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Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
KBRA Affirms Ratings for Banner Corporation
WALLA WALLA, Wash., July 09, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Banner Corporation (NASDAQ GSM: BANR) ("Banner"), the parent company of Banner Bank, today announced that Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC ("KBRA") affirmed the senior unsecured debt rating of BBB+, the subordinated debt rating of BBB, and the short-term debt rating of K2 for Banner Corporation. In addition, KBRA affirmed the deposit and senior unsecured debt ratings of A-, the subordinated debt rating of BBB+, and the short-term deposit and debt ratings of K2 for the company's principal subsidiary, Banner Bank. The agency also noted they again determined the outlook for all of Banner's long-term ratings is Stable. "We are pleased to receive KBRA's affirmation of our investment grade rating," said Mark Grescovich, President and CEO. "This rating reinforces our position as a reliable source of capital for our clients across all economic cycles and change events. It also reflects our financial strength and stability, validating our consistent performance and sound credit practices." According to KBRA, the ratings are supported by Banner's highly experienced management team executing a "higher touch" commercially oriented banking model over a reasonably broad geographic footprint. The agency also noted that our solid track record of earnings is enhanced by low cost, peer-leading funding profile, which includes a core deposit base that reflects favorable characteristics in terms of cost, geographic diversification, and composition. About Banner Corporation Banner Corporation is a $16.2 billion bank holding company operating a commercial bank in four Western states through a network of branches offering a full range of deposit services and business, commercial real estate, construction, residential, agricultural and consumer loans. Visit Banner Bank online at About KBRA Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that the Company believes are "forward-looking statements." These statements relate to the Company's financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance or business. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, as they are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results and performance in future periods may be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by the forward-looking statements in this release. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified in our risk factors contained in Banner Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. Banner Corporation expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements found herein to reflect any changes in the Company's expectations of results or any change in events. View source version on Contacts MARK J. GRESCOVICH,PRESIDENT & CEOROBERT G. BUTTERFIELD,EXECUTIVE VP & CFO(509) 527-3636
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
America's Best Cabernet Wine, According To Decanter World Wine Awards
Glass of Cabernet Sauvignon overlooking vineyards in Napa getty Eleven American Cabernet Sauvignon wines scored 92 points or higher at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). The competition is the largest wine contest globally and is regarded as one of the most prestigious. Over 18,000 wines were entered in the recently completed 2025 judging. Here is a brief overview and tasting note for each of these wines. A Sonoma classic, Kenwood's Six Ridges was the top-scoring American Sauvignon wine, earning 97/100 points and winning a Best in Show award. The wine highlights the diverse terrains of Sonoma County. The Alexander Valley Cabernets, in particular, are known for their ripeness and finesse. The wine offers aromas of cassis, vanilla, clove, and cedar pencil shavings. The palate presents flavors of ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, and hints of anise, supported by a tannic backbone of smooth, well-ripened, and integrated tannins, along with balanced acidity. The finish is long, polished, and velvety, with lingering sweet spice and balanced acidity. Founded in 1983, L'Ecole N° 41 is a third-generation, family-owned winery and a pioneer in the Walla Walla Valley. Renowned for producing balanced, expressive wines, their Cabernet Sauvignon comes from certified sustainable vineyards. The wine offers aromas of blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, dried herbs, and a distinctive graphite note. It's full-bodied and flavorful on the palate, revealing layers of black fruit, tobacco, espresso, vanilla, and a touch of oak. The finish is long and structured, with polished tannins and a savory, mineral edge. Avinodos is a boutique producer dedicated to sustainable farming and minimal intervention winemaking in Napa Valley's renowned Stags Leap District. The AVA is known for producing elegant, age-worthy Cabernets. The wine displays aromas of violets, blueberries, cedar, and baking spices. It is full-bodied and well-structured on the palate, with refined tannins and lively acidity, highlighting ripe, earthy black currants, cocoa, and clove. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering dark fruit flavors and a touch of toasted oak. Watermill, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020, Walla Walla Valley, Oregon, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml. $35 Watermill Winery, located in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, produces estate-grown wines from the Rocks District and nearby regions. Their Cabernets highlight structure and minerality. The wine offers aromas of black cherry, plum, crushed stone, and olive tapenade. It is full-bodied on the palate with dusty tannins and bright acidity, displaying flavors of dark fruit, savory herbs, and earthy undertones. The finish is long and spicy. Vineyards in the middle of wheat fields north of Walla Walla, Washington getty Watermill Winery, Red Blend, 2021, Walla Walla Valley, Oregon, 2021, 14.2% ABV, 750 ml. $45 A carefully crafted blend from estate vineyards, often composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, reflecting the diverse terroir of the Walla Walla Valley. The wine displays aromas of ripe red plum, blackberry jam, smoked meat, chocolate, and espresso. It feels silky and well-balanced on the palate, with ripe, integrated tannins and notes of cherry, dark chocolate, and baking spice. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering hints of red fruit. Copperfield, Quintessence Vineyard 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Washington, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml. This wine comes from the renowned Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain. The vineyard is known for its warm microclimate and for producing bold, powerful wines. This Cabernet displays density and concentration. The nose reveals aromas of blackcurrant, eucalyptus, toasted oak, and dark chocolate. It's dense and full-bodied on the palate, with a strong tannic backbone and lively acidity, displaying flavors of blackberry, espresso, and graphite. The finish is long and intense, with lingering notes of dark fruit and a faint smokiness. Dixie & Bass, 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington State, 2021, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml. $19 A newcomer to Columbia Valley, Dixie & Bass creates elegant, fruit-forward wines that showcase terroir and subtle oak influence. The wine offers aromas of red and black fruit, such as raspberry and cassis, along with hints of sage and fresh earth. It feels fresh and flavorful on the palate, with ripe tannins and well-balanced acidity that highlight flavors of red and black fruit, black tea, and subtle vanilla. The finish is medium in length, with lingering notes of red and black fruits. The Fifth Empire, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2022, 14.1% ABV, 750 ml. $76 The Fifth Empire exemplifies a modern Napa approach, offering a luxurious, fruit-forward style with a well-structured, tannic profile, while prioritizing finesse over the traditional, bold Napa character. The grapes are sourced from top Napa sub-AVAs. The wine offers aromas of black cherry, crème de cassis, graphite, and various baking spices. It's rich and layered on the palate, with a well-defined tannic structure of ripe, well-integrated tannins and notable acidity, revealing flavors of plum, dark berries, dark chocolate, and roasted coffee. The finish is long and velvety, with lingering notes of dark fruits and hints of anise. Ripe Cabernet Sauvignon grapes ready for harvest in Napa Valley, California. getty Silvia Cellars, 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml. $150 Silvia Cellars focuses on small-batch, high-quality wines from top Napa vineyards, especially collectible reserve-tier Cabernet. The wine features intense aromas of black fruits, with notes of toasted oak, lavender, and cinnamon. It's bold and concentrated on the palate, with ripe, well-integrated tannins that reveal blackberry, currant, seasoned oak, and dark chocolate. The finish is long, smooth, and powerful, with lingering hints of dark fruit and wood spices—a classic example of a robust Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Grgich Hills Estate, 2022 Paradise Block Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville, California, 14% ABV, 750 ml. $240 This single-block wine from the renowned Grgich Hills Estate highlights old-vine Cabernet from Yountville, emphasizing complexity and balance. The wine exhibits aromas of mulberry, forest floor, clove, and cedar, with subtle hints of cigar box. It's elegant and intense on the palate, with ripe, smooth, well-integrated tannins and lively acidity, showing flavors of red fruits, especially red currant, cocoa, and savory herbs. The finish is long and silky, with lingering notes of red fruits and subtle oak. Clos du Val, 2022 Yettalil, Stags Leap District, California, 14.8% ABV, 750 ml. $200 'Yettalil' is Clos du Val's flagship blend, originating from the winery's renowned Stags Leap vineyards. Usually, it's a Bordeaux blend with a dominant Cabernet. The wine displays aromas of red and black fruits, including blackberries and raspberries, along with notes of lavender, cedar, and graphite. The palate presents a layered complexity with ripe, well-integrated tannins showcasing red and black berries, plum, sage, and leather. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of red and black fruit and a hint of minerality. American Cabernet Sauvignon is gaining recognition worldwide. From Napa's sunny slopes to Walla Walla's rugged charm and Alexander Valley's refined complexity, these wines showcase regional character, craftsmanship, and aging potential. With scores of 92 and above—and a Best in Show nod for Kenwood's Six Ridges—these Cabernets are more than just award-winners; they serve as benchmarks. Whether you're a collector, enthusiast, or just Cabernet-curious, these wines deserve a place in your glass—and your cellar. More From Forbes Forbes The World's Best Pinot Noir From The 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Top American Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's 50 Best Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Banner Bank Releases 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report
WALLA WALLA, Wash., June 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Banner Bank released its 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report. The report identifies ongoing practices and recent accomplishments creating long-term value and driving progress while staying deeply connected to the needs of all the company's stakeholders. It includes examples in the areas of environmental risk and impact management, social responsibility and governance, including: Increasing our focus on continuous improvement, which assists us in identifying new opportunities that benefit our corporate responsibility strategy as well as our overall organization. As we move to the next stage of this strategy, we are building on a clearer understanding of our climate impact, the tools at our disposal, and how we can maintain a sustainable business strategy in the years ahead. Identifying new ways to engage our employees through the launch of a leadership development program and more focused support of internal mobility and career advancement. Tangible impacts on our business include a highly engaged workforce and low voluntary turnover rates. Financing additional projects that reduce housing insecurity as well as provide vital capital to businesses in the form of loans. This helps drive the economic engine of our local and regional economies, which is especially important during periods of change and market turbulence. Making strides integrating climate risk into our broader risk management framework. This is not just a recognition that the risk profile of our business is shifting— it's fundamental to our ability to make responsible, long-term decisions and remain a trusted part of our communities. Continuing to evolve our strong governance structure, including refining our Generative AI policy to better facilitate innovation in day-to-day work while maintaining our security and risk management standards. Additionally, the 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report includes disclosures prepared using the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards for the financial sector that we determined to