses and individuals in its primary market areas. The Bank conducts business from its main office in Walla Walla, Washington, and its 52 branch offices and 13 loan production offices located in 24 counties in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
The operating results of the Company depend primarily on its net interest income, which is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, consisting of loans and investment securities, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, composed primarily of customer deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances. Net interest income is primarily a function of the Company's interest rate spread, which is the difference between the yield earned on interest-earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, as well as a function of the average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. As more fully explained below, the Company's net interest income increased $3.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared to the same period a year earlier, primarily as a result of strong growth in interest-bearing assets and liabilities and improved credit quality.
The Company's net income also is affected by provisions for loan losses and the level of its other income, including deposit service charges, loan origination and servicing fees, and gains and losses on the sale of loans and securities, as well as its operating expenses and income tax provisions. The provision for loan losses, at $1.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, declined by $150,000, compared to $1.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2004. Other operating income increased by $500,000 to $4.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 from $4.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, largely as a result of increased deposit fees and mortgage banking activity. Other operating expenses increased $3.3 million to $22.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, from $19.5 million for the same period in 2004, reflecting the Company's significant expansion as detailed below in the "Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004" and "Compari son of Results of Operations for the Quarters and Six Months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004" contained in this report. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2005 exhibited similar increases as the current quarter's results and generally represent a continuation of trends reflected in the results for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q.
General: For the first six months of this year, total assets increased $242.8 million, or 8.4%, from $2.897 billion at December 31, 2004, to $3.140 billion at June 30, 2005. The increase largely resulted from growth in the loan portfolio and was funded primarily by deposit growth. Both loan and deposit growth accelerated in the quarter ended June 30, 2005 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2005. Net loans receivable (gross loans less loans in process, deferred fees and discounts, and allowance for loan losses) increased $221.6 million, or 10.7%, from $2.063 billion at December 31, 2004, to $2.285 billion at June 30, 2005. Loan portfolio growth was broad-based and included increases of $14.7 million in mortgage loans secured by commercial real estate, $11.9 million in multifamily real estate loans, $125.4 million in construction and land loans and $41.2 million in non-mortgage commercial loans. These increases reflect the Company's continuing effort to increase the portion of its l oans invested in commercial, construction and land development real estate loans, and non-mortgage commercial business loans. The large increase in construction and land loans was particularly noteworthy and reflects continued strong demand for and sales of new homes in many of the markets served by the Bank. For this six-month period, the Company also had an increase of $29.2 million in one- to four-family residential real estate loans and $1.3 million in agricultural business loans including those secured by farmland. By contrast, consumer loans decreased $1.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2005.
Securities available for sale and held to maturity decreased $20.3 million, or 3.4%, from $597.7 million at December 31, 2004, to $577.4 million at June 30, 2005, primarily as a result of prepayments on mortgage-backed securities, but also as a result of modest declines in the fair value of the portion of the portfolio designated as available for sale as a result of changes in the level of market interest rates. As noted in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, higher market interest rates resulted in an unrealized holding loss of $2.6 million for the Company's available for sale securities at June 30, 2005, compared to an unrealized loss of $887,000 at December 31, 2004. The Company also had an increase of $783,000 in bank-owned life insurance from the growth of cash surrender values on existing policies. Property and equipment increased by $5.8 million to $45.1 million at June 30, 2005, from $39.3 million at December 31, 2004. The increase included the acquisition of sites for new branches to be built in Pasco, Washington and Meridian (Boise), Idaho, as well as construction costs associated with new offices in Walla Walla and Vancouver, Washington and tenant improvements made to locations in Spokane, Lynnwood and East Wenatchee, Washington.
Deposits grew $249.0 million, or 12.9%, from $1.926 billion at December 31, 2004, to $2.175 billion at June 30, 2005. Non-interest-bearing deposits increased $67.5 million, or 28.8%, while interest-bearing deposits increased $181.5 million, or 10.7%, from the December 31, 2004 amounts. The aggregate total of transaction and savings accounts, including money market accounts, increased by $161.5 million, reflecting the Bank's focused efforts to grow these important core deposits. Increasing core deposits is a key element of the Bank's expansion strategy including the recent and planned addition and renovation of branch locations as explained in more detail below. FHLB advances decreased $17.1 million from $583.6 million at December 31, 2004, to $566.5 million at June 30, 2005, while other borrowings decreased $2.2 million to $65.9 million at June 30, 2005. The decrease in other borrowings reflects a decrease of $5.0 million of repurchase agreement borrowings from securities dealers offset by a $2.8 million increase in retail repurchase agreements which are primarily related to customer cash management accounts.
The following tables provide additional detail on the Company's loans and deposits (dollars in thousands):
Loans (including loans held for sale):
Commercial real estate
562,240
24.3
547,574
26.2
506,411
26.5
Multifamily real estate
119,668
5.2
107,745
5.1
104,936
5.5
Construction and land
631,557
27.3
506,137
24.2
433,611
22.7
Commercial business
436,428
18.9
395,249
18. 9
340,493
17.8
149,651
6.5
148,343
7.1
160,920
8.4
One- to four-family real estate
337,157
14.6
307,986
14.7
287,990
15.1
Consumer
40,865
36,556
36,140
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
37,079
43,258
38,918
Total consumer
77,944
3.2
79,814
3.8
75,058
4.0
Total loans outstanding
2,314,645
100.0
2,092,848
1,909,419
Less allowance for loan losses
29,788
29,610
28,037
1,881,382
13
Demand and NOW checking
600,483
27.6
472,584
24.5
485,453
Regular savings accounts
155,969
7.2
155,931
8.1
51,285
2.8
Money market accounts
275,797
12.7
242,218
12.6
249,797
13.6
1,032,249
47.5
870,733
45.2
786,535
42.9
Certificates which mature or reprice:
Within 1 year
784,505
664,571
660,729
After 1 year, but within 3 years
300,101
322,178
294,287
After 3 years
58,060
68,427
91,042
Total certificate accounts
1,142,666
52.5
1,055,176
54.8
1,046,058
57.1
Total
1,832,593
General.
