 WALLA WALLA, Wash., July 21, 2021 GLOBE NEWSWIRE -- Banner Corporation NASDAQ GSM: BANR Banner, the parent company of Banner Bank, today reported net income of 54.4 million, or 1.56 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2021, a 16 increase compared to 46.9 million, or 1.33 per diluted share, for the preceding quarter and a 131 increase compared to 23.5 million, or 0.67 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2020. Banners second quarter 2021 results include 10.3 million in recapture of provision for credit losses, compared to 28.6 million in provision for credit losses in the second quarter of 2020. The second quarter 2020 provision for credit losses was primarily the result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first six months of 2021, net income was 101.2 million, or 2.88 per diluted share, compared to net income of 40.4 million, or 1.14 per diluted share for the same period a year earlier. Banners first six months of 2021 results include 19.5 million in recapture of provision for credit losses, compared to 52.1 million in provision for credit losses in the first six months of 2020. 