BANR 10-Q Quarterly Report June 30, 2013 | Alphaminr

BANR 10-Q Quarter ended June 30, 2013

BANNER CORP
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10-Q 1 banr-6302013x10q.htm 10-Q BANR-6.30.2013-10Q


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)

[X]    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2013 .
OR
[   ]     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ______________ to ______________

Commission File Number 0-26584

BANNER CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Washington
91-1691604
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
10 South First Avenue, Walla Walla, Washington 99362
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (509) 527-3636
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
[  ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes
[x]
No
[  ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  [  ]
Accelerated filer    [x]
Non-accelerated filer   [  ]
Smaller reporting company  [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
[  ]
No
[x]
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.
Title of class:
As of July 31, 2013
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share
19,546,516 shares *
*  Includes 34,340 shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan that have not been released, committed to be released, or allocated to participant accounts.

1


BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Table of Contents
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 - Financial Statements.  The Consolidated Financial Statements of Banner Corporation and Subsidiaries filed as a part of the report are as follows:
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and the Year Ended December 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Executive Overview
Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012
Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
Asset Quality
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Capital Requirements
Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market Risk and Asset/Liability Management
Sensitivity Analysis
Item 4 - Controls and Procedures
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings
Item 1A - Risk Factors
Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 3 - Defaults upon Senior Securities
Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5 - Other Information
Item 6 - Exhibits
SIGNATURES

2


Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters in this report on Form 10-Q contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning our future operations.  These statements relate to our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance or business.  Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, are based on certain assumptions and are generally identified by use of the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “potentially,” “probably,” “projects,” “outlook” or similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would” and “could.”  Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions and statements about future economic performance and projections of financial items.  These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated or implied by our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in our allowance for loan losses and provision for loan losses that may be impacted by deterioration in the housing and commercial real estate markets and may lead to increased losses and nonperforming assets, and may result in our allowance for loan losses not being adequate to cover actual losses and require us to materially increase our reserves; changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas; changes in the levels of general interest rates and the relative differences between short and long-term interest rates, loan and deposit interest rates, our net interest margin and funding sources; fluctuations in the demand for loans, the number of unsold homes, land and other properties and fluctuations in real estate values in our market areas; secondary market conditions for loans and our ability to sell loans in the secondary market; results of examinations of us by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve Board) and of our bank subsidiaries by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC), the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banks (the Washington DFI) or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, institute a formal or informal enforcement action against us or any of our bank subsidiaries which could require us to increase our reserve for loan losses, write-down assets, change our regulatory capital position or affect our ability to borrow funds, or maintain or increase deposits, or impose additional requirements and restrictions on us, any of which could adversely affect our liquidity and earnings; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business including changes in regulatory policies and principles, or the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules including changes related to Basel III; the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the implementing regulations; our ability to attract and retain deposits; increases in premiums for deposit insurance; our ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining fair value of certain of our assets and liabilities, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant changes in valuation; difficulties in reducing risk associated with the loans on our balance sheet; staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or the implementation of corporate strategies that affect our work force and potential associated charges; the failure or security breach of computer systems on which we depend; our ability to retain key members of our senior management team; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; our ability to implement our business strategies; our ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems, and management personnel we may acquire into our operations and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames and any goodwill charges related thereto; our ability to manage loan delinquency rates; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; our ability to pay dividends on our common stock and interest or principal payments on our junior subordinated debentures; adverse changes in the securities markets; inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting methods; the economic impact of war or any terrorist activities; other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting our operations, pricing, products and services; and other risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Any forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made.  We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements included in this report or the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in such statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  These risks could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us.  In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking statements discussed in this report might not occur, and you should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

As used throughout this report, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” or the “Company” refer to Banner Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

3


BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Unaudited) (In thousands, except shares)
June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012
ASSETS
June 30
2013

December 31
2012

Cash and due from banks
$
121,448

$
181,298

Securities—trading, amortized cost 0 and 0, respectively
65,524

71,232

Securities—available-for-sale, amortized cost 0 and 0, respectively
469,137

472,920

Securities—held-to-maturity, fair value 0 and 0, respectively
94,336

86,452

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock
36,040

36,705

Loans receivable:
Held for sale
6,393

11,920

Held for portfolio
3,283,808

3,223,794

Allowance for loan losses
(76,853
)
(77,491
)
3,213,348

3,158,223

Accrued interest receivable
14,648

13,930

Real estate owned (REO), held for sale, net
6,714

15,778

Property and equipment, net
87,896

89,117

Intangible assets, net
3,247

4,230

Bank-owned life insurance (BOLI)
60,894

59,891

Income taxes
37,592

35,007

Other assets
25,466

40,781

$
4,236,290

$
4,265,564

LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Non-interest-bearing
$
958,674

$
981,240

Interest-bearing transaction and savings accounts
1,557,513

1,547,271

Interest-bearing certificates
944,137

1,029,293

3,460,324

3,557,804

Advances from FHLB at fair value
54,262

10,304

Other borrowings
90,779

76,633

Junior subordinated debentures at fair value (issued in connection with Trust Preferred Securities)
73,471

73,063

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
22,010

26,389

Deferred compensation
15,111

14,452

3,715,957

3,758,645

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 15)


STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock and paid in capital - $0.01 par value per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 19,553,189 shares issued and 19,518,849 shares outstanding at June 30, 2013; 19,454,965 shares issued and 19,420,625 shares outstanding at December 31, 2012
568,408

567,907

Accumulated deficit
(42,440
)
(61,102
)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(3,648
)
2,101

Unearned shares of common stock issued to Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) trust at cost: 34,340 restricted shares outstanding at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012
(1,987
)
(1,987
)
520,333

506,919

$
4,236,290

$
4,265,564

See Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

4


BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited) (In thousands except for per share amounts)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
Three Months Ended
June 30
Six Months Ended
June 30
2013

2012

2013

2012

INTEREST INCOME:
Loans receivable
$
42,292

$
44,473

$
83,781

$
88,824

Mortgage-backed securities
1,394

995

2,566

1,922

Securities and cash equivalents
1,885

2,230

3,733

4,513

45,571

47,698

90,080

95,259

INTEREST EXPENSE:
Deposits
2,490

4,035

5,210

8,483

FHLB advances
40

64

64

127

Other borrowings
51

74

107

623

Junior subordinated debentures
742

802

1,482

1,814

3,323

4,975

6,863

11,047

Net interest income before provision for loan losses
42,248

42,723

83,217

84,212

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

4,000


9,000

Net interest income
42,248

38,723

83,217

75,212

OTHER OPERATING INCOME:
Deposit fees and other service charges
6,628

6,283

12,928

12,152

Mortgage banking operations
3,574

2,736

6,412

5,211

Miscellaneous
664

514

1,455

1,093

10,866

9,533

20,795

18,456

Gain on sale of securities
12

29

1,018

29

Other-than-temporary impairment recovery


409


Net change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value
(255
)
(19,059
)
(1,601
)
(17,374
)
Total other operating income
10,623

(9,497
)
20,621

1,111

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salary and employee benefits
21,224

19,390

41,953

38,900

Less capitalized loan origination costs
(3,070
)
(2,747
)
(5,941
)
(4,997
)
Occupancy and equipment
5,415

5,204

10,744

10,681

Information/computer data services
1,923

1,746

3,643

3,261

Payment and card processing expenses
2,449

2,116

4,753

4,006

Professional services
820

1,224

1,726

2,568

Advertising and marketing
1,798

1,650

3,297

3,716

Deposit insurance
617

816

1,263

2,179

State/municipal business and use taxes
538

565

1,003

1,133

REO operations
(195
)
1,969

(446
)
4,567

Amortization of core deposit intangibles
477

523

982

1,075

Miscellaneous
3,461

3,210

6,580

6,490

Total other operating expenses
35,457

35,666

69,557

73,579

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
17,414

(6,440
)
34,281

2,744

PROVISION FOR (BENEFIT FROM) INCOME TAXES
5,661

(31,830
)
10,945

(31,830
)
NET INCOME
11,753

25,390

23,336

34,574

PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND, DISCOUNT ACCRETION AND GAINS
Preferred stock dividend

1,550


3,100

Preferred stock discount accretion

454


908

NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
$
11,753

$
23,386

$
23,336

$
30,566

Earnings per common share:
Basic
$
0.61

$
1.27

$
1.21

$
1.69

Diluted
$
0.60

$
1.27

$
1.20

$
1.69

Cumulative dividends declared per common share
$
0.12

$
0.01

$
0.24

$
0.02

See Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

5


BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited) (In thousands)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

Three Months Ended
June 30
Six Months Ended
June 30
2013

2012

2013

2012

NET INCOME
$
11,753

$
25,390

$
23,336

$
34,574

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF INCOME TAXES:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on AFS securities arising during the period
(8,476
)
(81
)
(8,854
)
(136
)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to AFS unrealized holding gains (losses)
3,043

29

3,179

49

Reclassification for net (gains) losses on AFS securities realized in earnings
1


(116
)

Income tax benefit (expense) related to net gains (losses) on AFS securities realized in losses


42


Amortization of unrealized gain on tax exempt securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity

3


5

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(5,432
)
(49
)
(5,749
)
(82
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
$
6,321

$
25,341

$
17,587

$
34,492


See Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

6


BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited) (In thousands, except for shares)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013

Common Stock
and Paid in Capital
(Accumulated
Deficit)
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (loss)
Unearned Restricted
ESOP Shares
Stockholders’
Equity
Shares
Amount
Balance, January 1, 2013
19,420,625

$
567,907

$
(61,102
)
$
2,101

(1,987
)
$
506,919

Net income
23,336

23,336

Change in valuation of securities—available-for-sale, net of income tax
(5,749
)
(5,749
)
Accrual of dividends on common stock ($0.24/share cumulative)
(4,674
)
(4,674
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for stockholder reinvestment program
760

23

23

Amortization of stock-based compensation
97,464

478

478

BALANCE, June 30, 2013
19,518,849

$
568,408

$
(42,440
)
$
(3,648
)
$
(1,987
)
$
520,333



See Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements


7


BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited) (In thousands, except for shares)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

Preferred Stock
Common Stock
and Paid in Capital
(Accumulated
Deficit)
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Income
Unearned Restricted
ESOP Shares
Stockholders’
Equity
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Balance, January 1, 2012
124,000

$
120,702

17,519,132

$
531,149

$
(119,465
)
$
2,051

$
(1,987
)
$
532,450

Net income
64,882

64,882

Change in valuation of securities—available-for-sale, net of income tax
42

42

Amortization of unrealized loss on tax exempt securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, net of income tax
8

8

Accretion of preferred stock discount
3,298

(3,298
)

Accrual of dividends on preferred stock
(4,938
)
(4,938
)
Repurchase of preferred stock
(124,000
)
(124,000
)
(124,000
)
Gain on repurchase of preferred stock
2,471

2,471

Accrual of dividends on common stock ($0.04/share cumulative)
(754
)
(754
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for stockholder reinvestment program
1,814,320

36,317

36,317

Amortization of compensation related to restricted stock grant
87,173

434

434

Amortization of compensation related to stock options
7

7

BALANCE, December 31, 2012

$

19,420,625

$
567,907

$
(61,102
)
$
2,101

$
(1,987
)
$
506,919


See Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

8


BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited) (In thousands)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
Six Months Ended
June 30
2013

2012

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
$
23,336

$
34,574

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
3,679

2,384

Deferred income and expense, net of amortization
2,233

1,273

Amortization of core deposit intangibles
982

1,075

Gain on sale of securities
(1,018
)
(29
)
Other-than-temporary impairment recovery
(409
)

Net change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value
1,601

17,374

Purchases of securities-trading
(23,377
)

Proceeds from sales of securities-trading
25,267


Principal repayments and maturities of securities—trading
3,657

6,520

Decrease in deferred taxes
570

(31,572
)
Decrease in current taxes payable
(4,245
)

Equity-based compensation
478

107

Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI
(982
)
(917
)
Gain on sale of loans, net of capitalized servicing rights
(4,303
)
(3,651
)
Gain on disposal of real estate held for sale and property and equipment
(1,454
)
(688
)
Provision for losses on loans and real estate held for sale
299

12,197

Origination of loans held for sale
(263,111
)
(243,516
)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
272,941

243,422

Net change in:
Other assets
19,440

131

Other liabilities
(5,019
)
855

Net cash provided from operating activities
50,565

39,539

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
(179,555
)
(186,650
)
Principal repayments and maturities of available-for-sale securities
68,488

202,722

Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale
103,274

11,751

Purchases of securities held-to-maturity
(9,029
)
(10,224
)
Principal repayments and maturities of securities held-to-maturity
987

2,287

Loan originations, net of principal repayments
(62,760
)
72,176

Purchases of loans and participating interest in loans
(109
)
(4,735
)
Purchases of property and equipment
(2,439
)
(1,184
)
Proceeds from sale of real estate held for sale, net
11,787

23,239

Other
785

(330
)
Net cash (used by) provided from investing activities
(68,571
)
109,052

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Decrease in deposits, net
(97,480
)
(49,905
)
Advances, net of repayments of FHLB borrowings
43,997

(3
)
Increase (decrease) in other borrowings, net
14,146

(62,098
)
Cash dividends paid
(2,530
)
(3,456
)
Cash proceeds from issuance of stock for stockholder reinvestment plan
23

23,611

Net cash used by financing activities
(41,844
)
(91,851
)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS
(59,850
)
56,740

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
181,298

132,436

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, END OF PERIOD
$
121,448

$
189,176

(Continued on next page)

9


BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(Unaudited) (In thousands)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
Six Months Ended
June 30
2013

2012

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid in cash
$
7,087

$
11,799

Taxes paid in cash
11,376

800

NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:
Loans, net of discounts, specific loss allowances and unearned income,
transferred to real estate owned and other repossessed assets
1,770

8,521


See Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

10


BANNER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1:  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Banner Corporation (the Company or Banner), a bank holding company incorporated in the State of Washington and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Banner Bank and Islanders Bank (the Banks).

These unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented have been included.  Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.  Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements and/or schedules to conform to the 2013 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 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 Banner’s financial statements.  These policies relate to (i) the methodology for the recognition of interest income, (ii) determination of the provision and allowance for loan and lease losses, (iii) the valuation of financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, including other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses, (iv) the valuation of intangibles, such as core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing rights, (v) the valuation of real estate held for sale and (vi) the valuation of or recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities.  These policies and judgments, estimates and assumptions are described in greater detail in subsequent notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Critical Accounting Policies) in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 filed with the SEC.  Management believes that the judgments, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the 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 other judgments, estimates and assumptions could result in material differences in the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.  Further, subsequent changes in economic or market conditions could have a material impact on these estimates and the Company’s financial condition and operating results in future periods.

The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 filed with the SEC ( 2012 Form 10-K).  Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

Note 2:  RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

Income Tax Reporting and Accounting:

Amended Federal Income Tax Returns: The Company has years 2008-2012 open under the Statute of Limitations provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Code). The Company has filed amended tax returns seeking tax refunds for years 2005-2007 through the carry back of 2008 and 2009 net operating losses (NOLs) and tax credits. Aside from the refund claims applied for in 2005-2007, those years are otherwise closed under the Statute of Limitations.  The amended tax returns, which are under review by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), could significantly affect the timing for recognition of credit losses within previously filed income tax returns and, if approved, would result in the refund of approximately $9.8 million of previously paid taxes from the utilization of NOL carryback claims into prior tax years.  The outcome of the IRS review is inherently uncertain, and since there can be no assurance of approval of some or all of the tax carryback claims, no asset has been recognized to reflect the possible results of these amendments as of June 30, 2013 and 2012 .  Accordingly, the Company does not anticipate recognizing any tax benefit until the results of the IRS review have been determined. We expect this review to be completed and the issue resolved during 2013.

Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance: The Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries file consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns, as well as state income tax returns in Oregon and Idaho.  Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method.  Under this method a deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the enacted tax rates which are expected to be in effect when the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of existing assets and liabilities are expected to be reported in the Company’s income tax returns.  The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  Under GAAP, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of Banner’s deferred tax assets will not be realized.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, the Company evaluated its net deferred tax asset and determined it was prudent to establish a full valuation allowance against the net asset.  At each subsequent quarter-end, the Company has re-analyzed that position and the Company continued to maintain a full valuation allowance through March 31, 2012.  During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, management analyzed the Company’s performance and trends over the previous five quarters, focusing on trends in asset quality, loan loss provisioning, capital position, net interest margin, core operating income and net income and the likelihood of continued profitability.  Based on this analysis, management determined that a full valuation allowance was no longer appropriate and reversed nearly all of the valuation allowance at that time.  The Company utilized the remaining valuation allowance to offset tax expense in the third and fourth quarters of 2012.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the existence, or generation, of taxable income in the periods when those temporary differences and net

11


operating loss and credit carryforwards are deductible.  See Note 12 of the Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Shareholder Equity Transactions :
Preferred Stock: On March 29, 2012 , the Company’s $124 million of senior preferred stock with a liquidation value of $1,000 per share, originally issued to the U.S. Treasury as part of its Capital Purchase Program, was sold by the Treasury as part of its efforts to manage and recover its investments under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).  While the sale of these preferred shares to new owners did not result in any proceeds to the Company and did not change the Company’s capital position or accounting for these securities, it did eliminate restrictions put in place by the Treasury on TARP recipients.  Subsequent to March 29, 2012 and by the end of the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company repurchased or redeemed all of its Series A Preferred Stock. The Treasury retained its related warrants to purchase up to $18.6 million in Banner common stock ( 243,998 shares). In June 2013, the Treasury sold the warrants at public auction. That sale did not change the Company's capital position and did not have any impact on the financial accounting and reporting for these securities.

Note 3:  ACCOUNTING STANDARDS RECENTLY ADOPTED

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 2011-11, " Disclosures About Offsetting Assets and Liabilities ." The new disclosure requirements mandate that entities disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial condition as well as instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. ASU No. 2011-11 also requires disclosure of collateral received and posted in connection with master netting agreements or similar arrangements.

In January 2013, FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, " Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities ." The provisions of ASU No. 2013-01 limit the scope of the new balance sheet offsetting disclosures to the following financial instruments, to the extent they are offset in the financial statements or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in the statement of financial position: (1) derivative financial instruments; (2) repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements; and (3) securities borrowing and securities lending transactions.

The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2011-11 and ASU No. 2013-01 effective January 1, 2013. As the provisions of ASU No. 2011-11 and ASU No. 2013-01 only impact disclosure requirements related to the offsetting of assets and liabilities and information instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial condition, the adoption had no impact on the Company's consolidated statements of operations and financial condition.

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2013, FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . ASU No. 2013-02 does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. ASU No. 2013-02 requires an entity to disaggregate the total change of each component of other comprehensive income (e.g., unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investment securities) and separately present reclassification adjustments and current period other comprehensive income. The provisions of ASU No. 2013-02 also require that entities present, either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source (e.g., unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investment securities). The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2013-02 effective January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note 4:  BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company is managed by legal entity and not by lines of business.  Each of the Banks is a community oriented commercial bank chartered in the State of Washington.  The Banks’ primary business is that of a traditional banking institution, gathering deposits and originating loans for portfolio in its respective primary market areas.  The Banks offer a wide variety of deposit products to their consumer and commercial customers.  Lending activities include the origination of real estate, commercial/agriculture business and consumer loans.  Banner 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 Banks receive other income from deposit service charges, loan servicing fees and from the sale of loans and investments.  The performance of the Banks is reviewed by the Company’s executive management and Board of Directors on a monthly basis.  All of the executive officers of the Company are members of Banner Bank’s 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.


