INDEPENDENT BANK CORP /MI/ (IBCP)

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introduction. The following section presents additional information to assess the financial condition and results of operations of Independent Bank Corporation (“IBCP”), its wholly-owned bank, Independent Bank (the “Bank”), and their subsidiaries. This section should be read in conjunction with the interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. We also encourage you to read our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). That report includes a list of risk factors that you should consider in connection with any decision to buy or sell our securities.

Overview. We provide banking services to customers located primarily in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. We also have a loan production office in Fairlawn, Ohio. As a result, our success depends to a great extent upon the economic conditions in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Recent Developments. Pressures from various global and national macroeconomic conditions, including significant volatility and uncertainty in U.S. and global market conditions, inflationary pressures, recessionary concerns, uncertainty regarding future interest rates, energy and other commodity price volatility, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, the continuation of the Russia-Ukraine war, ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and actual or potential changes in fiscal, trade, regulatory, and monetary policy, continue to create economic uncertainty for our customers, the markets in which we operate, and the financial services industry. The extent to which these pressures and other factors may impact our business, results of operations, asset valuations, financial condition, and customers will depend on future developments, which continue to be highly uncertain and difficult to predict. Material adverse impacts may include all or a combination of valuation impairments on our other intangibles, goodwill, securities available for sale ("AFS"), securities held to maturity ("HTM"), loans, capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights or deferred tax assets.

On March 18, 2026, we entered into a definitive merger agreement with HCB Financial Corp. ("HCB") (the "Merger Agreement") providing for a business combination of Independent Bank Corporation ("IBCP") and HCB. The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, HCB will be merged with and into IBCP, with IBCP as the surviving corporation (the "Merger"). In addition, IBCP intends to consolidate Highpoint Community Bank, HCB's wholly-owned subsidiary bank, with and into Independent Bank (with Independent Bank as the surviving institution).

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, we will pay aggregate Merger consideration of approximately $70.2 million in IBCP common stock and cash for all of the shares of HCB common stock issued and outstanding immediately before the effective time of the Merger. The Merger consideration is subject to adjustment in certain limited circumstances, as set forth in the Merger Agreement.

Completion of the Merger is subject to certain closing conditions, including (among others) receipt of the requisite approval of HCB's shareholders, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and the absence of any law or order prohibiting completion of the Merger. The Merger Agreement provides certain termination rights for both IBCP and HCB and further provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under certain limited circumstances, HCB will be obligated to pay IBCP a termination fee of approximately $3.25 million. Currently we anticipate the Merger will be effective during the third quarter of 2026. Our 2026 non-interest expenses include $0.3 million of costs incurred through March 31, 2026 related to the Merger.

It is against this backdrop that we discuss our results of operations and financial condition for the first quarter of 2026 as compared to earlier periods.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Summary. We recorded net income of $16.9 million and $15.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The increase in 2026 first quarter results as compared to 2025 is due primarily to a $3.2 million increase in net interest income and a $2.5 million favorable change in the fair value due to price of capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights that were partially offset by a $4.0 million increase in non-interest expense.

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Key performance ratios

Net interest income. Net interest income is the most important source of our earnings and thus is critical in evaluating our results of operations. Changes in our net interest income are primarily influenced by our level of interest-earning assets and the income or yield that we earn on those assets and the manner and cost of funding our interest-earning assets. Certain macro-economic factors can also influence our net interest income such as the level and direction of interest rates, the difference between short-term and long-term interest rates (the steepness of the yield curve) and the general strength of the economies in which we are doing business. Finally, risk management plays an important role in our level of net interest income. The ineffective management of credit risk and interest-rate risk in particular can adversely impact our net interest income.

Our net interest income totaled $46.9 million during the first quarter of 2026, an increase of $3.2 million, or 7.3% from the year-ago period. This increase primarily reflects a $130.8 million increase in average interest-earning assets and a 16 basis point increase in our tax equivalent net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets (the “net interest margin”).

The increase in average interest-earning assets for the first quarter of 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025 primarily reflects growth in commercial loans funded from decreases in interest bearing cash deposits, installment loans and securities available for sale and held to maturity as well as an increase in deposits.

The increase in our net interest margin during the three month period in 2026 is attributed to a 29 basis point decrease in interest expense as a percent of average interest-earning assets ("Cost of Funds") that was only partially offset by a 13 basis point decrease in interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets ("Asset Yield"). These decreases are primarily attributed to the decreases in the federal funds rate since January of 2025 as the average federal funds rate was 75 basis points lower during the first quarter of 2026 as compared to the first quarter of 2025. Our Cost of Funds has been positively impacted by deposit pricing sensitivity to the decreases in interest rates discussed above as well as a favorable shift in mix with growth in lower cost non-maturity deposits and runoff in wholesale funding and subordinated debentures. Our Asset Yield has been negatively impacted by lower rates on variable rate earning assets. However, this impact has been partially offset by the origination of new fixed rate loans at rates higher than those in our current portfolio, as well as a shift in earning asset mix from generally lower rate investment securities, consumer loans and overnight liquidity to higher rate loans. See Asset/liability management.

Our net interest income is also impacted by our level of non-accrual loans. In the first quarter of 2026, non-accrual loans averaged $36.0 million. In the first quarter of 2025, non-accrual loans averaged $6.6 million. The increase in non accrual balances primarily relates to one commercial loan credit relationship. In addition, in the first quarter of 2026 we had net charge-offs of $0.1 million of unpaid interest on loans placed on or taken off non-accrual or on loans previously charged-off compared to net recoveries of $0.1 million during the same period in 2025.

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Average Balances and Tax Equivalent Rates

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(1)Interest on tax-exempt loans and securities available for sale is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis assuming a marginal tax rate of 21%.

(2)Annualized

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(1)Annualized.

Provision for credit losses. The provision for credit losses was an expense of $0.36 million and $0.72 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.

