BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

subsidiary

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation:The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All material intercompany transactions, profits and balances have been eliminated. The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) and under the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). At December 31, 2018, the Company had nine wholly-owned subsidiary grantor trusts (the Trusts), which issued trust preferred securities and related common securities of the trusts. The Trust subsidiaries are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Number of Wholly-owned Grantor Trusts

9

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events:The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2018 for potential recognition or disclosure.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks and temporary investments which are federal funds sold and interest bearing balances due from other banks. Cash and cash equivalents generally have maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations: Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired and liabilities assumed, both tangible and intangible, and consideration exchanged are recorded at acquisition date fair values. The excess purchase consideration over fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. In the event that the fair value of net assets acquired exceeds the purchase price, including fair value of liabilities assumed, a bargain purchase gain is recorded on that acquisition. Expenses incurred in connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred, except for those items permitted to be capitalized under other GAAP. Changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances related to acquired tax uncertainties are recognized in net income after the measurement period.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates:  In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition and related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows reflect all adjustments (which include reclassification and normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary for a fair presentation in conformity with GAAP.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements.  Various elements of the Company’s accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments.  In particular, management has identified several accounting policies that, due to the judgments, estimates and assumptions inherent in those policies, are critical to an understanding of 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 measured at fair value, including other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses, (iv) the valuation of intangible assets, such as goodwill,core deposit intangibles (CDI) and mortgage servicing rights, (v) the valuation of real estate held for sale, (vi) the valuation or recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities and (vii) the valuation of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations and subsequent recognition of related income and expense.  These policies and judgments, estimates and assumptions are described in greater detail in subsequent Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  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.

Securities

Securities: Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the ability and positive intent to hold them to maturity.  Debt securities classified as available-for-sale are available for future liquidity requirements and may be sold prior to maturity.  Debt securities classified as trading are also available for future liquidity requirements and may be sold prior to maturity.  Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities.  Debt securities classified as held-to-maturity are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity and, if appropriate, any other-than-temporary impairment losses.  Debt securities classified as available-for-sale are measured at fair value.  Unrealized holding gains and losses on debt securities classified as available-for-sale are excluded from earnings and are reported net of tax as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), a component of shareholders’ equity, until realized.  Debt securities classified as trading are also measured at fair value.  Unrealized holding gains and losses on securities classified as trading are included in earnings.  (See Note 18 for a more complete discussion of accounting for the fair value of financial instruments.)  Declines in the fair value of debt securities below their cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are recognized in earnings as realized losses.  Realized gains and losses on sale are computed on the specific identification method and are included in earnings on the trade date sold.

Beginning January 1, 2018, equity securities were required to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. Prior to January 1, 2018 the Company had classified its equity securities as available-for-sale, subsequent to this date equity securities are reported in other assets.

The Company reviews investment securities on an ongoing basis for the presence of OTTI or permanent impairment, taking into consideration current market conditions, fair value in relationship to cost, extent and nature of the change in fair value, issuer rating changes and trends, whether the Company intends to sell a security or if it is likely that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis of the investment, which may be maturity, and other factors.

For debt securities, if the Company intends to sell the security or it is likely that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovering its cost basis, the entire impairment loss would be recognized in earnings as an OTTI.  If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not likely that the Company will be required to sell the security but the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, only the portion of the impairment loss representing credit losses would be recognized in earnings.  The credit loss on a security is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected.  Projected cash flows are discounted by the original or current effective interest rate depending on the nature of the security being measured for potential OTTI.  The remaining impairment related to all other factors, the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and fair value, is recognized as a charge to AOCI.  Impairment losses related to all other factors are presented as separate categories within AOCI.

For debt securities transferred from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale, unrealized gains or losses from the time of transfer are accreted or amortized over the remaining life of the debt security based on the amount and timing of future estimated cash flows.  The accretion or amortization of the amount recorded in AOCI increases the carrying value of the investment and does not affect earnings.

