Glacier Bancorp, Inc.: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 31, 2024

General

Glacier Bancorp, Inc., headquartered in Kalispell, Montana, is a Montana corporation incorporated in 2004 as a successor corporation to the Delaware corporation originally incorporated in 1990. The terms “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean Glacier Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries, when appropriate. The Company is a publicly-traded company and its common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol: GBCI. We provide a full range of banking services to individuals and businesses from 227 locations in Montana, Idaho, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada through our wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Glacier Bank (“Bank”). We offer a wide range of banking products and services, including: 1) retail banking; 2) business banking; 3) real estate, commercial, agriculture and consumer loans; and 4) mortgage origination and loan servicing. We serve individuals, small to medium-sized businesses, community organizations and public entities. For information regarding our lending, investment and funding activities, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

The Company includes the parent holding company and the Bank. As of December 31, 2024, the Bank consists of seventeen bank divisions and a corporate division. The bank divisions operate under separate names, management teams and advisory directors and include the following:

• Glacier Bank (Kalispell, Montana) with operations in Montana;
• First Security Bank of Missoula (Missoula, Montana) with operations in Montana;
• Valley Bank (Helena, Montana) with operations in Montana;
• First Security Bank (Bozeman, Montana) with operations in Montana;
• Western Security Bank (Billings, Montana) with operations in Montana;
• First Bank of Montana (Lewistown, Montana) with operations in Montana;
• Mountain West Bank (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho) with operations in Idaho and Washington;
• Citizens Community Bank (Pocatello, Idaho) with operations in Idaho;
• First Bank (Powell, Wyoming) with operations in Wyoming;
• First State Bank (Wheatland, Wyoming) with operations in Wyoming;
• Wheatland Bank (Chelan, Washington) with operations in Washington;
• First Community Bank Utah (Layton, Utah) with operations in Utah;
• Altabank (American Fork, UT) with operations in Utah and Idaho;
• Bank of the San Juans (Durango, Colorado) with operations in Colorado;
• Collegiate Peaks Bank (Buena Vista, Colorado) with operations in Colorado;
• The Foothills Bank (Yuma, Arizona) with operations in Arizona; and
• Heritage Bank of Nevada (Reno, NV) with operations in Nevada.

The corporate division includes the Bank’s investment portfolio and wholesale borrowings, and other centralized functions. We consider the Bank to be our sole operating segment.

The Bank has subsidiary interests in variable interest entities (“VIE”) for which the Bank has both the power to direct the VIE’s significant activities and the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. These subsidiary interests are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Bank also has subsidiary interests in VIEs for which the Bank does not have a controlling financial interest and is not the primary beneficiary. These subsidiary interests are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The parent holding company owns non-bank subsidiaries that have issued trust preferred securities which qualify as Tier 2 regulatory capital instruments. The trust subsidiaries are not included in our consolidated financial statements. Our investments in the trust subsidiaries are included in other assets on our statements of financial condition.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company and its subsidiaries were not engaged in any operations in foreign countries.

Recent Acquisitions

Our strategy is to profitably grow our business through internal growth and selective acquisitions. We continue to look for expansion opportunities primarily in existing and new markets in the Rocky Mountain and Western states. We have completed the following acquisitions during the last five fiscal years:

(Dollars in thousands)

On January 13, 2025, the Company announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Bank of Idaho Holding Co., the parent company of Bank of Idaho.

For additional information on recently completed acquisition and subsequent event, see Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Market Area and Competition

We have 227 locations, which consist of 194 branches and 33 loan or administration offices, in 85 counties within eight states including Montana, Idaho, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada. The market area’s diversified economic base primarily focuses on tourism, construction, mining, energy, manufacturing, agriculture, service industries, and health care. The tourism industry is highly influenced by national parks, ski resorts, significant lakes and rural scenic areas.

Commercial banking is a highly competitive business and operates in a rapidly changing environment. There are a large number of depository institutions including commercial banks, savings and loans, and credit unions in the markets in which we have locations. Competition is also increasing for deposit and lending services from internet-based competitors. Non-depository financial service institutions, primarily in the securities, insurance and retail industries, have also become competitors for retail savings, investment funds and lending activities. In addition to offering competitive interest rates, the principal methods used by the Bank to attract deposits include the offering of a variety of services including online banking, mobile banking and convenient office locations and business hours. The primary factors in competing for loans are interest rates and rate adjustment provisions, loan maturities, loan fees, relationships with customers and the quality of service.

The following table summarizes our number of locations, the number of counties we serve and the percentage of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured deposits we have in those counties for each of the eight states we operate in. Percent of deposits are based on the FDIC summary of deposits survey as of June 30, 2024 and does not include any bank division acquired after such date.