The provision for credit losses on loans reflects our assessment of the allowance for credit losses (the “ACL”) on loans taking into consideration factors such as loan growth, loan mix, levels of non-performing and classified loans, economic conditions and loan net charge-offs. While we use relevant information to recognize losses on loans, additional provisions for related losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, customer circumstances

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Disclaimer Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. Statements in this report that are not statements of historical fact, including statements that include terms such as “will,” “may,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “likely,” “optimistic” and “plan” and statements about future or projected financial and operating results, plans, projections, objectives, expectations, and intentions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, descriptions of plans and objectives for future operations, products or services; projections of our future revenue, earnings or other measures of economic performance; forecasts of credit losses and other asset quality trends; statements about our business and growth strategies; and expectations about economic and market conditions and trends. These forward-looking statements express our current expectations, forecasts of future events, or long-term goals. They are based on assumptions, estimates, and forecasts that, although believed to be reasonable, may turn out to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including:

•economic, market, operational, liquidity, credit, and interest rate risks associated with our business;

•economic conditions generally and in the financial services industry, particularly economic conditions within Michigan and the regional and local real estate markets in which our bank operates;

•the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of, and provisions made to, our allowance for credit losses;

•increased competition in the financial services industry, either nationally or regionally;

•our ability to achieve loan and deposit growth;

•volatility and direction of market interest rates;

•the continued services of our management team; and

•implementation of new legislation, which may have significant effects on us and the financial services industry.

This list provides examples of factors that could affect the results described by forward-looking statements contained in this report, but the list is not intended to be all-inclusive. The risk factors disclosed in Part I – Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as updated by any new or modified risk factors disclosed in Part II – Item 1A of any subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, include the primary risks our management believes could materially affect the results described by forward-looking statements in this report. However, those risks are not the only risks we face. Our results of operations, cash flows, financial position, and prospects could also be materially and adversely affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us, that we currently consider to be immaterial, or that develop after the date of this report. We cannot assure you that our future results will meet expectations. While we believe the forward-looking statements in this report are reasonable, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. In addition, these statements speak only as of the date made. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to update or alter any statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Introduction. The following section presents additional information to assess the financial condition and results of operations of Independent Bank Corporation (“IBCP”), its wholly-owned bank, Independent Bank (the “Bank”), and their subsidiaries. This section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the supplemental financial data contained elsewhere in this annual report. We also encourage you to read our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). That report includes a list of risk factors that you should consider in connection with any decision to buy or sell our securities.

Overview. We provide banking services to customers located primarily in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and also have one mortgage loan production facility in Ohio (Fairlawn). As a result, our success depends to a great extent upon the economic conditions in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

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Recent Developments. Pressures from various global and national macroeconomic conditions, including significant volatility and uncertainty with U.S. and global market conditions, the direct and indirect impacts of potential changes to U.S. trade policies, recessionary concerns, uncertainty regarding future interest rates, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, the continuation of the Russia-Ukraine war, ongoing and potentially increasing conflict in the Middle East, and potential governmental responses to these events, continue to create significant economic uncertainty. In addition, pursuit of various initiatives announced by the Trump administration may create some degree of volatility in our customers’ businesses, regulation of the financial services industry, and the markets in which we operate.

The extent to which these pressures and other factors may impact our business, results of operations, asset valuations, financial condition, and customers will depend on future developments, which continue to be highly uncertain and difficult to predict. Material adverse impacts may include all or a combination of valuation impairments on our other intangibles, goodwill, securities available for sale ("AFS"), securities held to maturity ("HTM"), loans, capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights or deferred tax assets.

It is against this backdrop that we discuss our results of operations and financial condition in 2025 as compared to earlier periods.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Summary. We recorded net income of $68.5 million, or $3.27 per diluted share, in 2025, net income of $66.8 million, or $3.16 per diluted share, in 2024, and net income of $59.1 million, or $2.79 per diluted share, in 2023.

KEY PERFORMANCE RATIOS

Net interest income. Net interest income is the most important source of our earnings and thus is critical in evaluating our results of operations. Changes in our net interest income are primarily influenced by our level of interest-earning assets and the income or yield that we earn on those assets and the manner and cost of funding our interest-earning assets. Certain macroeconomic factors can also influence our net interest income such as the level and direction of interest rates, the difference between short-term and long-term interest rates (the steepness of the yield curve) and the general strength of the economies in which we are doing business. Finally, risk management plays an important role in our level of net interest income. The ineffective management of credit risk and interest-rate risk in particular can adversely impact our net interest income.

Net interest income totaled $180.0 million during 2025, compared to $166.2 million and $156.3 million during 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in net interest income in 2025 compared to 2024 primarily reflects a $159.9 million increase in average interest-earning assets and an 18 basis point increase in our tax equivalent net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets (the “net interest margin”).

The increase in net interest income in 2024 compared to 2023 reflects a $128.5 million increase in average interest-earning assets and a 12 basis point increase in our tax equivalent net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets (the “net interest margin”).

The increase in average interest-earning assets during 2025 and 2024 primarily reflects growth in commercial and mortgage loans. The growth in both years was funded primarily by an increase in deposits and decreases in securities AFS, securities HTM and installment loans.

The 18 basis point increase in the net interest margin during 2025 as compared to 2024 primarily reflects a 27 basis point decrease in interest expense as a percent of average interest-earning assets ("Cost of Funds") which was partially

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offset by a nine basis point decrease in interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets ("Asset Yield"). These decreases are primarily attributed to the decreases in the federal funds rate since September of 2024. Our Cost of Funds has been positively impacted by deposit pricing sensitivity to the decreases in interest rates discussed above. Our Asset Yield has been negatively impacted by lower rates on variable rate earning assets. However, this impact has been partially offset by the origination of new fixed rate loans at rates higher than those in our current portfolio, as well as a shift in earning asset mix from generally lower rate investment securities to higher rate loans. See Asset/liability management.

The 12 basis point increase in the net interest margin during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily reflects a 42 basis point increase in our Asset Yield which was partially offset by a 30 basis point increase in our Cost of Funds. These increases are primarily attributed to the impact of federal funds rate increases during this period as well as a change in the mix of earnings assets and funding liabilities. During 2024 we saw a shift in earning assets from securities AFS and HTM and overnight cash balances to commercial and mortgage loans. In addition our funding mix had seen additional shifting from non-interest bearing deposits to interest-bearing deposits and an increase in time deposits.

Our net interest income is also impacted by our level of non-accrual loans. Average non-accrual loans totaled $12.6 million, $4.6 million and $4.8 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

AVERAGE BALANCES AND RATES

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(1)Interest on tax-exempt loans and securities is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis assuming a marginal tax rate of 21%.

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RECONCILIATION OF NET INTEREST MARGIN, FULLY TAXABLE EQUIVALENT ("FTE")

CHANGE IN NET INTEREST INCOME

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(1)The change in interest due to changes in both balance and rate has been allocated to change due to balance and change due to rate in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of change in each.

(2)Interest on tax-exempt loans and securities is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis assuming a marginal tax rate of 21%.