Investment in FHLB Stock

Investment in FHLB Stock: At December 31, 2018, the Banks had $32.0 million in FHLB of Des Moines stock (FHLB stock), compared to $10.3 million at December 31, 2017. FHLB stock does not have a readily determinable fair value. The Banks' investments in FHLB stock is carried at cost or par value ($100 per share) adjusted for observable changes in market prices minus impairment. Ownership of FHLB stock is restricted to the FHLB and member institutions and can only be purchased and redeemed at par, therefore they has been no observable changes in market prices. 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.

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 Company has determined there is no impairment on the FHLB stock investment as of December 31, 2018.

Loans Receivable

Loans Receivable:  The Banks originate residential one- to four-family and multifamily mortgage loans for both portfolio investment and sale in the secondary market.  The Banks also originate construction and land development, commercial real estate, commercial business, agricultural 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, discounts and premiums.  Premiums, discounts and deferred loan fees are amortized to maturity using the level-yield methodology.

Some of the Company’s loans are reported as troubled debt restructures (TDRs).  Loans are reported as TDRs when the Banks grant 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.  As a result of these concessions, loans identified as 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.  TDRs are accounted for in accordance with the Banks’ impaired loan accounting policies.

Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Held-for-sale

Loans Held for Sale. Residential one- to four-family and multifamily mortgage loans originated with the intent to be sold in the secondary market are considered held for sale. Residential one- to four-family loans under best effort delivery commitments are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated market value. Residential one- to four-family loans under mandatory delivery commitments are carried at fair value in order to match changes in the value of the loans with the value of the economic hedges on the loans. Fair values for residential mortgage loans held for sale are determined by comparing actual loan rates to current secondary market prices for similar loans. During 2017, the Company elected fair value accounting on newly originated multifamily held-for-sale loans in order to match changes in the value of the loans with the value of the economic hedges on the loans; as a result, multifamily held-for-sale loans are carried at fair value as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018. Fair values for multifamily loans held for sale are calculated based on discounted cash flows using a discount rate that is a combination of market spreads for similar loan types added to selected index rates. Net unrealized losses on loans held for sale that are carried at lower of cost or market are recognized through the valuation allowance by charges to income.  Non-refundable fees and direct loan origination costs related to loans held for sale are recognized as part of the cost basis of the loan. Gains and losses on sales of loans held for sale are determined using the specific identification method and are recorded in the mortgage banking operations component of non-interest income.

Acquired Loans Policy

Acquired Loans: Purchased loans, including loans acquired in business combinations, are recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date. Credit discounts are included in the determination of fair value; therefore, an allowance for loan and lease losses is not recorded at the acquisition date. Acquired loans are evaluated upon acquisition and classified as either purchased credit-impaired or purchased non-credit-impaired. Purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans reflect credit deterioration since origination such that it is probable at acquisition that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments. The excess of the cash flows expected to be collected over a PCI pool's carrying value is considered to be the accretable yield and is recognized as interest income over the estimated life of the pool using the effective yield method. The excess of the undiscounted contractual balances due over the cash flows expected to be collected is considered to be the nonaccretable difference. The nonaccretable difference represents the Company's estimate of the credit losses expected to occur and was considered in determining the fair value of the loans as of the acquisition date. Subsequent to the acquisition date, any increases in expected cash flows over those expected at the purchase date are adjusted through a change to the accretable yield on a prospective basis. Any subsequent decreases in expected cash flows attributable to credit deterioration are recognized by recording a provision for loan losses.

For purchased non-credit-impaired loans, the difference between the fair value and unpaid principal balance of the loan at the acquisition date is amortized or accreted to interest income over the life of the loans. Any subsequent deterioration in credit quality is recognized by recording a provision for loan losses.