5

Human Capital

As of December 31, 2024, we employed 3,595 persons, 3,313 of whom were employed full time. No employees were represented by a collective bargaining group. We believe our employees are united by our commitment to serve our customers and communities and that our customers are best served by a staff of competent, caring employees who are customer oriented. Our employees are one of our most valuable assets. We consider our employee relations to be excellent.

We strive to provide a safe and gratifying workplace for our employees. We promote and support a work environment free from any form of harassment, discrimination, bullying, or retaliation. We are also committed to assisting with reasonable workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities, for known limitations related to pregnancy, and for religious beliefs or practices that conflict with a job requirement. We also encourage employee growth and development in a variety of ways, including through formal and informal training, continuing education, relationships with colleagues and internal mentors, and by making a variety of resources available.

The Company has established a Training Committee charged with creating company-wide training expectations for employees to encourage adherence to internal policies and procedures and compliance with the variety of laws and regulations applicable to our operations. We also strive to offer multidisciplinary educational opportunities for employees to improve their knowledge and skills for their current positions, as well as to create opportunities to advance within the organization. Other targeted development opportunities are available for group leaders and promising employees, such as tuition support for employees seeking additional degrees or certifications through our Tuition Reimbursement program.

Our employee’s overall health and well-being is a top priority. It is our goal for all employees to work hard and experience a high quality work life, but we also encourage employees to be active participants in our communities, and to enjoy quality time with their families and cultivate their independent interests. We have developed several programs to encourage a safe and healthy workplace, including:

• GBCI Injury and Illness Prevention Program
• Work-life Balance Employee Assistance Program
• WellSteps program offering assessments, goal setting tools, activities, incentives, and rewards
• The appointment of Safety & Wellness Ambassadors
• Quarterly Wellness Campaign
• Workstation Ergonomics Assessments

Through our Injury and Illness Prevention Program, we have established protocols for minimizing work place injuries and incidents. Instilling safety as a standard of practice is facilitated by a Safety Committee at each of our banking divisions and by Safety & Wellness Ambassadors at each location.

We also believe employee retention is critical to our success, and we are proud of our track record when it comes to retaining employees, including many employees at institutions we acquire. Retention strategies are woven into all our compensation and retirement programs, and even our efforts at expansion. We provide our qualifying employees with a comprehensive benefit program, including health, dental and vision insurance, life and accident insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and paid time off. In addition we offer a Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan, short-term cash incentive plan, deferred compensation plans, and a supplemental executive retirement plan for certain employees (“SERP”). For select management-level employees, we also offer our Long-Term Incentive Plans, which is an equity-based compensation plan that is designed to encourage achievement of long-term financial goals as our determined by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) from time to time, and to further retention through long-term vesting of certain awards earned. See Note 14 in the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for detailed information regarding employee benefit plans and eligibility requirements.

Board of Directors and Committees

The Board has established, among others, an Audit Committee, a Compensation and Human Capital Committee, a Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee, and a Risk Oversight Committee. Additional information regarding Board committees is set forth under the heading “Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors - Committees and Committee Membership” in the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement (“2025 Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by reference.

Website Access

Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge through our website (www.glacierbancorp.com (http://www.glacierbancorp.com)) as soon as reasonably practicable after we have filed the material with, or furnished it to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Copies can also be obtained by accessing the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov (http://www.sec.gov)).

Supervision and Regulation

We are subject to extensive regulation under federal and state laws. This section provides a general overview of the federal and state regulatory framework applicable to us. In general, this regulatory framework is designed to protect depositors, the federal Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”), and the federal and state banking systems as a whole, rather than to specifically protect shareholders. Note that this section is not intended to summarize all laws and regulations applicable to us. Descriptions of statutory or regulatory provisions do not purport to be complete and are qualified by reference to those provisions.

These statutes and regulations, as well as related regulatory policies, continue to be subject to change by Congress, state legislatures, and federal and state regulators. Changes in statutes, regulations, or regulatory policies applicable to us (including their interpretation or implementation) cannot be predicted and could have a material effect on our business and operations. Numerous changes to the statutes, regulations, and regulatory policies applicable to us have been proposed or made in recent years and the pace of change has been exacerbated by the changing political climate. Continued efforts to monitor and comply with new and changing regulatory requirements add to the complexity and cost of our business and operations.

The Company is subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve and the Montana Department of Administration’s Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (“MT Division of Banking”) and regulation generally by the State of Montana. The Company is also subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are both administered by the SEC. The Bank is subject to regulation and supervision by the FDIC, the MT Division of Banking, and, with respect to Bank branches outside of the State of Montana, the respective regulators in those states. In addition, we are also subject to regulation and direct supervision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) which has been empowered to exercise broad rulemaking, supervision, and enforcement authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws.