Compared to levels a year ago, total assets increased 13.8% to $3.140 billion at June 30, 2005, net loans increased 21.4% to $2.285 billion, deposits grew 18.7% to $2.175 billion, and borrowings, including junior subordinated debentures, increased $4.8 million, or 0.7%, to $704.5 million. Average interest-earning assets were $2.854 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, an increase of $274.0 million, or 10.6%, compared to $2.580 billion for the same period a year earlier. Average equity was 7.25% of average assets for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared to 7.59% of average assets for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, reflecting increased balance sheet leverage.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income before provision for loan losses increased to $26.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared to $23.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, largely as a result of the growth in average interest-earning assets noted above. The net interest margin of 3.75% in the current quarter was slightly higher when compared to 3.65% for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 and 3.71% for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, the net interest margin also increased, to 3.73% from 3.67%, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2004. This improvement in the net interest margin primarily reflects changes in both the asset and liability mix, although the lagged effect of increasing market interest rates on deposit costs, as more fully explained below, also contributed to the improvement. In particular, the average asset mix for both the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2005 reflected proportionately more loa ns, including more higher yielding commercial, construction and land development loans, and fewer investment securities than for the same periods a year earlier. At the same time, the average funding liability base had proportionately more deposits, including more non-interest bearing deposits, and proportionately fewer borrowings than in the prior year.
Interest Income. Interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 was $46.4 million, compared to $37.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, an increase of $8.5 million, or 22.6%. The increase in interest income occurred as a result of a 62 basis point increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets, as well as significant growth in those assets. The yield on average interest-earning assets increased to 6.52% for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared to 5.90% for the same period a year earlier. Average loans receivable for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 increased by $365.6 million, or 19.7%, to $2.224 billion, compared to $1.858 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2004. Interest income on loans for the quarter increased by $9.5 million, or 31.5%, to $39.8 million from $30.3 million for the prior year, reflecting the impact of the increase in average loan balances combined with a 63 basis point increase in the average yield. The increase in average loan yie ld reflects the increases in the level of market interest rates during the past year, particularly in short-term interest rates including the prime rate and LIBOR indices which affect large portions of construction, land development, commercial and agricultural loans. The increase in average loan yields
also reflects changes in the mix of the loan portfolio. The average yield on loans was 7.19% for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared to 6.56% for the quarter ended June 30, 2004. While the recent level of market interest rates was significantly higher than a year earlier, loan yields did not change to the same degree as certain fixed-rate loans and loans with rate floors did not adjust upward in response to the initial increase in prime and other index rates. In addition, changes in the average credit risk profile of new borrowers and competitive pricing pressure resulted in lower spreads and yields on new loan originations. These factors were somewhat offset by changes in the loan mix, as growth has been most significant in some of the higher yielding adjustable-rate loan categories.
The combined average balance of mortgage-backed securities, investment securities, daily interest-bearing deposits and FHLB stock decreased by $91.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, and the interest and dividend income from those investments decreased by $1.0 million compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2004. The average yield on mortgage-backed securities increased to 4.51% for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, from 4.25% for the comparable period in 2004, reflecting reduced amortization of purchase premiums on certain portions of the portfolio as well as a reduction in the adverse effects of delayed receipt of principal payments on mortgage-backed securities as a result of slower prepayments and modestly higher rates on the portion of mortgage-backed securities that have adjustable interest rates. The average yield on other investment securities and cash equivalents increased to 4.29% for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, from 4.14% for the comparable quarter in 2004, largely reflecting the effect of higher market rates on certain adjustable rate securities. Earnings on FHLB stock decreased to $0 in the quarter ended June 30, 2005 from $349,000 in the comparable quarter in 2004, despite a $802,000 increase in the average balance held, as the Company did not record any dividend income for the quarter. As a result, the dividend yield on FHLB stock was 0.0% for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared to 4.01% for the quarter ended June 30, 2004. Dividends on FHLB stock have been established on a quarterly basis by vote of the Directors of the FHLB of Seattle; however, during the quarter ended December 31, 2004, the FHLB of Seattle announced that at the direction of its regulator future dividends would likely be restricted while the FHLB attempted to improve its capital position. More recently, in a filing with the SEC, the FHLB indicated that it expects to generate only minimal earnings or possibly losses for the next two to three years. As a result, management does not expect th at Banner Bank will receive any dividend income on this stock for the foreseeable future.
Interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2005 increased by $14.6 million, or 19.6%, to $89.0 million, from $74.5 million for the comparable period in 2004. This increase in interest income is the result of the same growth, mix and market interest rate trends which affected the quarterly results explained above. Interest income from loans increased $16.7 million, or 28.1%, to $76.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, from $59.3 million for the comparable period in 2004. The increase in loan interest income reflects the impact of a $370.5 million of growth in the average balance of loans receivable in addition to a 43 basis point increase in the yield on the loan balances. Interest income from mortgage-backed and investment securities and FHLB stock for the six months ended June 30, 2004 decreased $2.1 million, to $13.1 million in the current period, reflecting an $87.1 million decrease in average balances and a seven basis point decrease in yield. Dividend income on FHL B stock decreased by $723,000 compared to the year earlier period.
Interest Expense. Interest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 was $19.7 million, compared to $14.4 million for the comparable period in 2004, an increase of $5.2 million, or 36.2%. The increase in interest expense was the result of the significant growth in interest-bearing liabilities combined with a 52 basis point increase in the average cost of all interest-bearing liabilities to 2.84% from 2.32%, reflecting the higher levels of market interest rates and the maturity of certain lower-costing certificates of deposit and fixed-rate borrowings. Deposit interest expense increased $3.7 million, or 44.5%, to $12.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 compared to $8.4 million for the same quarter a year ago, as a result of the significant deposit growth over the past twelve months as well as an increase in the cost of interest-bearing deposits. Reflecting the branch expansion and other growth initiatives, average deposit balances increased $292.2 million, or 16.4%, to $2 .069 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, from $1.777 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, while, at the same time, the average rate paid on deposit balances increased 45 basis points. Although deposit costs are significantly affected by changes in the level of market interest rates, changes in the average rate paid for deposits tend to be less severe and to lag changes in market interest rates. This lower degree of volatility and lag effect for deposit pricing has been evident in the modest increase in deposit costs as the Federal Reserve has moved to increase short-term interest rates by 2.25% over the past thirteen months.