Income Recognition on Nonaccrual and Impaired Loans

Income Recognition on Nonaccrual and Impaired Loans and Securities: 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 or principal 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

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses:The provision for loan losses reflects the amount required to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an appropriate level based upon management’s evaluation of the adequacy of general and specific loss reserves.  The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses consistent in all material respects with GAAP.  The Company has established systematic methodologies for the determination of the adequacy of the Company’s allowance for loan losses.  The methodologies are set forth in a formal policy and take into consideration the need for a general valuation allowance as well as specific allowances that are tied to individual problem loans.  The Company increases its allowance for loan losses by charging provisions for probable loan losses against its income and values impaired loans consistent with accounting guidelines.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level sufficient to provide for estimated losses based on evaluating known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio and upon the Company’s 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 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 for loan losses.  The reserve is based upon factors and trends identified by Banner at the time financial statements are prepared.  Although the Company uses the best information available, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions beyond the Company’s control.  The adequacy of general and specific reserves is based on a continuing evaluation of the pertinent factors underlying the quality of the loan portfolio as well as individual review of certain large balance loans.  Large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.  Loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment include residential real estate and consumer 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.  Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, the Company determines that it is probable that it 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 and the value of the underlying collateral.  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 if the loan is collateral dependent, at the fair value of collateral less selling costs.  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.

The Company’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses consists of several key elements, which include specific allowances, an allocated formula allowance and an unallocated allowance.  Losses on specific loans are provided for when the losses are probable and estimable.  General loan loss reserves are established to provide for inherent loan portfolio risks not specifically provided for.  The level of general reserves is based on analysis of potential exposures existing in the 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 the Company’s historical loss experience adjusted for significant environmental considerations, including the experience of other banking organizations, which in the judgment of management affects the collectability of the loan portfolio as of the evaluation date.  The unallocated allowance is based upon the Company’s evaluation of various factors that are not directly measured in the determination of the formula and specific allowances.

While the Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in the determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will not be proved 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 the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.  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 adjustment of reserves based upon their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.

Loan Origination and Commitment Fees

Loan Origination and Commitment Fees:  Loan origination fees, net of certain specifically defined direct loan origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the loans’ interest yield using the level-yield method over the contractual term of each loan adjusted for actual loan prepayment experience.  Net deferred fees or costs related to loans held for sale are recognized as part of the cost basis of the loan.  Loan commitment fees are deferred until the expiration of the commitment period unless management believes there is a remote likelihood that the underlying commitment will be exercised, in which case the fees are amortized to fee income using the straight-line method over the commitment period.  If a loan commitment is exercised, the deferred commitment fee is accounted for in the same manner as a loan origination fee.  Deferred commitment fees associated with expired commitments are recognized as fee income.

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments, Policy

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments: A reserve for unfunded commitments is maintained at a level that, in the opinion of management, is adequate to absorb probable losses associated with the Banks' commitments to lend funds under existing agreements such as letters or lines of credit. Management determines the adequacy of the reserve for unfunded commitments based upon reviews of individual credit facilities, current economic conditions, the risk characteristics of the various categories of commitments and other relevant factors. The reserve is based on estimates and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates. These estimates are evaluated on a regular basis and, as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings in the periods in which they become known. Draws on unfunded commitments that are considered uncollectible at the time funds are advanced are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Provisions for unfunded commitment losses are recognized in non-interest expense and added to the reserve for unfunded commitments, which is included in other liabilities.

Real Estate Held for Sale

Real Estate Owned: Property acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure is initially recorded at the estimated fair value of the property, less expected selling costs.  Development and improvement costs relating to the property are capitalized while direct 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.

Schedule of Property and Equipment Useful Lives

epreciation is based upon the straight-line method applied to individual assets and groups of assets acquired in the same year over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the related lease terms of the assets:

Buildings and leased improvements	10–39 years
Furniture and equipment	3–10 years

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment:  Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is based upon the straight-line method applied to individual assets and groups of assets acquired in the same year over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the related lease terms of the assets:

Buildings and leased improvements	10–39 years
Furniture and equipment	3–10 years

Routine maintenance, repairs and replacement costs are expensed as incurred.  Expenditures which significantly increase values or extend useful lives are capitalized.  The Company reviews buildings, leasehold improvements and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the undiscounted cash flows for the property are less than its carrying value.  If identified, an impairment loss is recognized through a charge to earnings based on the fair value of the property.