be most relevant to our business, as well as a link to our full SASB report. Our Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) disclosures are also included in this year's report. "For 135 years, we've demonstrated our company can and does evolve to meet the changing needs of our clients and communities while staying true to our core values," said Mark Grescovich, President and CEO of Banner Corporation and Banner Bank. "We believe our achievements outlined in this report demonstrate that doing the right thing remains good business and creates long-term value for all our stakeholders." To view the full report, please visit About the Company Banner Corporation (NASDAQ: BANR) is a $16.2 billion bank holding company operating one commercial bank—Banner Bank—in four Western states through a network of branches offering a full range of deposit services and business, commercial real estate, construction, residential, agricultural and consumer loans. Visit Banner Bank at View source version on Contacts Kelly McPhee, Banner Bank Senior Vice President, PR & Communications, 509-232-1968 or
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
1 Cash-Heavy Stock Worth Investigating and 2 to Think Twice About
A surplus of cash can mean financial stability, but it can also indicate a reluctance (or inability) to invest in growth. Some of these companies also face challenges like stagnating revenue, declining market share, or limited scalability. Just because a business has cash doesn't mean it's a good investment. Luckily, StockStory is here to help you separate the winners from the losers. That said, here is one company with a net cash position that balances growth with stability and two that may struggle. Net Cash Position: $470.2 million (13.1% of Market Cap) Founded in 1951, Champion Homes (NYSE:SKY) is a manufacturer of modular homes and buildings in North America. Why Does SKY Worry Us? Underwhelming unit sales over the past two years suggest it might have to lower prices to accelerate growth Falling earnings per share over the last two years has some investors worried as stock prices ultimately follow EPS over the long term Diminishing returns on capital suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up Champion Homes is trading at $62.58 per share, or 15.8x forward P/E. If you're considering SKY for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more. Net Cash Position: $228.8 million (10.4% of Market Cap) Founded in 1890 in Walla Walla, Washington, and evolving through more than a century of economic cycles, Banner Corporation (NASDAQ:BANR) operates Banner Bank, providing commercial banking services, loans, and financial products to individuals and businesses across Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and Utah. Why Does BANR Fall Short? Sales tumbled by 2.2% annually over the last two years, showing market trends are working against its favor during this cycle Net interest income trends were unexciting over the last four years as its 3.5% annual growth was below the typical bank company Sales were less profitable over the last two years as its earnings per share fell by 9% annually, worse than its revenue declines Banner Bank's stock price of $64.02 implies a valuation ratio of 1.1x forward P/B. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including BANR in your portfolio, it's free. Net Cash Position: $2.47 billion (10.2% of Market Cap) Created with the idea of virtually replacing paper catalogues, Pinterest (NYSE: PINS) is an online image and social discovery platform. Why Could PINS Be a Winner? Has the opportunity to boost monetization through new features and premium offerings as its monthly active users have grown by 10.4% annually over the last two years Healthy EBITDA margin of 27% shows it's a well-run company with efficient processes Robust free cash flow margin of 24.7% gives it many options for capital deployment At $35.60 per share, Pinterest trades at 19.8x forward EV/EBITDA. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it's free. Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Banner Bank Earns 2025 ‘Great Place to Work' Certification
WALLA WALLA, Wash., June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Banner Bank leadership team is pleased to share the Bank was just certified by Great Place to Work®, a global research firm specializing in workplace culture and employee experience. The coveted worldwide certification is based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience—specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust work environment. "Being certified as a Great Place to Work is especially meaningful because it is based on the feedback of our employees who are the foundation of our company," said Mark Grescovich, President and CEO. "This prestigious recognition reflects our commitment to creating and sustaining an exceptional workplace culture." The opinions of Banner employees were gathered through an extensive survey hosted by the research firm earlier this year. The survey results showed 86 percent of employees rank Banner as a great place to work—almost 20 percent higher than the average U.S. company. Great Place to Work Certification™ is the most definitive "employer-of-choice" recognition companies aspire to achieve. Every year more than 21,000 companies across 170 countries apply to get certified. We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition, and we owe it to our amazing employees," said Kayleen Kohler, Chief Human Resources and Diversity Officer. "Their passion, dedication and feedback helped us earn this certification. We appreciate the effort of our leaders at every level who consistently create the right environment for our employees to thrive." According to Great Place to Work research, employees at certified workplaces are 93 percent more likely to look forward to coming to work, are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company's profits and receive a promotion. Job seekers are also 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a certified workplace. Visit the Best Places to Work website to learn more about Banner Bank's certification. About Banner Bank Banner Bank is a Washington-chartered commercial bank serving consumer and business clients in Washington, Oregon, California and Idaho. With more than $16.2 billion in assets, Banner Bank is part of Banner Corporation (NASDAQ: BANR). Visit Banner Bank at About Great Place to Work® As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place to Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place to Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List. View source version on Contacts Kelly McPhee, Senior Vice President, Communications, (509) 991-0575 or Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