Federal and State Bank Holding Company Regulation

General. The Company is a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”), due to its ownership of and control over the Bank. As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to regulation, supervision, and examination by the Federal Reserve. Further, because the Bank is a “regional banking organization” under Montana law, the Company (as a bank holding company of the Bank) is also subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the MT Division of Banking. In general, the BHCA limits the business of a bank holding company to owning or controlling banks and engaging in, or retaining or acquiring shares in a company engaged in, other activities closely related to the business of banking. In addition, the Company must also file reports with and provide additional information to the Federal Reserve.

Holding Company Bank Ownership. The BHCA requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before: 1) acquiring, directly or indirectly, ownership or control of any voting shares of another bank or bank holding company if, after such acquisition, it would own or control more than 5 percent of such shares; 2) acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of another bank or bank holding company; or 3) merging or consolidating with another bank holding company.

Holding Company Control of Non-banks. With some exceptions, the BHCA prohibits a bank holding company from acquiring or retaining direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5 percent of the voting shares of any company that is not a bank or bank holding company, or from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks, or providing services for its subsidiaries. The principal exceptions to these prohibitions involve certain non-bank activities that, by federal statute, agency regulation, or order, have been identified as activities closely related to the business of banking or managing or controlling banks.

Transactions with Affiliates. Bank subsidiaries of a bank holding company are subject to restrictions imposed by the Federal Reserve Act on extensions of credit to the holding company or its subsidiaries, on investments in securities, and on the use of securities as collateral for loans to any borrower. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (“Dodd-Frank Act”) further expanded the definition of an “affiliate” and included credit exposure arising from derivative transactions, securities lending, and borrowing transactions as covered transactions under the regulations. It also 1) expanded the scope of covered transactions required to be collateralized; 2) requires collateral to be maintained at all times for covered transactions required to be collateralized; and 3) placed limits on acceptable collateral. These regulations and restrictions may limit the Company’s ability to obtain funds from the Bank for its cash needs, including funds for payments of dividends, interest, and operational expenses.

Tying Arrangements. We are also prohibited from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with any extension of credit, sale or lease of property, or furnishing of services. For example, with certain exceptions, we may not condition an extension of credit to a customer on either 1) a requirement that the customer obtain additional services provided by us; or 2) an agreement by the customer to refrain from obtaining other services from a competitor.

Support of Bank Subsidiaries. Under Federal Reserve policy and the Dodd-Frank Act, the Company is required to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to the Bank. This means that the Company is required to commit, as necessary, capital and resources to support the Bank, including at times when the Company may not be in a financial position to provide such resources or when it may not be in the Company's or its shareholders' best interests to do so. Any capital loans a bank holding company makes to its bank subsidiaries are subordinate to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of the bank subsidiaries.

State Law Restrictions under Corporate Law. As a Montana corporation, the Company is subject to certain limitations and restrictions under applicable Montana corporate law. For example, Montana corporate law includes limitations and restrictions relating to indemnification of directors, distributions to shareholders, transactions involving directors, officers, or interested shareholders, maintenance of books, records, and minutes, and observance of certain corporate formalities.

Federal and State Regulation of the Bank

General. Deposits in the Bank are insured by the FDIC. The Bank is subject to primary supervision, periodic examination, and regulation by the FDIC and the MT Division of Banking. These agencies have the authority to prohibit the Bank from engaging in what they believe constitutes unsafe or unsound banking practices. The federal laws that apply to the Bank regulate, among other things, the scope of its business, its investments, its reserves against deposits, the timing of the availability of deposited funds, and the nature, amount of, and collateral for loans. Federal laws also regulate community reinvestment and insider credit transactions and impose safety and soundness standards. In addition to federal law and the laws of the State of Montana, with respect to the Bank's branches in Idaho, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada, the Bank is also subject to the various laws and regulations governing its activities in those states.

Consumer Protection. The Bank is subject to a variety of federal and state consumer protection laws and regulations that govern its relationships and interactions with consumers, including laws and regulations that impose certain disclosure requirements and that govern the manner in which the Bank takes deposits, makes and collects loans, and provides other services. While in recent years, examination and enforcement by federal and state banking agencies for compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations have increased and become more intense, federal regulators are facing an increasing number of third-party legal challenges to their enforcement actions and rule making. Nevertheless, failure to comply with these laws and regulations may subject the Bank to various penalties, including but not limited to enforcement actions, injunctions, fines, civil monetary penalties, criminal penalties, punitive damages, and the loss of certain contractual rights. The Bank is closely monitoring changes (and challenges) to these laws and regulations and has established a comprehensive compliance system to ensure consumer protection.