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COMPOSITION OF AVERAGE INTEREST EARNING ASSETS AND INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES

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(1)Average interest earning assets less average interest bearing liabilities.

Provision for credit losses. The provision for credit losses was an expense of $6.1 million, $4.5 million and $6.2 million in 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The provision reflects our assessment of the allowance for credit losses (the “ACL”) taking into consideration factors such as loan growth, loan mix, levels of non-performing and classified loans, economic conditions and loan net charge-offs. While we use relevant information to recognize losses on loans and securities HTM, additional provisions for related losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, customer circumstances and other credit risk factors. The increase in the provision for credit losses in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily due to increases in provision in the installment and commercial loan portfolios as well as the provision for unfunded lending commitments that were partially offset by a decrease in the provision in the mortgage portfolio and a lower subjective allocation rate. The decrease in the provision for credit losses in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to a loss incurred on a $3.0 million corporate security HTM (Signature Bank) that defaulted and was fully charged off during the first quarter of 2023 and a recovery on that same security HTM during the first quarter of 2024 that was partially offset by an increase in provision in the commercial and mortgage loan portfolios. See “Portfolio Loans and asset quality” for a discussion of the various components of the ACL and their impact on the provision for credit losses in 2025 and note #19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for a discussion on industry concentrations.

Non-interest income. Non-interest income is a significant element in assessing our results of operations. Non-interest income totaled $45.6 million during 2025 compared to $56.4 million and $50.7 million during 2024 and 2023, respectively.

NON-INTEREST INCOME

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Service charges on deposit accounts totaled $12.0 million in 2025, as compared to $11.9 million in 2024 and $12.4 million during 2023. The increase in 2025 relative to the prior year was primarily due to increases in fees related to our commercial treasury management services. The decrease in 2024 relative to the prior year was primarily due to a decrease in non-sufficient funds occurrences (and related fees).

We realized net gains of $6.8 million on mortgage loans sold during 2025, compared to $6.6 million and $7.4 million during 2024 and 2023, respectively. As reflected in the table below, the sale of mortgage loans decreased from both 2024 and 2023. Mortgage loan activity is summarized as follows:

MORTGAGE LOAN ACTIVITY

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(1)2025 includes the sale of $22.2 million of portfolio residential fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgage loans. 2024 includes the sale of $20.8 million of portfolio residential fixed rate mortgage loans. 2023 includes the sale of $56.7 million of portfolio residential fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgage loans.

(2)Net gains on mortgage loans in in 2025, 2024, and 2023, include net gains (losses) of $0.41 million, $0.42 million, and $(0.14) million, respectively, from portfolio loan transactions.

Mortgage loans originated increased in 2025 as compared to 2024 as generally lower mortgage loan interest rates had a generally positive impact on mortgage loan demand. Mortgage loans originated decreased in 2024 as compared to 2023 as higher mortgage loan interest rates negatively impacted mortgage loan demand. Excluding the sale of portfolio residential mortgage loans, the change in the volume of loans sold relative to origination volume in each of these years is due in part to the mix of (salable versus portfolio) origination volume.

The volume of loans sold is dependent upon our ability to originate mortgage loans as well as the demand for fixed-rate obligations and other loans that we choose to not put into portfolio because of our established interest-rate risk parameters. (See “Portfolio Loans and asset quality.”) Net gains on mortgage loans are also dependent upon economic and competitive factors as well as our ability to effectively manage exposure to changes in interest rates and thus can often be a volatile part of our overall revenues.

Net gains on mortgage loans increased in 2025 as compared to 2024 due to an increase in the Loan Sales Margin due in part to an increase in fair value adjustments relating to mortgage banking derivatives and loans originated under the fair value option (see notes #16 and #21). Net gains on mortgage loans decreased in 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to the decrease in the Loan Sales Margin which was favorably impacted by fair value adjustments on certain unhedged construction loans originated under the fair value option during 2023 as a result of the significant increase in interest rates during that period. These favorable adjustments were much less during 2024.

Gain on equity securities at fair value totaled $2.7 million during 2024. This gain is the consequence of the exchange of our shares of Visa Class B-1 common stock on May 6, 2024 into a combination of Visa Class C common stock and Visa Class B-2 common stock. With the completion of this exchange, we were able to sell our Visa Class C common stock (as it was convertible into publicly traded Visa Class A common stock) while the Visa Class B-2 common stock continues to be held and carried at zero. See note #11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We generated net losses on securities AFS of $(0.37) million, $(0.43) million and $(0.22) million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These net losses were due to the sales of securities as outlined in the table below. We recorded no credit related charges in 2025, 2024 or 2023 for securities AFS. See “Securities” below and note #3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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GAINS AND LOSSES ON SECURITIES

Mortgage loan servicing, net, generated income of $0.8 million in 2025 compared to income of $9.4 million and $4.6 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The significant variances in mortgage loan servicing, net are primarily due to changes in the fair value of capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights associated with changes in mortgage loan interest rates and expected future prepayment levels and expected float rates as well as the sale of approximately $931.6 million of capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights in January 2025. Mortgage loan servicing, net activity is summarized in the following table:

MORTGAGE LOAN SERVICING ACTIVITY

Activity related to capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights is as follows:

CAPITALIZED MORTGAGE LOAN SERVICING RIGHTS

(1)     On January 31, 2025 we sold $931.6 million of mortgage loan servicing rights (26.3% of total servicing portfolio) and transferred the servicing on March 3, 2025. This sale represented approximately $13.1 million (27.9%) of the total capitalized mortgage loan servicing right asset. While there remains a customary hold back of final settlement funds of approximately $0.1 million relating to this transaction, we are not aware of any issues that will have a material impact on this final payment. We have until the first quarter, 2026 to receive this final payment. Transaction expenses relating to this sale were approximately $0.2 million and were expensed in 2025.

At December 31, 2025, we were servicing approximately $2.6 billion in mortgage loans for others on which servicing rights have been capitalized. This servicing portfolio had a weighted average coupon rate of 4.52% and a weighted average service fee of approximately 0.26 basis points. Remaining capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights at December 31, 2025 totaled $31.5 million, representing approximately 121 basis points on the related amount of mortgage loans serviced for others.

Investment and insurance commissions totaled $3.5 million in 2025 as compared to $3.3 million and $3.5 million in 2024 and 2023. The increase in revenue in 2025 as compared to 2024 was due to higher sales volume and an increase in fee

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based revenue while the decrease in revenue in 2024 as compared to 2023 was primarily due to lower sales volume and a decrease in fee based revenue.