Average FHLB advances totaled $572.7 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared to $581.1 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2004, a decrease of $8.4 million, or 1.4%, that was completely offset by the effects of a 72 basis point increase in the average cost of advances, resulting in a $965,000 increase in related interest expense. The average rate paid on FHLB advances increased to 4.15% for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, from 3.43% for the quarter ended June 30, 2004. While FHLB advances are generally fixed-rate, fixed-term borrowings, many of the Bank's more recent advances carried relatively shorter terms and were established in periods when market rates were lower. Reflecting the maturity and repricing of these short-term advances, the increased cost in the current quarter reflects new advances priced at current market rates. Junior subordinated debentures which were issued in connection with trust preferred securities had an average balance of $72.2 million and an average cost of 6.63% (including amortization of prepaid underwriting costs) for the quarter ended June 30, 2005. Junior subordinated debentures outstanding in the same quarter of the prior year had the same average balance of $72.2 million but a much lower average rate of 4.70%. The junior subordinated debentures are adjustable-rate instruments with repricing frequencies of three to six months. The increased cost of the junior subordinated debentures reflects recent increases in short-term market interest rates. Other borrowings consist of retail repurchase agreements with customers and reverse repurchase agreements with investment banking firms secured by certain investment securities. The average balance for other borrowings decreased $8.0 million, or 11.1%, to $63.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, from $71.8 million for the same period in 2004, while the related interest expense increased $169,000, to $392,000 from $223,000 for the respective periods. The average balance of the wholesale borrowings from brokers decreased $18.4 million, which was partially offset by a $10.4 million increase in the average balance of customer retail repurchase agreements. The average rate paid on other borrowings was 2.47% in the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared to 1.25% for the same quarter in 2004. The Company's other borrowings generally have relatively short terms and therefore reprice to current market levels more quickly than deposits and FHLB advances, which generally lag current market rates, although, similar to deposits, customer retail repurchase agreements have a lower degree of volatility than most market rates.
15
A comparison of total interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2005 shows an increase of $8.7 million, or 30.8%, from the comparable period in 2004. The interest expense reflects an increase in average deposits of $291.4 million combined with a $14.8 million decrease in FHLB advances, trust preferred securities and other borrowings. The effect on interest expense of the $276.6 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities was also accompanied by a 42 basis point increase in the interest paid on those liabilities. The effect of higher market rates on the cost of these funds was partially mitigated by deposit pricing characteristics noted above and as deposits, including non-interest-bearing deposits, became a proportionately larger source of funds.
The following tables provide additional comparative data on the Company's operating performance (dollars in thousands):
Six Months EndedJune 30
Investment securities and cash equivalents
275,192
271,284
273,199
270,611
Mortgage-backed obligations
319,105
415,452
322,799
413,431
2,224,089
1,858,449
2,175,233
1,804,723
FHLB stock
35,042
35,773
84,870
Total average interest-earning assets
2,854,230
2,580,227
2,807,004
2,523,635
175,705
149,293
172,686
156,365
Total average assets
3,029,935
2,729,520
2,979,690
2,680,000
2,069,062
1,776,837
2,015,104
1,723,673
Advances from FHLB
572,716
581,118
576,122
592,467
65,030
63,776
71,761
65,782
71,421
Total average interest-bearing liabilities
2,777,722
2,501,884
2,729,176
2,452,591
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
32,409
20,468
30,795
19,968
Total average liabilities
2,810,131
2,522,352
2,759,971
2,472,559
Equity
219,804
207,168
219,719
207,441
Total average liabilities and equity
Interest Rate Yield/Expense (rates are annualized)
Interest Rate Yield:
4.29
4.14
4.30
4.11
4.51
4.25
4.53
4.34
7.19
6.56
7.04
6.61
0.00
4.01
(0.16
)%
4.00
Total interest rate yield on interest-earning assets
6.52
5.90
6.40
5.93
Interest Rate Expense:
2.35
1.90
2.26
4.15
3.43
4.04
3.42
6.63
4.70
6.32
4.75
2.47
1.25
2.22
1.30
Total interest rate expense on interest-bearing liabilities
2.84
2.32
2.74
Interest spread
3.68
3.58
3.66
3.61
Net interest margin on interest earning assets
3.75
3.65
3.73
3.67
Non-interest (other operating) expenses / average assets
3.02
2.88
2.98
72.76
70.98
72.82
Return on average assets
0.66
0.67
Return on average equity
9.15
8.83
8.92
8.64
7.25
7.59
7.37
7.74
102.75
103.13
102.85
102.90
16
Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses
The provision in the current quarter reflects lower levels of non-performing loans, improvement in the current economic environment and strengthening in the prospects for collection on previously identified non-performing loans, balanced against significant growth in the size of the loan portfolio. While net charge-offs were $1.2 million for the current quarter, compared to $298,000 for the same quarter a year earlier, non-performing loans decreased $9.3 million to $16.0 million at June 30, 2005, compared to $25.3 million at June 30, 2004. For the past eighteen months non-performing loans have been primarily concentrated in a few agricultural loans and agricultural-related business loans due from borrowers located in northeastern Oregon. Generally, these problem loans reflect unique operating difficulties for the individual borrower rather than a weakness in the overall economy of the area, farm commodity prices or growing conditions. A comparison of the allowance for loan losses at June 3 0, 2005 and 2004 shows an increase of $1.8 million to $29.8 million at June 30, 2005, from $28.0 million at June 30, 2004. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans (loans receivable excluding allowance for losses) was 1.29% and 1.47% at June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The allowance as a percentage of non-performing loans increased to 187% at June 30, 2005, compared to 111% a year earlier.