12


Note 5:  INTEREST-BEARING DEPOSITS AND SECURITIES

The following table sets forth additional detail regarding our interest-bearing deposits and securities at the dates indicated (includes securities—trading, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity, all at carrying value) (in thousands):
June 30
2013

December 31
2012

June 30
2012

Interest-bearing deposits included in cash and due from banks
$
67,080

$
114,928

$
132,536

U.S. Government and agency obligations
60,638

98,617

229,669

Municipal bonds:






Taxable
36,690

31,480

19,225

Tax exempt
115,142

103,545

102,139

Total municipal bonds
151,832

135,025

121,364

Corporate bonds
46,150

48,519

42,923

Mortgage-backed or related securities:






One- to four-family residential agency guaranteed
48,249

105,770

114,284

One- to four-family residential other
1,128

1,299

1,780

Multifamily agency guaranteed
285,928

188,136

53,844

Multifamily other
10,059

10,659


Total mortgage-backed or related securities
345,364

305,864

169,908

Asset-backed securities:






Student Loan Marketing Association (SLMA)
15,497

32,474

32,492

Other asset-backed securities
9,460

10,042


Total asset-backed securities
24,957

42,516

32,492

Equity securities (excludes FHLB stock)
56

63

454

Total securities
628,997

630,604

596,810

FHLB stock
36,040

36,705

37,371

$
732,117

$
782,237

$
766,717


Securities—Trading : The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities—trading at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
Amortized
Cost
Fair Value
Percent of
Total
Amortized
Cost
Fair Value
Percent of
Total
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
1,370

$
1,534

2.3
%
$
1,380

$
1,637

2.3
%
Municipal bonds:




Tax exempt
4,963

4,990

7.6

5,590

5,684

8.0

Total municipal bonds
4,963

4,990

7.6

5,590

5,684

8.0

Corporate bonds
49,518

35,105

53.6

57,807

35,741

50.2

Mortgage-backed or related securities:




One- to four-family residential agency guaranteed
13,213

14,110

21.5

16,574

17,911

25.1

Multifamily agency guaranteed
8,896

9,729

14.9

8,974

10,196

14.3

Total mortgage-backed or related securities
22,109

23,839

36.4

25,548

28,107

39.4

Equity securities
14

56

0.1

14

63

0.1

$
77,974

$
65,524

100.0
%
$
90,339

$
71,232

100.0
%

There were 37 sales of securities—trading totaling $25.3 million with a resulting net gain of $1.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013 , including $1.0 million which represented recoveries on certain collateralized debt obligations that had previously been written off. There

13


were no sales of securities—trading during the six months ended June 30, 2012 .  The Company recognized a $409,000 OTTI recovery on securities—trading related to the sale of certain equity securities issued by government sponsored entities during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and no OTTI charges or recoveries during the six months ended June 30, 2012 .  As of June 30, 2013 and 2012 , there were no securities—trading on a nonaccrual status.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities—trading at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , by contractual maturity, are shown below (in thousands).  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because some securities may be called or prepaid with or without call or prepayment penalties.
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$

$

$

$

Due after one year through five years
4,095

4,373

4,496

4,867

Due after five years through ten years
14,339

15,186

14,251

15,536

Due after ten years through twenty years
21,017

17,913

12,055

11,346

Due after twenty years
38,509

27,996

59,523

39,420

77,960

65,468

90,325

71,169

Equity securities
14

56

14

63

$
77,974

$
65,524

$
90,339

$
71,232



14


Securities—Available-for-Sale: The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities—available-for-sale at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
June 30, 2013
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Percent of
Total
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
58,548

$
202

$
(851
)
$
57,899

12.3
%
Municipal bonds:








Taxable
25,837

125

(231
)
25,731

5.5

Tax exempt
30,174

150

(294
)
30,030

6.4

Total municipal bonds
56,011

275

(525
)
55,761

11.9

Corporate bonds
9,011

22

(39
)
8,994

1.9

Mortgage-backed or related securities:








One- to four-family residential agency guaranteed
34,496

720

(1,077
)
34,139

7.3

One- to four-family residential other
1,052

77


1,129

0.2

Multifamily agency guaranteed
279,410

429

(3,639
)
276,200

58.9

Multifamily other
10,653


(594
)
10,059

2.2

Total mortgage-backed or related securities
325,611

1,226

(5,310
)
321,527

68.5

Asset-backed securities:








SLMA
15,591


(94
)
15,497

3.3

Other asset-backed securities
10,065


(606
)
9,459

2.0

Total asset-backed securities
25,656


(700
)
24,956

5.3

$
474,837

$
1,725

$
(7,425
)
$
469,137

99.9
%
December 31, 2012
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Percent of
Total
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
96,666

$
367

$
(53
)
$
96,980

20.5
%
Municipal bonds:
Taxable
20,987

233

(67
)
21,153

4.5

Tax exempt
23,575

221

(11
)
23,785

5.0

Total municipal bonds
44,562

454

(78
)
44,938

9.5

Corporate bonds
10,701

37

(9
)
10,729

2.3

Mortgage-backed or related securities:
One- to four-family residential agency guaranteed
87,392

1,051

(584
)
87,859

18.6

One- to four-family residential other
1,223

76


1,299

0.3

Multifamily agency guaranteed
176,026

2,140

(226
)
177,940

37.6

Multifamily other
10,700

4

(45
)
10,659

2.2

Total mortgage-backed or related securities
275,341

3,271

(855
)
277,757

58.8

Asset-backed securities:
SLMA
32,309

210

(45
)
32,474

6.9

Other asset-backed securities
10,071


(29
)
10,042

2.1

Total asset-backed securities
42,380

210

(74
)
42,516

9.0

$
469,650

$
4,339

$
(1,069
)
$
472,920

100.1
%


15


At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , an aging of unrealized losses and fair value of related securities—available-for-sale was as follows (in thousands):
June 30, 2013
Less Than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
41,901

$
(851
)
$

$

$
41,901

$
(851
)
Municipal bonds:












Taxable
18,244

(231
)


18,244

(231
)
Tax exempt
13,509

(293
)
381

(1
)
13,890

(294
)
Total municipal bonds
31,753

(524
)
381

(1
)
32,134

(525
)
Corporate bonds
4,961

(39
)


4,961

(39
)
Mortgage-backed or related securities:












One- to four-family residential agency guaranteed
13,489

(821
)
10,530

(256
)
24,019

(1,077
)
Multifamily agency guaranteed
215,156

(3,639
)


215,156

(3,639
)
Multifamily other
10,059

(594
)


10,059

(594
)
Total mortgage-backed or related securities
238,704

(5,054
)
10,530

(256
)
249,234

(5,310
)
Asset-backed securities:










SLMA
15,497

(94
)


15,497

(94
)
Other asset-backed securities
9,460

(606
)


9,460

(606
)
Total asset-backed securities
24,957

(700
)


24,957

(700
)
$
342,276

$
(7,168
)
$
10,911

$
(257
)
$
353,187

$
(7,425
)
December 31, 2012
Less Than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
22,955

$
(53
)
$

$

$
22,955

$
(53
)
Municipal bonds:
Taxable
11,009

(67
)


11,009

(67
)
Tax exempt
4,619

(11
)


4,619

(11
)
Total municipal bonds
15,628

(78
)


15,628

(78
)
Corporate bonds
6,670

(9
)


6,670

(9
)
Mortgage-backed or related securities:
One- to four-family residential agency guaranteed
32,459

(503
)
5,746

(81
)
38,205

(584
)
Multifamily agency guaranteed
32,170

(226
)


32,170

(226
)
Multifamily other
7,279

(45
)


7,279

(45
)
Total mortgage-backed or related securities
71,908

(774
)
5,746

(81
)
77,654

(855
)
Asset-backed securities:
SLMA
9,674

(45
)


9,674

(45
)
Other asset-backed securities
10,042

(29
)


10,042

(29
)
Total asset-backed securities
19,716

(74
)


19,716

(74
)
$
136,877

$
(988
)
$
5,746

$
(81
)
$
142,623

$
(1,069
)

Proceeds from the sale of 35 securities—available-for-sale during the six months ended June 30, 2013 were $103.3 million with a resulting loss of $116,000 . There were two sales of securities—available-for-sale totaling $11.8 million with a resulting gain of $29,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2012 .  At June 30, 2013 , there were 131 securities—available for sale with unrealized losses, compared to 52 securities at December 31, 2012 .  Management does not believe that any individual unrealized loss as of June 30, 2013 represents OTTI.  The decline in fair market values of these securities was generally due to changes in interest rates and changes in market-desired spreads subsequent to their purchase.

16



The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities—available-for-sale at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , by contractual maturity, are shown below (in thousands).  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because some securities may be called or prepaid with or without call or prepayment penalties.
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
11,930

$
12,031

$
16,369

$
16,393

Due after one year through five years
301,551

298,992

205,913

207,147

Due after five years through ten years
85,648

83,758

132,372

133,407

Due after ten years through twenty years
30,115

29,665

43,386

43,414

Due after twenty years
45,593

44,691

71,610

72,559

$
474,837

$
469,137

$
469,650

$
472,920


Securities—Held-to-Maturity: The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities—held-to-maturity at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
June 30, 2013
Amortized Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Percent of
Total
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
1,205

$

$
(48
)
$
1,157

1.2
%
Municipal bonds:
Taxable
10,959

296

(141
)
11,114

11.5
%
Tax exempt
80,122

3,188

(1,074
)
82,236

85.2

Total municipal bonds
91,081

3,484

(1,215
)
93,350

96.7

Corporate bonds
2,050



2,050

2.1

$
94,336

$
3,484

$
(1,263
)
$
96,557

100.0
%
December 31, 2012
Amortized Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Percent of
Total
Municipal bonds:
Taxable
$
10,326

$
436

$
(157
)
$
10,605

11.5
%
Tax exempt
74,076

5,757

(30
)
79,803

86.3

Total municipal bonds
84,402

6,193

(187
)
90,408

97.8

Corporate bonds
2,050



2,050

2.2

$
86,452

$
6,193

$
(187
)
$
92,458

100.0
%


17


At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , an age analysis of unrealized losses and fair value of related securities—held-to-maturity was as follows (in thousands):
June 30, 2013
Less Than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
1,157

$
(48
)
$

$

$
1,157

$
(48
)
Municipal bonds:
Taxable
4,757

(141
)


4,757

(141
)
Tax exempt
20,158

(1,074
)


20,158

(1,074
)
$
26,072

$
(1,263
)
$

$

$
26,072

$
(1,263
)
December 31, 2012
Less Than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
Municipal bonds:
Taxable
$
4,137

$
(157
)
$

$

$
4,137

$
(157
)
Tax exempt
910

(30
)


910

(30
)
$
5,047

$
(187
)
$

$

$
5,047

$
(187
)

There were no sales of securities—held-to-maturity and the Company did no t recognize any OTTI charges on securities—held-to-maturity during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 .  As of June 30, 2013 , there were no securities—held-to-maturity in a nonaccrual status.  There were 29 securities—held-to-maturity with unrealized losses at June 30, 2013 , compared to five securities at December 31, 2012 .  Management does not believe that any individual unrealized loss on a security as of June 30, 2013 represents OTTI.  The decline in fair market value of these securities was generally due to changes in interest rates and changes in market-desired spreads subsequent to their purchase.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities—held-to-maturity at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , by contractual maturity, are shown below (in thousands).  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because some securities may be called or prepaid with or without call or prepayment penalties.
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
3,321

$
3,360

$
3,323

$
3,410

Due after one year through five years
13,469

13,950

13,641

14,335

Due after five years through ten years
14,782

14,813

13,295

13,452

Due after ten years through twenty years
59,653

61,443

53,031

57,868

Due after twenty years
3,111

2,991

3,162

3,393

$
94,336

$
96,557

$
86,452

$
92,458


Pledged Securities: The following table presents, as of June 30, 2013 , investment securities which were pledged to secure borrowings, public deposits or other obligations as permitted or required by law (in thousands):
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Purpose or beneficiary:
State and local governments public deposits
$
116,770

$
114,301

Interest rate swap counterparties
6,782

6,402

Retail repurchase agreements
105,167

105,412

Other
2,745

2,712

Total pledged securities
$
231,464

$
228,827


The carrying value of investment securities pledged to secure borrowings, public deposits or other obligations as of June 30, 2013 was $229.0 million .


18


Note 6:  FHLB STOCK

The Banks’ investments in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle stock are carried at par value ( $100 per share), which reasonably approximates its fair value.  As members of the FHLB system, the Banks are required to maintain a minimum level of investment in FHLB stock based on specific percentages of their outstanding FHLB advances.  For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 , the Banks did not receive any dividend income on FHLB stock.  At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , respectively, the Company had recorded $36.0 million and $36.7 million in FHLB stock.  This stock is generally viewed as a long-term investment and is carried at par.  It does not have a readily determinable fair value.  Ownership of FHLB stock is restricted to the FHLB and member institutions and can only be purchased and redeemed at par.

Management periodically evaluates FHLB stock for impairment.  Management’s determination of whether these investments are impaired is based on its assessment of the ultimate recoverability of cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value.  The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of any decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, the customer base of the FHLB, and (4) the liquidity position of the FHLB.

The FHLB of Seattle announced that it had a risk-based capital deficiency under the regulations of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (the FHFA), its primary regulator, as of December 31, 2008, and that it would suspend future dividends and the repurchase and redemption of outstanding common stock. The FHLB of Seattle announced on September 7, 2012 that the FHFA now considers the FHLB of Seattle to be adequately capitalized. Dividends on, or repurchases of, the FHLB of Seattle stock continue to require the consent of the FHFA. The FHFA subsequently approved the repurchase of portions of FHLB of Seattle stock, and as of June 30, 2013, the FHLB had repurchased $1.3 million of the Banks' stock, including $333,000 during the quarter ending June 30, 2013 . The FHLB of Seattle announced July 22, 2013 that, based on second quarter 2013 financial results, their Board of Directors had declared a $0.025 per share cash dividend. It is the first dividend in a number of years and represents a significant milestone in FHLB of Seattle's return to normal operations. The Company will continue to monitor the financial condition of the FHLB as it relates to, among other things, the recoverability of Banner's investment. Based on the above, the Company has determined there is not any impairment on the FHLB stock investment as of June 30, 2013 .

Note 7:  LOANS RECEIVABLE AND THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

We originate residential mortgage loans for both portfolio investment and sale in the secondary market.  At the time of origination, mortgage loans are designated as held for sale or held for investment.  Loans held for sale are stated at the lower of cost or estimated market value determined on an aggregate basis.  Net unrealized losses on loans held for sale are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income.  The Banks also originate construction, land and land development, commercial and multifamily real estate, commercial business, agricultural business and consumer loans for portfolio investment.  Loans receivable not designated as held for sale are recorded at the principal amount outstanding, net of allowance for loan losses, deferred fees and origination costs, discounts and premiums.  Premiums, discounts and deferred loan fees and origination costs are amortized to maturity using the level-yield methodology.

Interest is accrued as earned unless management doubts the collectability of the loan or the unpaid interest.  Interest accruals are generally discontinued when loans become 90 days past due for scheduled interest payments.  All previously accrued but uncollected interest is deducted from interest income upon transfer to nonaccrual status.  Future collection of interest is included in interest income based upon an assessment of the likelihood that the loans will be repaid or recovered.  A loan may be put on nonaccrual status sooner than this policy would dictate if, in management’s judgment, the loan may be uncollectable.  Such interest is then recognized as income only if it is ultimately collected.


19


Loans receivable, including loans held for sale, at June 30, 2013 , December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012 are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
June 30, 2012
Amount
Percent
of Total
Amount
Percent
of Total
Amount
Percent
of Total
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
500,812

15.2
%
$
489,581

15.1
%
$
477,621

14.9
%
Investment properties
595,896

18.1

583,641

18.0

613,965

19.1

Multifamily real estate
137,027

4.2

137,504

4.3

130,319

4.1

Commercial construction
25,629

0.8

30,229

0.9

23,808

0.7

Multifamily construction
39,787

1.2

22,581

0.7

18,132

0.6

One- to four-family construction
191,003

5.8

160,815

5.0

157,301

4.9

Land and land development:



Residential
86,037

2.6

77,010

2.4

83,185

2.6

Commercial
11,228

0.3

13,982

0.4

11,451

0.4

Commercial business
639,840

19.4

618,049

19.1

600,046

18.7

Agricultural business, including secured by farmland
233,967

7.1

230,031

7.1

211,705

6.6

One- to four-family residential
552,698

16.8

581,670

18.0

607,489

18.9

Consumer:
Consumer
112,938

3.4

120,498

3.7

103,504

3.2

Consumer secured by one- to four-family
163,339

5.0

170,123

5.3

173,731

5.4

Total loans outstanding
3,290,201

100.0
%
3,235,714

100.0
%
3,212,257

100.0
%
Less allowance for loan losses
(76,853
)

(77,491
)

(80,221
)

Net loans
$
3,213,348


$
3,158,223


$
3,132,036



Loan amounts are net of unearned loan fees and unamortized costs of $8.9 million as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and $9.7 million as of June 30, 2012 .

The Company’s total loans by geographic concentration at June 30, 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Washington
Oregon
Idaho
Other
Total
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
381,289

$
56,671

$
56,678

$
6,174

$
500,812

Investment properties
463,804

82,395

46,497

3,200

595,896

Multifamily real estate
110,477

16,917

9,402

231

137,027

Commercial construction
17,184

3,686

589

4,170

25,629

Multifamily construction
13,868

25,919



39,787

One- to four-family construction
104,686

83,559

2,758


191,003

Land and land development:





Residential
57,834

26,750

1,453


86,037

Commercial
6,351

3,015

1,862


11,228

Commercial business
406,876

76,532

61,731

94,701

639,840

Agricultural business, including secured by farmland
116,785

51,205

65,977


233,967

One- to four-family residential
349,302

177,641

23,727

2,028

552,698

Consumer:
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
108,818

41,718

12,157

646

163,339

Consumer—other
76,106

31,482

5,335

15

112,938

Total loans
$
2,213,380

$
677,490

$
288,166

$
111,165

$
3,290,201

Percent of total loans
67.3
%
20.6
%
8.7
%
3.4
%
100.0
%


20


The geographic concentrations of the Company’s land and land development loans by state at June 30, 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Washington
Oregon
Idaho
Total
Residential:
Acquisition and development
$
16,447

$
9,987

$
1,258

$
27,692

Improved land and lots
32,960

16,313

195

49,468

Unimproved land
8,427

450


8,877

Commercial:




Acquisition and development


481

481

Improved land and lots
3,549

135

529

4,213

Unimproved land
2,802

2,880

852

6,534

Total land and land development loans
$
64,185

$
29,765

$
3,315

$
97,265

Percent of land and land development loans
66.0
%
30.6
%
3.4
%
100.0
%

The Company originates both adjustable- and fixed-rate loans.  The maturity and repricing composition of those loans, less undisbursed amounts and deferred fees and origination costs, at June 30, 2013 , December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
June 30, 2012
Fixed-rate (term to maturity):
Due in one year or less
$
145,221

$
183,004

$
233,525

Due after one year through three years
167,187

171,724

223,624

Due after three years through five years
201,672

173,251

161,094

Due after five years through ten years
192,594

167,858

155,490

Due after ten years
425,603

473,927

474,366

Total fixed-rate loans
1,132,277

1,169,764

1,248,099

Adjustable-rate (term to rate adjustment):



Due in one year or less
1,292,387

1,260,472

1,193,230

Due after one year through three years
266,841

275,223

322,336

Due after three years through five years
526,563

467,895

408,015

Due after five years through ten years
69,797

60,316

38,782

Due after ten years
2,336

2,044

1,795

Total adjustable-rate loans
2,157,924

2,065,950

1,964,158

Total loans
$
3,290,201

$
3,235,714

$
3,212,257


The adjustable-rate loans have interest rate adjustment limitations and are generally indexed to various prime ( The Wall Street Journal ) or London Inter-bank Offering Rate (LIBOR) rates, One to Five Year Constant Maturity Treasury Indices or FHLB advance rates.  Future market factors may affect the correlation of the interest rate adjustment with the rates the Banks pay on the short-term deposits that were primarily utilized to fund these loans.


21


Impaired Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and circumstances, the Company determines it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments.  Impaired loans are comprised of loans on nonaccrual, troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) that are performing under their restructured terms, and loans that are 90 days or more past due, but are still on accrual.

Troubled Debt Restructures. Some of the Company’s loans are reported as TDRs.  Loans are reported as TDRs when the bank grants a concession(s) to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties that it would not otherwise consider.  Examples of such concessions include forgiveness of principal or accrued interest, extending the maturity date(s) or providing a lower interest rate than would be normally available for a transaction of similar risk.  Our TDRs have generally not involved forgiveness of amounts due, but almost always include a modification of multiple factors; the most common combination includes interest rate, payment amount and maturity date. As a result of these concessions, restructured loans are impaired as the bank will not collect all amounts due, both principal and interest, in accordance with the terms of the original loan agreement.  Loans identified as TDRs are accounted for in accordance with the Company's impaired loan accounting policies.

The amount of impaired loans and the related allocated reserve for loan losses as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
Loan Amount
Allocated Reserves
Loan Amount
Allocated
Reserves
Impaired loans:
Nonaccrual loans
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
2,898

$
45

$
4,105

$
618

Investment properties
1,912

87

2,474

56

Multifamily real estate
335

70



One- to four-family construction
1,764

265

1,565

326

Land and land development:




Residential
1,011

88

2,061

323

Commercial


46

12

Commercial business
2,819

207

4,750

344

One- to four-family residential
11,465

336

12,964

520

Consumer:
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
1,120

19

2,073

41

Consumer—other
818

6

1,323

16

Total nonaccrual loans
$
24,142

$
1,123

$
31,361

$
2,256

Past due and still accruing
$
1,959

$
16

$
3,029

$
62

Troubled debt restructuring on accrual status:
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
187

$
4

$
188

$
4

Investment properties
7,047

746

7,034

664

Multifamily real estate
5,815

1,326

7,131

1,665

One- to four-family construction
6,964

1,042

6,726

1,115

Land and land development:
Residential
4,352

762

4,842

667

Commercial business
1,179

216

2,975

610

One- to four-family residential
25,301

1,654

27,540

1,228

Consumer:
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
410

26

538

29

Consumer—other
478

58

488

38

Total troubled debt restructurings on accrual status
51,733

5,834

57,462

6,020

Total impaired loans
$
77,834

$
6,973

$
91,852

$
8,338


As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , the Company had commitments to advance funds up to an additional amount of $1.6 million related to TDRs.


22


The following tables provide additional information on impaired loans with and without specific allowance reserves at or for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and at or for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
At or For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
Recorded
Investment
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
Related
Allowance
Average
Recorded
Investment
Interest
Income
Recognized
Without a specific allowance reserve (1)
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
877

$
1,027

$
45

$
898

$

Investment properties
521

1,067

87

787


Multifamily real estate
335

335

71

338


One- to four-family construction
1,106

1,283

114

1,158


Land and land development:





Residential
261

475

88

537


Commercial business
1,184

1,599

208

1,356


One- to four-family residential
9,244

9,919

80

9,286


Consumer:
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
1,074

1,593

19

1,087


Consumer—other
744

898

7

784

1

15,346

18,196

719

16,231

1

With a specific allowance reserve (2)





Commercial real estate:





Owner-occupied
$
2,208

$
2,208

$
4

$
2,213

$
6

Investment properties
8,439

9,544

746

7,940

161

Multifamily real estate
5,815

5,815

1,326

5,628

100

One- to-four family construction
7,621

7,621

1,194

6,331

127

Land and land development:





Residential
5,102

5,438

761

5,567

108

Commercial business
2,818

2,818

216

2,909

27

One- to four-family residential
29,419

30,316

1,923

29,332

448

Consumer:
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
456

456

26

566

14

Consumer—other
610

627

58

624

18

62,488

64,843

6,254

61,110

1,009

Total





Commercial real estate:





Owner-occupied
$
3,085

$
3,235

$
49

$
3,111

$
6

Investment properties
8,960

10,611

833

8,727

161

Multifamily real estate
6,150

6,150

1,397

5,966

100

One- to four-family construction
8,727

8,904

1,308

7,489

127

Land and land development:





Residential
5,363

5,913

849

6,104

108

Commercial business
4,002

4,417

424

4,265

27

One- to four-family residential
38,663

40,235

2,003

38,618

448

Consumer:
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
1,530

2,049

45

1,653

14

Consumer—other
1,354

1,525

65

1,408

19

$
77,834

$
83,039

$
6,973

$
77,341

$
1,010



23


At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
Recorded
Investment
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
Related
Allowance
Average
Recorded
Investment
Interest
Income
Recognized
Without a specific allowance reserve (1)
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
1,300

$
1,551

$
103

$
1,470

$

Investment properties
624

861

90

735

17

Multifamily real estate
2,131

2,131

392

2,136

113

One- to four-family construction
4,460

4,460

571

3,335

145

Land and land development:





Residential
2,122

2,587

404

2,948

73

Commercial
46

46

12

46


Commercial business
4,352

4,970

821

2,121

154

One- to four-family residential
10,886

12,004

150

11,458

44

Consumer:
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
1,641

2,335

54

1,966

14

Consumer—other
1,167

1,275

16

1,297

5

28,729

32,220

2,613

27,512

565

With a specific allowance reserve (2)





Commercial real estate:





Owner-occupied
$
2,993

$
2,993

$
518

$
3,113

$

Investment properties
8,884

10,120

630

9,449

229

Multifamily real estate
5,000

5,000

1,273

5,000

295

One- to-four family construction
3,831

3,831

870

3,611

194

Land and land development:





Residential
4,782

4,782

586

5,039

185

Commercial





Commercial business
3,373

3,734

134

3,931

6

One- to four-family residential
32,494

33,672

1,656

33,100

1,259

Consumer:
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
1,042

1,140

26

1,074

15

Consumer—other
724

740

32

754


63,123

66,012

5,725

65,071

2,183

Total





Commercial real estate





Owner-occupied
$
4,293

$
4,544

$
621

$
4,583

$

Investment properties
9,508

10,981

720

10,184

246

Multifamily real estate
7,131

7,131

1,665

7,136

408

One- to four-family construction
8,291

8,291

1,441

6,946

339

Land and land development





Residential
6,904

7,369

990

7,987

258

Commercial
46

46

12

46


Commercial business
7,725

8,704

955

6,052

160

One- to four-family residential
43,380

45,676

1,806

44,558

1,303

Consumer
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
2,683

3,475

80

3,040

29

Consumer—other
1,891

2,015

48

2,051

5

$
91,852

$
98,232

$
8,338

$
92,583

$
2,748


(1)
Loans without a specific allowance reserve have not been individually evaluated for impairment, but have been included in pools of homogeneous loans for evaluation of related allowance reserves.
(2)
Loans with a specific allowance reserve have been individually evaluated for impairment using either a discounted cash flow analysis or, for collateral dependent loans, current appraisals to establish realizable value.  These analyses may identify a specific impairment amount needed or may conclude that no reserve is needed.  Any specific impairment that is identified is included in the category’s Related Allowance column.