Goodwill, Policy

Goodwill:Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the assets acquired, net of the fair values of liabilities assumed in a business combination and is not amortized but is reviewed annually, or more frequently as current circumstances and conditions warrant, for impairment. The Company completes is annual review of goodwill as of December 31. An assessment of qualitative factors is completed to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative analysis concludes that further analysis is required, then a quantitative impairment test would be completed. The quantitative goodwill impairment test is used to identify the existence of impairment and the amount of impairment loss and compares the reporting unit's estimated fair value, including goodwill, to its carrying amount. If the fair value exceeds the carrying amount then goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized equal to the amount of excess, limited to the amount of total goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The impairment loss would be recognized as a charge to earnings. The disposal of a portion of a reporting unit that meets the definition of a business requires goodwill to be allocated for purposes of determining the gain or loss on disposal. Since the sale of the Utah branches in 2017 met the definition of a business, goodwill was allocated to the sale based on the fair value of the Utah branches compared to the relative fair value of the reporting unit.

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets:  Other intangible assets consist 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.  CDI is being amortized on an accelerated basis over a weighted average estimated useful life of three to ten 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.

Other intangibles also include favorable leasehold intangibles (LHI). LHI represents the value assigned to leases assumed in an acquisition in which the lease terms are favorable compared to a market lease at the date of acquisition. LHI is amortized over the underlying lease term and is reviewed at least annually for events or circumstances that could impair the value.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Mortgage Servicing Rights: Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or 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 values are estimated based on an independent dealer analysis of discounted cash flows. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into mortgage banking operations in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets.

Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost.  Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into tranches based on predominant risk characteristics for the underlying loans, such as interest rate, balance outstanding, loan type, age and remaining term, and investor type.  Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual tranche, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the tranche.  If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular tranche, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income.

Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans and is reflected in mortgage banking operations on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned.  The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance (BOLI)

Bank-Owned Life Insurance (BOLI):The Banks have purchased, or acquired through mergers, life insurance policies in connection with the implementation of certain executive supplemental income, salary continuation and deferred compensation retirement plans.  These policies provide protection against the adverse financial effects that could result from the death of a key employee and provide tax-exempt income to offset expenses associated with the plans.  It is the Banks’ intent to hold these policies as a long-term investment; however, there may be an income tax impact if the Bank chooses to surrender certain policies.  Although the lives of individual current or former management-level employees are insured, the Banks are the respective owners and sole or partial beneficiaries. BOLI is carried at the cash surrender value (CSV) of the underlying insurance contract. Changes in the CSV and any death benefits received in excess of the CSV are recognized as non-interest income.   

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments:  Derivatives include “off-balance-sheet” financial products, the value of which is dependent on the value of underlying financial assets, such as stock, bonds, foreign currency, or a reference rate or index.  Such derivatives include “forwards,” “futures,” “options” or “swaps.”  Banner Bank is a party to $4.0 million (all of which is designated in a hedge relationship) in notional amounts of interest rate swaps at December 31, 2018.  Some of these swaps serve as hedges to an equal amount of fixed rate loans which include market value prepayment penalties that mirror the provision of the specifically matched interest rate swaps.  In addition, Banner Bank uses an interest rate swap program for commercial loan customers that provides the client with a variable rate loan and enters into an interest rate swap allowing them to effectively fix their loan interest rates.  These customer swaps are matched with third party swaps with qualified broker/dealer or banks to offset the risk.  At December 31, 2018, Banner Bank had $272.4 million in notional amounts of these customer interest rate swaps outstanding, with an equal amount of offsetting third party swaps also in place.  The fair value adjustments for these swaps are reflected in other assets or other liabilities as appropriate.