In originating loans, the Company recognizes that losses will be experienced and that the risk of loss will vary with, among other things, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan, general economic conditions and, in the case of a secured loan, the quality of the collateral for the loan. As a result, the Company maintains an allowance for loan losses consistent with the GAAP guidelines outlined in SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies. The Company has established systematic methodologies for the determination of the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses. The methodologies are set forth in a formal policy and take into consideration the need for an overall general valuation allowance as well as specific allowances that are tied to individual problem loans. The Company increases its allowance for loan losses by charging provisions for probable loan losses against the Company's income and values impaired loans consistent with th e guidelines in SFAS No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, and SFAS No. 118, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan-Income Recognition and Disclosure.
The allowance for losses on loans is maintained at a level sufficient to provide for estimated losses based on evaluating known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio and upon management's continuing analysis of the factors underlying the quality of the loan portfolio. These factors include changes in the size and composition of the loan portfolio, delinquency rates, actual loan loss experience, current and anticipated economic conditions, detailed analysis of individual loans for which full collectibility may not be assured, and determination of the existence and realizable value of the collateral and guarantees securing the loans. Realized losses related to specific assets are applied as a reduction of the carrying value of the assets and charged immediately against the allowance for loan loss reserve. Recoveries on previously charged off loans are credited to the allowance. The reserve is based upon factors and trends identified by management at the time financial statements are prepa red. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. These agencies may require changes to the allowance based upon judgments different from those of management. Although management uses the best information available, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions beyond the Company's control. The adequacy of general and specific reserves is based on management's continuing evaluation of the pertinent factors underlying the quality of the loan portfolio, including changes in the size and composition of the loan portfolio, delinquency rates, actual loan loss experience and current economic conditions, as well as individual review of certain large balance loans. Large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment include residential real estate and consumer l oans. Smaller balance non-homogeneous loans also may be evaluated collectively for impairment. Larger balance non-homogeneous residential construction and land, commercial real estate, commercial business loans and unsecured loans are individually evaluated for impairment. Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, management determines that it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors involved in determining impairment include, but are not limited to, the financial condition of the borrower, value of the underlying collateral and current status of the economy. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Subsequent changes in the value of impaired loans are incl uded within the provision for loan losses in the same manner in which impairment initially was recognized or as a reduction in the provision that would otherwise be reported. As of June 30, 2005, the Company had identified $15.9 million of impaired loans as defined by SFAS No. 114 and had established $3.2 million of loss allowances related to these loans.
The Company's methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance consists of several key elements, which include specific allowances, an allocated formula allowance and an unallocated allowance. Losses on specific loans are provided for when the losses are probable and estimable. General loan loss reserves are established to provide for inherent loan portfolio risks not specifically provided for. The level of general reserves is based on analysis of potential exposures existing in the Bank's loan portfolio including evaluation of historical trends, current market conditions and other relevant factors identified by management at the time the financial statements are prepared. The formula allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to outstanding loans, excluding loans with specific allowances. Loss factors are based on the Company's historical loss experience adjusted for significant factors including the experience of other banking organizations that, in management's judgm ent, affect the collectibility of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. The unallocated allowance is based upon management's evaluation of various factors that are not directly measured in the determination of the formula and specific allowances. This methodology may result in losses or recoveries differing significantly from those provided in the financial statements.
17
The following tables provide additional detail on the Company's allowance for loan losses (dollars in thousands):
Allowance for Loan Losses:
Balance, beginning of the period
29,736
26,885
26,060
Provision for loan losses
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
115
187
108
113
67
158
241
297
Agricultural business, including secured by farmland
219
285
592
436
Loans charged off:
(122
(12
(36
(81
(121
(326
(217
(100
(604
(398
(723
(737
(626
(1,491
(116
(92
(235
(160
(1,467
(2,917
(1,359
Net charge-offs
(1,248
(298
(2,325
(923
Balance, end of the period
0.06
0.02
0.11
0.05
The following is a schedule of the Company's allocation of the allowance for loan losses (dollars in thousands):
Specific or allocated loss allowances:
785
782
641
5,453
5,046
5,749
598
539
525
6,979
5,556
5,108
10,047
9,226
8,486
3,497
3,628
3,839
545
464
482
Total allocated
27,904
25,241
24,830
Estimated allowance for undisbursed commitments
411
197
324
Unallocated
1,473
4,172
2,883
Total allowance for loan losses
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans outstanding
(loans receivable excluding allowance for losses)
1.29
1.41
1.47
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans
186
111
18
Other Operating Income.
Other operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2005 increased $681,000 to $8.6 million, from $7.9 million for the comparable period in 2004. Similar to the quarter's results, this includes a $505,000 increase in deposit fee and service charge income and a $172,000 increase in the gain on sale of loans. In addition, loan servicing fees increased by $58,000 compared to the first six months of 2004. Loan sales increased from $172.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 to $184.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005.
Other Operating Expenses. Other operating expenses increased $3.3 million, or 16.7%, to $22.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, from $19.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2004. Other operating expenses reflect the growth in assets and liabilities, customer relationships and complexity of operations as the Company continues to expand. The higher level of operating expenses in the current quarter includes significant increases in compensation, occupancy and information services for additional branch, deposit services and commercial loan expansion to position the Company for future growth. In addition, compensation was higher as a result of increased mortgage loan commissions and general wage and salary increases, as well as increased costs associated with employee benefit programs and employer-paid taxes. The Company also continued to increase its commitment to advertising and marketing expenditures, which were $171,000 greater in the quarter ended June 30, 2005 than in the same period in the prior year. The increase in expenses includes operating costs associated with the recent opening of six new branch offices in Kent, Everett, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mercer Island and East Wenatchee, Washington and the creation of an international banking department, as well as offices in Hillsboro, Oregon and Walla Walla, Washington which were opened in the second quarter of 2004. The Company's efficiency ratio increased to 72.76% for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 from 70.98% for the comparable period in 2004, in large part reflecting start up costs associated with this branch growth. Other operating expenses as a percentage of average assets increased to 3.02% for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared to 2.88% for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, reflecting this significant growth in expenses. The Company expects continued increases in the absolute level of operating expenses as a result of its announced expansion plans; however, over time, management believes that this expansion will lead to a lower relative cost of funds and enhanced revenues which should result in an improved efficiency ratio and stronger operating results.