We earned $1.2 million, $0.8 million and $0.5 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, on our separate account bank owned life insurance principally as a result of increases in the cash surrender value. Our separate account is primarily invested in agency mortgage-backed securities and managed by a fixed income investment manager. The crediting rate (on which the earnings are based) reflects the performance of the separate account. The changes in earnings in each year is due to changes in the crediting rate. The total cash surrender value of our bank owned life insurance was $53.8 million and $53.9 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Non-interest income - other totaled $7.8 million, $8.1 million and $8.5 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Non-interest income - other decreased in 2025 as compared to 2024 and 2024 as compared to 2023 due primarily to lower gains on sale of bank properties and a decrease in certain electronic banking fees we discontinued during 2024.

Non-interest expense. Non-interest expense is an important component of our results of operations. We strive to efficiently manage our cost structure.

Non-interest expense totaled $138.2 million in 2025, $135.1 million in 2024, and $127.1 million in 2023. Increases in compensation, payroll taxes and employee benefits, data processing, occupancy, loan and collection and other expense that were partially offset by decreases in performance-based compensation and furniture fixtures and equipment are primarily responsible for the increase in 2025 compared to 2024. Increases in performance-based compensation, compensation, data processing, advertising, legal and professional and loan and collection that were partially offset by decreases in communications and costs (recoveries) related to unfunded lending commitments are primarily responsible for the increase in 2024 compared to 2023. The components of non-interest expense are as follows:

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

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Compensation expense, which is primarily salaries, totaled $54.6 million, $53.4 million and $52.5 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The comparative increase in 2025 to 2024 is primarily due to salary increases that were predominantly effective on January 1, 2025 and additions to our commercial lending team which were partially offset by an increase in deferred loan origination costs due primarily to higher commercial and mortgage loan volume as well as increases in per loan origination costs. The comparative increase in 2024 to 2023 is primarily due to salary increases that were predominantly effective on January 1, 2024 and additions to our commercial lending team which were partially offset by staffing efficiency initiatives in our retail lending and branch network as well as an increase in deferred loan origination costs due in part to higher mortgage loan volume.

Performance-based compensation expense totaled $14.8 million, $16.1 million and $11.1 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The variances between each respective period were primarily due to actual performance relative to the established incentive plan targets in our annual cash incentive award plans.

In addition to commissions and cash incentive awards, we also maintain performance-based equity compensation plans. Such plans include an ESOP and a long-term equity incentive plan. Total compensation expense recognized for grants pursuant to our long-term incentive plan was $2.5 million, $2.1 million and $1.9 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In each of those three years, we granted both restricted stock and performance share awards under the plan.

Payroll taxes and employee benefits expense totaled $15.8 million, $15.4 million and $15.4 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in 2025 compared to 2024 is due to higher education, recruiting and general employee related costs that were partially offset by a decrease in medical insurance costs.

Data processing expenses totaled $14.8 million, $13.6 million, and $11.9 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in 2025 compared to 2024 and 2024 compared to 2023 are primarily due to annual asset based and consumer price index based cost increases and new solutions implemented during these time frames.

Occupancy, net totaled $8.6 million, $7.8 million, and $7.9 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in 2025 compared to 2024 is due in part to strategic location additions as well as higher seasonal related maintenance costs.

Advertising totaled $3.2 million, $3.1 million, and $2.2 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in 2024 compared to 2023 is due primarily to modifications in strategic marketing spend as well as costs related to certain website redesign initiatives.

Legal and professional totaled $2.4 million, $2.6 million, and $2.2 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in 2024 compared to 2023 is due in part to fees relating to strategic location additions, higher bank exam fees due to asset growth as well as general corporate projects and initiatives.

Loan and collection expenses reflect costs related to new lending activity as well as the management and collection of non-performing loans and other problem credits. These expenses totaled $2.7 million, $2.5 million and $2.2 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These costs increased in 2025 from 2024 due in part to a higher level of non performing loans in 2025. These costs increased in 2024 compared to 2023 due in part to lower recoveries of previously expensed amounts.

Communications totaled $2.0 million, $2.1 million, and $2.4 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in 2024 compared to 2023 is primarily due to lower telephony and networking related costs.

Other expenses totaled $5.7 million, $4.9 million and $5.8 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in 2025 compared to 2024 is due to higher travel and entertainment related costs, lower recoveries related to unfunded lending commitments (beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025 these expenses/recoveries are now being included in the provision for credit losses), higher director retainer fees and higher Michigan Corporate Income Tax which is a non-income based tax. The decrease in 2024 compared to 2023 is primarily due to lower costs related to unfunded lending commitments related primarily to a decease in the amount of unfunded lending commitments.

Income tax expense. We recorded an income tax expense of $12.8 million, $16.3 million and $14.6 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our actual federal income tax expense is different than the amount computed by applying our statutory federal income tax rate to our pre-tax income primarily due to tax-exempt interest income, share based compensation, tax-exempt income from the increase in the cash surrender value on life insurance and certain tax credits.

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In December, 2025, we executed a Tax Credit Transfer Agreement (TCTA) whereby we have agreed to purchase $22.9 million of 2025 Section 48 tax credits at a purchase price of 92% of the tax credit amount. The purchase price of $21.1 million was paid by us to the seller, an independent third party on January 15, 2026. We plan to utilize the purchased tax credits of $22.9 million to offset amounts that otherwise would be due and payable to the IRS for 2025 and prior tax years. The accounting treatment at December 31, 2025 is an increase in income tax receivable from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") of $22.9 million (recorded in Accrued income and other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition), a liability to the seller of $21.1 million (recorded in Accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition), and a reduction to income tax expense of $1.8 million in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ending December 31, 2025. The $21.1 million liability to the seller was paid on January 15, 2026.

We assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against our deferred tax asset, net (“DTA”) based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. The ultimate realization of this asset is primarily based on generating future income. We concluded at December 31, 2025 and 2024 that the realization of substantially all of our DTA continues to be more likely than not. See note #13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for more information.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Summary. Our total assets increased to $5.51 billion at December 31, 2025, compared to $5.34 billion at December 31, 2024, primarily due to growth in commercial loans. Loans, excluding loans held for sale (“Portfolio Loans”), totaled $4.28 billion and $4.04 billion at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Commercial loans increased by $276.2 million.

