Business
Banner Corporation Reports Net Income of $54.7 Million, or $1.60 Per Diluted Share, for First Quarter 2026; Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend Declared by 4% to $0.52 Per Share
WALLA WALLA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Banner Corporation (NASDAQ: BANR) (“Banner”), the parent company of Banner Bank, today reported net income of $54.7
About this update from Banner Corporation
[{"type":"text","content":" WALLA WALLA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nBanner Corporation (NASDAQ: BANR) (“Banner”), the parent company of Banner Bank, today reported net income of $54.7 million, or $1.60 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2026, compared to $51.2 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, for the preceding quarter, and $45.1 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025. Net interest income was $150.2 million for the first quarter of 2026, compared to $152.4 million in the preceding quarter and $141.1 million for the first quarter a year ago. Net interest margin expanded by eight basis points to 4.11%, driven by continued reductions in funding costs. The decrease in net interest income compared to the prior quarter primarily reflects two fewer calendar days in the current quarter and a slight decrease in average earning assets, both of which were largely offset by the margin improvement. The increase in net interest income compared to the first quarter a year ago primarily reflects a decrease in overall funding costs and an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets. First quarter 2026 results included a $796,000 recapture of provision for credit losses, compared to $2.4 million of provision for credit losses in the preceding quarter and $3.1 million of provision for credit losses in the first quarter of 2025.\n\n\nBanner announced that its Board of Directors increased its regular quarterly cash dividend by 4% to $0.52 per share payable May 15, 2026, to common shareholders of record on May 5, 2026.\n\n\n“Banner’s first quarter results demonstrate the continued strength of our super community bank strategy, which focuses on building client relationships, preserving a strong funding base, and delivering exceptional service while sustaining a moderate risk profile,” said Mark Grescovich, President and CEO. “Our earnings for the first quarter of 2026 benefited from an improved net interest margin, increased non-interest income and decreased non-interest expense. The strategic investments we have made across the organization are delivering tangible returns and are further strengthening Banner for long-term success. Additionally, Banner’s credit quality remains solid, supported by a well-funded reserve for loan losses and a robust capital position that provides resilience and flexibility for future growth. We...