24


The following tables present TDRs at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
June 30, 2013
Accrual
Status
Nonaccrual
Status
Total
Modifications
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
187

$
627

$
814

Investment properties
7,047

1,462

8,509

Multifamily real estate
5,815


5,815

One- to four-family construction
6,964

1,022

7,986

Land and land development:



Residential
4,352


4,352

Commercial business
1,179

548

1,727

One- to four-family residential
25,301

2,813

28,114

Consumer:
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
410

258

668

Consumer—other
478

132

610

$
51,733

$
6,862

$
58,595


December 31, 2012
Accrual
Status
Nonaccrual
Status
Total
Modifications
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
188

$
1,551

$
1,739

Investment properties
7,034

1,514

8,548

Multifamily real estate
7,131


7,131

One- to four-family construction
6,726

1,044

7,770

Land and land development:



Residential
4,842

15

4,857

Commercial business
2,975

247

3,222

One- to four-family residential
27,540

2,703

30,243

Consumer:
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
538

496

1,034

Consumer—other
488

396

884

$
57,462

$
7,966

$
65,428



25


The following tables present new TDRs that occurred during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
Number of
Contracts
Pre-
modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Post-
modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Number of
Contracts
Pre-
modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Post-
modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Recorded Investment (1) (2)
Commercial real estate
Investment properties
1

$
900

$
781

1

$
900

$
781

Multifamily real estate
1

378

378

1

378

378

Land and land development—residential
5

521

521

9

1,597

1,597

One- to four-family residential



9

3,115

3,115

7

$
1,799

$
1,680

20

$
5,990

$
5,871

Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
Number of
Contracts
Pre-
modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Post-
modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Number of
Contracts
Pre-
modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Post-
modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Recorded Investment (1) (2)






Commercial real estate






Investment properties
1

$
99

$
99

3

$
974

$
974

Multifamily real estate
2

5,054

5,054

2

5,054

5,054

One- to four-family construction
10

2,664

2,664

11

3,146

3,146

Commercial business
5

1,289

1,289

10

2,195

2,195

One- to four-family residential
2

621

621

17

9,073

9,073

Consumer
1

132

132

2

284

284

21

$
9,859

$
9,859

45

$
20,726

$
20,726


(1)
Since most loans were already considered classified and/or on nonaccrual status prior to restructuring, the modifications did not have a material effect on the Company’s determination of the allowance for loan losses.
(2)
The majority of these modifications do not fit into one separate type, such as rate, term, amount, interest-only or payment, but instead are a combination of multiple types of modifications; therefore, they are disclosed in aggregate.

The following table presents TDRs which incurred a payment default within twelve months of the restructure date during the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands).  A default on a TDR results in either a transfer to nonaccrual status or a partial charge-off:
Three Months Ended
June 30
Six Months Ended
June 30
2013
2012
2013
2012
Commercial real estate:
Owner occupied
$

$

$

$
1,378

Commercial business


343


One- to four-family residential



562

Total
$

$

$
343

$
1,940



26


Credit Quality Indicators :  To appropriately and effectively manage the ongoing credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, management has implemented a risk-rating or loan grading system for its loans.  The system is a tool to evaluate portfolio asset quality throughout each applicable loan’s life as an asset of the Company.  Generally, loans and leases are risk rated on an aggregate borrower/relationship basis with individual loans sharing similar ratings.  There are some instances when specific situations relating to individual loans will provide the basis for different risk ratings within the aggregate relationship.  Loans are graded on a scale of 1 to 9.  A description of the general characteristics of these categories is shown below:

Overall Risk Rating Definitions :  Risk-ratings contain both qualitative and quantitative measurements and take into account the financial strength of a borrower and the structure of the loan or lease.  Consequently, the definitions are to be applied in the context of each lending transaction and judgment must also be used to determine the appropriate risk rating, as it is not unusual for a loan or lease to exhibit characteristics of more than one risk-rating category.  Consideration for the final rating is centered in the borrower’s ability to repay, in a timely fashion, both principal and interest.  There were no material changes in the risk-rating or loan grading system in the six months ended June 30, 2013 .

Risk Rating 1: Exceptional
A credit supported by exceptional financial strength, stability, and liquidity.  The risk rating of 1 is reserved for the Company’s top quality loans, generally reserved for investment grade credits underwritten to the standards of institutional credit providers.

Risk Rating 2: Excellent
A credit supported by excellent financial strength, stability and liquidity.  The risk rating of 2 is reserved for very strong and highly stable customers with ready access to alternative financing sources.

Risk Rating 3: Strong
A credit supported by good overall financial strength and stability.  Collateral margins are strong; cash flow is stable although susceptible to cyclical market changes.

Risk Rating 4: Acceptable
A credit supported by the borrower’s adequate financial strength and stability.  Assets and cash flow are reasonably sound and provide for orderly debt reduction.  Access to alternative financing sources will be more difficult to obtain.

Risk Rating 5: Watch
A credit with the characteristics of an acceptable credit which requires, however, more than the normal level of supervision and warrants formal quarterly management reporting.  Credits in this category are not yet criticized or classified, but due to adverse events or aspects of underwriting require closer than normal supervision. Generally, credits should be watch credits in most cases for six months or less as the impact of stress factors are analyzed.

Risk Rating 6: Special Mention
A credit with potential weaknesses that deserves management’s close attention is risk rated a 6.  If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses will result in deterioration in the capacity to repay debt.  A key distinction between Special Mention and Substandard is that in a Special Mention credit, there are identified weaknesses that pose potential risk(s) to the repayment sources, versus well defined weaknesses that pose risk(s) to the repayment sources.  Assets in this category are expected to be in this category no more than 9-12 months as the potential weaknesses in the credit are resolved.

Risk Rating 7: Substandard
A credit with well defined weaknesses that jeopardize the ability to repay in full is risk rated a 7.  These credits are inadequately protected by either the sound net worth and payment capacity of the borrower or the value of pledged collateral.  These are credits with a distinct possibility of loss.  Loans headed for foreclosure and/or legal action due to deterioration are rated 7 or worse.

Risk Rating 8: Doubtful
A credit with an extremely high probability of loss is risk rated 8.  These credits have all the same critical weaknesses that are found in a substandard loan; however, the weaknesses are elevated to the point that based upon current information, collection or liquidation in full is improbable.  While some loss on doubtful credits is expected, pending events may strengthen a credit making the amount and timing of any loss indeterminable.  In these situations taking the loss is inappropriate until it is clear that the pending event has failed to strengthen the credit and improve the capacity to repay debt.

Risk Rating 9: Loss
A credit that is considered to be currently uncollectible or of such little value that it is no longer a viable Bank asset is risk rated 9.  Losses should be taken in the accounting period in which the credit is determined to be uncollectible.  Taking a loss does not mean that a credit has absolutely no recovery or salvage value but, rather, it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off the credit, even though partial recovery may occur in the future.


27


The following table shows the Company’s portfolio of risk-rated loans and non-risk-rated loans by grade or other characteristics as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
June 30, 2013
Commercial
Real Estate
Multifamily
Real Estate
Construction and Land
Commercial Business
Agricultural
Business
One- to Four-
Family Residential
Consumer
Total Loans
Risk-rated loans:
Pass (Risk Ratings 1-5) (1)
$
1,047,077

$
131,314

$
329,004

$
607,626

$
217,097

$
535,884

$
271,564

$
3,139,566

Special mention
12,631


481

8,600

653


142

22,507

Substandard
36,456

5,713

24,199

23,604

16,217

16,814

4,571

127,574

Doubtful
544



10




554

Loss








Total loans
$
1,096,708

$
137,027

$
353,684

$
639,840

$
233,967

$
552,698

$
276,277

$
3,290,201

Performing loans
$
1,091,898

$
136,692

$
350,909

$
637,017

$
233,967

$
539,336

$
274,281

$
3,264,100

Non-performing loans (2)
4,810

335

2,775

2,823


13,362

1,996

26,101

Total loans
$
1,096,708

$
137,027

$
353,684

$
639,840

$
233,967

$
552,698

$
276,277

$
3,290,201

December 31, 2012
Commercial
Real Estate
Multifamily
Real Estate
Construction and Land
Commercial Business
Agricultural Business
One- to Four-Family Residential
Consumer
Total Loans
Risk-rated loans:








Pass (Risk Ratings 1-5) (1)
$
1,016,964

$
130,815

$
274,407

$
581,846

$
228,304

$
560,781

$
284,816

$
3,077,933

Special mention
14,332


3,146

7,905

713

438

148

26,682

Substandard
41,382

6,689

27,064

28,287

1,014

20,451

5,657

130,544

Doubtful
544



11




555

Loss








Total loans
$
1,073,222

$
137,504

$
304,617

$
618,049

$
230,031

$
581,670

$
290,621

$
3,235,714

Performing loans
$
1,066,643

$
137,504

$
300,945

$
613,299

$
230,031

$
565,829

$
287,073

$
3,201,324

Non-performing loans (2)
6,579


3,672

4,750


15,841

3,548

34,390

Total loans
$
1,073,222

$
137,504

$
304,617

$
618,049

$
230,031

$
581,670

$
290,621

$
3,235,714


(1)
The Pass category includes some performing loans that are part of homogenous pools which are not individually risk-rated.  This includes all consumer loans, all one- to four-family residential loans and, as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , in the commercial business category, $81 million and $77 million , respectively, of credit-scored small business loans.  As loans in these pools become non-performing, they are individually risk-rated.
(2)
Non-performing loans include non-accrual loans and loans past due greater than 90 days and on accrual status.

28


The following tables provide additional detail on the age analysis of the Company’s past due loans as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
June 30, 2013
30-59 Days
Past Due
60-89 Days
Past Due
90 Days or More Past Due
Total Past
Due
Current
Total Loans
Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
59

$
400

$
1,391

$
1,850

$
498,962

$
500,812

$

Investment properties
2,249


1,405

3,654

592,242

595,896


Multifamily real estate




137,027

137,027


Commercial construction




25,629

25,629


Multifamily construction




39,787

39,787


One-to-four-family construction
208


538

746

190,257

191,003


Land and land development:
Residential


1,011

1,011

85,026

86,037


Commercial




11,228

11,228


Commercial business
706

263

551

1,520

638,320

639,840

4

Agricultural business, including secured by farmland
233

125


358

233,609

233,967


One- to four-family residential
404

2,432

6,609

9,445

543,253

552,698

1,897

Consumer:
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
225

598

597

1,420

161,919

163,339


Consumer—other
427

240

650

1,317

111,621

112,938

58

Total
$
4,511

$
4,058

$
12,752

$
21,321

$
3,268,880

$
3,290,201

$
1,959



29


December 31, 2012
30-59 Days
Past Due
60-89 Days
Past Due
90 Days or More Past Due
Total Past
Due
Current
Total Loans
Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing
Commercial real estate:
Owner-occupied
$
1,693

$

$
1,371

$
3,064

$
486,517

$
489,581

$

Investment properties
743


1,431

2,174

581,467

583,641


Multifamily real estate




137,504

137,504


Commercial construction




30,229

30,229


Multifamily construction




22,581

22,581


One-to-four-family construction
611



611

160,204

160,815


Land and land development:
Residential


2,047

2,047

74,963

77,010


Commercial
2,083


45

2,128

11,854

13,982


Commercial business
1,849

49

842

2,740

615,309

618,049


Agricultural business, including secured by farmland




230,031

230,031


One-to four-family residential
1,376

3,468

11,488

16,332

565,338

581,670

2,877

Consumer:
Consumer secured by one- to four-family
699

74

1,204

1,977

168,146

170,123


Consumer—other
816

673

839

2,328

118,170

120,498

152

Total
$
9,870

$
4,264

$
19,267

$
33,401

$
3,202,313

$
3,235,714

$
3,029



30


The following tables provide additional information on the allowance for loan losses and loan balances individually and collectively evaluated for impairment at or for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
Commercial
Real Estate
Multifamily
Construction and Land
Commercial
Business
Agricultural
business
One- to Four-
Family
Consumer
Commitments and Unallocated
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance
$
14,776

$
5,075

$
15,214

$
10,011

$
2,282

$
15,930

$
1,238

$
12,602

$
77,128

Provision for loan losses
162

(102
)
1,493

527

1,213

(557
)
105

(2,841
)

Recoveries
378


337

666

310

3

117


1,811

Charge-offs
(418
)

(419
)
(398
)

(402
)
(449
)

(2,086
)
Ending balance
$
14,898

$
4,973

$
16,625

$
10,806

$
3,805

$
14,974

$
1,011

$
9,761

$
76,853

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
Commercial
Real Estate
Multifamily
Construction and Land
Commercial
Business
Agricultural
business
One- to Four-
Family
Consumer
Commitments and Unallocated
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance
$
15,322

$
4,506

$
14,991

$
9,957

$
2,295

$
16,475

$
1,348

$
12,597

$
77,491

Provision for loan losses
(1,622
)
467

2,050

1,124

1,163

(567
)
221

(2,836
)

Recoveries
1,964


438

1,052

347

119

219


4,139

Charge-offs
(766
)

(854
)
(1,327
)

(1,053
)
(777
)

(4,777
)
Ending balance
$
14,898

$
4,973

$
16,625

$
10,806

$
3,805

$
14,974

$
1,011

$
9,761

$
76,853

At June 30, 2013
Commercial
Real Estate
Multifamily
Construction and Land
Commercial
Business
Agricultural
business
One- to Four-
Family
Consumer
Commitments and Unallocated
Total
Allowance individually evaluated for impairment
$
750

$
1,326

$
1,955

$
216

$

$
1,923

$
84

$

$
6,254

Allowance collectively evaluated for impairment
14,148

3,647

14,670

10,590

3,805

13,051

927

9,761

70,599

Total allowance for loan losses
$
14,898

$
4,973

$
16,625

$
10,806

$
3,805

$
14,974

$
1,011

$
9,761

$
76,853

At June 30, 2013
Commercial
Real Estate
Multifamily
Construction and Land
Commercial
Business
Agricultural
business
One- to Four-
Family
Consumer
Commitments and Unallocated
Total
Loan balances:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
$
10,647

$
5,815

$
12,723

$
2,818

$

$
29,419

$
1,066

$

$
62,488

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
1,086,061

131,212

340,961

637,022

233,967

523,279

275,211


3,227,713

Total loans
$
1,096,708

$
137,027

$
353,684

$
639,840

$
233,967

$
552,698

$
276,277

$

$
3,290,201


31



For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
Commercial
Real Estate
Multifamily
Construction and Land
Commercial
Business
Agricultural
business
One- to Four-
Family
Consumer
Commitments and
Unallocated
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance
$
17,083

$
3,261

$
15,871

$
13,123

$
1,887

$
12,869

$
1,274

$
16,176

$
81,544

Provision for loan losses
992

1,847

1,756

887

(608
)
2,876

345

(4,095
)
4,000

Recoveries
18


1,050

639

15

374

195


2,291

Charge-offs
(1,259
)

(1,703
)
(2,297
)

(1,906
)
(449
)

(7,614
)
Ending balance
$
16,834

$
5,108

$
16,974

$
12,352

$
1,294

$
14,213

$
1,365

$
12,081

$
80,221

At For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
Commercial
Real Estate
Multifamily
Construction and Land
Commercial
Business
Agricultural
business
One- to Four-
Family
Consumer
Commitments and
Unallocated
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance
$
16,457

$
3,952

$
18,184

$
15,159

$
1,548

$
12,299

$
1,253

$
14,060

$
82,912

Provision for loan losses
2,327

1,156

1,997

22

6

4,407

1,064

(1,979
)
9,000

Recoveries
632


1,420

875

15

379

331


3,652

Charge-offs
(2,582
)

(4,627
)
(3,704
)
(275
)
(2,872
)
(1,283
)

(15,343
)
Ending balance
$
16,834

$
5,108

$
16,974

$
12,352

$
1,294

$
14,213

$
1,365

$
12,081

$
80,221

At June 30, 2012
Commercial
Real Estate
Multifamily
Construction and Land
Commercial
Business
Agricultural
business
One- to Four-
Family
Consumer
Commitments and
Unallocated
Total
Allowance individually evaluated for impairment
$
400

$
1,464

$
2,739

$
1,054

$

$
1,281

$
33

$

$
6,971

Allowance collectively evaluated for impairment
16,434

3,644

14,235

11,298

1,294

12,932

1,332

12,081

73,250

Total allowance for loan losses
$
16,834

$
5,108

$
16,974

$
12,352

$
1,294

$
14,213

$
1,365

$
12,081

$
80,221

At June 30, 2012
Commercial Real Estate
Multifamily
Construction and Land
Commercial Business
Agricultural business
One- to Four-
Family
Consumer
Commitments and Unallocated
Total
Loan balances:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
$
9,468

$
5,000

$
11,594

$
10,514

$

$
20,989

$
1,580

$

$
59,145

Loans collectively evaluated for  impairment
1,082,118

125,319

282,283

589,532

211,705

586,500

275,655


3,153,112

Total loans
$
1,091,586

$
130,319

$
293,877

$
600,046

$
211,705

$
607,489

$
277,235

$

$
3,212,257


32


Note 8:  REAL ESTATE OWNED, NET

The following table presents the changes in REO, net of valuation adjustments, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30
Six Months Ended
June 30
2013

2012

2013

2012

Balance, beginning of the period
$
11,160

$
27,723

$
15,778

$
42,965

Additions from loan foreclosures
418

6,885

1,504

8,486

Additions from capitalized costs

7

46

134

Dispositions of REO
(5,305
)
(7,798
)
(11,787
)
(23,239
)
Gain on sale of REO
667

567

1,472

667

Valuation adjustments in the period
(226
)
(1,568
)
(299
)
(3,197
)
Balance, end of the period
$
6,714

$
25,816

$
6,714

$
25,816


The following table shows REO by type and geographic location by state as of June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
Washington
Oregon
Idaho
Total
Commercial real estate
$

$

$
199

$
199

One- to four-family construction




Land development—residential
1,339

2,979

70

4,388

One- to four-family real estate
1,203

924


2,127

Balance, end of period
$
2,542

$
3,903

$
269

$
6,714


REO properties are recorded at the lower of the estimated fair value of the property, less expected selling costs, or the carrying value of the defaulted loan, establishing a new cost basis.  Subsequently, REO properties are carried at the lower of the new cost basis or updated fair market values, based on updated appraisals of the underlying properties, as received.  Valuation allowances on the carrying value of REO may be recognized based on updated appraisals or on management’s authorization to reduce the selling price of a property.

Note 9:  INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS

Intangible Assets: At June 30, 2013 , intangible assets consisted primarily of core deposit intangibles (CDI), which are amounts recorded in business combinations or deposit purchase transactions related to the value of transaction-related deposits and the value of the customer relationships associated with the deposits.

The Company amortizes CDI over their estimated useful life and reviews them at least annually for events or circumstances that could impact their recoverability.  The CDI assets shown in the table below represent the value ascribed to the long-term deposit relationships acquired in three separate bank acquisitions during 2007.  These intangible assets are being amortized using an accelerated method over estimated useful lives of eight years.  The CDI assets are not estimated to have a significant residual value.  Intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives and are also reviewed for impairment.


33


The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s core deposit intangibles and other intangibles for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
Core Deposit Intangibles
Other
Total
Balance, December 31, 2012
$
4,230

$

$
4,230

Amortization
(983
)

(983
)
Balance, June 30, 2013
$
3,247

$

$
3,247


Core Deposit Intangibles
Other
Total
Balance, December 31, 2011
$
6,322

$
9

$
6,331

Amortization
(2,092
)
(9
)
(2,101
)
Balance, December 31, 2012
$
4,230

$

$
4,230


The following table presents the future estimated annual amortization expense with respect to intangibles (in thousands):
Year Ended
Core Deposit
Intangibles
December 31, 2013
$
1,908

December 31, 2014
1,724

December 31, 2015
598

$
4,230


Mortgage Servicing Rights: Mortgage servicing rights are reported in other assets. Mortgage servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value and are amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets.  Mortgage servicing rights are subsequently evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights compared to the amortized cost (remaining unamortized initial fair value).  If the fair value is less than the amortized cost, a valuation allowance is created through an impairment charge to servicing fee income. However, if the fair value is greater than the amortized cost, the amount above the amortized cost is not recognized in the carrying value.  During the six months ended June 30, 2013 , the Company reversed $600,000 of valuation allowance for previously recorded impairment charges. During the six months ended June 30, 2012 , the Company did no t record an impairment charge or reversal.  Loans serviced for others totaled $1.037 billion , $918 million and $780 million at June 30, 2013 , December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012 , respectively.  Custodial accounts maintained in connection with this servicing totaled $5.5 million , $4.7 million and $4.2 million at June 30, 2013 , December 31, 2012 , and June 30, 2012 , respectively.