Deposits totaled $4.76 billion at December 31, 2025, compared to $4.65 billion at December 31, 2024. The $107.6 million increase in deposits is primarily due to growth in savings and interest bearing checking deposits, reciprocal deposits and time deposits that was partially offset by a decline in non-interest bearing deposits and brokered time deposits.

Securities. We maintain diversified securities portfolios, which include obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies, securities issued by states and political subdivisions, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, corporate securities and trust preferred securities. We regularly evaluate asset/liability management needs and attempt to maintain a portfolio structure that provides sufficient liquidity and cash flow.

We believe that the unrealized losses on securities AFS are temporary in nature and are expected to be recovered within a reasonable time period. We believe that we have the ability to hold securities with unrealized losses to maturity or until such time as the unrealized losses reverse. (See “Asset/liability management”).

SECURITIES AFS

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SECURITIES HTM

(1)Represents the remaining unrealized loss to be accreted on securities that were transferred from AFS to HTM on April 1, 2022.

Securities AFS in unrealized loss positions are evaluated quarterly for impairment related to credit losses. For securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, we first assess whether we intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through earnings. For securities AFS that do not meet this criteria, we evaluate whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, we consider the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, adverse conditions specifically related to the security and the issuer and the impact of changes in market interest rates on the market value of the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, we compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis for the security, a credit loss exists and an ACL is recorded, limited to the amount that the fair value of the security is less than its amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an ACL is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes. No ACL for securities AFS was needed at December 31, 2025 and 2024. The decrease in unrealized losses during 2025 is primarily attributed to a decrease in interest rates since December 31, 2024. See note #3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for further discussion.

For securities HTM an ACL is maintained at a level which represents our best estimate of expected credit losses. This ACL is a contra asset valuation account that is deducted from the carrying amount of securities HTM to present the net amount expected to be collected. Securities HTM are charged off against the ACL when deemed uncollectible. Adjustments to the ACL are reported in our Consolidated Statements of Operations in provision for credit loss. We measure expected credit losses on securities HTM on a collective basis by major security type with each type sharing similar risk characteristics. With regard to U.S. Government-sponsored agency and mortgage-backed securities (residential and commercial), all these securities are issued by a U.S. government-sponsored entity and have an implicit or explicit government guarantee; therefore, no allowance for credit losses has been recorded for these securities. With regard to obligations of states and political subdivisions, private label-mortgage-backed, corporate and trust preferred securities HTM, we consider (1) issuer bond ratings, (2) long-term historical loss rates for given bond ratings, (3) the financial condition of the issuer, and (4) whether issuers continue to make timely principal and interest payments under the contractual terms of the securities. During the first quarter of 2023, one corporate security (Signature Bank) defaulted resulting in a $3.0 million provision for credit losses and a corresponding full charge-off. Subsequent to this security's charge-off, a portion of its fair value had recovered and was subsequently sold during the first quarter of 2024 for $1.1 million during which period we recorded that amount as a recovery to the ACL. See note #3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for further discussion.

Equity Securities at Fair Value

On May 6, 2024, we exchanged 12,566 shares of Visa Inc. Class B-1 common stock (all of the Class B-1 shares we owned) for 2,493 shares of Visa Inc. Class C common stock and 6,283 shares of Visa Inc. Class B-2 common stock pursuant to an exchange offer conducted by Visa. With the completion of the exchange, we recorded a gain related to the Class C shares of $2.7 million based on the conversion privilege of those shares and the closing price of the Class A shares on May 3, 2024 (the exchange expiration date) of $268.49 per share. Subsequent to the exchange, we sold all of our Class C shares for net proceeds of $2.685 million. See note #11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for further discussion.

Portfolio Loans and asset quality. In addition to the communities served by our Bank branch and loan production office network, our principal lending markets also include nearby communities and metropolitan areas. Subject to established underwriting criteria, we also may participate in commercial lending transactions with certain non-affiliated banks and make whole loan purchases from other financial institutions.

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The senior management and board of directors of our Bank retain authority and responsibility for credit decisions and we have adopted uniform underwriting standards. Our loan committee structure and the loan review process attempt to provide requisite controls and promote compliance with such established underwriting standards. However, there can be no assurance that our lending procedures and the use of uniform underwriting standards will prevent us from incurring significant credit losses in our lending activities.

We generally retain loans that may be profitably funded within established risk parameters. (See “Asset/liability management.”) As a result, we may hold adjustable-rate conventional and fixed rate jumbo mortgage loans as Portfolio Loans, while 15- and 30-year fixed-rate non-jumbo mortgage loans are generally sold to mitigate exposure to changes in interest rates. (See “Non-interest income" and “Asset/liability management”).

LOAN PORTFOLIO SEGMENTS

The following table summarizes each loan portfolio segment by (1) scheduled repayments and (2) predetermined (fixed) interest rate and/or adjustable (variable) interest rate at December 31, 2025:

In 2025, we sold $22.2 million of portfolio residential fixed and adjustable rate mortgage loans. In 2024, we sold $20.8 million of portfolio residential fixed rate mortgage loans. In 2023, we sold $56.7 million of portfolio residential fixed and adjustable rate mortgage loans. These loan sale transactions were done primarily for asset/liability management purposes.

LOAN PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

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(1)Includes both residential and non-residential commercial loans secured by real estate.

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NON-PERFORMING ASSETS

Non-performing loans totaled $23.1 million, $6.0 million and $5.2 million at December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in 2025 compared to 2024 was due to a $16.5 million and $0.5 million increase in the commercial loan and mortgage loan segments. The increase in the commercial loan segment was primarily due to one relationship where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. The increase in 2024 as compared to 2023 was primarily due to a $1.0 million increase in the residential mortgage loan portfolio segment.

Other real estate (“ORE”) and repossessed assets totaled $0.9 million at December 31, 2025, compared to $0.9 million at December 31, 2024.

The ACL as a percent of non-accrual and non-performing loans decreased during 2025 and 2024 due primarily to the increase in non-accrual and non-performing loans partially offset by an increase in the ACL related to specific allocations.

We will place a loan that is 90 days or more past due on non-accrual, unless we believe the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. Accordingly, we have determined that the collection of the accrued and unpaid interest on any loans that are 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest is probable.