Community Reinvestment. The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (“CRA”) requires that, in connection with examinations of financial institutions within their jurisdictions, federal bank regulators evaluate the record of financial institutions in meeting the credit needs of their local communities, including low and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of those institutions. A bank’s community reinvestment record is also considered by the applicable banking agencies in evaluating mergers, acquisitions, and applications to open a branch or facility. In some cases, a bank's failure to comply with the CRA, or CRA protests filed by interested parties during applicable comment periods, can result in the denial or delay of such transactions. In 2023, federal bank regulators issued a final rule to strengthen and modernize the CRA in several ways (e.g., to encourage banks to expand access to banking services, adapt to internet and mobile banking usage, improve clarity and consistency in the application of the CRA regulations, and to tailor CRA evaluations to the size and type of the bank being evaluated). The new requirements were set to become effective starting in January 2026. However, the effectiveness of this rule is currently subject to an injunction and the FDIC has communicated that it continues to assess banks’ CRA performance under the 1995 regulatory framework. If and when the final rule becomes effective, changes in the evaluation process and reporting requirements under the CRA could impact the Bank’s costs of compliance and rating during its next evaluation. The Bank received a “satisfactory” rating in its most recent CRA examination.

Insider Credit Transactions. Banks are subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors, principal shareholders, and their related interests. These extensions of credit 1) must be made on substantially the same terms (including interest rates and collateral); 2) follow credit underwriting procedures that are at least as stringent as those prevailing at the time the credit is underwritten for comparable transactions with persons not related to the lending bank; and 3) must not involve more than the normal risk of nonpayment or present other unfavorable features. Banks are also subject to certain lending limits and restrictions on overdrafts to insiders. A violation of these restrictions may result in the assessment of substantial civil monetary penalties, regulatory enforcement actions, and other regulatory sanctions. The Dodd-Frank Act and federal regulations place additional restrictions on loans to insiders and generally prohibit loans to senior officers other than for certain specified purposes.

Regulation of Management. Federal law 1) sets forth circumstances under which officers or directors of a bank may be removed by the bank's federal supervisory agency; 2) as discussed above, places restraints on lending by a bank to its executive officers, directors, principal shareholders, and their related interests; and 3) generally prohibits management personnel of a bank from serving as directors or in other management positions of another financial institution whose assets exceed a specified amount or has an office within a specified geographic area.

Safety and Soundness Standards. Certain non-capital safety and soundness standards are also imposed upon banks. These standards cover, among other things, internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits, other operational and managerial standards as the agency determines to be appropriate, and standards for asset quality, earnings, and stock valuation. In addition, each insured depository institution must implement a comprehensive written information security program that includes administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the institution’s size and complexity and the nature and scope of its activities. The information security program must be designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, protect against any unanticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information, protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer, and ensure the proper disposal of consumer information. An institution that fails to meet these standards may be required to submit a compliance plan, or be subject to regulatory sanctions, including restrictions on growth. The Bank has established comprehensive policies and risk management procedures to ensure the safety and soundness of the Bank.

Interstate Banking and Branching

The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated interstate branching restrictions that were implemented as part of the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 ("Interstate Act"), and removed many restrictions on de novo interstate branching by state and federally chartered banks. Federal regulators have authority to approve applications by such banks to establish de novo branches in states other than the bank's home state if the host state's banks could establish a branch at the same location. The Interstate Act requires regulators to consult with community organizations before permitting an interstate institution to close a branch in a low-income area. Federal bank regulations also prohibit banks from using their interstate branches primarily for deposit production and federal bank regulatory agencies have implemented a loan-to-deposit ratio screen to ensure compliance with this prohibition.

Dividends

A principal source of the Company’s cash is from dividends received from the Bank, which are subject to regulation and limitation. As a general rule, regulatory authorities may prohibit banks and bank holding companies from paying dividends in a manner that would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice. For example, regulators have stated that paying dividends that deplete an institution's capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice and that an institution should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. In addition, a bank may not pay cash dividends if that payment could reduce the amount of its capital below that necessary to meet minimum applicable regulatory capital requirements. Current guidance from the Federal Reserve provides, among other things, that dividends per share on the Company’s common stock generally should not exceed earnings per share, measured over the previous four fiscal quarters. In certain circumstances, Montana law also places limits or restrictions on a bank’s ability to declare and pay dividends.

Rules adopted in accordance with the third installment of the Basel Accords (“Basel III”) also impose limitations on the Bank's ability to pay dividends. In general, these rules limit the Bank's ability to pay dividends unless the Bank's common equity conservation buffer exceeds the minimum required capital ratio by at least 2.5 percent of risk-weighted assets. Basel III is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025 and will include a 3-year “phase in” period (with full compliance required on or before July 1, 2028).

