Banner Corp. (NASDAQ: BANR) reported Q2 EPS of $0.67, $0.33 better than the analyst estimate of $0.34.

“With strong loan and deposit growth, Banner’s core operating performance generated solid revenue growth with increases in both net interest income and non-interest income compared to both the preceding quarter and the same quarter last year. However; second quarter earnings were impacted by a number of items, including the anticipated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, and subsequently, the increase in our allowance for credit losses,” said Mark Grescovich, President and CEO. “To provide support for our clients, we have made available several assistance programs. Banner has provided SBA paycheck protection funds totaling nearly $1.12 billion for 8,655 businesses and provided deferred payments or waived interest on 3,314 loans totaling $1.1 billion as of June 30, 2020. We will continue to do the right thing for our clients, our communities, our colleagues, our company and our shareholders while providing a consistent and reliable source of commerce and capital through all economic cycles and changing events. I am very proud of our more than 2,100 colleagues that are working extremely hard to assist our clients and communities during these difficult times."

“We have proactively downgraded certain modified loans and other loans we consider at risk due to the COVID-19 induced economic slowdown. As a result, along with recent further deterioration in economic conditions, we increased the allowance for credit losses to $156.4 million with the addition of $29.5 million in credit loss provisions during the quarter ended June 30, 2020,” Grescovich added. "This provision compares to a $21.7 million provision for credit losses during the preceding quarter and a $2.0 million provision for loan losses in the second quarter a year ago. The allowance for credit losses - loans was 1.52% of total loans and 418% of non-performing loans at the end of the second quarter of 2020."

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Banner Corp. (BANR) click here.