UPDATE: DA Davidson Raises PT to $35 on Banner; Mortage Activity Helps EPS

DA Davidson reiterated its Buy rating on Banner BANR and raised its price target from from $32 to $35. DA Davidson said, "Banner reported Q3'12 EPS of $0.79 versus our $0.53 estimate and the $0.47 Street estimate. The variance from our model showed up in a lower LLP, a surge in noninterest income (led by strong mortgage activity), and lower expenses. Credit quality further improved and 40% of the preferred stock was retired." Banner closed at $27.92 on Thursday.