The Federal Reserve has also issued a policy statement on the payment of cash dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the policy statement expresses the view that although no specific regulations restrict dividend payments by bank holding companies other than state corporate laws, a bank holding company should not pay cash dividends unless the bank holding company’s earnings for the past year are sufficient to cover both the cash dividends and a prospective rate of earnings retention that is consistent with the bank holding company’s capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition. A bank holding company's ability to pay dividends may also be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. The various laws and regulatory policies applicable to the Company and the Bank may limit our ability to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

The Dodd-Frank Act

General. The Dodd-Frank Act significantly changed the bank regulatory structure and has affected the lending, deposit, investment, trading, and operating activities of banks and bank holding companies. Some of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act that may impact our business and operations are summarized below.

Corporate Governance. The Dodd-Frank Act requires publicly traded companies to provide their shareholders with 1) a non-binding shareholder vote on executive compensation; 2) a non-binding shareholder vote on the frequency of such vote; 3) disclosure of “golden parachute” arrangements in connection with specified change in control transactions; and 4) a non-binding shareholder vote on golden parachute arrangements in connection with these change in control transactions. The SEC adopted a rule mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act that requires a public company to disclose the ratio of the compensation of its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) to the median compensation of its employees. This rule is intended to provide shareholders with information that they can use to evaluate a CEO’s compensation.

Prohibition Against Charter Conversions of Financial Institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act generally prohibits a depository institution from converting from a state to a federal charter, or vice versa, while it is the subject to an enforcement action unless the depository institution seeks prior approval from its primary regulator and complies with specified procedures to ensure compliance with the enforcement action.

Repeal of Demand Deposit Interest Prohibition. The Dodd-Frank Act repealed the federal prohibitions on the payment of interest on demand deposits, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business transaction and other accounts.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB and empowered it to exercise broad rule making, supervision, and enforcement authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws. In recent years, the CFPB has continued to focus its enforcement and rule making efforts on certain types of fees commonly charged by financial institutions. In addition, the CFPB has recently focused on the use of artificial intelligence, emerging paycheck advance products, financial data privacy, digital payment applications, and open banking. These efforts have included issuing final rules on a number of issues including on fees charged for deposit accounts, credit cards, and other financial products, issuing advisory opinions, pursuing litigation against financial institutions for lack of anti-fraud measures on peer-to-peer payment platforms, and various enforcement actions and penalties against a number of financial institutions for practices related to fraud, credit reporting failures, and discriminatory lending practices.

Interchange Fees. Under the Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve adopted rules establishing standards for assessing whether the interchange fees that may be charged with respect to certain electronic transactions are "reasonable and proportional" to the costs incurred by issuers for processing such transactions. Notably, the Federal Reserve's rules set a maximum permissible interchange fee, among other requirements. We have been subject to the interchange fee cap since 2019. In October 2023, the Federal Reserve requested comments on a proposed rule that would lower the interchange fee cap and establish a regular process for updating the cap every other year going forward. The Federal Reserve has not issued a final rule and future changes to the interchange fee cap could have a negative effect on the Bank’s fee revenue.

Capital Adequacy

Banks and bank holding companies are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal regulatory agencies, which involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory guidelines. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weighting, and other factors. The capital requirements are intended to ensure that institutions have adequate capital given the risk levels of assets and off-balance sheet financial instruments and are applied separately to the Company and the Bank.

Federal regulations require insured depository institutions and bank holding companies to meet several minimum capital standards, including: 1) a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5 percent; 2) a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6 percent; 3) a total capital to risk-based assets ratio of 8 percent; and 4) a 4 percent Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio.

The regulations also require a capital conservation buffer designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Failure to comply with this buffer requirement may result in constraints on capital distributions (e.g., dividends, equity repurchases, and certain bonus compensation for executive officers). The regulations change the risk-weights of certain assets for purposes of the risk-based capital ratios and phase out certain instruments as qualifying capital. For additional information regarding trust preferred securities and their impact to regulatory capital, see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

The Federal regulations also address the prompt corrective action framework, which is designed to place restrictions on an insured depository institution if its capital levels begin to show signs of weakness. Under the prompt corrective action requirements, which are designed to complement the capital conservation buffer, insured depository institutions are required to meet the following increased capital level requirements to qualify as “well capitalized”: 1) a Tier 1 common equity capital ratio of at least 6.5 percent; 2) a Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 8 percent; 3) a total capital ratio of at least 10 percent; 4) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5 percent; and 5) not be subject to any order or written directive requiring a specific capital level. The regulations contain other capital classification categories, such as “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” and “critically undercapitalized,” each of which are based on differing capital ratios. Undercapitalized institutions are subject to certain mandatory restrictions, including on capital distributions and growth. Significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized institutions are subject to additional restrictions. An institution may be downgraded to a category lower than indicated by its capital ratios if it is determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition, or if the institution receives an unsatisfactory examination rating.