ALLOCATION OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

Some loans will not be repaid in full. Therefore, an ACL on loans is maintained at a level which represents our best estimate of expected credit losses. Our ACL on loans is comprised of three principal elements: (i) specific analysis of individual loans identified during the review of the loan portfolio, (ii) pooled analysis of loans with similar risk

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characteristics based on historical experience, adjusted for current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts, and expected prepayments, and (iii) additional allowances based on subjective factors, including local and general economic business factors and trends, portfolio concentrations and changes in the size and/or the general terms of the loan portfolios. See notes #1 and #4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for further discussion on the ACL on loans.

While we use relevant information to recognize losses on loans, additional provisions for related losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, customer circumstances and other credit risk factors.

The ACL increased $4.1 million to $63.4 million at December 31, 2025 from $59.4 million at December 31, 2024 and was equal to 1.48% of total Portfolio Loans at December 31, 2025.

One of the three components of the ACL outlined above increased since December 31, 2024 while two decreased. The ACL related to specific allocations increased primarily due to the one commercial relationship experiencing financial difficulties mentioned above. The ACL related to pooled analysis of loans decreased $0.1 million due to certain model refinements that was partially offset by commercial loan growth and the ACL related to subjective factors decreased by $0.3 million due to a two basis point decrease in allocation rate that was partially offset by commercial loan growth. The decrease in the allocation based on subjective factors was due in part to a generally less pessimistic economic outlook including previous expectations of the impact of new tariffs.

During 2024 two of the three components of the ACL outlined above increased while one decreased. The ACL related to pooled analysis of loans increased $5.0 million due primarily to loan growth in 2024 as well as certain model refinements during 2024 which also contributed to the $1.3 million decrease in the ACL related to subjective factors. The ACL related to specific loans increased $1.0 million due primarily to a $5.8 million increase in the amount of such loans.

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ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES ON LOANS, SECURITIES HTM AND UNFUNDED COMMITMENTS

(1) Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025, we began classifying the provision for unfunded lending commitments in the provision for credit losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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RATIO OF NET CHARGE-OFFS TO AVERAGE LOANS OUTSTANDING

In 2025, we recorded loan net charge offs of $1.61 million compared to loan net charge offs of $0.90 million in 2024 and loan net charge offs of $1.00 million in 2023. The net charge offs in 2025 and 2024 primarily reflect losses in the installment loan portfolio. The net charge offs in 2023 primarily reflect modest losses in the commercial and installment loan portfolio.

Deposits and borrowings. Historically, the loyalty of our customer base has allowed us to price deposits competitively, contributing to a net interest margin that generally compares favorably to our peers. However, we still face a significant amount of competition for deposits within many of the markets served by our branch network, which limits our ability to materially increase deposits without adversely impacting the weighted-average cost of core deposits.

To attract new core deposits, we have implemented various account acquisition strategies as well as branch staff sales training. Account acquisition initiatives have historically generated increases in customer relationships. Over the past several years, we have also expanded our treasury management products and services for commercial businesses and municipalities or other governmental units and have also increased our sales calling efforts in order to attract additional deposit relationships from these sectors. We view long-term core deposit growth as an important objective. Core deposits generally provide a more stable and lower cost source of funds than alternative sources such as short-term borrowings. (See “Liquidity and capital resources.”)

Deposits totaled $4.76 billion and $4.65 billion at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The $107.6 million increase in deposits during 2025 is due to growth in savings and interest-bearing checking deposits, reciprocal deposits and time deposits that were partially offset by decreases in non-interest bearing and brokered time deposits. Reciprocal deposits totaled $974.9 million and $907.0 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. These deposits represent demand, money market and time deposits from our customers that have been placed through the IntraFi Network. This service allows our customers to access multi-million dollar FDIC deposit insurance on deposit balances greater than the standard FDIC insurance maximum.

We cannot be sure that we will be able to maintain our current level of core deposits. In particular, those deposits that are uninsured may be susceptible to outflow. A reduction in core deposits would likely increase our need to rely on wholesale funding sources. Data relating to our deposit portfolios (excluding brokered time) follows:

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(1) These amounts exclude intercompany related deposits of $47.0 million and $54.8 million respectively. Uninsured deposits reported in our Call Report at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 totaled $1.223 billion and $1.115 billion, respectively.

We have also implemented strategies that incorporate using federal funds purchased, other borrowings and brokered time deposits to fund a portion of our interest-earning assets. The use of such alternate sources of funds supplements our core deposits and is also an integral part of our asset/liability management efforts. Other borrowings, comprised primarily of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”), totaled $77.0 million and $45.0 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

As described above, we have utilized wholesale funding, including federal funds purchased, FRB and FHLB borrowings and brokered time deposits to augment our core deposits and fund a portion of our assets. At December 31, 2025, our use of such wholesale funding sources (including reciprocal deposits) amounted to approximately $1.07 billion, or 22.1% of total funding (deposits and all borrowings, excluding subordinated debt and debentures). Because wholesale funding sources are affected by general market conditions, the availability of such funding may be dependent on the confidence these sources have in our financial condition and operations. The continued availability to us of these funding sources is not certain, and brokered time deposits may be difficult for us to retain or replace at attractive rates as they mature. Our liquidity may be constrained if we are unable to renew our wholesale funding sources or if adequate financing is not available in the future at acceptable rates of interest or at all. Our financial performance could also be affected if we are unable to maintain our access to funding sources or if we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources. In such case, our net interest income and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We have employed derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. During 2025, 2024 and 2023, we entered into $187.2 million, $187.1 million and $134.6 million (original aggregate notional amounts), respectively, of interest rate swaps with commercial loan customers, which were offset with interest rate swaps that the Bank entered into with a broker-dealer. We recorded $2.12 million, $2.09 million and $2.05 million of fee income related to these transactions during 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We entered into zero, $122.0 million, and $175.0 million (notional amounts) of certain derivative financial instruments (pay fixed interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements) to hedge the fair value of certain loans, municipal bond securities and/or certain FHLB advances in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We also entered into $100.0 million, $250.0 million and $150.0 million (notional amount), respectfully of certain derivative financial instruments (interest rate floor and interest rate cap agreements) to manage the variability in future expected cash flows of certain commercial loans and/or short-term funding liabilities during 2025, 2024 and 2023. See note #16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for more information on our derivative financial instruments.

Liquidity and capital resources. Liquidity risk is the risk of being unable to timely meet obligations as they come due at a reasonable funding cost or without incurring unacceptable losses. Our liquidity management involves the measurement and monitoring of a variety of sources and uses of funds. Our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows categorize these sources and uses into operating, investing and financing activities. We primarily focus our liquidity management on maintaining adequate levels of liquid assets (primarily funds on deposit with the FRB and certain securities AFS) as well as developing access to a variety of borrowing sources to supplement our deposit gathering activities and provide funds for purchasing securities or originating Portfolio Loans as well as to be able to respond to unforeseen liquidity needs.