Other operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased $5.7 million, or 15.0%, from $38.4 million the first six months of 2004, to $44.1 million in the current period. As explained above, the increase is primarily as a result of the increase in compensation, occupancy and advertising expenses as locations, staffing and the volume of activity have expanded while the Bank positions itself for future growth. Partially offsetting these expenses was an increase in capitalized loan origination costs reflecting increased origination volumes as well as increased loan production costs.
Income Taxes. Income tax expense was $2.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared to $2.0 million for the comparable period in 2004. The Company's effective tax rates for the quarters ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 were 30.7% and 30.4%, respectively. The effective tax rates in both periods reflect the recording of tax credits related to certain Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) investments. The slightly higher effective tax rate in the current period is primarily a result of a slight decrease in the relative combined effect of the tax credits from CRA investments and tax-exempt income from interest on municipal securities and earnings on bank-owned life insurance as other taxable net revenue sources increased.
Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased to $4.2 million, compared to $3.9 million in the comparable period in 2004. The Company's effective tax rates for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 were 30.3% and 30.3%, respectively.
Classified Assets: State and federal regulations require that the Bank review and classify its problem assets on a regular basis. In addition, in connection with examinations of insured institutions, state and federal examiners have authority to identify problem assets and, if appropriate, require them to be classified. The Bank's Credit Policy Division reviews detailed information with respect to the composition and performance of the loan portfolio, including information on risk concentrations, delinquencies and classified assets. The Credit Policy Division approves all recommendations for new classified assets or changes in classifications, and develops and monitors action plans to resolve the problems associated with the assets. The Credit Policy Division also approves recommendations for establishing the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses. Significant problem loans are transferred to the Bank's Special Assets Department for resolution or collection activi ties. The Board of Directors is given a detailed report on classified assets and asset quality at least quarterly.
Allowance for Loan Losses: In originating loans, the Company recognizes that losses will be experienced and that the risk of loss will vary with, among other things, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan, general economic conditions and, in the case of a secured loan, the quality of the security for the loan. As a result, the Company maintains an allowance for loan losses consistent with GAAP guidelines. The Company increases its allowance for loan losses by charging provisions for probable loan losses against the Company's
income. The allowance for losses on loans is maintained at a level which, in management's judgment, is sufficient to provide for estimated losses based on evaluating known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio and upon continuing analysis of the factors underlying the quality of the loan portfolio. The Company's asset quality indicators were significantly improved in the quarter ended June 30, 2005 compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2004, resulting in slightly reduced loan loss provisioning in comparison to the same period a year earlier. At June 30, 2005, the Company had an allowance for loan losses of $29.8 million, which represented 1.29% of total loans and 187% of non-performing loans, compared to 1.47% and 111%, respectively, at June 30, 2004.
Non-Performing Assets: Non-performing assets decreased 40.2% to $17.3 million, or 0.55% of total assets, at June 30, 2005, compared to $28.9 million, or 1.05% of total assets, at June 30, 2004. At June 30, 2005, the Bank's largest non-performing loan exposure was for loans totaling $3.5 million to a diversified farming operation in northeastern Oregon which were secured by land, crops, receivables and equipment. The Company's next largest non-performing loan exposure encompasses loans totaling $2.8 million to an agricultural-related business operating in northeastern Oregon which are primarily secured by non-farm real estate and processing equipment. The Company had two additional non-performing credit relationships with balances in excess of $1.0 million, with a combined aggregate carrying value of $2.6 million at June 30, 2005. At June 30, 2005, the Company had $1.3 million of real estate owned and other repossessed assets which primarily consisted of three single-family residence s with a book value of $1.1 million, a speculative construction loan with a book value of $100,000 and a commercial property with a book value of $100,000. While meaningful progress was made in the past year, reducing non-performing loans and improving asset quality will continue to be important activities to enhance the Bank's operating performance in future periods.
The following table sets forth information with respect to the Bank's non-performing assets and restructured loans within the meaning of SFAS No. 15, Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructuring, at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
Non-performing assets at end of the period:
Nonaccrual Loans:
Secured by real estate:
One- to four-family
1,158
393
486
Commercial
1,603
2,212
5,386
Multifamily
2,931
2,219
2,838
4,020
3,167
5,666
5,871
7,407
9,691
276
51
15,859
15,416
24,118
Loans more than 90 days delinquent, still on accrual:
107
419
998
98
53
43
110
472
1,139
Total non-performing loans
15,969
15,888
25,257
Real estate owned, held for sale, and other repossessed assets, net
1,559
3,613
Total non-performing assets at the end of the period
17,259
17,447
28,870
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total net loans before allowance for loan losses at end of the period
0.69
1.32
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets at end of the period
0.55
0.60
1.05
Troubled debt restructuring at end of the period
The Company's primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowings, proceeds from loan principal and interest payments and sales of loans, and the maturity of and interest income on mortgage-backed and investment securities. While maturities and scheduled repayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities are a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions and competition.
The primary investing activity of the Company, through its subsidiaries, is the origination and purchase of loans and purchase of investment securities. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, the Company had loan originations, net of principal repayments, of $403 million and purchased loans in the amount of $1.1 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, the Company's securities purchases totaled $28.7 million. This activity was funded primarily by principal repayments on securities, sales of loans and deposit growth. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, the Company sold $184.9 million of loans and generated net deposit growth of $249.0 million, while FHLB advances decreased $17.1 million and other borrowings decreased $2.2 million.
The Bank must maintain an adequate level of liquidity to ensure the availability of sufficient funds to accommodate deposit withdrawals, to support loan growth, to satisfy financial commitments and to take advantage of investment opportunities. During the quarter ended June 30, 2005, the Bank used its sources of funds primarily to fund loan commitments, purchase securities, repay FHLB advances and other borrowings, and pay maturing savings certificates and deposit withdrawals. At June 30, 2005, the Bank had outstanding loan commitments totaling $906.4 million, including undisbursed loans in process totaling $819.6 million. The Bank generally maintains sufficient cash and readily marketable securities to meet short-term liquidity needs. The Bank maintains a credit facility with the FHLB of Seattle, which provides for advances which, in aggregate, may equal the lesser of 35% of the Bank's assets or unencumbered qualifying collateral, up to a total possible credit line of $803.0 million. Adva nces under this credit facility totaled $566.5 million, or 18% of the Bank's assets, at June 30, 2005.