The application of these regulations may result in lower returns on invested capital, require the raising of additional capital or require regulatory action if the Bank were unable to comply with such requirements. In addition, management may be required to modify its business strategy due to the changes to the asset risk-weights for risk-based capital calculations and the requirement to meet the capital conservation buffer. The imposition of liquidity requirements in connection with these rules could also cause the Bank to increase its holdings of liquid assets, change its business strategy, and make other changes to the terms of its funding.

Regulatory Oversight and Examination

Inspections. The Federal Reserve conducts periodic inspections of bank holding companies. In general, the objectives of the Federal Reserve's inspection program are to ascertain whether the financial strength of a bank holding company is maintained on an ongoing basis and to determine the effects or consequences of transactions between a bank holding company or its non-banking subsidiaries and its bank subsidiaries. The inspection type and frequency typically varies depending on asset size, complexity of the organization, and the bank holding company’s rating at its last inspection.

Examinations. Banks are subject to periodic examinations by their primary regulators. In assessing a bank's condition, bank examinations have evolved from reliance on transaction testing to a risk-focused approach. These examinations are extensive and cover the entire breadth of the operations of a bank. Generally, safety and soundness examinations occur on an 18-month cycle for banks under $3 billion in total assets that are well capitalized and without regulatory issues, and 12-months otherwise. Examinations alternate between the federal and state bank regulatory agencies, and in some cases they may occur on a combined schedule. The frequency of consumer compliance and CRA examinations is linked to the size of the institution and its compliance and CRA ratings at its most recent examinations. However, the examination authority of the Federal Reserve and the FDIC allows them to examine supervised institutions as frequently as deemed necessary based on the condition of the institution or as a result of certain triggering events. Because our total consolidated assets exceed $10 billion, we are also subject to direct supervision, periodic examination, and enforcement actions by the CFPB.The CFPB uses a prioritization framework to determine how to focus their examination efforts. The prioritization framework seeks to assess the risk to consumers from specific product lines at the market level and the institution level, and it also takes into consideration the size of supervised institution. In addition, the CFPB monitors consumer complaints, referrals from other agencies, and market intelligence to determine where to focus their enforcement efforts.

Commercial Real Estate Ratios. The federal banking regulators have also issued guidance reminding financial institutions to reexamine the existing regulations regarding concentrations in commercial real estate lending. The purpose of the guidance is to guide banks in developing risk management practices and capital levels commensurate with the level and nature of real estate concentrations. The banking regulators are directed to examine each bank’s exposure to commercial real estate loans that are dependent on cash flow from the real estate held as collateral and to focus their supervisory resources on institutions that may have significant commercial real estate loan concentration risk.

Corporate Governance and Accounting

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX Act”) addresses, among other things, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information, and penalties for non-compliance. Among other matters, the SOX Act 1) requires chief executive officers and chief financial officers to certify to the accuracy and completeness of periodic reports filed with the SEC and to certain matters relating to disclosure and accounting controls at public companies; 2) imposes specific and enhanced corporate disclosure requirements; 3) accelerates the time frame for reporting insider transactions and periodic disclosures by public companies; and 4) requires companies to adopt and disclose information about corporate governance practices. As a publicly reporting company with the SEC, the Company is subject to the requirements of the SOX Act and related rules and regulations issued by the SEC and the NYSE.

Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism

The Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (“BSA”), requires all financial institutions to establish a risk-based system of internal controls reasonably designed to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism, including the development of standards for testing technology and internal processes for BSA compliance. The BSA also sets forth various recordkeeping and reporting requirements (such as reporting suspicious activities that might signal criminal activity) and certain due diligence and "know your customer" documentation requirements. The BSA provides for sanctions or certain BSA violations and establishes BSA whistleblower incentives and protections.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, administers the BSA and determines the policy priorities for anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. The priorities include: corruption, cybercrime, terrorist financing, fraud, transnational crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and proliferation financing. FinCEN is also responsible for implementing the access and safeguard provisions of the Corporate Transparency Act. FinCEN’s final rule implementing the reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act requires certain business entities created in or registered to do business in the United States to report to FinCEN information about the business entity and its beneficial owners, among other types of information. The Reporting Rule has been subject to a number of legal challenges and the timing of its full implementation is uncertain.

The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, as renewed and amended in 2006, (“Patriot Act”) was enacted to combat terrorism. In relevant part, the Patriot Act 1) prohibits banks from providing correspondent accounts directly to foreign shell banks; 2) imposes due diligence requirements on banks opening or holding accounts for foreign financial institutions or wealthy foreign individuals; 3) requires financial institutions to establish an anti-money laundering compliance program; and 4) eliminates civil liability for persons who file suspicious activity reports. The Patriot Act also grants the government power to investigate terrorism, including expanded government access to bank account records. Regulators are directed to consider a bank holding company’s and a bank’s effectiveness in combating money laundering when reviewing and ruling on applications under the BHCA and the Bank Merger Act. We have established comprehensive compliance programs designed to comply with the requirements of the BSA and the Patriot Act.