An analysis of our mortgage servicing rights for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 is presented below (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30
Six Months Ended
June 30
2013

2012

2013

2012

Balance, beginning of the period
$
6,335

$
5,870

$
6,244

$
5,584

Amounts capitalized
807

940

1,583

1,853

Amortization (1)
(706
)
(608
)
(1,391
)
(1,235
)
Valuation adjustments in the period
600


600


Balance, end of the period (2)
$
7,036

$
6,202

$
7,036

$
6,202


(1)
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights is recorded as a reduction of loan servicing income and any unamortized balance is fully written off if the loan repays in full.
(2)
Balances as of June 30, 2013 and 2012 are net of valuation allowances of $700,000 and $900,000 , respectively.


34


Note 10:  DEPOSITS AND RETAIL REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

Deposits consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 , December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012 (dollars in thousands):
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
June 30, 2012
Amount
Percent
of Total
Amount
Percent
of Total
Amount
Percent
of Total
Non-interest-bearing accounts
$
958,674

27.7
%
$
981,240

27.6
%
$
804,562

23.5
%
Interest-bearing checking
399,302

11.5

410,316

11.5

379,742

11.1

Regular savings accounts
751,475

21.7

727,957

20.5

664,736

19.4

Money market accounts
406,736

11.8

408,998

11.5

405,412

11.8

Total transaction and saving accounts
2,516,187

72.7

2,528,511

71.1

2,254,452

65.8

Certificates which mature or reprice:


Within 1 year
694,212

20.1

759,626

21.3

903,923

26.4

After 1 year, but within 3 years
196,762

5.7

209,790

5.9

198,015

5.8

After 3 years
53,163

1.5

59,877

1.7

69,359

2.0

Total certificate accounts
944,137

27.3

1,029,293

28.9

1,171,297

34.2

Total deposits
$
3,460,324

100.0
%
$
3,557,804

100.0
%
$
3,425,749

100.0
%
Included in total deposits:



Public fund transaction accounts
$
78,589

2.3
%
$
79,955

2.2
%
$
73,507

2.2
%
Public fund interest-bearing certificates
51,759

1.5
%
60,518

1.7
%
62,743

1.8
%
Total public deposits
$
130,348

3.8
%
$
140,473

3.9
%
$
136,250

4.0
%
Total brokered deposits
$
7,152

0.2
%
$
15,702

0.4
%
$
23,521

0.7
%

The following table presents the geographic concentration of deposits at June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
Washington
Oregon
Idaho
Total
Total deposits
$
2,616,808

$
604,341

$
239,175

$
3,460,324

Percent of total deposits
75.6
%
17.5
%
6.9
%
100.0
%

In addition to deposits, we also offer retail repurchase agreements which are customer funds that are primarily associated with sweep account arrangements tied to transaction deposit accounts.  While we include these collateralized borrowings in other borrowings reported in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, these accounts primarily represent customer utilization of our cash management services and related deposit accounts.

The following table presents retail repurchase agreement balances as of June 30, 2013 , December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):
June 30, 2013

December 31, 2012

June 30, 2012

Retail repurchase agreements
$
90,779

$
76,633

$
90,030



35


Note 11:  FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING AND MEASUREMENT

The Company has elected to record certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale). The GAAP standard (ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements ) establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. Among other things, the standard requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s estimates for market assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments. An active market is a market in which transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and shall be used to measure fair value whenever available.

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than Level 1 including quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments, quoted prices in less active markets for identical or similar instruments, or other observable inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity for financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation; also includes observable inputs from non-binding single dealer quotes not corroborated by observable market data.

The estimated fair value amounts of financial instruments have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required to interpret data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. In addition, reasonable comparability between financial institutions may not be likely due to the wide range of permitted valuation techniques and numerous estimates that must be made given the absence of active secondary markets for certain financial instruments. This lack of uniform valuation methodologies also introduces a greater degree of subjectivity to these estimated fair values. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to occur at the end of the reporting period.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:

Banner records trading account securities, securities available-for-sale, FHLB debt and junior subordinated debentures at fair value on a recurring basis.

The securities assets primarily consist of U.S. Government and agency obligations, municipal bonds, corporate bonds, single issue trust preferred securities (TPS), pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligation securities (TRUP CDO), mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, equity securities and certain other financial instruments. Level 1 measurements are based upon quoted prices in active markets. Level 2 measurements are generally based upon a matrix pricing model from an investment reporting and valuation service. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique used principally to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities. Level 3 measurements are based primarily on unobservable inputs. In developing Level 3 measurements, management incorporates whatever market data might be available and uses discounted cash flow models where appropriate. These calculations include projections of future cash flows, including appropriate default and loss assumptions, and market based discount rates.

From mid-2008 through the current quarter, the lack of active markets and market participants for certain securities resulted in an increase in Level 3 measurements. This has been particularly true for our TRUP CDO securities. As of June 30, 2013 , we owned $31 million in current par value of these securities, exclusive of those securities the Company elected to write-off completely. The market for TRUP CDO securities is inactive, which was evidenced first by a significant widening of the bid-ask spread in the brokered markets in which TRUP CDOs trade and then by a significant decrease in the volume of trades relative to historical levels. The new issue market is also inactive as almost no new TRUP CDOs have been issued since 2007. There are still very few market participants who are willing and/or able to transact for these securities. Thus, a low market price for a particular bond may only provide evidence of stress in the credit markets in general rather than being an indicator of credit problems with a particular issuer or of the fair value of the security.

Given these conditions in the debt markets and the absence of observable transactions in the secondary and new issue markets, management determined that for the TRUP CDOs at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 :

The few observable transactions and market quotations that were available were not reliable for purposes of determining fair value,

An income valuation approach technique (present value technique) that maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs was equally or more representative of fair value than the market approach valuation technique, and


36


The Company’s TRUP CDOs should be classified exclusively within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because of the significant assumptions required to determine fair value at the measurement date.

The TRUP CDO valuations were derived using input from independent third parties who used proprietary cash flow models for analyzing collateralized debt obligations. Their approaches to determining fair value involve considering the credit quality of the collateral, assuming a level of defaults based on the probability of default of each underlying trust preferred security, creating expected cash flows for each TRUP CDO security and discounting that cash flow at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate plus a liquidity premium.

Where appropriate, management reviewed the valuation methodologies and assumptions used by the independent third party providers and for certain securities determined that the fair value estimates were reasonable and utilized those estimates in the Company’s reported financial statements, while for other securities management adjusted the third party providers’ modeling to be more reflective of the characteristics of the Company’s remaining TRUP CDOs. The result of this fair value analysis of these Level 3 measurements was a fair value gain of $721,000 in the quarter ended June 30, 2013 . This gain was primarily the result of a reduction in the spread between the benchmark credit equivalent indices used to establish an appropriate discount rate and a similar maturity point on the interest rate swap curve. In management's opinion the reduction in this spread was consistent with a general market tightening in credit spreads supported by other market observations.

At June 30, 2013 , Banner also owned approximately $19 million in amortized cost of TPS securities issued by three individual financial institutions for which no direct market data or independent valuation source is available. Similar to the TRUP CDOs above, there were too few, if any, issuances of new TPS securities or sales of existing TPS securities to provide Level 1 or even Level 2 fair value measurements for these securities. Management, therefore, utilized a discounted cash-flow model to calculate the present value of each security’s expected future cash flows to determine their respective fair values. In the current quarter, the Company again sought input from independent third parties to help it establish an appropriate set of parameters to identify a reasonable range of discount rates for use in its fair value model. Management concluded that the general market tightening of credit spreads reflected in the TRUP CDO valuations should be offset by an increase in the liquidity premium when determining an appropriate discount rate to apply to the valuation of these TPS securities. These factors were then incorporated into the model at June 30, 2013 , and discount rates equal to three-month LIBOR plus 525 basis points were used to calculate the respective fair values of these securities, the same spread to LIBOR used over the last four quarters. With the discount rate relatively unchanged since the prior quarter-end, the resulting fair value change was a gain of $25,000 in the quarter ended June 30, 2013 . The Company has and will continue to assess the appropriate fair value hierarchy for determination of these fair values on a quarterly basis.

Fair valuations for FHLB advances are estimated using fair market values provided by the lender, the FHLB of Seattle. The FHLB of Seattle prices advances by discounting the future contractual cash flows for individual advances using its current cost of funds curve to provide the discount rate. Management considers this to be a Level 2 input method.

The fair valuations of junior subordinated debentures (TPS-related debt that the Company has issued) were also estimated using discounted cash flows. As of June 30, 2013 , all of these debentures carry interest rates that reset quarterly, using the three-month LIBOR index plus spreads of 1.38% to 3.35% .  While the quarterly reset of the index on this debt would seemingly keep its fair value reasonably close to book value, the disparity in the fixed spreads above the index and the inability to determine realistic current market spreads, due to lack of new issuances and trades, resulted in having to rely more heavily on assumptions about what spread would be appropriate if market transactions were to take place.  As noted above in the discussions of TPS securities and TRUP CDOs, because of the unprecedented disruption of certain financial markets, management concluded that there were insufficient transactions or other indicators to reflect these measurements as Level 1 or Level 2 inputs.  Due to the reliance on assumptions and not on directly observable transactions, management believes fair value for this instrument should follow a Level 3 input methodology. Since the discount rate used in the fair value modeling is the most sensitive unobservable estimate in the calculation, the Company again utilized input from the same independent third party noted above to help it establish an appropriate set of parameters to identify a reasonable range of discount rates for use in its fair value model. In valuing the debentures at June 30, 2013 , management evaluated the general market conditions as noted above and for the discount rate used the period-ending three-month LIBOR plus 525 basis points, the same spread to LIBOR used over the last four quarters, resulting in a fair value loss on these instruments of $251,000 in the current quarter ended June 30, 2013 .
Derivative instruments include interest rate commitments related to one- to four-family loans and residential mortgage-backed securities and interest rate swaps.  The fair value of interest rate lock commitments and forward sales commitments are estimated using quoted or published market prices for similar instruments, adjusted for factors such as pull-through rate assumptions based on historical trends, where appropriate.  The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined by using current market quotes on similar instruments provided by active broker/dealers in the swap market.  Management considers these to be Level 2 input methods. The changes in the fair value of all of these derivative instruments are primarily attributable to changes in the level of market interest rates.  The Company has elected to record the fair value of these derivative instruments on a net basis.


37


The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
June 30, 2013
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Securities—available-for-sale
U.S. Government and agency
$

$
57,899

$

$
57,899

Municipal bonds

55,761


55,761

Corporate bonds

8,994


8,994

Mortgage-backed or related securities

321,527


321,527

Asset-backed securities

24,956


24,956


469,137


469,137

Securities—trading
U.S. Government and agency

1,534


1,534

Municipal bonds

4,990


4,990

TPS and TRUP CDOs


35,105

35,105

Mortgage-backed or related securities

23,839


23,839

Equity securities and other

56


56


30,419

35,105

65,524

Derivatives
Interest rate lock commitments

1,134


1,134

Interest rate swaps

4,415


4,415

$

$
505,105

$
35,105

$
540,210

Liabilities:
Advances from FHLB at fair value
$

$
54,262

$

$
54,262

Junior subordinated debentures net of unamortized deferred issuance costs at fair value


73,471

73,471

Derivatives
Interest rate sales forward commitments, net

813


813

Interest rate swaps

4,415


4,415

$

$
59,490

$
73,471

$
132,961



38


December 31, 2012
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Securities—available-for-sale
U.S. Government and agency
$

$
96,980

$

$
96,980

Municipal bonds

44,938


44,938

Corporate bonds

10,729


10,729

Mortgage-backed or related securities

277,757


277,757

Asset-backed securities

42,516


42,516


472,920


472,920

Securities—trading
U.S. Government and agency

1,637


1,637

Municipal bonds

5,684


5,684

TPS and TRUP CDOs


35,741

35,741

Mortgage-backed or related securities

28,107


28,107

Equity securities and other

63


63


35,491

35,741

71,232

Derivatives
Interest rate lock commitments

510


510

Interest rate swaps

8,353


8,353

$

$
517,274

$
35,741

$
553,015

Liabilities:
Advances from FHLB at fair value
$

$
10,304

$

$
10,304

Junior subordinated debentures net of unamortized deferred issuance costs at fair value


73,063

73,063

Derivatives
Interest rate sales forward commitments, net

195


195

Interest rate swaps

8,353


8,353

$

$
18,852

$
73,063

$
91,915



39


The following table provides a reconciliation of the assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) on a recurring basis during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013
June 30, 2013
Level 3 Fair Value Inputs
Level 3 Fair Value Inputs
TPS and TRUP
CDOs
Borrowings—
Junior
Subordinated
Debentures
TPS and TRUP
CDOs
Borrowings—
Junior
Subordinated
Debentures
Beginning balance
$
34,520

$
73,220

$
35,741

$
73,063

Total gains or losses recognized
Assets gains (losses), including OTTI
585


(636
)

Liabilities (gains) losses

251


408

Ending balance at June 30, 2013
$
35,105

$
73,471

$
35,105

$
73,471

Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2012
June 30, 2012
Level 3 Fair Value Inputs
Level 3 Fair Value Inputs
TPS and TRUP
CDOs
Borrowings—
Junior
Subordinated
Debentures
TPS and TRUP
CDOs
Borrowings—
Junior
Subordinated
Debentures
Beginning balance
$
31,056

$
49,368

$
30,455

$
49,988

Total gains or losses recognized
Assets gains (losses), including OTTI
1,437


2,038


Liabilities (gains) losses

21,185


20,565

Ending balance at June 30, 2012
$
32,493

$
70,553

$
32,493

$
70,553


The Company has elected to continue to recognize the interest income and dividends from the securities reclassified to fair value as a component of interest income as was done in prior years when they were classified as available-for-sale.  Interest expense related to the FHLB advances and junior subordinated debentures continues to be measured based on contractual interest rates and reported in interest expense.  The change in fair market value of these financial instruments has been recorded as a component of other operating income.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis:

Carrying values of certain impaired loans are periodically evaluated to determine if valuation adjustments, or partial write-downs, should be recorded. These non-recurring fair value adjustments are recorded when observable market prices or current appraised values of collateral indicate a shortfall in collateral value or discounted cash flows indicate a shortfall compared to current carrying values of the related loan. If the Company determines that the value of the impaired loan is less than the carrying value of the loan, the Company either establishes an impairment reserve as a specific component of the allowance for loan and lease losses (ALLL) or charges off the impaired amount. The remaining impaired loans are evaluated for reserve needs in homogenous pools within the Company’s ALLL methodology. As of June 30, 2013 , the Company reviewed all of its adversely classified loans totaling $128 million and identified $78 million which were considered impaired. Of those $78 million in impaired loans, $62 million were individually evaluated to determine if valuation adjustments, or partial write-downs, should be recorded, or if specific impairment reserves should be established. The $62 million had original carrying values of $65 million which were reduced by partial write-downs totaling $3 million . In addition to these write-downs, in order to bring the impaired loan balances to fair value, the Company also established $6 million in specific reserves on these impaired loans. Impaired loans that were collectively evaluated for reserve purposes within homogenous pools totaled $15 million and were found to require allowances totaling $719,000 . All TDRs which are currently performing according to their restructured payment terms were included in the specific reserve analysis. The valuation inputs for impaired loans are considered to be Level 3 inputs.

The Company records REO (acquired through a lending relationship) at fair value on a non-recurring basis. All REO properties are recorded at the lower of the estimated fair value of the properties, less expected selling costs, or the carrying value of the defaulted loans. From time to time, non-recurring fair value adjustments to REO are recorded to reflect partial write-downs based on an observable market price or current appraised value of property. Banner considers any valuation inputs related to REO to be Level 3 inputs. The individual carrying values of these assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually and any additional impairment charges are expensed to operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2013 , the Company recognized $226,000 of additional impairment charges related to REO assets, compared to $1.6 million for the same quarter one year earlier.


40


Mortgage servicing rights are reported in other assets. Mortgage servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value and are amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets.  Mortgage servicing rights are subsequently evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights compared to the amortized cost (remaining unamortized initial fair value).  If the fair value is less than the amortized cost, a valuation allowance is created through an impairment charge to servicing fee income.  However, if the fair value is greater than the amortized cost, the amount above the amortized cost is not recognized in the carrying value.  During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not record an impairment charge.  However, during the quarter ended June 30, 2013, the Company recorded a $600,000 reduction in its valuation allowance for previously recognized impairment charges as the estimated fair value increased above the amortized cost at the end of the quarter. Loans serviced for others totaled $1.037 billion , $918 million and $780 million at June 30, 2013 , December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012 , respectively.  Custodial accounts maintained in connection with this servicing totaled $5.5 million , $4.7 million and $4.2 million at June 30, 2013 , December 31, 2012 , and June 30, 2012 , respectively.

The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy of the fair value measurements for those assets at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
At or For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Losses Recognized During the Period
Impaired loans
$
53,628

$

$

$
53,628

$
(5,206
)
REO
6,714



6,714

(355
)
MSRs
7,036



7,036


At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Losses Recognized During the Period
Impaired loans
$
52,475

$

$

$
52,475

$
(6,381
)
REO
15,778



15,778

(1,915
)
MSRs
6,244



6,244

(400
)

The following table provides a description of the valuation technique, unobservable inputs, and qualitative information about the unobservable inputs for the Company's assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 and measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at June 30, 2013 :
Financial Instruments
Valuation Techniques
Unobservable Inputs
Weighted Average
TPS securities
Discounted cash flows
Discount rate
5.53%
TRUP CDOs
Discounted cash Flows
Discount rate
3.86%
Junior Subordinated Debentures
Discounted cash flows
Discount rate
5.53%
Impaired loans
Discounted cash flows
Discount rate
Various
Collateral Valuations
Market values
n/a
REO
Appraisals
Market values
n/a
MSRs
Discounted cash flows
Prepayment rate
12.37%
Discount rate
10.09%


41


Fair Values of Financial Instruments:

The following table presents estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , whether or not recognized or recorded in the consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies.  However, considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data in the development of the estimates of fair value.  Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange.  The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.  The estimated fair value of financial instruments is as follows (in thousands):
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
Carrying
Value
Estimated Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Estimated Fair
Value
Assets:
Cash and due from banks
$
121,448

$
121,448

$
181,298

$
181,298

Securities—trading
65,524

65,524

71,232

71,232

Securities—available-for-sale
469,137

469,137

472,920

472,920

Securities—held-to-maturity
94,336

96,557

86,452

92,458

Loans receivable held for sale
6,393

6,422

11,920

12,059

Loans receivable
3,283,808

3,163,357

3,223,794

3,143,853

FHLB stock
36,040

36,040

36,705

36,705

Bank-owned life insurance
60,894

60,894

59,891

59,891

Mortgage servicing rights
7,036

7,036

6,244

6,244

Derivatives
5,549

5,549

8,863

8,863

Liabilities:




Demand, interest checking and money market accounts
1,764,712

1,623,152

1,800,555

1,729,351

Regular savings
751,475

683,668

727,956

694,609

Certificates of deposit
944,137

937,718

1,029,293

1,033,931

FHLB advances at fair value
54,262

54,262

10,304

10,304

Junior subordinated debentures at fair value
73,471

73,741

73,063

73,063

Other borrowings
90,779

90,779

76,633

76,633

Derivatives
5,228

5,228

8,548

8,548


Fair value estimates, methods, assumptions and the level within the fair value hierarchy of the fair value measurements are set forth below for the Company’s financial and off-balance-sheet instruments:

Cash and Due from Banks: The carrying amount of these items is a reasonable estimate of their fair value and management considers this to be a Level 1 measurement.

Securities: The estimated fair values of investment securities and mortgaged-backed securities are priced using current active market quotes, if available, which are considered Level 1 measurements.  For most of the portfolio, matrix pricing based on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices is used to establish the fair value.  These measurements are considered Level 2.  Due to the increasing credit concerns in the capital markets and inactivity in the trust preferred markets that have limited the observability of market spreads for the Company’s TPS and TRUP CDO securities (see earlier discussion above in determining the securities’ fair market value), management has classified these securities as a Level 3 fair value measure.

Loans Receivable: Fair values are estimated first by stratifying the portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics.  Loans are segregated by type such as multifamily real estate, residential mortgage, nonresidential mortgage, commercial/agricultural, consumer and other.  Each loan category is further segmented into fixed- and adjustable-rate interest terms and by performing and non-performing categories.  A preliminary estimate of fair value is then calculated based on discounted cash flows using as a discount rate the current rate offered on similar products, plus an adjustment for liquidity to reflect the non-homogeneous nature of the loans.  The preliminary estimate is then further reduced by the amount of the allowance for loan losses to arrive at a final estimate of fair value.  Fair value for significant non-performing loans is also based on recent appraisals or estimated cash flows discounted using rates commensurate with risk associated with the estimated cash flows.  Assumptions regarding credit risk, cash flows and discount rates are judgmentally determined using available market information and specific borrower information.  Management considers this to be a Level 3 measurement.

The fair value of performing residential mortgages held for sale is estimated based upon secondary market sources by type of loan and terms such as fixed or variable interest rates.  Management considers this to be a Level 2 measurement.

FHLB Stock: The fair value is based upon the redemption value of the stock which equates to its carrying value.  Management considers this to be a Level 3 measurement.


42


Mortgage Servicing Rights: Fair values are estimated based on current pricing for sales of servicing for new loans adjusted up or down based on the serviced loan’s interest rate versus current new loan rates.  Management considers this to be a Level 3 measurement.

Deposit Liabilities: The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as savings, checking and interest checking accounts, is estimated by applying decay rate assumptions to segregated portfolios of similar deposit types to generate cash flows which are then discounted using short-term market interest rates.  The market value of certificates of deposit is based upon the discounted value of contractual cash flows.  The discount rate is determined using the rates currently offered on comparable instruments. Management considers this to be a Level 3 measurement.

FHLB Advances and Other Borrowings: Fair valuations for Banner’s FHLB advances are estimated using fair market values provided by the lender, the FHLB of Seattle.  The FHLB of Seattle prices advances by discounting the future contractual cash flows for individual advances using its current cost of funds curve to provide the discount rate.  This is considered to be a Level 2 input method.  Other borrowings are priced using discounted cash flows to the date of maturity based on using current rates at which such borrowings can currently be obtained.

Junior Subordinated Debentures: Due to the increasing credit concerns in the capital markets and inactivity in the trust preferred markets that have limited the observability of market spreads (see earlier discussion above in determining the junior subordinated debentures’ fair market value), junior subordinated debentures have been classified as a Level 3 fair value measure.  Management believes that the credit risk adjusted spread and resulting discount rate utilized is indicative of those that would be used by market participants.