At June 30, 2005, certificates of deposit amounted to $1.143 billion, or 53% of the Bank's total deposits, including $784.5 million which were scheduled to mature within one year. While no assurance can be given as to future periods, historically, the Bank has been able to retain a significant amount of its deposits as they mature. Management believes it has adequate resources to fund all loan commitments from customer deposits, FHLB advances, other borrowings, principal and interest payments and sale of mortgage loans and that it can adjust the offering rates for savings certificates to retain deposits in changing interest rate environments.
The Bank has financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument from commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for on-balance-sheet instruments. As of June 30, 2005, outstanding commitments consist of the following (in thousands):
Contract or Notional Amount
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
Commitments to extend credit
Real estate secured for commercial, construction or land development
412,965
Revolving open-end lines secured by one- to four-family residential properties
35,919
Other, primarily business and agricultural loans
402,645
Real estate secured by one- to four-family residential properties
43,538
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees
11,341
906,408
Commitments to sell loans secured by one- to four-family residential properties
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer, as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Many of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon; therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each customer's creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the customer. The type of collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income producing commercial properties.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee a customer's performance or payment to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.
Interest rates on residential one- to four-family mortgage loan applications are typically rate locked (committed) to customers during the application stage for periods ranging from 15 to 45 days, the most typical period being 30 days. Typically, pricing for the sale of these loans is locked with various qualified investors under a best-efforts delivery program at or near the time the interest rate is locked with the customer. The Bank makes every effort to deliver these loans before their rate locks expire. This arrangement generally requires the Bank to deliver the loans prior to the expiration of the rate lock. Delays in funding the loans can require a lock extension. The cost of a lock extension at times is borne by the customer and at times by the Bank. These lock extension costs paid by the Bank are not expected to have a material impact to operations. This activity is managed daily. Changes in the value of rate lock commitments are recorded as other assets and liabilities. See "Deri vative Instruments" under Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 filed with the SEC.
The Company is a bank holding company registered with the Federal Reserve. Bank holding companies are subject to capital adequacy requirements of the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and the regulations of the Federal Reserve. The Bank, as a state-chartered, federally insured commercial bank, is subject to the capital requirements established by the FDIC.
The capital adequacy requirements are quantitative measures established by regulation that require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of capital. The Federal Reserve requires the Company to maintain capital adequacy that generally parallels the FDIC requirements. The FDIC requires the Bank to maintain minimum ratios of Tier 1 total capital to risk-weighted assets as well as Tier 1 leverage capital to average assets. At June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the Company and the Bank exceeded all current regulatory capital requirements. See Item 1, "Business-Regulation," and Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 filed with the SEC for additional information regarding the Company's and the Bank's regulatory capital requirements.
The actual regulatory capital ratios calculated for the Company and the Bank as of June 30, 2005, along with the minimum capital amounts and ratios, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Amount
Ratio
June 30, 2005:
The Company-consolidated
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
288,914
11.32
204,265
8.00
N/A
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
256,199
10.04
102,132
Tier 1 leverage capital to average assets
8.55
119,817
The Bank
265,424
10.42
203,861
254,826
10.00
234,877
9.22
101,931
152,896
6.00
7.85
119,616
149,520
5.00
ITEM 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The financial condition and results of operations of the Company are influenced significantly by general economic conditions, including the absolute level of interest rates as well as changes in interest rates and the slope of the yield curve. The Company's profitability is dependent to a large extent on its net interest income, which is the difference between the interest received from its interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred on its interest-bearing liabilities.
The activities of the Company, like all financial institutions, inherently involve the assumption of interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates will have an adverse impact on the institution's earnings and underlying economic value. Interest rate risk is determined by the maturity and repricing characteristics of an institution's assets, liabilities and off-balance-sheet contracts. Interest rate risk is measured by the variability of financial performance and economic value resulting from changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is the primary market risk affecting the Company's financial performance.
The greatest source of interest rate risk to the Company results from the mismatch of maturities or repricing intervals for rate sensitive assets, liabilities and off-balance-sheet contracts. This mismatch or gap is generally characterized by a substantially shorter maturity structure for interest-bearing liabilities than interest-earning assets. Additional interest rate risk results from mismatched repricing indices and formulae (basis risk and yield curve risk), and product caps and floors and early repayment or withdrawal provisions (option risk), which may be contractual or market driven, that are generally more favorable to customers than to the Company. An exception to this generalization in recent periods preceding the current quarter has been the beneficial effect of interest rate floors on many of the Company's floating rate loans which have helped maintain higher loan yields despite declining levels of market interest rates. However, in the low interest rate environment of the pa st two years, these rate floors have declined over time. Further, because these rate floors exceed what would otherwise be the note rate on certain variable or floating rate loans, those loans have been less responsive to recently increasing market rates than has historically been the case, injecting an additional element of interest rate risk into the Company's operations.
The principal objectives of asset/liability management are to evaluate the interest-rate risk exposure of the Company; to determine the level of risk appropriate given the Company's operating environment, business plan strategies, performance objectives, capital and liquidity constraints, and asset and liability allocation alternatives; and to manage the Company's interest rate risk consistent with regulatory guidelines and approved policies of the Board of Directors. Through such management, the Company seeks to reduce the vulnerability of its earnings and capital position to changes in the level of interest rates. The Company's actions in this regard are taken under the guidance of the Asset/Liability Management Committee, which is composed of members of the Company's senior management. The Committee closely monitors the Company's interest sensitivity exposure, asset and liability allocation decisions, liquidity and capital positions, and local and national economic conditions, and attem pts to structure the loan and investment portfolios and funding sources of the Company to maximize earnings within acceptable risk tolerances.