Our primary sources of funds include our deposit base, secured advances from the FHLB and FRB, federal funds purchased, borrowing facilities with other banks, and access to the capital markets (for brokered time deposits). At December 31, 2025, in addition to liquidity available from our normal operating, funding and investing activities we had unused credit lines with the FHLB and FRB of approximately $749.2 million and $1,241.9 million, respectively. We also

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had approximately $456.3 million in fair value of unpledged securities AFS and HTM at December 31, 2025, which could be pledged for an estimated additional borrowing capacity at the FHLB and FRB of approximately $428.3 million.

TIME DEPOSITS(1)

The following table summarizes time deposits in amounts less than $250,000 and in amounts of $250,000 or more, by time remaining until maturity at December 31, 2025:

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(1)Includes time deposits, brokered time deposits and reciprocal time deposits

At December 31, 2025, we had $770.1 million of time deposits (see note #8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) that mature in the next 12 months. Historically, a majority of these maturing time deposits are renewed by our customers. Additionally, $3.97 billion of our deposits at December 31, 2025, were in account types from which the customer could withdraw the funds on demand. Changes in the balances of deposits that can be withdrawn upon demand are usually predictable and the total balances of these accounts have generally grown or have been stable over time as a result of our marketing and promotional activities. However, there can be no assurance that historical patterns of renewing time deposits or overall growth or stability in deposits will continue in the future.

We have developed contingency funding plans that stress test our liquidity needs that may arise from certain events such as an adverse change in our financial metrics (for example, credit quality or regulatory capital ratios). Our liquidity management also includes periodic monitoring that measures quick assets (defined generally as highly liquid or short-term assets) to total assets, short-term liability dependence and basic surplus (defined as quick assets less volatile liabilities to total assets). Policy limits have been established for our various liquidity measurements and are monitored on a quarterly basis. In addition, we also prepare cash flow forecasts that include a variety of different scenarios.

We believe that we currently have adequate liquidity at our Bank because of our cash and cash equivalents, our portfolio of securities AFS, our access to secured advances from the FHLB and FRB, and our ability to issue brokered time deposits.

We also believe that the available cash on hand at the parent company (including time deposits) of approximately $46.7 million as of December 31, 2025, provides sufficient liquidity resources at the parent company to meet operating expenses, to make interest payments on the subordinated debentures, and, along with dividends from the Bank, to pay projected cash dividends on our common stock.

In the normal course of business we enter into certain contractual obligations. Such obligations include requirements to make future payments on debt and lease arrangements, contractual commitments for capital expenditures, and service contracts.

Effective management of capital resources is critical to our mission to create value for our shareholders. In addition to common stock, our capital structure also currently includes cumulative trust preferred securities and prior to the end of the third quarter of 2025, also included subordinated debt.

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CAPITALIZATION

In May 2020, we issued $40.0 million of fixed to floating subordinated notes with a ten year maturity and a five year call option. The initial coupon rate was 5.95% fixed for five years and then floated at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 5.825% beginning May 31, 2025. These subordinated notes were presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition under the caption “Subordinated debt” and presented net of remaining unamortized deferred issuance costs that were being amortized through the maturity date into interest expense on other borrowings and subordinated debt and debentures in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. On September 2, 2025 we redeemed our $40 million floating subordinated notes. As a result, we accelerated the remaining unamortized net issuance costs of $0.36 million during the third quarter of 2025 into interest expense as described above. This redemption did not affect our status as well-capitalized for regulatory purposes or have a material impact on our liquidity resources.

We currently have four special purpose entities with $39.9 million of outstanding cumulative trust preferred securities. These special purpose entities issued common securities and provided cash to our parent company that in turn issued subordinated debentures to these special purpose entities equal to the trust preferred securities and common securities. The subordinated debentures represent the sole asset of the special purpose entities. The common securities and subordinated debentures are included in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

The FRB has issued rules regarding trust preferred securities as a component of the Tier 1 capital of bank holding companies. The aggregate amount of trust preferred securities (and certain other capital elements) are limited to 25 percent of Tier 1 capital elements, net of goodwill (net of any associated deferred tax liability). The amount of trust preferred securities and certain other elements in excess of the limit can be included in Tier 2 capital, subject to restrictions. At the parent company, all of these securities qualified as Tier 1 capital at December 31, 2025 and 2024.

Total common shareholders’ equity increased to $503.0 million at December 31, 2025 from $454.7 million at December 31, 2024. The increase is primarily due to earnings retention and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Our tangible common equity (“TCE”) totaled $473.7 million and $424.9 million, respectively, at those same dates. Our ratio of TCE to tangible assets was 8.65% and 8.00% at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. TCE and the ratio of TCE to tangible assets are non-GAAP measures. TCE represents total common equity less goodwill and other intangible assets.

In December 2025, our Board of Directors authorized the 2026 share repurchase plan. Under the terms of the 2026 share repurchase plan, we are authorized to buy back up to 1,100,000 shares, or approximately 5%, of our outstanding common stock. This repurchase plan commenced on January 1, 2026, and is expected to last through December 31, 2026.

In December 2024, our Board of Directors authorized the 2025 share repurchase plan. Under the terms of this share repurchase plan, we were authorized to buy back 1,100,000 shares, or approximately 5% of our outstanding common stock. The share repurchase plan expired on December 31, 2025. During 2025 repurchases were made through open market transactions and totaled 407,113 shares of common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $12.4 million.

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We currently pay a quarterly cash dividend on our common stock. The annual total dividends paid were $1.04, $0.96 and $0.92 per share for 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We currently favor a dividend payout ratio between 30% and 50% of net income.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, our Bank (and holding company) continued to meet the requirements to be considered “well-capitalized” under federal regulatory standards (also see note #20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report).

Asset/liability management. Interest-rate risk is created by differences in the cash flow characteristics of our assets and liabilities. Options embedded in certain financial instruments, including caps on adjustable-rate loans as well as borrowers’ rights to prepay fixed-rate loans, also create interest-rate risk.