Derivatives: Derivatives include interest rate swap agreements, interest rate lock commitments to originate loans held for sale and forward sales contracts to sell loans and securities related to mortgage banking activities. Fair values for these instruments, which generally change as a result of changes in the level of market interest rates, are estimated based on dealer quotes and secondary market sources. Management considers these to be Level 2 inputs.

Off -Balance Sheet Items: Off-balance sheet financial instruments include unfunded commitments to extend credit, including standby letters of credit, and commitments to purchase investment securities. The fair value of these instruments is not considered practical to estimate without incurring excessive costs and management does not believe the fair value estimates would be material. Other commitments to fund loans totaled $1.063 billion and $925 million at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , respectively, and have no carrying value at both dates. There was one commitment to purchase securities at June 30, 2013 for $14 million and one commitment to purchase securities at December 31, 2012 for $12 million .

Limitations: The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 .  Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date and, therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance-sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business.  The fair value has not been estimated for assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.  Significant assets and liabilities that are not financial instruments include the deferred tax assets/liabilities; land, buildings and equipment; and REO.

Note 12:  INCOME TAXES AND DEFERRED TAXES
The Company files a consolidated income tax return including all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries on a calendar year basis. Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, a deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the enacted tax rates which will be in effect when the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities are expected to be reported in the Company’s income tax returns. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period of change. A valuation allowance is recognized as a reduction to deferred tax assets when management determines it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be available to offset future income tax liabilities.

Accounting standards for income taxes prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and also provide guidance on the de-recognition of previously recorded benefits and their classification, as well as the proper recording of interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transition. The Company periodically reviews its income tax positions based on tax laws and regulations and financial reporting considerations, and records adjustments as appropriate. This review takes into consideration the status of current taxing authorities’ examinations of the Company’s tax returns, recent positions taken by the taxing authorities on similar transactions, if any, and the overall tax environment.

As of June 30, 2013 , the Company had an insignificant amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, none of which would materially affect the effective tax rate if recognized. The Company does not anticipate that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease in the next twelve months. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax expense. The Company files consolidated income tax returns in U.S. federal jurisdiction and in the Oregon and Idaho state jurisdictions. The tax years which remain subject to examination by the taxing authorities are the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008.


43


Note 13:  CALCULATION OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING FOR EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

The following table reconciles basic to diluted weighted shares outstanding used to calculate earnings per share data dollars and shares (in thousands, except per share data):
Three Months Ended
June 30
Six Months Ended
June 30
2013

2012

2013

2012

Net income (loss)
$
11,753

$
25,390

$
23,336

$
34,574

Preferred stock dividend accrual

1,550


3,100

Preferred stock discount accretion

454


908

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$
11,753

$
23,386

$
23,336

$
30,566







Basic weighted average shares outstanding
19,333

18,404

19,323

18,052

Plus unvested restricted stock
64

40

62

34

Diluted weighted shares outstanding
19,397

18,444

19,385

18,086

Earnings (loss) per common share




Basic
$
0.61

$
1.27

$
1.21

$
1.69

Diluted
$
0.60

$
1.27

$
1.20

$
1.69


Options to purchase an additional 27,708 and 47,671 shares of common stock as of June 30, 2013 and 2012 , respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their exercise price resulted in them being anti-dilutive.  Also, as of June 30, 2013 , the warrants originally issued to the U.S. Treasury in the fourth quarter of 2008 to purchase up to $18.6 million ( 243,998 shares, post reverse-split) of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the exercise price of the warrants were greater than the average market price of common shares. In June 2013, the Treasury sold the warrants in a public auction. That sale did not change the Company's capital position and did not have any impact on the financial accounting and reporting for these securities.

Note 14:  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS AND STOCK OPTIONS

The Company operates the following stock-based compensation plans as approved by the shareholders: the 1996 Stock Option Plan, the 1998 Stock Option Plan and the 2001 Stock Option Plan (collectively, SOPs) and the Banner Corporation 2012 Restricted Stock Plan. In addition, during 2006 the Board of Directors approved the Banner Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, an account-based benefit plan which for reporting purposes is considered a stock appreciation rights plan.

Restricted Stock Grants. Under the 2012 Restricted Stock Plan, which was approved on April 24, 2012 , the Company is authorized to issue up to 300,000 shares of its common stock to provide a means for attracting and retaining highly skilled officers of Banner Corporation and its affiliates. Shares granted under the Plan have a minimum vesting period of three years. The Plan will continue in effect for a term of ten years, after which no further awards may be granted. Vesting requirements may include time-based conditions, performance-based conditions, or market-based conditions. The 2012 Restricted Stock Plan was amended on April 23, 2013 to provide for the ability to grant (1) cash-denominated incentive-based awards payable in cash or common stock, including those that are eligible to qualify as qualified performance-based compensation for the purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code and (2) restricted stock awards that qualify as qualified performance-based compensation for the purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. As of June 30, 2013 , the Company had granted 189,426 shares of restricted stock from the 2012 Restricted Stock Plan, of which 4,845 shares had vested and 184,581 shares remain unvested.

Additionally the Company granted shares of restricted common stock to Mark J. Grescovich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Banner Bank and Banner Corporation on August 22, 2010 and on August 23, 2011. The restricted shares were granted to Mr. Grescovich in accordance with his employment agreement, which, as an inducement material to his joining the Company and the Bank, provided for the granting of restricted shares on the six-month and the 18-month anniversaries of the effective date of the agreement. The shares vest in one-third annual increments over the subsequent three -year periods following the grants. A total of 34,257 shares were granted. As of June 30, 2013 16,941 shares had vested and 17,316 shares remain unvested.

The expense associated with all restricted stock grants was $315,000 and $522,000 , respectively, for the three and six -month periods ended June 30, 2013 and was $17,000 and $42,000 , respectively, for the three and six -month periods ended June 30, 2012 . Unrecognized compensation expense for these awards as of June 30, 2013 was $4.5 million and will be amortized over the next 34 months .

Stock Options. Under the SOPs, Banner reserved 2,284,186 shares for issuance pursuant to the exercise of stock options to be granted to directors and employees. Authority to grant additional options under the 1996 Stock Option Plan terminated on July 26, 2006. Authority to grant additional options under the 1998 Stock Option Plan terminated on July 24, 2008. Authority to grant additional options under the 2001 Stock Option Plan terminated on April 20, 2011. The exercise price of the stock options is set at 100% of the fair market value of the stock price on the date of grant. Options granted vest at a rate of 20% per year from the date of grant and any unexercised incentive stock options will expire ten years after date of grant or 90 days after employment or service ends.

44



During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 , the Company did not grant any stock options. Additionally, there were no significant modifications made to any stock option grants during the period. The fair values of stock options granted are amortized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the grant. There was no stock-based compensation costs related to the SOPs for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 and $3,000 in expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 . The SOPs’ stock option grant compensation costs are generally based on the fair value calculated from the Black-Scholes option pricing on the date of the grant award. The Black-Scholes model assumes an expected stock price volatility based on the historical volatility at the date of the grant and an expected term based on the remaining contractual life of the vesting period. The Company bases the estimate of risk-free interest rate on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturities Indices in effect at the time of the grant. The dividend yield is based on the current quarterly dividend in effect at the time of the grant.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, there were no exercises of stock options. Cash was not used to settle any equity instruments previously granted. The Company issues shares from authorized but unissued shares upon the exercise of stock options. The Company does not currently expect to repurchase shares from any source to satisfy such obligations under the SOPs.

Banner Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan: The Plan is an account-based type of benefit, the value of which is directly related to changes in the value of Company stock, dividends declared on the Company stock and changes in Banner Bank’s average earnings rate, and is considered a stock appreciation right (SAR). Each SAR entitles the holder to receive cash, upon vesting, equal to the excess of the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise over the fair market value of such share on the date granted plus for some grants the dividends declared on the stock from the date of grant to the date of vesting. The primary objective of the Plan is to create a retention incentive by allowing officers who remain with the Company or the Banks for a sufficient period of time to share in the increases in the value of Company stock. The Company re-measures the fair value of SARs each reporting period until the award is settled and compensation expense is recognized each reporting period for changes in fair value and vesting. To adjust for a change in its estimated liability pursuant to the Plan, the Company recognized a compensation expense of $150,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and a total compensation expense of $239,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2013 . During 2012, the Company recognized compensation expense of $66,000 and $88,000 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2012 . At June 30, 2013 , the aggregate liability related to SARs was $795,000 and was included in deferred compensation.

Note 15:  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk

We have financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk generated in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our customers.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, commitments related to standby letters of credit, commitments to originate loans, commitments to sell loans, commitments to buy and sell mortgage-backed and other securities.  These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk similar to the risk involved in on-balance sheet items recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Our 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.  We use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for on-balance-sheet instruments.

Outstanding commitments for which no asset or liability for the notional amount has been recorded consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):
Contract or Notional Amount
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
Commitments to extend credit
$
1,018,425

$
907,892

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees
7,972

6,660

Commitments to originate loans
36,661

10,733

Commitments to purchase investment securities
13,640

11,500

Derivatives also included in Note 16:
Commitments to originate loans held for sale
49,981

89,049

Commitments to sell loans secured by one- to four residential properties
29,786

70,263

Commitments to sell securities related to mortgage banking activities
32,200

41,500


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.


45


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 30 to 60 days, the most typical period being 45 days. Traditionally these loan applications with rate lock commitments had the pricing for the sale of these loans 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 Banks then attempted to deliver these loans before their rate locks expired. This arrangement generally required delivery of the loans prior to the expiration of the rate lock. Delays in funding the loans required a lock extension. The cost of a lock extension at times was borne by the customer and at times by the Banks. These lock extension costs have not had a material impact to our operations. In 2012, the Company also began entering into forward commitments at specific prices and settlement dates to deliver either: (1) residential mortgage loans for purchase by secondary market investors (i.e., Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae), or (2) mortgage-backed securities to broker/dealers. The purpose of these forward commitments is to offset the movement in interest rates between the execution of its residential mortgage rate lock commitments with borrowers and the sale of those loans to the secondary market investor. There were no counterparty default losses on forward contracts in the six months ended June 30, 2013 or June 30, 2012 . Market risk with respect to forward contracts arises principally from changes in the value of contractual positions due to changes in interest rates. We limit our exposure to market risk by monitoring differences between commitments to customers and forward contracts with market investors and securities broker/dealers. In the event we have forward delivery contract commitments in excess of available mortgage loans, the transaction is completed by either paying or receiving a fee to or from the investor or broker/dealer equal to the increase or decrease in the market value of the forward contract.

NOTE 16: DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

The Company, through its Banner Bank subsidiary, is party to various derivative instruments that are used for asset and liability management and customer financing needs. Derivative instruments are contracts between two or more parties that have a notional amount and an underlying variable, require no net investment and allow for the net settlement of positions. The notional amount serves as the basis for the payment provision of the contract and takes the form of units, such as shares or dollars. The underlying variable represents a specified interest rate, index, or other component. The interaction between the notional amount and the underlying variable determines the number of units to be exchanged between the parties and influences the market value of the derivative contract. The Company obtains dealer quotations to value its derivative contracts.

The Company's predominant derivative and hedging activities involve interest rate swaps related to certain term loans and forward sales contracts associated with mortgage banking activities. Generally, these instruments help the Company manage exposure to market risk and meet customer financing needs. Market risk represents the possibility that economic value or net interest income will be adversely affected by fluctuations in external factors such as market-driven interest rates and prices or other economic factors.

Derivatives Designated in Hedge Relationships

The Company's fixed rate loans result in exposure to losses in value or net interest income as interest rates change. The risk management objective for hedging fixed rate loans is to effectively convert the fixed rate received to a floating rate. The Company has hedged exposure to changes in the fair value of certain fixed rate loans through the use of interest rate swaps. For a qualifying fair value hedge, changes in the value of the derivatives are recognized in current period earnings along with the corresponding changes in the fair value of the designated hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged.

In a program brought to Banner Bank through its merger with F&M Bank in 2007, customers received fixed interest rate commercial loans and the Bank subsequently hedged that fixed rate loan by entering into an interest rate swap with a dealer counterparty. The Bank receives fixed rate payments from the customers on the loans and makes similar fixed rate payments to the dealer counterparty on the swaps in exchange for variable rate payments based on the one-month LIBOR index. These interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges. Through application of the “short cut method of accounting,” there is an assumption that the hedges are effective. The Bank discontinued originating interest rate swaps under this program in 2008.
As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , the notional values or contractual amounts and fair values of the Company's derivatives designated in hedge relationships were as follows (in thousands):
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
Notional/
Contract Amount
Fair
Value (1)
Notional/
Contract Amount
Fair
Value (1)
Notional/
Contract Amount
Fair
Value (2)
Notional/
Contract Amount
Fair
Value (2)
Interest rate swaps
$
13,419

$
2,381

$
19,402

$
3,300

$
7,576

$
1,484

$
10,507

$
2,163


(1)
Included in Loans Receivable on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition
(2)
Included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition


46


Derivatives Not Designated in Hedge Relationships

Interest Rate Swaps. The Company's subsidiary, Banner Bank, has been using an interest rate swap program for commercial loan customers, termed the Back-to-Back Program, since 2010. In the Back-to-Back Program, the Bank provides the client with a variable rate loan and enters into an interest rate swap in which the client receives a variable rate payment in exchange for a fixed rate payment. The Bank offsets its risk exposure by entering into an offsetting interest rate swap with a dealer counterparty for the same notional amount and length of term as the client interest rate swap providing the dealer counterparty with a fixed rate payment in exchange for a variable rate payment. There are also a few interest rate swaps from prior to 2009 that were not designated in hedge relationships that are included in these totals. These swaps do not qualify as designated hedges; therefore, each swap is accounted for as a free standing derivative.

Mortgage Banking . In the normal course of business, the Company sells originated mortgage loans into the secondary mortgage loan markets. During the period of loan origination and prior to the sale of the loans in the secondary market, the Company has exposure to movements in interest rates associated with written rate lock commitments with potential borrowers to originate loans that are intended to be sold and for closed loans that are awaiting sale and delivery into the secondary market.

Written loan commitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for resale are considered free-standing derivatives and do not qualify for hedge accounting. Written loan commitments generally have a term of up to 60 days before the closing of the loan. The loan commitment does not bind the potential borrower to enter into the loan, nor does it guarantee that the Company will approve the potential borrower for the loan. Therefore, when determining fair value, the Company makes estimates of expected “fallout” (loan commitments not expected to close), using models which consider cumulative historical fallout rates, current market interest rates and other factors.

Written loan commitments in which the borrower has locked in an interest rate results in market risk to the Company to the extent market interest rates change from the rate quoted to the borrower. The Company economically hedges the risk of changing interest rates associated with its interest rate lock commitments by entering into forward sales contracts.

Mortgage loans which are held for sale are subject to changes in fair value due to fluctuations in interest rates from the loan's closing date through the date of sale of the loans into the secondary market. Typically, the fair value of these loans declines when interest rates increase and rises when interest rates decrease. To mitigate this risk, the Company enters into forward sales contracts on a significant portion of these loans to provide an economic hedge against those changes in fair value. Mortgage loans held for sale and the forward sales contracts are recorded at fair value with ineffective changes in value recorded in current earnings as loan sales and servicing income.

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , the notional values or contractual amounts and fair values of the Company's derivatives not designated in hedge relationships were as follows (in thousands):
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
June 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
Notional/
Contract Amount
Fair
Value (1)
Notional/
Contract Amount
Fair
Value (1)
Notional/
Contract Amount
Fair
Value (2)
Notional/
Contract Amount
Fair
Value (2)
Interest rate swaps
$
95,079

$
2,034

$
94,551

$
5,053

$
100,922

$
2,931

$
100,447

$
6,190

Mortgage loan commitments
17,424

432

45,363

436

32,557

381

43,686

74

Forward sales contracts
32,200

702

43,686

74

17,424

432

41,500

121

$
144,703

$
3,168

$
183,600

$
5,563

$
150,903

$
3,744

$
185,633

$
6,385


(1)
Included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(2)
Included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

Gains (losses) recognized in income on non-designated hedging instruments for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30
Location on Income Statement
2013

2012

Mortgage loan commitments
Mortgage banking operations
$
(878
)
$
231

Forward sales contracts
Mortgage banking operations
878

(281
)
$

$
(50
)


47


The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty to these agreements. Credit risk of the financial contract is controlled through the credit approval, limits, and monitoring procedures and management does not expect the counterparties to fail their obligations.

In connection with the interest rate swaps between Banner Bank and the dealer counterparties, the agreements contain a provision where if the Bank fails to maintain its status as a well/adequately capitalized institution, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and the Bank would be required to settle its obligations. Similarly, the Bank could be required to settle its obligations under certain of its agreements if specific regulatory events occur, such as a publicly issued prompt corrective action directive, cease and desist order, or a capital maintenance agreement that required the Bank to maintain a specific capital level. If the Bank had breached any of these provisions at June 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position related to these agreements was $3.1 million and $8.4 million , respectively. The Company generally posts collateral against derivative liabilities in the form of Government agency-issued bonds, mortgage-backed securities, or commercial mortgage-backed securities. Collateral posted against derivative liabilities was $6.8 million and $12.5 million as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Derivative assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet and do not take into account the effects of master netting agreements. Master netting agreements allow the Company to settle all derivative contracts held with a single counterparty on a net basis and to offset net derivative positions with related collateral where applicable.


48


The following table illustrates the potential effect of the Company's derivative master netting arrangements, by type of financial instrument, on the Company's Statement of Financial Condition as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
June 30, 2013
Gross Amounts of Financial Instruments Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Gross Amounts Recognized
Amounts offset
in the Statement
of Financial Condition
Net Amounts
in the Statement
of Financial Condition
Netting Adjustment Per Applicable Master Netting Agreements
Fair Value
of Financial Collateral
in the Statement
of Financial Condition
Net Amount
Derivative assets
Interest rate swaps
$
2,034

$

$
2,034

$
(639
)
$

$
1,395

$
2,034

$

$
2,034

$
(639
)
$

$
1,395

Derivative liabilities
Interest rate swaps
$
4,415

$

$
4,415

$
(639
)
$
(3,137
)
$
639

$
4,415

$

$
4,415

$
(639
)
$
(3,137
)
$
639

December 31, 2012
Gross Amounts of Financial Instruments Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Gross Amounts Recognized
Amounts offset
in the Statement
of Financial Condition
Net Amounts
in the Statement
of Financial Condition
Netting Adjustment Per Applicable Master Netting Agreements
Fair Value
of Financial Collateral
in the Statement
of Financial Condition
Net Amount
Derivative assets
Interest rate swaps
$
5,053

$

$
5,053

$

$

$
5,053

$
5,053

$

$
5,053

$

$

$
5,053

Derivative liabilities
Interest rate swaps
$
8,353

$

$
8,353

$

$
(8,353
)
$

$
8,353

$

$
8,353

$

$
(8,353
)
$



49


ITEM 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Executive Overview

We are a bank holding company incorporated in the State of Washington and own two subsidiary banks, Banner Bank and Islanders Bank. Banner Bank is a Washington-chartered commercial bank that conducts business from its main office in Walla Walla, Washington and, as of June 30, 2013 , its 85 branch offices and seven loan production offices located in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.  Islanders Bank is also a Washington-chartered commercial bank and conducts its business from three locations in San Juan County, Washington.  Banner Corporation is subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve Board).  Banner Bank and Islanders Bank (the Banks) are subject to regulation by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banks and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC).  As of June 30, 2013 , we had total consolidated assets of $4.2 billion , total loans of $3.3 billion , total deposits of $3.5 billion and total stockholders’ equity of $520 million .

Banner Bank is a regional bank which offers a wide variety of commercial banking services and financial products to individuals, businesses and public sector entities in its primary market areas.  Islanders Bank is a community bank which offers similar banking services to individuals, businesses and public entities located in the San Juan Islands.  The Banks’ primary business is that of traditional banking institutions, accepting deposits and originating loans in locations surrounding their offices in portions of Washington, Oregon and Idaho.  Banner Bank is also an active participant in the secondary market, engaging in mortgage banking operations largely through the origination and sale of one- to four-family residential loans.  Lending activities include commercial business and commercial real estate loans, agriculture business loans, construction and land development loans, one- to four-family residential loans and consumer loans.

Banner Corporation's successful execution of its strategic plan and operating initiatives continued in the second quarter, as evidenced by our solid profitability for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 . Highlights for the quarter included continued improvement in our asset quality, strong revenues from core operations and additional client acquisition. Additionally, a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share was declared, reflecting strong performance and our expectation of continued success in 2013.

Despite persistently weak economic conditions and exceptionally low interest rates which have created an unusually challenging banking environment for an extended period, the Company experienced marked improvement and consistent profitability in 2012 which continued in the first half of 2013.  For the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , we had net income available to common shareholders of $11.8 million , or $0.60 per diluted share, compared to a net income to common shareholders of $23.4 million , or $1.27 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 . For the six months ended June 30, 2013 , our net income to common shareholders was $23.3 million , or $1.20 per diluted share, compared to net income to common shareholders of $30.6 million , or $1.69 per diluted share for the same period a year earlier. Although there continue to be indications that economic conditions are improving from the recessionary downturn, the pace of recovery has been modest and uneven and ongoing stress in the economy will likely continue to be challenging going forward.  As a result, our future operating results and financial performance will be significantly affected by the course of recovery. However, over the past two years we have significantly improved our risk profile by aggressively managing and reducing our problem assets, which has resulted in lower credit costs and stronger revenues, and which we believe has positioned the Company well to meet this challenging environment.

Our return to consistent profitability was punctuated in the second quarter of 2012 by management's decision to reverse the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. This decision resulted in a substantial tax benefit in the second quarter, as well as for the full year 2012. The decision to reverse the valuation allowance reflected our confidence in the sustainability of our future profitability. Further, as a result of our return to profitability, including the substantial recovery of our deferred tax asset, our improved asset quality and operating trends, strong capital position and our expectation for sustainable profitability for the foreseeable future, we also significantly reduced the credit portion of the discount rate utilized to estimate the fair value of the junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company. Changes in these two significant accounting estimates, while substantial, represent non-cash valuation adjustments that had no effect on our liquidity or our ability to fund our operations.