The Company's primary monitoring tool for assessing interest rate risk is asset/liability simulation modeling which is designed to capture the dynamics of balance sheet, interest rate and spread movements and to quantify variations in net interest income resulting from those movements under different rate environments. The sensitivity of net interest income to changes in the modeled interest rate environments provides a measurement of interest rate risk. The Company also utilizes market value analysis, which addresses changes in estimated net market value of equity arising from changes in the level of interest rates. The net market value of equity is estimated by separately valuing the Company's assets and liabilities under varying interest rate environments. The extent to which assets gain or lose value in relation to the gains or losses of liability values under the various interest rate assumptions determines the sensitivity of net equity value to changes in interest rates and provides an additional measure of interest rate risk.
The interest rate sensitivity analysis performed by the Company incorporates beginning-of-the-period rate, balance and maturity data, using various levels of aggregation of that data, as well as certain assumptions concerning the maturity, repricing, amortization and prepayment characteristics of loans and other interest-earning assets and the repricing and withdrawal of deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities into an asset/liability computer simulation model. The Company updates and prepares simulation modeling at least quarterly for review by senior management and the Board of Directors. The Company believes the data and assumptions are realistic representations of its portfolio and possible outcomes under the various interest rate scenarios. Nonetheless, the interest rate sensitivity of the Company's net interest income and net market value of equity could vary substantially if different assumptions were used or if actual experience differs from the assumptions used.
The table of Interest Rate Risk Indicators sets forth, as of June 30, 2005, the estimated changes in the Company's net interest income over a one-year time horizon and the estimated changes in market value of equity based on the indicated interest rate environments.
Interest Rate Risk Indicators
Estimated Change in
(dollars in thousands)
+300
(1,111
(1.0
(68,073
(25.4
+200
(422
(0.4
(41,722
(15.4
+100
93
0.1
(17,457
(6.5
0
-50
(803
(0.7
(7,201
(2.7
-100
(1,871
(1.7
(3,023
(1.1
-200
(3,323
(3.1
(21,086
(7.8
__________(1) Assumes an instantaneous and sustained uniform change in market interest rates at all maturities.
Another, although less reliable, monitoring tool for assessing interest rate risk is "gap analysis." The matching of the repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities may be analyzed by examining the extent to which such assets and liabilities are "interest sensitive" and by monitoring an institution's interest sensitivity "gap." An asset or liability is said to be interest sensitive within a specific time period if it will mature or reprice within that time period. The interest rate sensitivity gap is defined as the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets anticipated, based upon certain assumptions, to mature or reprice within a specific time period and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities anticipated to mature or reprice, based upon certain assumptions, within that same time period. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest sensitive liabilities. A gap is considered negative when the amount of int erest sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of interest sensitive assets. Generally, during a period of rising rates, a negative gap would tend to adversely affect net interest income while a positive gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income. During a period of falling interest rates, a negative gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income while a positive gap would tend to adversely affect net interest income.
Certain shortcomings are inherent in gap analysis. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods of repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Further, in the event of a change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels would likely deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table. Finally, the ability of some borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of a severe interest rate increase.
The table of Interest Sensitivity Gap presents the Company's interest sensitivity gap between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at June 30, 2005. The table sets forth the amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities which are anticipated by the Company, based upon certain assumptions, to reprice or mature in each of the future periods shown. At June 30, 2005, total interest-bearing assets maturing or repricing within one year were less than total interest-earning liabilities maturing or repricing in the same time period by $68.0 million, representing a one-year gap to total assets ratio of (2.17%).
Interest-earning assets: (1)
Construction loans
420,085
12,635
3,647
376
56
437,075
Fixed-rate mortgage loans
71,287
47,170
132,222
106,935
103,052
31,362
492,028
Adjustable-rate mortgage loans
309,078
75,017
196,012
173,832
315
754,254
Fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities
37,265
29,060
78,454
42,729
40,881
14,221
242,610
Adjustable-rate mortgage-backed securities
12,887
3,845
12,686
9,529
28,363
67,310
Fixed-rate commercial/agricultural loans
36,506
28,793
45,067
21,795
3,548
75
135,784
Adjustable-rate commercial / agricultural loans
398,988
5,423
14,765
6,939
84
426,266
Consumer and other loans
48,349
5,954
13,499
6,158
3,414
474
77,848
Investment securities and interest- earning deposits
64,285
5,935
58,921
120,309
15,681
43,389
308,520
Total rate sensitive assets
1,398,730
213,832
555,273
488,602
195,614
89,644
2,941,695
Interest-bearing liabilities: (2)
Regular savings and NOW accounts
68,128
158,965
454,186
Money market deposit accounts
137,899
82,739
55,159
Certificates of deposit
523,063
261,481
300,064
43,397
14,627
35
1,142,667
FHLB advances
360,600
41,000
60,930
73,079
30,849
24,804
Retail repurchase agreements
40,281
106
428
41,100
Total rate sensitive liabilities
1,226,943
453,633
575,224
275,441
45,904
2,577,180
Excess (deficiency) of interest-sensitive assets over interest-sensitive liabilities
171,787
(239,801
(19,951
213,161
149,710
89,609
364,515
Cumulative excess (deficiency) of interest- sensitive assets
(68,014
(87,965
125,196
274,906
114.00
95.95
96.10
104.95
110.67
114.14
Interest sensitivity gap to total assets
5.47
(7.64
(0.64
6.79
4.77
2.86
11.61
Ratio of cumulative gap to total assets
(2.17
(2.80
3.99
8.76
(footnotes on following page)
25
Footnotes for Table of Interest Sensitivity Gap (1) Adjustable-rate assets are included in the period in which interest rates are next scheduled to adjust rather than in the period in which they are due to mature, and fixed-rate assets are included in the periods in which they are scheduled to be repaid based upon scheduled amortization, in each case adjusted to take into account estimated prepayments. Mortgage loans and other loans are not reduced for allowances for loan losses and non-performing loans. Mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities, other loans and investment securities are not adjusted for deferred fees and unamortized acquisition premiums and discounts.