Further, as a part of its mortgage banking activities, the Company issues “rate lock” commitments to one- to four-family loan borrowers and obtains offsetting “best efforts” delivery commitments from purchasers of loans. The Company uses forward contracts for the sale of mortgage-backed securities and mandatory delivery commitments for the sale of loans to hedge one- to four-family loan "rate lock" commitments and one- to four-family loans held for sale.  The Company also uses forward contracts for the sale of mortgage backed securities to hedge multifamily loans held for sale. The commitments to originate mortgage loans held for sale and the related delivery contracts are considered derivatives.  The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and requires measurement of those instruments at fair value through adjustments to current earnings.  None of these residential mortgage loan related derivatives are designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes.  Rather, they are accounted for as free-standing derivatives, or economic hedges, and the Company reports changes in fair values of its derivatives in current period net income.  The 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.  Assumptions used include rate assumptions based on historical information, current mortgage interest rates, the stage of completion of the underlying application and underwriting process, the time remaining until the expiration of the derivative loan commitment, and the expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of the loan (see Note 24 for a more complete discussion of derivatives and hedging).

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of Financial Assets:Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered.  Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Banks, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Banks do not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising Expenses:  Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.  Costs related to production of advertising are considered incurred when the advertising is first used.

Income Taxes

Income 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 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 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.

In December 2017, the federal government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Tax Act). Among other provisions, the 2017 Tax Act reduced the federal marginal corporate income tax rate from 35% to21%. As a result of the passage of the 2017 Tax Act, the Company recorded a $42.6 million charge for the revaluation of its net deferred tax asset to account for the future impact of the decrease in the corporate income tax rate and other provisions of the legislation. The charge was recorded as an increase to tax expense and reduction of the net deferred asset for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company’s 2017 financial results reflect the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act for which the accounting was complete and provisional amounts for those specific income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act for which the accounting was incomplete but a reasonable estimate could be determined. The $42.6 million charge recorded by the Company included a $4.2 million of provisional income tax expense related to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) credits that are limited under Section 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Code), which resulted in a reduction in the AMT deferred tax asset.  The utilization of the limited AMT credits under the refundable AMT credit law was uncertain as of December 31, 2017. Subsequently, in 2018 the Company determined it could use the AMT credits and reversed the previously recorded $4.2 million provisional income tax expense.

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 provides 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 December 31, 2018, the Company had an insignificant amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, none of which if recognized would materially affect the effective tax rate. 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 income tax expense. The amount of interest and penalties accrued for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is immaterial. The Company files consolidated income tax returns in Oregon, California, Utah, Montana and Idaho and for federal purposes. The Company has tax years 2015–2017 open for tax examination under the statute of limitation provisions of the Code.

Share-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation:  The Company maintains a number of stock-based incentive plans, which are discussed in more detail in Note 14, Stock-Based Compensation Plans. Under these plans, the Company compensates employees and directors with time-based restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants. Some restricted stock awards include performance-based and market-based goals that impact the number of shares that ultimately vest based on the level of goal achievement. The Company measures the cost of employee or director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award, which is the intrinsic value on the grant date. This cost is recognized as expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations ratably over the vesting period of the award. Any tax benefit or deficiency is recorded as income tax benefit or expense in the period the shares vest. Excess tax benefits are classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. The Company issues restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards which vest over a one or three year period during which time the employee or director accrues or receives dividends and may have full voting rights depending on the terms of the grant.

Earnings Per Share, Policy

Earnings Per Share: Earnings per common share is computed under the two-class method. Pursuant to the two-class method, nonvested stock-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities and are included in the computation of EPS. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Application of the two-class method resulted in the equivalent earnings per share to the treasury method.

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period, excluding outstanding participating securities. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares determined for the basic earnings per common share computation plus the dilutive effect of stock compensation using the treasury stock method.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income:  Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income.  In addition, certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income which is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Business Segments

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 shareholders.  The Company has determined that its current business and operations consist of a single business segment and a single reporting unit.

Reclassification

Reclassification:  Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ consolidated financial statements and/or schedules to conform to the current year’s presentation.  These reclassifications may have affected certain reported amounts and ratios for the prior periods.  These reclassifications had no effect on retained earnings or net income as previously presented and the effect of these reclassifications is considered immaterial.