Financial Services Modernization

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 (“GLBA”) brought about significant changes to the laws affecting banks and bank holding companies. Generally, the GLBA 1) repealed historical restrictions on preventing banks from affiliating with securities firms; 2) provided a uniform framework for the activities of banks, savings institutions, and their holding companies; 3) broadened the activities that may be conducted by national banks and banking subsidiaries of bank holding companies; 4) provided an enhanced framework for protecting the privacy of consumer information, and established the requirement to notify consumers of bank privacy policies; and 5) addressed a variety of other legal and regulatory issues affecting both day-to-day operations and long-term activities of financial institutions. The Bank is subject to FDIC regulations implementing the privacy provisions of the GLBA. These regulations require the Bank to disclose its privacy policy, including informing consumers of the Bank's information sharing practices and their right to opt out of certain practices, among other requirements.

Deposit Insurance

FDIC Insurance. The Bank's deposits are insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, up to the maximum applicable limits. The Bank is subject to deposit insurance assessments by the FDIC, which contribute to the funding of the Deposit Insurance Funds (“DIF”) and are imposed on all financial institutions with insured deposits based on the risk each bank poses to the financial system. The FDIC determines the amount of the quarterly assessment based on the financial institutions’ deposit base and the applicable assessment rate. The Dodd-Frank Act redefined the assessment base as the average consolidated total assets less average tangible equity capital of a financial institution. The FDIC determines the assessment rate for insured depository institutions with more than $10 billion in assets under a “scorecard” methodology that seeks to capture both the probability that such an institution will fail and the magnitude of the impact on the DIF if such a failure occurs. Assessment rates are applied to the depository intuition’s base to determine payments to the DIF. The FDIC has authority to increase assessment rates, and rates have remained unchanged since an increase in 2023. The FDIC also communicated that the new rate schedules will remain in effect unless and until the reserve ratio meets or exceeds two percent; progressively lower assessment rates can be expected when the reserve ratio goal is met.

In addition, the FDIC has the authority to implement special assessments to recover losses to the DIF caused by systemic risks in the banking industry, which was last exercised in 2023 after the failures a number of large banks. No institution may pay a dividend if it is in default on its federal deposit insurance assessments. The FDIC may also prohibit any insured institution from engaging in any activity determined by regulation or order to pose a serious risk to the DIF. The Bank is not in default on any of its federal deposit insurance assessments.

Safety and Soundness. The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured depository institution, after a hearing, if the FDIC determines that the institution has engaged or is engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, order, or any condition imposed by an agreement with the FDIC. Management is not aware of any existing circumstances that would result in termination of the Bank's deposit insurance.

FDIC Insured Deposits. The Dodd-Frank Act permanently increased FDIC deposit insurance from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor. The FDIC insurance coverage limit applies per depositor, per insured depository institution for each account ownership category.

Recent and Proposed Legislation

The economic and political environment of the past several years has led to a number of proposed legislative, governmental, and regulatory initiatives that may significantly impact the banking industry. Other regulatory initiatives by federal and state government agencies may also significantly impact our business. For example, in September 2024, the FDIC published a final Statement of Policy on Bank Merger Transactions addressing the scope of transactions subject to FDIC approval, the FDIC’s process for evaluating merger applications, and the principles that guide the FDIC’s consideration of the applicable statutory factors set forth in the Bank Merger Act. The Statement of Policy states that the FDIC’s analysis, while independent, will continue to be informed by the approach to evaluating competitive effects from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.

We cannot predict the ultimate impact of any such initiatives on our operations, competitive situation, financial conditions, or results of operations, or whether any other proposals will emerge. Recent history has demonstrated that new legislation or changes to existing laws or regulations typically result in a greater compliance burden (and therefore increase the general costs of doing business). While the incoming administration under President Trump is expected to usher in a less aggressive approach to agency oversight of financial institutions, changes to the banking regulatory environment remain to be seen.

Effects of Federal Government Monetary Policy

The Company’s earnings and growth are affected not only by general economic conditions, but also by the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government, particularly the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve implements national monetary policy to promote maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates. Through its open market operations in U.S.

government securities, control of the discount rate applicable to borrowings, establishment of reserve requirements against certain deposits, and control of the interest rate applicable to excess reserve balances and reverse repurchase agreements, the Federal Reserve influences the availability and cost of money and credit and, ultimately, a range of economic variables including employment, output, and the prices of goods and services. After increases to the federal funds rate in 2022 and 2023, the Federal Reserve decreased the rate three times in 2024 by a total of 100 basis points. The last rate decrease was in December 2024, and the Federal Reserve has communicated that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace, the unemployment rate remains low, while inflation has eased by remains elevated. Changes in monetary policy, including increases in the federal funds rate, can affect net interest income and margin, overall profitability, and shareholders’ equity. The nature and impact of future changes in monetary policies and their impact on us cannot be predicted with certainty.