As a result of substantial reserves already in place representing 2.34% of total loans outstanding at June 30, 2013 and 2.38% of total loans at March 31, 2013 , as well as declining net charge-offs, Banner did not record a provision for loan losses in the first or second quarter of 2013. We recorded a $4.0 million provision in the second quarter a year ago, which contributed to a $9.0 million provision for the six months ended June 30, 2012 . The decrease in loan loss provisioning from a year earlier reflects significant progress in reducing the levels of delinquencies, non-performing loans and net charge-offs, particularly for loans for the construction of one- to four-family homes and for acquisition and development of land for residential properties.  The allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2013 was $76.9 million , representing 294% of non-performing loans. Non-performing loans decreased by 22% to $26.1 million at June 30, 2013 , compared to $33.4 million three months earlier, and decreased 45% when compared to $47.4 million a year earlier. (See Note 7, Loans Receivable and the Allowance for Loan Losses, as well as “Asset Quality” below in this Form 10-Q.)

Aside from the level of loan loss provision, our operating results depend primarily on our 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 borrowings. Net interest income is primarily a function of our 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. Our net interest income before provision for loan losses decreased modestly to $42.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $42.7 million for the same quarter one year earlier. During the same period, our interest rate spread decreased to 4.17% from 4.26% . These decreases in net interest income and interest rate spread reflect declining yields on performing loans and securities, partially offset by continuing reductions in deposit and other funding costs.


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Our net income also is affected by the level of our other operating income, including deposit fees and service charges, loan origination and servicing fees, and gains and losses on the sale of loans and securities, as well as our non-interest operating expenses and income tax provisions.  In addition, our net income is affected by the net change in the valuation of certain financial instruments carried at fair value and in certain periods by other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) charges or recoveries.  (See Note 11 of the Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) For the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , we recorded a net loss of $255,000 in fair value adjustments, which was partially offset by $12,000 in gains on sale of securities. In comparison, we recorded a net fair value loss of $19.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 , which was partially offset by $29,000 in gains on sale of securities. For the six months ended June 30, 2013 , we recorded a net loss of $1.6 million in fair value adjustments, which was partially offset by $1.0 million in gains on sale of securities and by $409,000 in OTTI recoveries. In comparison, we recorded a net fair value loss of $17.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 , which was partially offset by $29,000 in gains on sale of securities.

Our total other operating income, which includes the gain on sale of securities, OTTI recovery and changes in the value of financial instruments carried at fair value was $10.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to a net loss of $9.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 . Total other operating income was $20.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 . However, other operating income excluding the gain on sale of securities, OTTI adjustments and changes in the value of financial instruments, which we believe is more indicative of our core operations, increased 14% to $10.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, compared to $9.5 million for the same quarter a year earlier, as a result of significantly increased deposit fees and service charges fueled by growth in non-interest-bearing deposit accounts and strong mortgage banking revenues augmented by a $600,000 adjustment to the valuation allowance for our mortgage servicing rights. For the six months ended June 30, 2013 , other operating income from core operations increased 13% to $20.8 million , compared to $18.5 million for the same period a year earlier.

Our total revenues (net interest income before the provision for loan losses plus total other operating income) for the second quarter of 2013 increased $19.6 million , or 59% , to $52.9 million , compared to $33.2 million for the same period a year earlier, largely as a result of the changes in fair value adjustments.  Our total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2013 increased $18.5 million , or 22% , to $103.8 million , compared to $85.3 million for the same period a year earlier, also largely as a result of the changes in fair value adjustments.  However, our total revenues, excluding fair value and OTTI adjustments and gain on sale of securities, which we also believe are more indicative of our core operations, increased $858,000 , or 2% , to $53.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $52.3 million for the same period a year earlier.  Our total revenues from core operations increased $1.3 million , or 1% , to $104.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $102.7 million for the same period a year earlier.

Our other operating expenses declined in the second quarter of 2013 compared to a year earlier, largely as a result of lower costs related to loan collections and real estate owned, as well as decreases in FDIC deposit insurance charges, which were partially offset by increased compensation expenses and payment and card processing expenses.   Other operating expenses were $35.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $35.7 million for the same quarter a year earlier. For the six months ended June 30, 2013 , other operating expenses were $69.6 million , compared to $73.6 million for the same period a year earlier.

Other operating income, revenues and other earnings information excluding fair value adjustments, OTTI losses or recoveries, and gains or losses on sale of securities are non-GAAP financial measures.  Management has presented these and other non-GAAP financial measures in this discussion and analysis because it believes that they provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in our core operations.  However, these non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP. Where applicable, we have also presented comparable earnings information using GAAP financial measures.  For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures, see the tables below.  Because not all companies use the same calculations, our presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as calculated by other companies. See “Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ” for more detailed information about our financial performance.


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The following tables set forth reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this report (dollars in thousands):
For the Three Months Ended
June 30
For the Six Months Ended
June 30
2013

2012

2013

2012

Total other operating income (loss)
$
10,623

$
(9,497
)
$
20,621

$
1,111

Exclude gain on sale of securities
(12
)
(29
)
(1,018
)
(29
)
Exclude other-than-temporary impairment recoveries


(409
)

Exclude change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value
255

19,059

1,601

17,374

Total other operating income, excluding fair value adjustments, OTTI and gain on sale of securities
$
10,866

$
9,533

$
20,795

$
18,456

Net interest income before provision for loan losses
$
42,248

$
42,723

$
83,217

$
84,212

Total other operating income
10,623

(9,497
)
20,621

1,111

Total revenue
52,871

33,226

103,838

85,323

Exclude gain on sale of securities
(12
)
(29
)
(1,018
)
(29
)
Exclude other-than-temporary impairment recoveries


(409
)

Exclude change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value
255

19,059

1,601

17,374

Total revenue, excluding fair value adjustments, OTTI and gain on sale of securities
$
53,114

$
52,256

$
104,012

$
102,668

Income (loss) before provision for taxes
$
17,414

$
(6,440
)
$
34,281

$
2,744

Exclude gain on sale of securities
(12
)
(29
)
(1,018
)
(29
)
Exclude other-than-temporary impairment recoveries


(409
)

Exclude change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value
255

19,059

1,601

17,374

Income before provision for taxes, excluding fair value adjustments, OTTI and gain on sale of securities
$
17,657

$
12,590

$
34,455

$
20,089

Net income
$
11,753

$
25,390

$
23,336

$
34,574

Exclude gain on sale of securities
(12
)
(29
)
(1,018
)
(29
)
Exclude other-than-temporary impairment recoveries


(409
)

Exclude change in valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value
255

19,059

1,601

17,374

Exclude related tax expense
87

6,851

63

6,244

Total earnings, excluding fair value adjustments, OTTI and gain on sale of securities, net of related tax effects
$
12,083

$
51,271

$
23,573

$
58,163



52


The ratio of tangible common stockholders’ equity to tangible assets is also a non-GAAP financial measure. We calculate tangible common equity by excluding other intangible assets and preferred equity from stockholders’ equity. We calculate tangible assets by excluding the balance of other intangible assets from total assets. We believe that this is consistent with the treatment by our bank regulatory agencies, which exclude goodwill and other intangible assets from the calculation of risk-based capital ratios. In addition, excluding preferred equity, the level of which may vary from company to company, allows investors to more easily compare our capital adequacy to other companies in the industry that also use this measure. Management believes that this non-GAAP financial measure provides information to investors that is useful in understanding the basis of our capital position (dollars in thousands).
June 30, 2013

December 31, 2012

June 30, 2012

Stockholders’ equity
$
520,333

$
506,919

$
587,192

Other intangible assets, net
3,247

4,230

5,252

Tangible equity
517,086

502,689

581,940

Preferred equity


121,610

Tangible common stockholders’ equity
$
517,086

$
502,689

$
460,330

Total assets
$
4,236,290

$
4,265,564

$
4,221,427

Other intangible assets, net
3,247

4,230

5,252

Tangible assets
$
4,233,043

$
4,261,334

$
4,216,175

Tangible common stockholders’ equity to tangible assets
12.22
%
11.80
%
10.92
%

We offer a wide range of loan products to meet the demands of our customers. Our lending activities are primarily directed toward the origination of real estate and commercial loans. Prior to 2008, real estate lending activities were significantly focused on residential construction and first mortgages on owner-occupied, one- to four-family residential properties; however, over the subsequent four years our origination of construction and land development loans declined materially and the proportion of the portfolio invested in these types of loans declined substantially. More recently, we have experienced increased demand for one- to four-family construction loans and outstanding balances have increased modestly. Our residential mortgage loan originations also decreased during the earlier years of this cycle, although less significantly than the decline in construction and land development lending as exceptionally low interest rates supported demand for loans to refinance existing debt as well as loans to finance home purchases. Refinancing activity was particularly significant in 2012 and in the six months ended June 30, 2013 , leading to meaningful increases in residential mortgage originations compared to the same periods a year earlier, although the recent rise in mortgage interest rates may result in lower refinancing activity in the future. Despite the recent increase in these loan originations, our outstanding balances for residential mortgages have continued to decline, as most of the new originations have been sold in the secondary market while existing residential loans have been repaying at an accelerated pace. Our real estate lending activities also include the origination of multifamily and commercial real estate loans.  While reduced from periods prior to the economic slowdown, our level of activity and investment in these types of loans has been relatively stable in recent periods.  Our commercial business lending is directed toward meeting the credit and related deposit needs of various small- to medium-sized business and agribusiness borrowers operating in our primary market areas.  Reflecting the weak economy, in recent periods demand for these types of commercial business loans has been modest. Nevertheless, commercial and agricultural business loans have increased $44 million, or 5%, to $874 million at June 30, 2013 , compared to $830 million at March 31, 2013 and increased $62 million, or 8%, compared to $812 million at June 30, 2012 . Our consumer loan activity is primarily directed at meeting demand from our existing deposit customers and, while we have increased our emphasis on consumer lending in recent years, demand for consumer loans also has been modest during this period of economic weakness as we believe many consumers have been focused on reducing their personal debt.  At June 30, 2013 , our net loan portfolio totaled $3.213 billion compared to $3.158 billion at December 31, 2012 and $3.163 billion at March 31, 2013 .

Deposits, customer retail repurchase agreements and loan repayments are the major sources of our funds for lending and other investment purposes.  We compete with other financial institutions and financial intermediaries in attracting deposits and we generally attract deposits within our primary market areas. Much of the focus of our earlier branch expansion and current marketing efforts have been directed toward attracting additional deposit customer relationships and balances.  The long-term success of our deposit gathering activities is reflected not only in the growth of deposit balances, but also in increases in the level of deposit fees, service charges and other payment processing revenues compared to periods prior to that expansion.

Total deposits were $3.460 billion at June 30, 2013 , compared to $3.521 billion three months earlier and $3.426 billion a year ago. Following a normal seasonal pattern, non-interest-bearing account balances declined slightly to $959 million at June 30, 2013 , compared to $962 million at March 31, 2013 , but increased 19% compared to $805 million a year ago. Interest-bearing transaction and savings accounts totaled $1.558 billion at June 30, 2013 , compared to $1.576 billion at March 31, 2013 and $1.450 billion a year ago, while certificates of deposit further decreased to $944 million at June 30, 2013 , compared to $983 million at March 31, 2013 and $1.171 billion a year earlier. Non-certificate core deposits represented 73% of total deposits at the end of the second quarter, compared to 66% of total deposits a year earlier.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations is intended to assist in understanding our financial condition and results of operations.  The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

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Summary of Critical Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in the 2012 Form 10-K. Various elements of our 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 our financial statements. These policies relate to (i) the methodology for the recognition of interest income, (ii) determination of the provision and allowance for loan and lease losses, (iii) the valuation of financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, including OTTI losses, (iv) the valuation of intangibles, such as core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing rights, (v) the valuation of real estate held for sale and (vi) the valuation of or recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities. These policies and judgments, estimates and assumptions are described in greater detail below. Management believes that the judgments, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the 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 other judgments, estimates and assumptions could result in material differences in our results of operations or financial condition. Further, subsequent changes in economic or market conditions could have a material impact on these estimates and our financial condition and operating results in future periods. There have been no significant changes in our application of accounting policies during the first six months of 2013 .

Interest Income: (Note 1) Interest on loans and securities is accrued as earned unless management doubts the collectability of the asset or the unpaid interest. Interest accruals on loans are generally discontinued when loans become 90 days past due for payment of interest and the loans are then placed on nonaccrual status. All previously accrued but uncollected interest is deducted from interest income upon transfer to nonaccrual status. For any future payments collected, interest income is recognized only upon management’s assessment that there is a strong likelihood that the full amount of a loan will be repaid or recovered. A loan may be put on nonaccrual status sooner than this policy would dictate if, in management’s judgment, the interest may be uncollectable. While less common, similar interest reversal and nonaccrual treatment is applied to investment securities if their ultimate collectability becomes questionable.

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses: (Note 7) The provision for loan losses reflects the amount required to maintain the allowance for losses at an appropriate level based upon management’s evaluation of the adequacy of general and specific loss reserves. We maintain an allowance for loan losses consistent in all material respects with the GAAP guidelines outlined in ASC 450, Contingencies . We have established systematic methodologies for the determination of the adequacy of our 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. We increase our allowance for loan losses by charging provisions for probable loan losses against our income and value impaired loans consistent with the accounting guidelines outlined in ASC 310, Receivables.

The allowance for losses on loans is maintained at a level sufficient to provide for probable losses based on evaluating known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio and upon our continuing analysis of the factors underlying the quality of the loan portfolio. These factors include, among others, 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 collectability 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 us at the time financial statements are prepared. Although we use the best information available, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions beyond our control. The adequacy of general and specific reserves is based on our continuing evaluation of the pertinent factors underlying the quality of the loan portfolio as well as individual review of certain large balance loans. Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, we determine that it is probable that we 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, the value of the underlying collateral and the 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 included 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. 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 loans and, as appropriate, smaller balance non-homogeneous loans. Larger balance non-homogeneous residential construction and land, commercial real estate, commercial business loans and unsecured loans are individually evaluated for impairment.

Our 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 on an individual loan basis. The level of general loan loss reserves is based on analysis of potential exposures existing in our loan portfolio including evaluation of historical trends, current market conditions and other relevant factors identified by us at the time the financial statements are prepared. The formula allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to outstanding loans, excluding those loans that are subject to individual analysis for specific allowances. Loss factors are based on our historical loss experience adjusted for significant environmental considerations, including the experience of other banking organizations, which in our judgment affect the collectability of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. The unallocated allowance is based upon our 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 Consolidated Financial Statements.


54


While we believe the estimates and assumptions used in our determination of the adequacy of the allowance are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will not be proven incorrect in the future, or that the actual amount of future provisions will not exceed the amount of past provisions or that any increased provisions that may be required will not adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the determination of the amount of the Banks’ allowance for loan losses is subject to review by bank regulators as part of the routine examination process, which may result in the adjustment of reserves based upon their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.

Fair Value Accounting and Measurement: (Note 11) We use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. We include in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements information about the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial assets and liabilities, the valuation methodologies used and the impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, for financial instruments not recorded at fair value we disclose, where appropriate, our estimate of their fair value. For more information regarding fair value accounting, please refer to Note 11 in the Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report on Form 10-Q.

Other Intangible Assets: (Note 9) Other intangible assets consists primarily of core deposit intangibles (CDI), which are amounts recorded in business combinations or deposit purchase transactions related to the value of transaction-related deposits and the value of the customer relationships associated with the deposits. Core deposit intangibles are being amortized on an accelerated basis over a weighted average estimated useful life of eight years. These assets are reviewed at least annually for events or circumstances that could impact their recoverability. These events could include loss of the underlying core deposits, increased competition or adverse changes in the economy. To the extent other identifiable intangible assets are deemed unrecoverable, impairment losses are recorded in other non-interest expense to reduce the carrying amount of the assets.

Mortgage Servicing Rights: (Note 9) Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of loans. Generally, purchased servicing rights are capitalized at the cost to acquire the rights. For sales of mortgage loans, the value of the servicing right is estimated and capitalized. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets.

Real Estate Held for Sale :  (Note 8) Property acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure is recorded at the lower of the estimated fair value of the property, less expected selling costs, or the carrying value of the defaulted loan. Development and improvement costs relating to the property may be capitalized, while other holding costs are expensed. The carrying value of the property is periodically evaluated by management and, if necessary, allowances are established to reduce the carrying value to net realizable value. Gains or losses at the time the property is sold are charged or credited to operations in the period in which they are realized. The amounts the Banks will ultimately recover from real estate held for sale may differ substantially from the carrying value of the assets because of market factors beyond the Banks’ control or because of changes in the Banks’ strategies for recovering the investment.

Income Taxes and Deferred Taxes :  (Note 12) The Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries file consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns, as well as state income tax returns in Oregon and Idaho. Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method a deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the enacted tax rates which are expected to be in effect when the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of existing assets and liabilities are expected to be reported in the Company’s income tax returns. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Under GAAP (ASC 740), a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012

General. Total assets decreased $29 million , or 0.7% , to $4.236 billion at June 30, 2013 , from $4.266 billion at December 31, 2012 .  However, net loans receivable (gross loans less deferred fees and discounts, and allowance for loan losses) increased $55 million , or 1.7% , to $3.213 billion at June 30, 2013 , from $3.158 billion at December 31, 2012 .  The increase in net loans included increases of $23 million in commercial real estate loans, $13 million in commercial and multifamily construction loans, $30 million in one- to four-family construction loans, $6 million in land and land development loans, $22 million in commercial business loans and $4 million in agricultural business loans, partially offset by decreases of $29 million in one- to four-family real estate loans and $14 million in consumer loans. Multifamily loans were nearly unchanged.

The decrease in one- to four-family real estate and consumer loans was largely the result of accelerated prepayments in the current low interest rate environment. The increase in commercial real estate loans was nearly evenly divided between investment properties and owner-occupied properties. The increase in construction and development loans was particularly helpful to the net interest margin as interest rates, loan fees and the velocity of turnover in this lending activity are generally higher than for most other categories of loans. The increase in commercial business loans is an encouraging sign of economic activity; however, credit line utilizations remained at relatively low levels. Following a normal seasonal reduction in the first quarter, our agricultural loan balances increased significantly in the second quarter resulting in modest growth on a year-to-date basis.

The aggregate balance of interest-earning deposits and securities decreased $49 million from December 31, 2012 to $696 million at June 30, 2013 .  Interest-earning deposits decreased $48 million during the quarter to $67 million , while our total investment in securities decreased $1 million to $629 million at June 30, 2013 . The change in the mix of interest-bearing deposits and securities holdings compared to a year ago reflects both an increase in our overall securities holdings and a modest extension of the expected duration of our securities holdings designed

55


to increase the aggregate portfolio yield relative to interest-bearing deposits. The securities purchased in recent periods were primarily short- to intermediate-term U.S. Government Agency notes and mortgage-backed securities and, to a lesser extent, intermediate-term taxable and tax-exempt municipal securities. Securities acquired during this period generally have expected maturities ranging from six months to six years.  The average effective duration of Banner's securities portfolio was approximately 3.8 years at June 30, 2013 . While the net fair value adjustments to the portfolio of securities held for trading, which are included in net income, were modest, certain pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligation securities (TRUP CDO) reflected a $721,000 fair value gain, while all other trading securities reflected a $739,000 fair value loss during the three months ended June 30, 2013 . In addition, fair value adjustments for securities designated as available for sale reflected a decrease of $9 million , which was included net of the associated tax benefit as a component of other comprehensive income and largely occurred during the current quarter as a result of rising interest rates. (See Note 11 of the Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, in this Form 10-Q.)

REO decreased $9 million , to $7 million at June 30, 2013 , compared to $16 million at December 31, 2012 , continuing the improving trend with respect to these non-earning assets. The June 30, 2013 total included $4 million in residential construction, land or land development projects and $2 million in single-family homes. During the three months ended June 30, 2013 , we transferred $418,000 of loans into REO, disposed of $5 million of REO properties recognizing $667,000 in gains related to those sales, and charged-off $226,000 in valuation adjustments. During the six months ended June 30, 2013 , we transferred $2 million of loans into REO, disposed of $12 million of REO properties recognizing $1 million in gains related to those sales, and charged-off $299,000 in valuation adjustments (see “Asset Quality” discussion below).
Following a normal seasonal pattern, deposits decreased $97 million , or 3% , to $3.460 billion at June 30, 2013 from $3.558 billion at December 31, 2012 .  Non-interest-bearing deposits decreased by $23 million , or 2% , to $959 million at June 30, 2013 , compared to $981 million at December 31, 2012 , but have increased by 19% compared to a year earlier. Interest-bearing transaction and savings accounts increased by $10 million, or 1%, to $1.557 billion at June 30, 2013 from $1.547 billion at December 31, 2012 and have increased by 7% compared to a year earlier. Certificates of deposit decreased $85 million , or 8% , to $944 million at June 30, 2013 from $1.029 billion at December 31, 2012 . Non-certificate core deposits increased to 73% of total deposits at the end of the second quarter, compared to 66% of total deposits a year earlier.

FHLB advances increased $44 million to $54 million at June 30, 2013 from $10 million at December 31, 2012 . The new advances were all very short-term maturities with correspondingly low interest rates. Other borrowings, consisting of retail repurchase agreements primarily related to customer cash management accounts, increased $14 million to $91 million at June 30, 2013 , as compared to $77 million at December 31, 2012 . No additional junior subordinated debentures were issued or matured during the quarter and the estimated fair value of these instruments remained unchanged at $73 million . For more information, see Notes 10, 11 and 12 of the Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Total stockholders' equity increased $13 million , or 3% , to $520 million at June 30, 2013 compared to $507 million at December 31, 2012 . The increase in equity reflects the year-to-date net income and payment of dividends to common stockholders. Tangible common stockholders' equity, which excludes intangible assets, also increased $9 million to $517 million , or 12.22% of tangible assets at June 30, 2013 , compared to $503 million , or 11.80% at December 31, 2012 . During the six months ended June 30, 2013 , we did not repurchase any shares of Banner Corporation common stock.

Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

Following three difficult years and despite a still challenging economy, Banner Corporation returned to profitability in 2011 and that progress and profitability continued throughout 2012 and into the first six months of 2013. For the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , we had net income available to common shareholders of $11.8 million , or $0.60 per diluted share. This compares to net income available to common shareholders of $23.4 million , or $1.27 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 . For the six months ended June 30, 2013 , our net income available to common shareholders was $23.3 million , or $1.20 per diluted share. This compares to net income available to common shareholders of $30.6 million , or $1.69 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 . While our return to profitability has largely resulted from a material decrease in credit costs, particularly our provision for loan losses, it also reflects strong revenue generation from our core operations. The decrease in credit costs reflects a significantly reduced level of non-performing assets while the increase in net revenues was driven largely by increased deposit fees and other service charges fueled by growth in core deposits and a significant increase in revenues from our mortgage banking operations as well as solid net interest income. The current quarter and six month results also reflect a decrease in operating expenses which was more than offset by an increase in provision for income taxes. In addition, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 , net income available to common shareholders was net of a dividend accrual and discount accretion related to our Series A Preferred Stock, neither of which were required in the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 due to the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock in the second half of 2012.