(2) Adjustable- and variable-rate liabilities are included in the period in which interest rates are next scheduled to adjust rather than in the period they are due to mature. Although the Bank's regular savings, NOW and money market deposit accounts are subject to immediate withdrawal, management considers a substantial amount of such accounts to be core deposits having significantly longer maturities. For the purpose of the gap analysis, these accounts have been assigned decay rates to reflect their longer effective maturities. If all of these accounts had been assumed to be short-term, the one year cumulative gap of interest-sensitive assets would have been negative $441.1 million, or (14.05%) of total assets. Interest-bearing liabilities for this table exclude certain non-interest-bearing deposits which are included in the average balance calculations in the table contained in the section Comparison of Results of Operations for the Quarters and Six Months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 o f this report.
26
ITEM 4 - Controls and Procedures
The management of Banner Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives are met. Also, because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. As a result of these inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures: An evaluation of Company disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and several other members of the Company's senior management as of the end of the period covered by this report. The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2005, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to the Company's management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) in a timely manner, and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls: In the quarter ended June 30, 2005, there was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Item 1. Legal ProceedingsIn the normal course of business, the Company and the Bank have various legal proceedings and other contingent matters outstanding. These proceedings and the associated legal claims are often contested and the outcome of individual matters is not always predictable. These claims and counter claims typically arise during the course of collection efforts on problem loans or with respect to action to enforce liens on properties in which the Bank holds a security interest. The Company and the Bank are not a party to any pending legal proceedings that management believes would have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of the Company.Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity in Securities and Use of ProceedsIssuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan
Maximum Number of Shares that May yet be Purchased Under the Plan
Beginning
Ending
January 1, 2005
January 31, 2005
609
28.255
February 1, 2005
February 28, 2005
7,419
29.096
March 1, 2005
June 30, 2005
April 1, 2005
April 30, 2005
18,163
27.695
May 1, 2005
May 31, 2005
June 1, 2005
49,359
27.710
July 1, 2005
July 31, 2005
n/a
August 1, 2005
August 31, 2005
September 1, 2005
September 30, 2005
October 1, 2005
October 31, 2005
November 1, 2005
November 30, 2005
December 1, 2005
December 31, 2005
75,550
27.847
100,000
(2)
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior SecuritiesNot Applicable.Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of StockholdersThe annual meeting of stockholders of the Company was held on April 26, 2005. At the annual meeting there were a total number of 11,879,673 shares eligible to vote, of which 10,376,546 were received or cast at the meeting. The result of the vote on the election of directors was as follows:The following individuals were elected as directors:
FOR
WITHHELD
Jesse G. Foster
10,301,311
99.27%
75,235
0.73%
D. Michael Jones
10,317,275
99.43%
59,271
0.57%
Dean W. Mitchell
10,275,077
99.02%
101,469
0.98%
Brent A. Orrico
10,307,578
99.34%
69,968
0.66%
Constance H. Kravas
10,300,290
76,256
The terms of Directors Gordon E. Budke, David B. Casper, Michael M. Smith, Robert D. Adams, Wilber Pribilsky, Edward L. Epstein and Gary Sirmon continued.Item 5. Other InformationNot Applicable.
Item 6. Exhibits Exhibits
3{a}
Articles of Incorporation of Registrant [incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders dated June 10, 1998].
3{b}
Bylaws of Registrant [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 24, 1998 (file No. 0-26584)].
10{a}
Employment Agreement with Gary L. Sirmon, dated as of January 1, 2004 [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (File No. 0-26584)].
10{b}
Executive Salary Continuation Agreement with Gary L. Sirmon [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1996 (File No. 0-26584)].
10{c}
Employment Agreement with Michael K. Larsen [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1996 (File No. 0-26584)].
10{d}
Executive Salary Continuation Agreement with Michael K. Larsen [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1996 (File No. 0-26584)].
10{e}
1996 Stock Option Plan [incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders dated June 10, 1996].
10{f}
1996 Management Recognition and Development Plan [incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders dated June 10, 1996].
10{g}
Consultant Agreement with Jesse G. Foster, dated as of December 19, 2003. [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (File No. 0-23584)].
10{h}
Supplemental Retirement Plan as Amended with Jesse G. Foster [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1997 (file No. 0-26584)].
10{i}
Towne Bank of Woodinville 1992 Stock Option Plan [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated April 2, 1998 (file No. 333-49193)].
10{j}
Whatcom State Bank 1991 Stock Option Plan [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated February 2, 1999 (file No. 333-71625)].
10{k}
Employment Agreement with Lloyd W. Baker [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (file No. 0-26584)].
10{l}
Employment Agreement with D. Michael Jones [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (file No. 0-26584)].
10{m}
Supplemental Executive Retirement Program Agreement with D. Michael Jones [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (file No. 0-26584)].
10{n}
Form of Supplemental Executive Retirement Program Agreement with Gary Sirmon, Michael K. Larsen, Lloyd W. Baker and Cynthia D. Purcell [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (file No. 0-26584)].
10{o}
1998 Stock Option Plan [incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders dated June 10, 1998].
10{p}
2001 Stock Option Plan [incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Proxy Statement of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders dated March 16, 2001].
10{q}
Form of Employment Contract entered into with Cynthia D. Purcell, Richard B. Barton, Paul E. Folz, John R. Neill and Douglas M. Bennett [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (File No. 0-26584)].
Code of Ethics [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 0-26584)].
Subsidiaries of the Registrant [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 0-26584)].
23.1
Consent of Registered Independent Public Accounting Firm - Moss Adams LLP [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 0-26584)].
23.2
Consent of Registered Independent Public Accounting Firm - Deloitte & Touche LLP [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 0-26584)].
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 dated August 8, 2005.
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 dated August 8, 2005.
32
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 dated August 8, 2005.
SIGNATURESPursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
30
EXHIBIT 31.1CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF BANNER CORPORATIONPURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1934
EXHIBIT 31.2
EXHIBIT 32CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICEROF BANNER CORPORATIONPURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
The undersigned hereby certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and in connection with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, that: