Operator: Thank you for standing by. My name is Jordan, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Banner Corporation Second Quarter 26 Conference Call and Webcast. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press star followed by the number 1 on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press star 1 again. Thank you. I would now like to turn the call over to Mark J. Grescovich. President and CEO of Banner Corporation.
Mark J. Grescovich: Thank you, Jordan, and good morning, everyone. Would also like to welcome you to the second quarter 26 earnings call for Banner Corporation. Joining me on the call today is Robert G. Butterfield, Banner Corporation's Chief Financial Officer Jill Rice, our chief credit officer and Rich Arnold, our head of investor relations. Rich, would you please read our forward looking Safe Harbor statement?
Rich Arnold: Sure, Mark. Good morning. Our presentation today discusses Banner's business outlook and will include forward looking statements. Statements include descriptions of management's plans, objectives or goals for future operations, products or services, forecast of financial or other performance measures, and statements about Banner's general outlook for economic and other conditions. We also may make other forward looking statements in the question and answer period following management's discussion. These forward looking statements are subject to a number of risk and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed today. Information on the risk factors that could cause actual results to differ are available from the earnings press release that was released yesterday and a recently filed form 10 q the quarter ended 03/31/2026. Forward looking statements are effective only as of the day they are made and Banner assumes no obligation to update information concerning its expectations. Mark?
Mark J. Grescovich: Thank you, Rich. As is customary, today, we will cover 4 primary items with you. First, I will provide you high level comments on Banner's second quarter 2 thousand 26 performance. Second, the actions Banner continues to take to support all of our stakeholders including our Banner team, our clients, our communities, and our shareholders. Third, Jill Rice will provide comments on the current status of our loan portfolio. And finally, Robert G. Butterfield will provide more detail on our operating performance for the quarter as well as comments on our balance sheet. Before I get started, I want to thank all of my 2,000 colleagues in our company who are working extremely hard to assist our clients and our communities. Banner has lived our core values summed up as doing the right thing, for the past 1 hundred and 35 years. Our overarching goal continues to be to do the right thing for our clients, our communities, our colleagues, our company, and our shareholders and to provide a consistent and reliable source of commerce and capital through all economic cycles and change events. I am pleased to report again to you that is exactly what we continue to do. I am very proud of the entire Banner team that is living our core values. Now let me turn to an overview of our performance. As announced, Banner Corporation reported a net profit available to common shareholders of $48.9 million or $1.43 per diluted share for the quarter ended 06/30/2026. This compares to a net profit to common shareholders of $1.31 per share for the second quarter of 25. Our strategy to maintain a moderate risk profile and the investments we have made and continue to make to make in order to improve our operating performance have positioned the company well for the future. Robert will discuss these items in more detail shortly. The strength of our balance sheet coupled with a strong reputation we maintain in our markets, will allow us to manage through the current market uncertainty. To illustrate the core earnings power of Banner, I would direct your attention to pretax pre provision earnings excluding gains and losses on the sale of securities, changes in fair value of financial instruments, merger and acquisition related expenses, and building and lease exit costs. Our second quarter 26 core earnings were $64.4 million compared to $62.5 million for the second quarter of 25. Banner's second quarter 2 thousand 26 revenue from core operations was $172 million compared to $163 million for the second quarter of 25, an increase of nearly 6%. We continue to benefit from a strong core deposit base that has proved to be resilient and loyal to Banner, a very good net interest margin, and core expense control. Overall, this resulted in a return on average assets of 1.20% for the second quarter of 26. Once again, our core performance reflects continued execution Demonstrating our safety and soundness, through all economic cycles and change events. To that point, our core deposits continue to represent 89% of total deposits. Reflective of this performance, coupled with our strong regulatory capital ratios, and the fact we increased our tangible common equity per share by 11% from the same period last year, we announced a core dividend of $0.52 per common share. Earlier this month, we released our 2025 corporate responsibility report. Banner has always been committed to do the right thing in support of our clients, the many communities that we serve, and our colleagues. The accomplishments highlighted in this report are meant to reflect the deep connection we have with all of our stakeholders and our commitment to creating positive change in the communities we serve. Finally, I am pleased to say that we continue to marketplace recognition and validation of our business model, and our value proposition. Banner was again named 1 of America's 100 Best banks as well as 1 of the best banks in the world by Forbes. In Newsweek, named Banner 1 of the most trustworthy companies both in America and the world again this year. And just recently named Banner 1 of the best regional banks in the country. Additionally, our company was certified by Great Place to Work, and S&P Global Market Intelligence ranked Banner's financial performance among the top 50 public banks with more than $10 billion in assets. Also, the Kroll Bond Rating Agency affirmed all of Banner's investment grade debt and deposit ratings And as we have noted previously, Banner Bank again received an outstanding CRA rating. Let me now turn the call over to Jill. To discuss trends in our loan portfolio and her comments on Banner's credit quality. Jill?
Jill Rice: Thank you, Mark, and good morning, everyone. As detailed in our press release, loan originations were strong again this quarter. We reported solid loan growth across multiple product lines, and Banner's credit metrics remained stable. Delinquent loans declined 5 basis points to 0.51% of total loans when compared to the linked quarter and compared to 0.41% as of 06/30/2025. Adversely classified assets also declined quarter over quarter down $16.5 million, to represent 1.82% of total loans, a 19-basis point decrease when compared to Mark 31. Nonperforming assets increased by $8.9 million, the result of a single condo construction project moving to nonaccrual. In spite of this increase, total nonperforming assets represent a modest 0.36% of total assets. Nonperforming loans total $54.8 million, the majority of which are 1- to 4-family or other consumer related credits that often involve protracted resolution time lines. REO balances declined by $500 thousand quarter over quarter to total $5.7 million. The net provision for credit losses on the quarter was $3.8 million, including a $1.6 million provision for credit losses loans and a $2.2 million provision for unfunded loan commitments. Loan losses in the quarter were modest, totaling $577 thousand and were offset in part by recoveries totaling $476 thousand. The provision was largely driven by loan growth and was partially offset by changes in portfolio mix and positive risk rating migration. The loan loss reserve remains strong providing coverage of 1.35% of total loans, which compares to 1.37% as of both the linked quarter and as of 06/30/2025. Loan originations increased 45% when compared to the linked quarter with commercial originations up 85%, construction up 73%, and consumer up 55% respectively, and both commercial and commercial real estate pipelines continue to be strong. Loan outstandings grew by $287 million in the quarter or nearly 10% on an annualized basis in spite of continued commercial real estate and to a lesser extent C&I loan payoffs experienced in the quarter. The primary drivers of loan growth in the quarter were C&I, up $152 million; consumer loans, up $62 million; and owner occupied real estate, up $54 million. The growth in both C&I lending and owner occupied real estate was a mix of both new and expanded small business relationships as well as several new middle market commercial relationships spread across the footprint. The growth in the consumer portfolio was driven largely by the generation of new home equity lines of credit resulting from a successful marketing campaign, with a smaller contribution from utilization of existing facilities. Consistent with owner occupied commercial real estate, growth in the non owner balances reflects our success in developing new middle market relationships while deepening existing client relationships. Notably, this quarter's growth was materially tempered by multiple loan payoffs associated with real estate sales and refinancing activity into the secondary market. The increase in multifamily real estate loan balances was driven primarily by the conversion of several affordable housing projects upon completion of construction. Residential construction loans continue to represent approximately 5% of the total loan portfolio. Across all business lines, the overall construction portfolio remains well balanced at 14% of total loans reflecting our measured approach to managing construction related exposure. The completed for-sale 1- to 4-family construction projects average days on market again increased modestly this quarter given the current elevated interest rate environment. However, completed and unsold inventory levels remain within historical norms and are considered manageable. We continue to closely monitor sales velocity particularly within the higher end product segment, given ongoing economic uncertainty. Last quarter, I noted the economic uncertainty resulting from persistent inflation, a higher for longer interest rate environment, and heightened geopolitical tension. While these headwinds continue, Banner's super community bank delivery model and disciplined credit culture have enabled us to strengthen existing relationships grow new business, and maintain our moderate risk profile. Supported by a strong balance sheet, robust capital levels, and a solid allowance for credit losses, we remain well positioned to navigate the current environment and capitalize on future opportunities. With that, I will hand the microphone over to Robert for his comments. Robert?
Robert G. Butterfield: Thank you, Jill. We reported $1.43 per diluted share for the second quarter, compared to $1.60 per diluted share for the prior quarter. The decrease in earnings per share compared to the prior quarter was primarily driven by a higher provision for credit losses lower noninterest income, and higher noninterest expense partially offset by stronger net interest income. Core pretax pre provision income increased $1.9 million, or 3%, compared to the second quarter of last year, Our performance metrics remained solid as we reported a return on average tangible common equity of 12.27%, and a return on average assets of 1.20% for the current quarter. As Jill previously mentioned, loan balances increased $287 million during the quarter or nearly 10% on an annualized basis. Reflecting continued client demand across our markets. The loan to deposit ratio ended the quarter at 87%, which provides us with strong liquidity and funding flexibility. Total security balances decreased $34 million during the quarter, due to a slight decline in fair value. Partially offset by purchases exceeding portfolio cash flows. Deposits decreased $51 million during the quarter due to normal seasonal activities. As clients use deposit balances to make tax payments. Core deposits decreased $59 million and ended the quarter at 89% of total deposits. Certificates of deposits increased $8 million during the quarter. Total borrowings increased $319 million during the quarter as FHLB advances were temporarily used to fund loan growth and the seasonal deposit outflows. The tangible common equity to asset ratio increased to 10.02%. Total shareholders' equity increased $33 million during the quarter to $2 billion. Net interest income increased $3.6 million from the prior quarter due to a combination of a 2-basis point increase in the tax equivalent net interest margin and average earning assets increasing $129 million. The increase in average earning assets was driven by average loan balances increasing $158 million, Partially offset by a decline in interest bearing cash. The tax equivalent net interest margin was 4.13%, compared to 4.11% in the prior quarter. The increase in net interest margin was due to an increase in the yield on earning assets due to loan yields increasing 2 basis points and the continued improvement in the earning asset mix. The average rate on new loan production for the current quarter was 6.53% compared to 6.69% the prior quarter. The increase in earning asset yield was partially offset by an increase in funding costs as FHLB advances were used to temporarily fund loan growth and seasonal deposit outflows. Deposit costs decreased 2 basis points from the prior quarter due to further repricing in the CD book. Noninterest bearing deposits ended the quarter at 33% of total deposits same as the previous quarter. Total noninterest income decreased $939 thousand from the prior quarter. The decrease was primarily due to the prior quarter having a $1.7 million increase in the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value in the current quarter having lower gain on loan sale income. These decreases were partially offset by the prior quarter having a loss on the sale of securities and the current quarter having higher service fee income. Total noninterest expense increased $5.4 million from the prior quarter As I noted last quarter, expenses in the first quarter were lower than typical as some expenses expected to be incurred in the first quarter were delayed until the second quarter. Software expense was $1.8 million higher which included $924 thousand of nonrecurring expense related to the write off of the previous loan origination system which was recently replaced. Marketing expense was $1.3 million higher due to the timing of advertising campaigns. Salary expense was $800 thousand higher due to normal annual salary increases. Being completed at the end of the first quarter and legal expenses were $764 thousand higher due to various legal matters. In addition, the current quarter included $238 thousand of M&A expense. Related to the Bank of the Pacific Acquisition. Our capital and liquidity positions remain strong and continue to support our clients, communities, and future growth opportunities. This concludes my prepared comments. Now I will turn it back to Mark. Mark?
Mark J. Grescovich: Thank you, Jill and Robert, for your comments. That concludes our prepared remarks today. And Jordan, we will now open the call and welcome questions.
Operator: Your first question comes from the line of Matthew Clark from Piper Sandler. Your line is now live.
Matthew Clark: Hey. Good morning, everyone. Morning, Matthew. Just on the loan yields, wondered what the weighted average rate was on new loans. I may have missed in your prepared comments. And then your outlook on loan yields in general? Knowing that you still have some back book repricing, but also want to consider the competitive pricing and rate environment Yeah.
Robert G. Butterfield: Thanks for the question, Matthew. This is Robert. So the average yield on new loan production for the quarter was 6.53%. And we have been seeing some back book repricing there. We have been seeing new loan coming on at higher yields. But we have also seen that slowing over time. And this most recent quarter, it was 2 basis points Increase in overall loan yields. And so the pace of that increase is slowing at this time. Going forward, I would expect probably through the end of the year, we might see 1 to 2 basis points of increase quarter over quarter. So it is slowing at this point. Okay. Thank you. And then similar question on the deposit side. If you had the spot rate on deposits at the end of the quarter on June 30, maybe the monthly NIM margin in the month of June and your thoughts on deposit costs going forward, assuming the Fed's on hold? Yeah. So deposit costs were relatively flat throughout the quarter. The 1.33% was pretty close to what we saw. Throughout the quarter. And NIM was fairly flat as well I would say is earlier in the quarter, we had a higher reliance on FHLB advances. NIM was a bit lower. And then it did increase a bit as we moved through the quarter. And then just as far as what we are looking at from a go forward standpoint, We have been benefiting from the CD book repricing the benefit that you saw, the 2-basis-point decline in deposit cost was the CD book repricing. The CD book has pretty much fully repriced at this at this point, and I would not expect any further repricing in the CD book until we start to see some Fed action, which really is not forecasted for the foreseeable future. So I am expecting deposit cost to remain relatively flat. The only other thing I will add is we have started to see CD specials in our marketplace, which we have started to we have started to see those increase. And this most recent quarter, we did increase the advertised rate that we were advertising as well. So, if anything, I would say it is holding deposit cost flat. it is going to be the goal at this point. Okay.
Matthew Clark: And then last 1 for me just on expenses. A little heavier than expected even if you strip out the software write off the merger costs. Maybe speak to your thoughts on the run rate going forward, whether or not we might see some relief and, you know, what you are doing on the technology side, you know, what did you get rid of? What are you investing in? That would be helpful. Thank you.
Robert G. Butterfield: Sure. Yeah. You know, as I mentioned last quarter, the Q1 expenses were lower than expected due to the timing of certain expenses that were expected to incur in the first quarter got delayed to the second quarter. As I talked about, I mean, IT expenses were up About half of that, $1 million of that was the write off for the old commercial loan origination system that was recently replaced. And then we are also seeing additional modules and seeing all the new loan origination system continue to go live. So we are seeing some expense increase there. And then just some of the marketing campaigns that we had we did not have anything that went really live in the first quarter. So really, the second quarter was basically 2 quarters' worth of marketing expense that you saw there. I think if you are looking for kind of a run rate at this point, you know, if you if you back out the loan origination system, write-off of the old 1, the M&A expense for the quarter, that is gonna get you pretty close. You know, expenses are always going to bounce around a million or $500 thousand to quarter because of timing type items. So I think you probably saw Q1 was a bit low and Q2 was a bit high just from timing type items. And, you know, we continue to see the loan and deposit origination system We continue to see the benefits of that. And the benefits are not only from an efficiency expense standpoint, but I think what you saw also is you saw an increase in loan originations and we are starting to see the pull through in the timing on how quickly we can get loans through the pipeline We are benefiting from that standpoint because of that investment we made in that new loan origination system.
Mark J. Grescovich: Great. Thanks again. Thank you, Matthew.
Operator: The next question comes from the line of Jeff Rulis from D.A. Davidson. Your line is now live.
Ryan Payne: Good morning. This is Ryan Payne on for Jeff Rulis. Hi. Starting off, hey. Strong loan growth this quarter. Last quarter, we saw elevated payoffs. Just wanted to gauge those dynamics this quarter. And the pace of expected net loan growth through the remainder of the year.
Jill Rice: Yes, Ryan, this is Jill. So this quarter, as I alluded to in my comments, we did still have the commercial real estate payoffs and more a little bit unexpected increased elevated C&I payoff due to business sales and other transactions, asset sales. But what I would say is that in spite of that, we continue to have meaningful unfunded construction projects underway. The pipelines continue to rebuild and are strong. And even looking, you know, at history as the driver Third quarter will probably come down a little bit in originations and loan growth, yet we still expect to end the year, the full year, at that mid single digit growth rate. CRE payoffs are slowing, but they are not done. Got it.
Ryan Payne: Thanks. And on the deposit side, how would you characterize the competition there? Are customers looking for higher rates with maybe some rate hike expectations.
Robert G. Butterfield: Rich. I would not necessarily say that the expectation of rate hikes are there, but I would say just as I mentioned earlier, we are starting to see some pressure on the CD pricing. We have not seen that necessarily crossover into the core products at this stand at this point. And I would not say I mean, we consider exception pricing for various clients as we as we look at things always. We have not necessarily seen an increase in the level of exception pricing that at this point for our core products.
Ryan Payne: Got it. And last for me, with a California peer takeout announced recently, How do you view that in terms of any potential market share gains or competition for deals in that area?
Mark J. Grescovich: Hey, Ryan. This is Mark. Look. I think it was a great transaction. Obviously, that is a very good and well run bank. It has a great reputation. So anytime there is some type of system conversion, there is opportunity for us. Maybe they will be distracted with integration. But, it is a well run bank, and we are just going to go along with our organic model. And I think you can see by the numbers that we are doing pretty well in California. So, I think we are just going to continue that. And if opportunities present themselves, we will take advantage of Okay. Thanks. I will step back. Thanks, Ryan.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Kelly Motta from KBW. Your line is now live.
Kelly Motta: Hi. This is Megan Lynch on for Kelly Motta. Thanks for taking my question.
Mark J. Grescovich: Good morning, ma'am. So just good morning.
Kelly Motta: Thinking about capital return and your priorities here, Sort of how are you thinking about doing this alongside the Bank of the Pacific deal and what are your priorities going forward sort of near term and then what about buybacks? Any more color on timing of that?
Robert G. Butterfield: Yeah. This is Robert. Thanks for the question. So, yeah, we put any alternative capital actions outside of the, you know, core dividend on hold until we get Bank of the Pacific deal closed. If you are assuming the right market conditions exist, it does not necessarily change the total number of shares that we are going to repurchase for the year. It kind of pushes out the timing of those at this time. So we are really waiting for the Bank of the Pacific transaction to close before we do anything.
Kelly Motta: Okay. Got it. And then on the Bank of the Pacific deal, is timing still for third quarter close? And how is it going in general in terms of the progress of the acquisition.
Robert G. Butterfield: Yeah. The timing has not changed. We expect it to close here in the third quarter, I would say. As far as getting all the required approvals and by everyone, everything's on track at this point. We feel really good about it. And so nothing's changed since we announced the deal.
Mark J. Grescovich: Awesome. Thank you. that is it. Alright. Thank you, Megan.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Lee from Stonex Group. Your line is live.
Analyst: Hey. Good morning, everyone.
Mark J. Grescovich: Morning, Andrew. Just morning.
Analyst: Just a question. The maybe 1 last point on the margin. The FHLB balances, have you seen the deposit growth kind of rebuild here this quarter? I guess how should we look at the balance sheet makeup on the funding side here for this quarter?
Robert G. Butterfield: Yeah. I think as we move through the second quarter, we saw the FHLB balances grow as we move through the first half of the quarter, and then we started to see the deposit balances come back in as we move through the end of it. So I would say at this point, it is just normal seasonality. And assuming we see that normal deposit growth that we would expect, in the third quarter, which is typically our strongest quarter from a deposit growth standpoint, we would expect those FHLB advances to continue to come down as we move through the quarter. Got it. So from what I am hearing on the loan and deposit side, maybe not too much benefit like you have seen going forward, but maybe get some benefit here with the wholesale funding flowing off. So maybe we see a couple of basis points of margin expansion? Yeah. I think that is right. If you if you think about you know, if we do, I still think we are going to get a little bit on the loan repricing, call it 1 basis point or 2. And then in the third quarter, we should see funding costs come down just because of the mix change there with additional deposit coming in, lower FHLB advances. So a couple of basis points of margin expansion in the third quarter. Beyond that, it is going to be tougher as you move past the third quarter just because I am thinking funding costs are gonna level out, and you might see a little bit on the loan side. But again, that pace is continuing to slow. Got it. And then just, you know, on the new software and the old software that you wrote off, wrote down, what does the new system do that you did not have before? I think primarily, it just creates a lot of efficiencies. In the sense that there was a lot of back office processes that continue to be fairly manual. So really automates a lot of the processes and allows the time it takes a deal to get through the system from start to finish, it slows or increases that timing.
Mark J. Grescovich: This is Mark. Let me just add. I think it was Yeah. There were 2 separate systems. Rich? The that we had running. We had a consumer system Actually 3. We had a consumer system, small business, and a commercial. So it helps refine all of that into 1 particular operating system. So it does streamline the operations. Got it. So it sounds like this was something you have been wanting to do for quite some time, but now with now you felt the timing was right and you had the good break in technology? I think that is correct. I think you know, we have been wanting to do it for a while, but, as you know, we had a bunch of bank acquisitions that we are combining, and we did not wanna disrupt our market performance and our organic growth. During those integrations. So the timing was perfect for us to do this. Got it. It makes sense. All right. Thanks. I will step back. Thank you, Andrew.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of David Feaster from Raymond James. Your line is live.
David Feaster: Hey. Good morning, guys. This is actually Evan on for David Feaster.
Mark J. Grescovich: Morning, Evan. Morning.
David Feaster: Just wanted to maybe switch back to the growth side. Origination trends were really encouraging and loan growth was seemingly pretty broad based. You also touched on the resiliency of customers in your marketplace. So I am just curious whether you believe this was a function of improving demand as they get more used to the operating environment? Or is it rather just getting more out of your producers? Then maybe more broadly, where are you seeing the most opportunities to drive loan growth today, either geographically or by industry. Thanks.
Jill Rice: So as to the first part of the question, it really was both. I mean, it is new client acquisition. it is our new relationship managers, you know, really hitting the street and bringing in business. And just expansion of existing relationships. So I would say we are hitting on all cylinders this quarter, and I would expect that to continue given the way the pipelines are you know, continuing to build. If you look back over the last 3 quarters, originations have been, you know, pretty healthy in each of those quarters. They take time to actually end up being funded loan balances. So you know, I feel really good about it. And as to the geographies, it really was broad based. I mean, I went looking for the pockets of where we were finding these loans, and it was up and down the West Coast. Across the mountains into Eastern Washington. So we do not have an industry or a particular geography that is you know, doing all of the work for us.
David Feaster: that is really helpful. And then maybe just sticking on growth and you know, with the Bank of the Pacific deal, it is good to hear that is going well. I was just I know it brings a very strong core deposit base, and it is very complementary on the funding side, but I am just curious if you are also seeing opportunities on the lending side, in terms of their bankers being able to bank larger credits or if there is any verticals that they had that you are excited to be able to expand on? Thanks.
Jill Rice: No new verticals, but certainly their bankers will have a much greater upside in terms of growing their relationships with their existing clients and actually bringing on new clients in their markets that they could not bank given their much smaller hold limits at that institution. So I do not wanna speak for them, but I think they are pretty excited about their opportunities as they come into Banner. And we are excited as well, I should say. I mean, it is it is great for both of us.
David Feaster: that is that is great to hear. And then, last 1 for me. Just on the credit side, you know, I saw the increase in nonperforming but there was also positive migration in substandard. Just curious what you are seeing in terms of broad credit trends. And then maybe if you have any more detail on that condo loan that migrated and expectations for resolution or recovery on that. Thanks.
Jill Rice: Yeah. So it was a small condo project in California. Ultimately, I do not expect it to, you know, be sitting in nonperforming for very long. It experienced delays from the outset and, you know, I see a medium term resolution to that. But the biggest area of, you know, nonperforming assets is that they are 1- to 4-family residential. They are home equity lines of credit. it is an average loan size of under $500 thousand in that, you know, that specific segment. So what am I watching most closely? it is the consumer segment mortgage, home equity, all of that has been impacted by this higher rate environment. For this elongated time period. And the strain that they are experiencing. that is really helpful.
David Feaster: I will step back, and congratulations on the quarter.
Mark J. Grescovich: Thank you, Evan.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Terrell from Stephens Inc. Your line is now live.
Andrew Terrell: Hey. Good morning.
Mark J. Grescovich: Morning, Andrew. Hey.
Andrew Terrell: Was hoping maybe to start just with Jill, and apologies if I missed it. It sounds like, you know, after a strong second quarter on loan growth, It sounds like the pipeline and the underlying trends going into the back half of the year are still pretty strong. I was hoping you could just maybe quantify to the extent you can just where the pipeline sits, year on year or quarter on quarter, kind of the sequential changes just to give us a sense for how it is trending in the back half of the year?
Jill Rice: You know, I do not have those numbers off the top of my head, Andrew. I just know that as we pulled them through into fundings, they, you know, things are coming in behind them. So, you know, I cannot compare this quarter to last quarter what is sitting in the pipeline. I just know that they remain full and continue to end up being closings, originations, and then ultimately funded balances.
Andrew Terrell: Okay. Fair enough. So then so we are, you know, tracking towards that mid-singles on the loan growth for this year. I know it sounds like deposits should pick up seasonally here in the third quarter, but just do you think core deposit growth can kind of keep pace with that mid single loan growth? And any early indications on how deposits are tracking here in the third quarter?
Robert G. Butterfield: Hey, Andrew. it is it is Robert. Yeah. Our expectation is that deposit growth would keep up with the pace of loan growth.
Analyst: You know, we are a core funded bank that is what we are. that is what we expect to maintain. And I would just say, I mean, we are just seeing normal seasonality right now.
Mark J. Grescovich: And let me just add Andrew, again. Let me add to that recall the Bank of the Pacific Financial Corp. Transaction is gonna add some fantastic core deposits to us. They are a very, very well run bank with a strong core deposit base that is going to be very helpful for us.
Andrew Terrell: Yep. Certainly. If I could just sneak 1 more in, Mark. The you know, it feels like the environment for deals has really started picking up some. You guys are obviously working through Pacific now, and as you referenced, you know, deposit forward acquisition for you guys. A little bit on the smaller side, curious if that changes kind of your opinion on interest in further M&A potentially more near term Just maybe characterize kind of your interest going forward.
Mark J. Grescovich: Yes. Look, I think the Bank of Pacific transaction, that combination is going to be fantastic. They are a great company to work with. The integration, I expect to go very smoothly. And it should go, you know, according to schedule. So that transaction would not preclude us from doing something else. And we are going to continue to be opportunistic, obviously, with our strong capital levels and good core earnings power. I think we will continue to be a great partner. And as you know, there is a bit of scarcity on the West Coast now. So we are going to have an opportunity, I think, to really benefit from our balance sheet to be able to do continued nonorganic growth opportunities. So I feel very good about that.
Operator: That concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the call back over to Mark J. Grescovich for closing remarks.
Mark J. Grescovich: Thank you, Jordan. As I stated, we are very proud of the Banner team in our second quarter of 2020's solid operating performance. Thank you for your interest in Banner and for joining our call today. We look forward to reporting our results to you again in the future. You very much for your attention, and everyone have a wonderful day.
Operator: This concludes today's meeting. You may now disconnect.