Net Interest Income.

Net interest income before provision for loan losses decreased by $475,000 , or 1% , to $42.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $42.7 million for the same quarter one year earlier, as a modest increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets was more than offset by a decrease in the net interest margin. The net interest margin of 4.20% for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 was 11 basis points lower than for the same quarter in the prior year. The decrease in the net interest margin compared to a year earlier reflects the impact of persistently low market interest rates on earning asset yields, which was only partially offset by reductions in deposit and other funding costs, as well as further reductions in the adverse effect of non-performing assets. Net collections on nonaccrual loans added two basis points to the margin in the second quarter of 2013, while nonaccrual loans reduced the margin by approximately four basis points in the preceding quarter and approximately eight basis points in the second quarter of 2012. In addition, the further decrease in the average balance of real estate owned reduced the adverse effect of this non-interest-earning asset on the margin.


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The net interest spread decreased to 4.17% for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 compared to 4.26% for the same quarter a year earlier. Reflecting generally lower market interest rates as well as changes in asset mix, the yield on earning assets for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 was 4.53% , a decrease of 28 basis points compared to the same quarter a year earlier. Importantly, however, funding costs were also significantly lower, especially deposit costs which decreased 19 basis points to 0.29% from 0.48% a year earlier, leading to a decrease of 19 basis points for all interest-bearing liabilities to 0.36% for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 . Partially offsetting this decline in liability funding costs was a decrease in non-interest-bearing funding from average stockholders' equity as a result of the repurchase and redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock in the second half of 2012.

Net interest income before provision for loan losses decreased by $1.0 million , or 1% , to $83.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared to $84.2 million for the same period one year earlier, as a result of a five basis point decrease in the net interest margin and despite a small increase in average interest-earning assets. The net interest margin decreased to 4.18% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared to 4.23% for the same period in the prior year and, similar to the results for the current quarter, this decrease was a result of the effect of lower asset yields and occurred despite much lower funding costs and fewer non-performing assets. Nonaccruing loans reduced the margin by two basis points during the six months ended June 30, 2013 , compared to an 11 basis point reduction for the same period in the prior year.

Interest Income. Interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 was $45.6 million , compared to $47.7 million for the same quarter in the prior year, a decrease of $2.1 million , or 4% .  The decrease in interest income occurred as a result of a decline in the yield on interest-earning assets, which was partially offset by an increase in average balances. The average balance of interest-earning assets was $4.038 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , an increase of $47 million , or 1% , compared to $3.991 billion one year earlier. The yield on average interest-earning assets decreased to 4.53% for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to 4.81% for the same quarter one year earlier. The decrease in the yield on earning assets reflects changes in the mix of assets and the continuing erosion of yields as loans and investments mature or prepay and are replaced by lower yielding assets in the current low interest rate environment. Average loans receivable for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 increased $19 million , or 1% , to $3.251 billion , compared to $3.232 billion for the same quarter in the prior year. Interest income on loans decreased by $2.2 million , or 5% , to $42.3 million for the current quarter from $44.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 , reflecting the impact of a 31 basis point decrease in the average yield on loans, and offset by the $19 million increase in average loan balances.  The average yield on loans was 5.22% for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to 5.53% for the same quarter one year earlier.

Interest income for the six months ended June June 30, 2013 was $90.1 million , compared to $95.3 million for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $5.2 million , or 5% . As with quarterly results, the year-to-date results reflect a 26 basis point reduction in the yield on interest-earning assets, partially offset by a $10.3 million increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets.

The combined average balance of mortgage-backed securities, investment securities, and daily interest-bearing deposits increased to $787 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 (excluding the effect of fair value adjustments), compared to $759 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 , although the interest and dividend income from those investments increased by just $54,000 compared to the same quarter in the prior year. The average yield on the combined portfolio decreased to 1.67% for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , from 1.71% for the same quarter one year earlier. The adverse impact of lower market rates on the combined yield on these investments has been partially offset by changes in the mix to include lower balances of daily interest-bearing deposits and more securities.

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 was $3.3 million , compared to $5.0 million for the same quarter in the prior year, a decrease of $1.7 million , or 33% . The decrease in interest expense occurred as a result of a 19 basis point decrease in the average cost of all interest-bearing liabilities to 0.36% for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , from 0.55% for the same quarter one year earlier, partially offset by a $99 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities. This increase in average interest-bearing liabilities reflects increases in transaction and savings accounts and advances from FHLB, offset by a continued managed decline in certificates of deposit. Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 was $6.9 million and $11.0 million , respectively, and similar to quarterly results, the reduction is reflective of a decrease in the average rate paid for most interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by a modest increase in their average balance over that time period.

Deposit interest expense decreased $1.5 million , or 38% , to $2.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $4.0 million for the same quarter in the prior year, as a result of a 19 basis point decrease in the cost of deposits and an $80 million increase in the average balance of deposits. Average deposit balances increased to $3.490 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , from $3.410 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 , and the average rate paid on deposit balances decreased to 0.29% in the second quarter of 2013 from 0.48% for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 . While we do not anticipate further reductions in market interest rates, we do expect additional modest declines in deposit costs over the near term as maturities of certificates of deposit will present further repricing opportunities and competitive pricing should remain restrained in response to modest loan demand in the current economic environment. Further, continuing changes in our deposit mix, especially growth in lower cost transaction and savings accounts, in particular non-interest-bearing deposits, have meaningfully contributed to the decrease in our funding costs compared to earlier periods, and should also result in lower deposit costs going forward. However, it is clear that the pace of decline in deposit costs compared to prior periods has slowed and that the opportunity for future reductions is limited. For the six months ended June 30, 2013 , deposit interest expense decreased $3.3 million to $5.2 million compared to $8.5 million for the same period one year ago. Similar to the quarter, average deposit costs decreased by 20 basis points and the average balance of deposits increased $80 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared to the same period one year ago.

Average FHLB advances (excluding the effect of fair value adjustments) were $35 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $10 million for the same quarter one year earlier, and the average rate paid on FHLB advances for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 decreased to 0.46% from 2.52% for the same quarter one year earlier. Average FHLB advances increased as a result of certain cash management activities at Banner Bank, while the cost of the advances declined as a result of the maturity of a higher rate fixed term advance in February 2013. Interest

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expense on FHLB advances decreased to $40,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 from $64,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 . For the six months ended June 30, 2013 , interest expense on FHLB advances decreased by $63,000 to $64,000 compared to $127,000 for the same period in the prior year. Average FHLB advances excluding the effect of fair value adjustments increased $9 million to $19 million over that same time period compared to $10 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 . The average rate paid on FHLB advances decreased 183 basis points to 0.67% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 , compared to 2.50% for the same period a year ago.

Other borrowings consist of retail repurchase agreements with customers secured by certain investment securities and, prior to March 31, 2012, the senior bank notes issued under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP). The average balance for other borrowings decreased $6 million to $91 million during the current quarter from $97 million during the same quarter a year earlier, while the rate on other borrowings decreased to 0.22% from 0.31% a year earlier. As a result, interest expense for other borrowings decreased to $51,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $74,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 . Primarily as a result of repaying the TLGP senior bank notes, the average balance for other borrowings decreased $35 million to $87 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013 from $122 million during the same period a year earlier, while the rate on these other borrowings decreased to 0.25% from 1.03% a year earlier. The $50 million of TLGP senior bank notes had a fixed rate of 2.625%, plus a 1.00% guarantee fee, and matured on March 31, 2012.

Junior subordinated debentures which were issued in connection with trust preferred securities had an average balance of $124 million (excluding the effect of fair value adjustments) and an average cost of 2.41% and 2.42% , respectively, for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2013 . Junior subordinated debentures outstanding in the same periods in the prior year had the same average balance of $124 million (excluding the effect of fair value adjustments) with higher average costs of 2.61% and 2.95% , respectively, for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 . Generally, the junior subordinated debentures are adjustable-rate instruments with repricing frequencies of three months based upon the three-month LIBOR index; however, one $25 million issue of junior subordinated debentures had a fixed rate of 6.56% for an initial five-year period which expired on February 29, 2012. Subsequent to that date, the interest rate on that debenture resets every three months at a rate of three-month LIBOR plus 1.62%. The change in the rate on that debenture, coupled with a modestly lower level of LIBOR, resulted in the lower cost of the junior subordinated debentures for both the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2013 , compared to the same periods a year earlier.

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


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The following table provides additional comparative data on our operating performance (dollars in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30
Six Months Ended
June 30
Average Balances
2013

2012

2013

2012

Interest-bearing deposits
$
68,130

$
122,846

$
87,930

$
117,191

Investment securities
347,750

444,580

342,575

468,492

Mortgage-backed obligations
334,840

154,146

317,168

142,505

FHLB stock
36,358

37,371

36,506

37,371

Total average interest-earning securities and cash equivalents
787,078

758,943

784,179

765,559

Loans receivable
3,250,808

3,232,204

3,233,116

3,241,485

Total average interest-earning assets
4,037,886

3,991,147

4,017,295

4,007,044

Non-interest-earning assets (including fair value adjustments on interest-earning assets)
212,661

174,566

215,006

179,613

Total average assets
$
4,250,547

$
4,165,713

$
4,232,301

$
4,186,657

Deposits
$
3,489,625

$
3,410,249

$
3,495,764

$
3,415,661

Advances from FHLB
34,961

10,214

19,394

10,215

Other borrowings
91,015

96,587

87,075

121,547

Junior subordinated debentures
123,716

123,716

123,716

123,716

Total average interest-bearing liabilities
3,739,317

3,640,766

3,725,949

3,671,139

Non-interest-bearing liabilities (including fair value adjustments on interest-bearing liabilities)
(12,390
)
(37,694
)
(12,888
)
(37,196
)
Total average liabilities
3,726,927

3,603,072

3,713,061

3,633,943

Equity
523,620

562,641

519,240

552,714

Total average liabilities and equity
$
4,250,547

$
4,165,713

$
4,232,301

$
4,186,657

Interest Rate Yield/Expense (rates are annualized)
Interest Rate Yield:
Interest-bearing deposits
0.27
%
0.25
%
0.26
%
0.24
%
Investment securities
2.12

1.95

2.13

1.88

Mortgage-backed obligations
1.67

2.60

1.63

2.71

Total interest rate yield on securities and cash equivalents
1.67

1.71

1.62

1.69

Loans receivable
5.22

5.53

5.23

5.51

Total interest rate yield on interest-earning assets
4.53

4.81

4.52

4.78

Interest Rate Expense:
Deposits
0.29

0.48

0.30

0.50

Advances from FHLB
0.46

2.52

0.67

2.50

Other borrowings
0.22

0.31

0.25

1.03

Junior subordinated debentures
2.41

2.61

2.42

2.95

Total interest rate expense on interest-bearing liabilities
0.36

0.55

0.37

0.61

Interest spread
4.17
%
4.26
%
4.15
%
4.17
%
Net interest margin on interest earning assets
4.20
%
4.31
%
4.18
%
4.23
%
Additional Key Financial Ratios (income and expense ratios are annualized)
Return on average assets
1.11
%
2.45
%
1.11
%
1.66
%
Return on average equity
9.00

18.15

9.06

12.58

Average equity / average assets
12.32

13.51

12.27

13.20

Average interest-earning assets /average interest-bearing liabilities
107.98

109.62

107.82

109.15

Non-interest (other operating) income / average assets
1.00

(0.92
)
0.98

0.05

Non-interest (other operating) expenses / average assets
3.35

3.44

3.31

3.53

Efficiency ratio (1)
67.06

107.34

66.99

86.24


(1)
Other operating expense divided by the total of net interest income (before provision for loan losses) and other operating income (non-interest income)

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Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses . As a result of substantial reserves already in place representing 2.34% of total loans outstanding, as well as declining delinquencies and net charge-offs, we did not record a provision for loan losses in either the quarter or the six months ended June 30, 2013 . This compares to a $4.0 million provision in the second quarter a year ago and a $9.0 million provision for the six months ended June 30, 2012 . As discussed in the Summary of Critical Accounting Policies section above and in Note 1 of the Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q, the provision and allowance for loan losses is one of the most critical accounting estimates included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The provision for loan losses reflects the amount required to maintain the allowance for losses at an appropriate level based upon management’s evaluation of the adequacy of general and specific loss reserves, trends in delinquencies and net charge-offs and current economic conditions.

Reflecting lingering weakness in the economy, we continue to maintain a substantial allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2013 even though non-performing loans declined during the quarter. The allowance for loan losses also continues to reflect our concerns that the significant number of distressed sellers in the market and additional expected lender foreclosures may further disrupt certain housing markets and adversely affect home prices and the demand for building lots. These concerns have remained elevated during the past five years as price declines for housing and related lot and land markets have occurred in most areas of the Puget Sound and Portland regions where a significant portion of our one- to four-family residential and construction and development loans are located. Nonetheless, more recently we have been encouraged by evidence of stabilization or modest improvement in most markets in our service areas and significant improvement in certain areas. Aside from housing-related construction and development loans, non-performing loans often reflect unique operating difficulties for the individual borrower; however, the weak pace of general economic activity and diminished commercial real estate values have been significant contributing factors to delinquencies and defaults in other non-housing-related segments of the portfolio.

We recorded net charge-offs of $275,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $5.3 million for the same quarter in the prior year. Non-performing loans decreased by $7 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 to $26 million , and decreased by $21 million compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2012 . A comparison of the allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2013 and 2012 reflects a decrease of $3 million to $77 million at June 30, 2013 , from $80 million at June 30, 2012 .  Included in our allowance at June 30, 2013 was an unallocated portion of $9.8 million , which is based upon our evaluation of various factors that are not directly measured in the determination of the formula and specific allowances. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans (loans receivable excluding allowance for losses) decreased to 2.34% at June 30, 2013 , from 2.50% at June 30, 2012 . However, with the decrease in problem loans, the allowance as a percentage of non-performing loans increased to 294% at June 30, 2013 , compared to 225% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2012 and 169% a year earlier.

As of June 30, 2013 , we had identified $78 million of impaired loans. Impaired loans are comprised of loans on nonaccrual, TDRs and loans that are 90 days or more past due, but are still on accrual. Impaired loans may be evaluated for reserve purposes using either a specific impairment analysis or collectively evaluated as part of homogeneous pools. For more information on these impaired loans, refer to Note 11 of the Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Fair Value Accounting and Measurement, in this Form 10-Q.

We believe that the allowance for loan losses as of June 30, 2013 was adequate to absorb the known and inherent risks of loss in the loan portfolio at that date. While we believe the estimates and assumptions used in our determination of the adequacy of the allowance are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these estimates and assumptions will not be proven incorrect in the future, or that the actual amount of future provisions will not exceed the amount of past provisions or that any increased provisions that may be required will not adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the determination of the amount of the allowance for loan losses is subject to review by bank regulators as part of the routine examination process, which may result in the establishment of additional reserves based upon their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.

Other Operating Income. Other operating income, which includes changes in the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value, OTTI charges and recoveries, and gain on sale of securities, as well as non-interest revenues from core operations, was $10.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to a net loss of $9.5 million for the same quarter in the prior year. Our other operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2013 included a gain on the sale of securities of $12,000 and a $255,000 net loss for fair value adjustments as a result of changes in the valuation of our securities portfolios. During the quarter ended June 30, 2012 , fair value adjustments resulted in a net loss of $19.1 million as we recorded a significant adjustment to the fair value of our junior subordinated debentures. For a more detailed discussion of our fair value adjustments, please refer to Note 11 in the Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q.

Other operating income, including changes in the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value, was $20.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $1.1 million for the same period in the prior year. Our other operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2013 included a gain on the sale of securities of $1.0 million and an OTTI recovery of $409,000 , both of which resulted from the sale of securities that had been fully written off in previous periods. Primarily reflecting the impact of higher market interest rates on certain fixed rate securities in our held for trading portfolio, as well as changes in the fair value of junior subordinated debentures, for the six months ended June 30, 2013 we recorded a net loss of $1.6 million in fair value adjustments compared to a net loss of $17.4 million for the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the significant adjustment for the fair value of the junior subordinated debentures.

Excluding the fair value and OTTI adjustments and gain on sale of securities, other operating income from core operations increased by $1.4 million , or 14% , to $10.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $9.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 , largely as a result of increased deposit fees and service charges and revenues from mortgage banking operations. Deposit fees and service charges increased by $345,000 compared to the second quarter a year ago reflecting growth in the number of deposit accounts and increased transaction activity. Mortgage banking revenues increased by $838,000 as increased production and sales of loans were supported by still high levels of refinancing as well as increased home purchases despite a significant increase in mortgage rates in the second half of the quarter. In addition, revenues from

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mortgage banking activities were augmented by $600,000 in the current quarter as a result of a partial reversal of a valuation allowance for previously recorded impairment charges related to our mortgage servicing rights. Other operating income from core operations increased by $2.3 million , or 13% , to $20.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 . Similar to the quarterly discussion above, deposit fees and service charges increased by $776,000 compared to the first six months of the prior year while mortgage banking operations increased by $1.2 million .

Other Operating Expenses. Other operating expenses decreased by $209,000 , to $35.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $35.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 , largely as a result of decreased costs related to REO operations as well as decreases in professional services expenses and FDIC deposit insurance charges, which were generally offset by increased compensation expenses and payment and card processing expenses. As a result of net gains on sales of REO properties, expenses related to REO decreased by $2.2 million to a net gain of $195,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 from a $2.0 million expense during the same period a year earlier. In addition to real estate taxes and maintenance costs, expenses related to REO for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 included only $226,000 in valuation adjustments; however, those charges were more than offset by $667,000 in net gains on sales of REO properties. By comparison, for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 , we recorded $1.6 million in valuation adjustments and net gains on REO sales of $567,000 . Compensation expense increased $1.8 million , or 9% , to $21.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to $19.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 , primarily reflecting salary and wage adjustments, increased mortgage banking activity and higher health insurance costs. The increase in compensation expenses was partially offset by an increase of $323,000 in capitalized loan origination costs which also reflected the increase in mortgage banking activity. The cost of FDIC insurance decreased by $199,000 primarily as a result of a reduction in the premium assessment rate attributed to improvements in the asset quality and earnings performance of Banner Bank resulting in the termination of Banner Bank's Memorandum of Understanding with the FDIC and Washington DFI in the first quarter of 2012. All other expenses, net, increased $643,000 largely as a result of increased payment and card processing volumes. Other operating expenses as a percentage of average assets were 3.35% for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , compared to 3.44% for the same quarter one year earlier.

Other operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2013 decreased $4.0 million , or 5% , to $69.6 million compared to $73.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 . REO expenses decreased $5.0 million , or 110% , to a $446,000 net gain for the six months ended June 30, 2013 , compared to net losses of $4.6 million for the prior year period, and included $299,000 of valuation adjustments and $1.5 million of net gains on the sale of properties. Compensation expense increased $3.1 million , or 8% , to $42.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared to $38.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 , again reflecting salary and wage adjustments, increased mortgage banking activity and higher health insurance costs. Partially offsetting the increase in compensation, capitalized loan origination costs increased by $944,000 compared to the same six -month period a year earlier. Also contributing to the reduction in operating expenses was a $916,000 , or 42% , decrease in deposit insurance to $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared to $2.2 million for the same period in the prior year and a $419,000 decrease in advertising and marketing expenses. Reflecting the significant growth in core deposits, expenses for payment and card processing increased by $747,000, or 19%, to $4.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, compared to $4.0 million for the same period in the prior year. Most other operating expenses were little changed from a year earlier.

Income Taxes. In the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , we recognized $5.7 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of approximately 32.5%, which reflects our normal statutory tax rate reduced by the impact of tax-exempt income and certain tax credits. Our normal, expected statutory income tax rate is 36.5%, representing a blend of the statutory federal income tax rate of 35.0% and apportioned effects of the 7.6% Oregon and Idaho income tax rates. For the six months ended June 30, 2013 , we recognized $10.9 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 31.9%. From September 30, 2010 through the quarter ended March 31, 2012, we maintained a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets (DTA). While the full valuation allowance remained in effect, we did not recognize any tax expense or benefit in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the second quarter of 2012, we determined that maintaining the full valuation allowance was no longer appropriate and subsequently reversed the valuation allowance. As a result, we recognized a tax benefit of $31.8 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 , which significantly affected our net income in both periods. For more discussion on our deferred tax asset and related valuation allowance, please refer to Note 12 in the Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report on Form 10-Q.

Asset Quality

Achieving and maintaining a moderate risk profile by aggressively managing troubled assets has been and will continue to be a primary focus for us. As a result, our non-performing assets declined substantially in 2012 and have decreased further in the first six months of 2013.  All of our key credit quality metrics have improved compared to a year ago, including improvement during the second quarter of this year, and as a result our credit costs have been significantly reduced. In addition, our reserve levels are substantial and, as a result of our impairment analysis and charge-off actions, reflect current appraisals and valuation estimates as well as recent regulatory examination results. While our non-performing assets and credit costs have been materially reduced, we continue to be actively engaged with our borrowers in resolving remaining problem assets and with the effective management of real estate owned as a result of foreclosures.

Non-Performing Assets: Non-performing assets decreased to $33 million , or 0.78% of total assets, at June 30, 2013 , from $50 million , or 1.18% of total assets, at December 31, 2012 , and $73 million , or 1.73% of total assets, at June 30, 2012 . Non-performing assets are comprised of non-performing loans which total $26 million and REO and other repossessed assets which total $7 million . The primary components of non-performing loans are $13 million in one- to four-family residential loans, $5 million in commercial and multifamily real estate loans, $3 million in commercial business loans, $3 million in construction, land and land development loans and $2 million in consumer loans. The primary components of REO are $4 million in residential construction, land or land development projects and $2 million in single-family homes.  Non-performing construction, land and land development loans and related REO totaled $7 million at June 30, 2013 and included approximately $1.8 million , or 25%, in the Puget Sound region, $4.2 million , or 59%, in the greater Portland market area, $400,000 , or 6%, in the greater Boise market area, and $700,000 , or 10%, in other areas of Washington, Oregon and Idaho.  We believe our level of non-performing loans and assets,

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which has declined substantially, is manageable and that we have sufficient capital and human resources to manage the collection of our non-performing assets in an orderly fashion.