Our asset/liability management efforts identify and evaluate opportunities to structure our assets and liabilities in a manner that is consistent with our mission to maintain profitable financial leverage within established risk parameters. We evaluate various opportunities and alternate asset/liability management strategies carefully and consider the likely impact on our risk profile as well as the anticipated contribution to earnings. The marginal cost of funds is a principal consideration in the implementation of our asset/liability management strategies, but such evaluations further consider interest-rate and liquidity risk as well as other pertinent factors. We have established parameters for interest-rate risk. We regularly monitor our interest-rate risk and report at least quarterly to our board of directors.

We employ simulation analyses to monitor our interest-rate risk profile and evaluate potential changes in our net interest income and market value of portfolio equity that result from changes in interest rates. The purpose of these simulations is to identify sources of interest-rate risk. The simulations do not anticipate any actions that we might initiate in response to changes in interest rates and, accordingly, the simulations do not provide a reliable forecast of anticipated results. The simulations are predicated on immediate, permanent and parallel shifts in interest rates and generally assume that current loan and deposit pricing relationships remain constant. The simulations further incorporate assumptions relating to changes in customer behavior, including changes in prepayment rates on certain assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2025, our longer term interest rate risk measure based on changes in economic value indicates exposure to rising rates. Interest rate sensitivity under this measure has decreased from December 31, 2024 due to a decline in asset duration, an increase in liability duration and a higher base value. Asset duration declined due to a shift in the asset mix as the Bank experienced growth in shorter duration loan balances (primarily variable rate commercial loans) along with runoff in longer duration fixed rate mortgages. The liability duration increased due to a shift in the funding mix as the Bank experienced growth in non-maturity deposit balances and a decline in short duration wholesale funding. In addition, at December 31, 2025 our simulation base-rate scenario for economic value increased from December 31, 2024. The increase was due primarily to an increase in the Bank’s tangible equity and an improvement in medium to long duration asset values given a decline in interest rates. The increase in asset values outpaced the increase in market value for longer duration deposits. We are carefully monitoring the change in our funding mix as well as the composition of our earning assets and the impact of potential future changes in interest rates on our changes in economic value and changes in net interest income. As a result, we may add some longer-term borrowings, may utilize derivatives (interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and interest rate floors) and may continue to sell some fixed rate jumbo and other portfolio mortgage loans in the future.

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CHANGES IN ECONOMIC VALUE, NET INTEREST INCOME AND NET INTEREST MARGIN

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(1)Simulation analyses calculate the change in the net present value of our assets and liabilities, including debt and related financial derivative instruments, under parallel shifts in interest rates by discounting the estimated future cash flows using a market-based discount rate. Cash flow estimates incorporate anticipated changes in prepayment speeds and other embedded options.

(2)Simulation analyses calculate the change in net interest income under immediate parallel shifts in interest rates over the next twelve months, based upon a static Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition, which includes debt and related financial derivative instruments, and do not consider loan fees or loan origination costs.

(3)Simulation analyses calculate the change in tax equivalent net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets (the “net interest margin”) under immediate parallel shifts in interest rates over the next twelve months, based upon a static Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition, which includes debt and related financial derivative instruments, and do not consider loan fees or loan origination costs.

Accounting Standards Update. See note #1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for details on recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact on our consolidated financial statements.

FAIR VALUATION OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820 - “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“FASB ASC Topic 820”) defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial instruments and to determine fair value disclosures. FASB ASC Topic 820 differentiates between those assets and liabilities required to be carried at fair value at every reporting period (“recurring”) and those assets and liabilities that are only required to be adjusted to fair value under certain circumstances (“nonrecurring”). Securities AFS, loans held for sale, carried at fair value, derivatives and capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights are financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record at fair value other financial assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans held for investment and certain other assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets. See note #21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a complete discussion on our use of fair valuation of financial instruments and the related measurement techniques.

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LITIGATION MATTERS

We are involved in various litigation matters in the ordinary course of business, which currently include three putative class action complaints brought against the Bank alleging that its practice of charging overdraft and other fees was not consistent with the disclosures the Bank made to consumers. These lawsuits are similar to lawsuits that have recently been filed against other financial institutions pertaining to overdraft fee disclosures. No class has been certified in any of the putative class action complaints brought against the Bank, and we believe we have valid defenses to each of the claims that have been made. The aggregate amount we have accrued for losses we consider probable as a result of all of our outstanding litigation matters is not material. However, because of the inherent uncertainty of outcomes from any litigation matter and because these types of lawsuits often result in settlement, we believe it is reasonably possible we may incur losses in addition to the amounts we have accrued. At this time, we are unable to provide an estimate of the losses that we believe are reasonably possible, primarily because we are still conducting diligence on the underlying factual issues and significant matters remain to be resolved in the litigation, including the issue of class certification.

The litigation matters described in the preceding paragraph primarily include claims that have been brought against us for damages, but do not include litigation matters where we seek to collect amounts owed to us by third parties (such as litigation initiated to collect delinquent loans). These excluded, collection-related matters may involve claims or counterclaims by the opposing party or parties, but we have excluded such matters from the disclosure contained in the preceding paragraph in all cases where we believe the possibility of us paying damages to any opposing party is remote.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our accounting and reporting policies are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and conform to general practices within the banking industry. Accounting and reporting policies for the ACL and capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights are deemed critical since they involve the use of estimates and require significant management judgments. Application of assumptions different than those that we have used could result in material changes in our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Our methodology for determining the ACL and related provision for credit losses is described above in “Portfolio Loans and asset quality.” In particular, this area of accounting requires a significant amount of judgment because a multitude of factors can influence the ultimate collection of a loan or other type of credit. It is extremely difficult to precisely measure the amount of expected credit losses in our loan portfolio. We use a rigorous process to attempt to accurately quantify the necessary ACL and related provision for credit losses, but there can be no assurance that our modeling process will successfully identify all of the expected credit losses in our loan portfolio. As a result, we could record future provisions for credit losses that may be significantly different than the levels that we recorded in prior periods. See also notes #1 and #4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for further discussion on the ACL.

At December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had approximately $31.5 million and $46.8 million, respectively, of mortgage loan servicing rights capitalized on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The fair value of our capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights has been determined based on a valuation model used by an independent third party. There are several critical assumptions involved in establishing the value of this asset including estimated future prepayment speeds on the underlying mortgage loans, the interest rate used to discount the net cash flows from the mortgage loan servicing, the estimated amount of ancillary income that will be received in the future (such as late fees) and the estimated cost to service the mortgage loans. We believe the assumptions that we utilize in our valuation are reasonable based upon accepted industry practices for valuing mortgage loan servicing rights.

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