Loans are reported as TDRs when we grant concessions to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties that we would not otherwise consider.  As a result of these concessions, TDRs are impaired as the Banks will not collect all amounts due, both principal and interest, in accordance with the terms of the original loan agreement.  If any TDR becomes delinquent or other matters call into question the borrower's ability to repay full interest and principal in accordance with the restructured terms, the TDR would be reclassified as nonaccrual.  At June 30, 2013 , we had $52 million of TDRs currently performing under their restructured terms.

The following table sets forth information with respect to our non-performing assets and TDRs at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
June 30, 2013

December 31, 2012
June 30, 2012

Nonaccrual Loans: (1)
Secured by real estate:
Commercial
$
4,810

$
6,579

$
7,580

Multifamily
335



Construction and land
2,775

3,673

8,939

One- to four-family
11,465

12,964

16,170

Commercial business
2,819

4,750

8,600

Agricultural business, including secured by farmland


1,010

Consumer
1,938

3,395

2,882

24,142

31,361

45,181

Loans more than 90 days delinquent, still on accrual:



Secured by real estate:



Commercial



Multifamily



Construction and land



One- to four-family
1,897

2,877

2,142

Commercial business
4



Agricultural business, including secured by farmland



Consumer
58

152

39

1,959

3,029

2,181

Total non-performing loans
26,101

34,390

47,362

Securities on nonaccrual at fair value



REO and other repossessed assets held for sale, net (2)
6,832

15,853

25,830

Total non-performing assets
$
32,933

$
50,243

$
73,192

Total non-performing loans to loans before allowance for loan losses
0.79
%
1.06
%
1.47
%
Total non-performing loans to total assets
0.62
%
0.81
%
1.12
%
Total non-performing assets to total assets
0.78
%
1.18
%
1.73
%
TDRs (3)
$
51,733

$
57,462

$
58,010

Loans 30-89 days past due and on accrual
$
5,902

$
11,685

$
5,504


(1)
Includes $2.0 million of non-accrual TDRs. For the three months ended June 30, 2013 , we had net recoveries of interest income related to non-accrual loans of $54,000 and for the six months ended June 30, 2013 , $405,000 in interest income would have been recorded had nonaccrual loans been current.
(2)
Real estate acquired by us as a result of foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate held for sale until it is sold. When property is acquired, it is recorded at the lower of the estimated fair value of the property, less expected selling costs, or the carrying value of the defaulted loan. Subsequent to foreclosure, the property is carried at the lower of the foreclosed amount or net realizable value. Upon receipt of a new appraisal and market analysis, the carrying value is written down to the anticipated sales price, less selling and holding costs.
(3)
These loans are performing under their restructured terms.


62


The following table sets forth the Company’s non-performing assets by geographic concentration at June 30, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
Washington
Oregon
Idaho
Total
Secured by real estate:
Commercial
$
4,759

$

$
51

$
4,810

Multifamily


335

335

Construction and land




One- to four-family construction
1,049

349

366

1,764

Residential land acquisition & development

876


876

Residential land improved lots

22


22

Residential land unimproved
113



113

Commercial land improved




Commercial land unimproved




Total construction and land
1,162

1,247

366

2,775

One- to four-family
9,003

2,353

2,006

13,362

Commercial business
2,756

67


2,823

Agricultural business, including secured by farmland




Consumer
1,454

390

152

1,996

Total non-performing loans
19,134

4,057

2,910

26,101

REO and other repossessed assets held for sale, net
2,659

3,904

269

6,832

Total non-performing assets
$
21,793

$
7,961

$
3,179

$
32,933

Percent of non-performing assets
66
%
24
%
10
%
100
%

In addition to the non-performing loans as of June 30, 2013 , we had other classified loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $104 million that are not on nonaccrual status, with respect to which known information concerning possible credit problems with the borrowers or the cash flows of the properties securing the respective loans has caused management to be concerned about the ability of the borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms.  This may result in the future inclusion of such loans in the nonaccrual loan category.

We record REO (acquired through a lending relationship) at fair value on a non-recurring basis.  All REO properties are recorded at amounts which are equal to fair value of the properties based on independent appraisals (reduced by estimated selling costs) upon transfer of the loans to REO.  From time to time, non-recurring fair value adjustments to REO are recorded to reflect partial write-downs based on an observable market price or current appraised value of property.  The individual carrying values of these assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually and any additional impairment charges are expensed to operations.  For the quarters ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 , we recognized $226,000 and $1.6 million , respectively, of impairment charges related to these types of assets.  For the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 , we recognized $299,000 and $3 million , respectively of these impairment charges.

Within our non-performing loans, we have only two nonaccrual lending relationships with aggregate loan exposures in excess of $1.0 million that collectively comprise $3.3 million , or 11.6% of our total non-performing loans, as of June 30, 2013 . The largest relationship consisted of a commercial business loan that totaled $1.6 million at June 30, 2013 secured by accounts receivable and inventory.  The second lending relationship consisted of a $1.4 million commercial real estate loan secured by a commercial building located in central Washington State. The remaining balance of our nonperforming loans consists of 111 loans with borrowers located throughout our market areas.


63


At June 30, 2013 , we had $6.7 million of REO, the most significant component of which is a subdivision in the greater Portland, Oregon area consisting of 11 residential buildable lots and 33.2 acres of undeveloped land with a book value of $1.6 million .  The second largest REO holding is 19.6 acres of undeveloped land in the greater Portland, Oregon area with a book value of $561,000 .  All other REO holdings have individual book values of less than $500,000 .

The table below summarizes our REO by geographic location and property type (dollars in thousands):
Amount
Percent of
Total REO
REO Description
Geographic Location
$
3,990

59.4
%
Eight single family residences
13 residential lots
56 acres undeveloped buildable land
Greater Portland, Oregon area
1,540

22.9
%
Four single family residences
One residential lot
Two parcels of undeveloped residential land
One acre of buildable residential land
Greater Seattle-Puget Sound area
268

4.0
%
Two residential lots
One commercial office building
Greater Boise, Idaho area
916

13.7
%
One single family residence under construction
Five residential lots
13 acres of undeveloped land
One parcel of bare land
Other Washington locations
$
6,714

100.0
%

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our 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 amortization 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, competition and our pricing strategies.

Our primary investing activity is the origination and purchase of loans and, in certain periods, the purchase of securities.  During the six months ended June 30, 2013 our loan originations exceeded our loan repayments by $63 million and during the six months ended June 30, 2012 , our loan originations were less than loan repayments by $72 million . During those periods we purchased loans of $109,000 and $5 million , respectively.  During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 , we sold $273 million and $243 million , respectively, of loans.  Securities purchased during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 totaled $212 million and $197 million , respectively, and securities repayments and maturities were $73 million and $212 million , respectively.

Our primary financing activity is gathering deposits.  Deposits decreased by $97 million during the first six months of 2013 , including a $85 million decrease in certificates of deposits . The decrease in deposits was driven by our pricing decisions designed to shift our deposit portfolio into lower cost checking, savings and money market accounts, and allow higher rate certificates of deposit to run-off. Certificates of deposits are generally more price sensitive than other retail deposits and our pricing of those deposits varies significantly based upon our liquidity management strategies at any point in time.  At June 30, 2013 , certificates of deposit amounted to $944 million , or 27% of our total deposits, including $694 million which were scheduled to mature within one year.  While no assurance can be given as to future periods, historically, we have been able to retain a significant amount of our deposits as they mature.

We 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 six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 , we used our sources of funds primarily to fund loan commitments, purchase securities, and pay maturing savings certificates and deposit withdrawals. At June 30, 2013 , we had outstanding loan commitments totaling $1.113 billion , including undisbursed loans in process and unused credit lines totaling $1.063 billion . While representing potential growth in the loan portfolio and lending activities, this level of commitments is proportionally consistent with our historical experience and does not represent a departure from normal operations.

We generally maintain sufficient cash and readily marketable securities to meet short-term liquidity needs; however, our primary liquidity management practice to supplement deposits is to increase or decrease short-term borrowings, including FHLB advances and Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (FRBSF) borrowings.  We maintain credit facilities with the FHLB-Seattle, which at June 30, 2013 provide for advances that in the aggregate may equal the lesser of 35% of Banner Bank’s assets or adjusted qualifying collateral (subject to a sufficient level of ownership of FHLB stock), up to a total possible credit line of $715 million , and 25% of Islanders Bank’s assets or adjusted qualifying collateral, up to a total possible credit line of $26 million .  Advances under these credit facilities (excluding fair value adjustments) totaled $54 million , or 1% of our assets at June 30, 2013 .  In addition, Banner Bank has been approved for participation in the FRBSF’s Borrower-In-Custody (BIC) program.  Under this program Banner Bank can borrow from 57% up to 91% of eligible loans, depending on collateral type and risk rating.  We currently estimate the BIC program would provide additional borrowing capacity of $569 million as of June 30, 2013 .  We had no funds borrowed

64


from the FRBSF at June 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012 .  Management believes it has adequate resources and funding potential to meet our foreseeable liquidity requirements.

Banner Corporation is a separate legal entity from the Banks and, on a stand-alone level, must provide for its own liquidity and pay its own operating expenses and cash dividends. Banner's primary sources of funds consist of capital raised through dividends or capital distributions from the Banks, although there are regulatory restrictions on the ability of the Banks to pay dividends. At June 30, 2013 , the Company (on an unconsolidated basis) had liquid assets of $33.4 million .

As noted below, Banner Corporation and its subsidiary banks continued to maintain capital levels significantly in excess of the requirements to be categorized as “Well-Capitalized” under applicable regulatory standards.  During the six months ended June 30, 2013 , total equity increased $13 million , or 3% , to $520 million .  Total equity at June 30, 2013 is entirely attributable to common stock.  At June 30, 2013 , tangible common stockholders’ equity, which excludes other intangible assets, was $517 million , or 12.22% of tangible assets.  See the discussion and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial information in the Executive Overview section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation in this Form 10-Q for more detailed information with respect to tangible common stockholders’ equity.  Also, see the capital requirements discussion and table below with respect to our regulatory capital positions.

Capital Requirements

Banner Corporation is a bank holding company registered with the Federal Reserve.  Bank holding companies are subject to capital adequacy r equirements of the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended and the regulations of the Federal Reserve.  Banner Bank and Islanders Bank, as state-chartered, federally insured commercial banks, are subject to the capital requirements established by the FDIC.

The capital adequacy requirements are quantitative measures established by regulation that require Banner Corporation and the Banks to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of capital.  The Federal Reserve requires Banner Corporation to maintain capital adequacy that generally parallels the FDIC requirements.  The FDIC requires the Banks 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, 2013 , Banner Corporation and the Banks each 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 2012 Form 10-K for additional information regarding regulatory capital requirements for Banner and the Banks.)

The actual regulatory capital ratios calculated for Banner Corporation, Banner Bank and Islanders Bank as of June 30, 2013 , along with the minimum capital amounts and ratios, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Actual
Minimum for Capital Adequacy Purposes
Minimum to be Categorized as “Well-Capitalized” Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Banner Corporation—consolidated
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
$
603,187

16.99
%
$
283,951

8.00
%
n/a

n/a

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
558,418

15.73
%
141,975

4.00
%
n/a

n/a

Tier 1 leverage capital to average assets
558,418

13.26
%
168,509

4.00
%
n/a

n/a

Banner Bank
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
539,948

16.02
%
269,697

8.00
%
$
337,121

10.00
%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
497,415

14.75
%
134,848

4.00
%
202,272

6.00
%
Tier 1 leverage capital to average assets
497,415

12.46
%
159,741

4.00
%
199,676

5.00
%
Islanders Bank
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
33,913

18.52
%
14,652

8.00
%
18,315

10.00
%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
31,616

17.26
%
7,326

4.00
%
10,989

6.00
%
Tier 1 leverage capital to average assets
31,616

13.88
%
9,113

4.00
%
11,392

5.00
%


65


ITEM 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk and Asset/Liability Management

Our financial condition and operations 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.  Our profitability is dependent to a large extent on our net interest income, wh ich is the difference between the interest received from our interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred on our interest-bearing liabilities.

Our activities, 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 our financial performance.

The greatest source of interest rate risk to us 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, although our floating-rate assets tend to be more immediately responsive to changes in market rates than most funding deposit liabilities.  Additional interest rate risk results from mismatched repricing indices and formula (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 us.  An exception to this generalization is the beneficial effect of interest rate floors on a substantial portion of our performing floating-rate loans, which help us maintain higher loan yields in periods when market interest rates decline significantly.  However, in a declining interest rate environment, as loans with floors are repaid they generally are replaced with new loans which have lower interest rate floors.  As of June 30, 2013 , our loans with interest rate floors totaled approximately $1.5 billion and had a weighted average floor rate of 4.92% . An additional source of interest rate risk, which is currently of concern, is a prolonged period of exceptionally low market interest rates. Because interest-bearing deposit costs have been reduced to nominal levels, there is very little possibility that they will be significantly further reduced. By contrast, if market rates remain very low, loan and securities yields will likely continue to decline as longer-term instruments mature or are repaid. Further, non-interest-bearing deposits provide a meaningful portion of our funding. As a result, a prolonged period of very low interest rates will likely result in compression of our net interest margin. While this pressure on the margin may be mitigated by further changes in the mix of assets and deposits, particularly increases in non-interest-bearing deposits, a prolonged period of low interest rates will present a very difficult operating environment for most banks, including us.

The principal objectives of asset/liability management are: to evaluate the interest rate risk exposure; to determine the level of risk appropriate given our operating environment, business plan strategies, performance objectives, capital and liquidity constraints, and asset and liability allocation alternatives; and to manage our interest rate risk consistent with regulatory guidelines and policies approved by the Board of Directors.  Through such management, we seek to reduce the vulnerability of our earnings and capital position to changes in the level of interest rates.  Our actions in this regard are taken under the guidance of the Asset/Liability Management Committee, which is comprised of members of our senior management.  The Committee closely monitors our interest sensitivity exposure, asset and liability allocation decisions, liquidity and capital positions, and local and national economic conditions and attempts to structure the loan and investment portfolios and funding sources to maximize earnings within acceptable risk tolerances.

Sensitivity Analysis

Our 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.  We also utilize economic value analysis, which addresses changes in estimated net economic value of equity arising from changes in the level of interest rates.  The net economic value of equity is estimated by separately valuing our 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 economic value to changes in interest rates and provides an additional measure of interest rate risk.

The interest rate sensitivity analysis performed by us 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.  We update and prepare simulation modeling at least quarterly for review by senior management and the directors. We believe the data and assumptions are realistic representations of our portfolio and possible outcomes under the various interest rate scenarios.  Nonetheless, the interest rate sensitivity of our net interest income and net economic value of equity could vary substantially if different assumptions were used or if actual experience differs from the assumptions used.


66


The following table sets forth as of June 30, 2013 , the estimated changes in our net interest income over a one-year time horizon and the estimated changes in economic value of equity based on the indicated interest rate environments (dollars in thousands):
Estimated Change in
Change (in Basis Points) in Interest Rates (1)
Net Interest Income
Next 12 Months
Net Economic Value
+400
$
(2,705
)
(1.7
)%
$
(182,673
)
(28.8
)%
+300
(2,090
)
(1.3
)
(143,097
)
(22.6
)
+200
(1,400
)
(0.9
)
(98,106
)
(15.5
)
+100
(1,595
)
(1.0
)
(50,176
)
(7.9
)
0




-25
(646
)
(0.4
)
6,276

1.0

-50
(1,514
)
(0.9
)
6,073

1.0

(1)
Assumes an instantaneous and sustained uniform change in market interest rates at all maturities; however, no rates are allowed to go below zero.  The current federal funds rate is 0.25% .
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 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 interest-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 ARM 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 change in market rates.


67


The following table presents our interest sensitivity gap between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at June 30, 2013 (dollars in thousands).  The table sets forth the amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities which are anticipated by us, based upon certain assumptions, to reprice or mature in each of the future periods shown.  At June 30, 2013 , total interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within one year exceeded total interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing in the same time period by $405 million , representing a one-year cumulative gap to total assets ratio of 9.56% .  Management is aware of the sources of interest rate risk and in its opinion actively monitors and manages it to the extent possible.  The interest rate risk indicators and interest sensitivity gaps as of June 30, 2013 are within our internal policy guidelines and management considers that our current level of interest rate risk is reasonable.
Within
6 Months
After 6
Months
Within 1 Year
After 1 Year
Within 3
Years
After 3 Years
Within 5 Years
After 5 Years
Within 10
Years
Over
10 Years
Total
Interest-earning assets: (1)
Construction loans
$
193,169

$
13,167

$
21,750

$
6,278

$
2,851

$
97

$
237,312

Fixed-rate mortgage loans
135,832

78,632

234,018

147,302

148,464

56,675

800,923

Adjustable-rate mortgage loans
440,419

137,074

313,567

292,405

14,578

104

1,198,147

Fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities
35,610

35,093

136,935

86,826

20,458

18,511

333,433

Adjustable-rate mortgage-backed securities
3,384

444





3,828

Fixed-rate commercial/agricultural loans
46,860

38,063

88,961

39,932

12,945

338

227,099

Adjustable-rate commercial/agricultural loans
514,060

8,144

38,012

15,735

193


576,144

Consumer and other loans
164,746

12,866

35,215

24,542

16,084

1,162

254,615

Investment securities and interest-earning deposits
163,293

18,965

51,017

34,115

69,978

60,861

398,229

Total rate sensitive assets
1,697,373

342,448

919,475

647,135

285,551

137,748

4,029,730

Interest-bearing liabilities: (2)
Regular savings and interest checking accounts
183,104

170,766

398,454

398,454



1,150,778

Money market deposit accounts
203,368

122,021

81,347




406,736

Certificates of deposit
428,079

258,909

203,915

49,704

3,496

32

944,135

FHLB advances
54,207






54,207

Other borrowings







Junior subordinated debentures
123,716






123,716

Retail repurchase agreements
90,779






90,779

Total rate sensitive liabilities
1,083,253

551,696

683,716

448,158

3,496

32

2,770,351

Excess (deficiency) of interest-sensitive assets over interest-sensitive liabilities
$
614,120

$
(209,248
)
$
235,759

$
198,977

$
282,055

$
137,716

$
1,259,379

Cumulative excess (deficiency) of interest-sensitive assets
$
614,120

$
404,872

$
640,631

$
839,608

$
1,121,663

$
1,259,379

$
1,259,379

Cumulative ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
156.69
%
124.76
%
127.63
%
130.35
%
140.49
%
145.46
%
145.46
%
Interest sensitivity gap to total assets
14.50
%
(4.94
)%
5.57
%
4.70
%
6.66
%
3.25
%
29.73
%
Ratio of cumulative gap to total assets
14.50
%
9.56
%
15.12
%
19.82
%
26.48
%
29.73
%
29.73
%
(Footnotes on following page)

68


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 period 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, unamortized acquisition premiums and discounts.
(2)
Adjustable-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 regular savings, demand, interest checking, and money market deposit accounts are subject to immediate withdrawal, based on historical experience 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 $(473) million , or (11.18)% of total assets at June 30, 2013 .  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 Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ” of this report on Form 10-Q .

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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.  Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures.  The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.  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 our 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 our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and several other members of our senior management as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2013 , our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to our 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 Over Financial Reporting: In the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, we 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 actions to enforce liens on properties in which we hold a security interest.  We are not a party to any pending legal proceedings that management believes would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or operations.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in Part 1, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 0-26584) or otherwise previously disclosed in our Form 10-Q reports filed subsequently.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , we did not sell any securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

We did not have any repurchases of our common stock from January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013 .

Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities

Not Applicable.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable

Item 5.
Other Information

Not Applicable.


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Item 6.
Exhibits

Exhibit
Index of Exhibits
3{a}
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Registrant [incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 28, 2010 (File No. 000-26584)], as amended on May 26, 2011 [incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 1, 2011 (File No. 000-26584)].
3{b}
Certificate of designation relating to the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series A [incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 24, 2008 (File No. 000-26584)].
3{c}
Bylaws of Registrant [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2011 (File No. 0-26584)].
4{a}
Warrant to purchase shares of Company’s common stock dated November 21, 2008 [incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 24, 2008 (File No. 000-26584)].
4{b}
Letter Agreement (including Securities Purchase Agreement Standard Terms attached as Exhibit A) dated November 21, 2008 between the Company and the United States Department of the Treasury [incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 24, 2008 (File No. 000-26584)].
10{a}
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{b}
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{c}
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Mark J. Grescovich [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 4, 2013 (File No. 000-26584)].
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 99.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated August 26, 1996 (File No. 333-10819)].
10{f}
1996 Management Recognition and Development Plan [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated August 26, 1996 (File No. 333-10819)].
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}
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{j}
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{k}
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{l}
Form of Supplemental Executive Retirement Program Agreement with Gary Sirmon, Michael K. Larsen, Lloyd W. Baker, Cynthia D. Purcell, Richard B. Barton and Paul E. Folz [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 and the exhibits filed with the Form 8-K on May 6, 2008].
10{m}
1998 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{n}
2001 Stock Option Plan [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated August 8, 2001 (File No. 333-67168)].
10{o}
Form of Employment Contract entered into with Cynthia D. Purcell, Richard B. Barton, Paul E. Folz 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)].
10{p}
2004 Executive Officer and Director Stock Account Deferred Compensation Plan [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 0-26584)].

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10{q}
2004 Executive Officer and Director Investment Account Deferred Compensation Plan [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 0-26584)].
10{r}
Long-Term Incentive Plan [incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Form 8-K on May 6, 2008].
10{s}
Form of Compensation Modification Agreement [incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 24, 2008 (File No. 000-26584)].
10{t}
2005 Executive Officer and Director Stock Account Deferred Compensation Plan.
10{u}
Entry into an Indemnification Agreement with each of the Company’s Directors [incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Form 8-K on January 29, 2010].
10(v)
2012 Restricted Stock and Incentive Bonus Plan [incorporated by reference as Appendix B to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 19, 2013].
10(w)
Form of Performance Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement [incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Form 8-K on June 4, 2013].
10(x)
Form of Time Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement [incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Form 8-K on June 4, 2013].
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.
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.
32
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101
The following materials from Banner Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (a) Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition; (b) Consolidated Statements of Operations; (c) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss); (d) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity; (e) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (f) Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*
* Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulations S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant 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.
Banner Corporation
August 7, 2013
/s/ Mark J. Grescovich
Mark J. Grescovich
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

August 7, 2013
/s/ Lloyd W. Baker
Lloyd W. Baker
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)






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