Cybersecurity

Federal banking regulators regularly issue new guidance and standards, and update existing guidance and standards, intended to enhance cyber risk management among financial institutions. Financial institutions are expected to comply with such guidance and standards and to accordingly develop appropriate security controls and risk management processes. If we fail to observe such regulatory guidance or standards, we could be subject to various regulatory sanctions, including financial penalties.

Federal regulations require banks to notify their primary banking regulator within 36 hours of determining that a “computer-security incident” rising to the level of a “notification incident,” has occurred. Among other types of computer-security incidents, a “notification incident” includes one that has materially disrupted or degraded the banking organization’s ability to carry out banking operations to a material portion of its customer base in the ordinary course of business.

Several states also have regulations requiring certain financial institutions to implement cybersecurity programs and many states, including Montana, have also implemented or recently modified their data breach notification, information security and data privacy requirements. We expect this trend of state-level activity in those areas to continue, and are continually monitoring developments in the states in which our customers are located.

Risks and exposures related to cybersecurity attacks, including litigation and enforcement risks, are expected to be elevated for the foreseeable future due to the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats, as well as due to the expanding use of internet banking, mobile banking and other technology-based products and services by us and our customers.

In addition to guidance and standards implemented by banking regulators, the SEC requires an annual disclosure of registrants’ cybersecurity risk management, strategy, and governance. Additionally, registrants are required to disclose material cybersecurity incidents, including the nature, scope, timing, and impact, within four business days of the incident.

Environmental, Social and Governance

Bank regulatory agencies and the SEC have shown increased interest in environmental, social and governance matters (“ESG”) and expressed an intent to increase related regulatory oversight of companies efforts to address how ESG issues may affect their businesses. In 2022, multiple federal regulatory agencies formalized their intent by issuing proposed policy statements and rules, and by establishing a pilot climate scenario analysis exercise for large banks. We believe that continued focus on environmental and social issues is consistent with our community banking model. We are continually seeking ways to improve our stewardship of the environment through recycling programs, resource conservation, empowered employees, construction evaluation, and more. Our Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee oversees the Company’s efforts in setting and maintaining high standards for corporate social responsibility and reviewing our performance in ESG matters. The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee’s environmental and social duties include monitoring and assessing developments, trends and issues related to ESG, monitoring risks and overseeing Company solutions related to ESG, overseeing our reporting and disclosures related to ESG, overseeing and reviewing at least annually policies and programs related to ESG, overseeing our human capital management strategy, and evaluating our overall ESG performance and identifying areas for improvement. The Company’s Community and Social Responsibility Report describes our ESG performance and is located on the Company’s website (www.glacierbancorp.com (http://www.glacierbancorp.com)) under the Governance Documents section.

The following is a discussion of what we believe are the most significant risks and uncertainties that may affect our business, financial condition and future results of operations. These risks are not the only ones that we face. Other risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or currently believed to be material may harm our future business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Economy and Our Markets

Economic conditions in the market areas the Bank serves may adversely impact its earnings and could increase the credit risk associated with its loan portfolio and the value of its investment portfolio.

Substantially all of the Bank’s loans are to businesses and individuals in Montana, Idaho, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada, and adverse economic conditions in these market areas could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Deterioration in the national economy may also have an adverse effect in these markets. Any future deterioration in economic conditions in the markets the Company serves could result in the following consequences, any of which could have an adverse impact, which could be material, on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects:

• Loan delinquencies may increase;
• Problem assets and foreclosures may increase;
• Collateral for loans made may decline in value, in turn reducing customers’ borrowing power and the Bank’s security;
• Certain securities within the investment portfolio could become other-than-temporarily impaired, requiring a write-down through earnings to fair value, thereby reducing equity;
• Low cost or non-interest bearing deposits may decrease; and
• Demand for loan and other products and services may decrease.

Competition in the Bank’s market areas may limit future success.

Commercial banking is a highly competitive business and a consolidating industry. The Bank competes with other commercial banks, credit unions, finance, insurance and other non-depository companies operating in its market areas. The Bank is subject to substantial competition for loans and deposits from other financial institutions. Some of its competitors are not subject to the same degree of regulation and restriction as the Bank while others have greater financial resources than the Bank. If the Bank is unable to effectively compete in its market areas, the Bank’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects could be adversely affected.

We may not be able to continue to grow internally or through acquisitions.

Historically, we have expanded through a combination of internal growth and selective acquisitions. If market and regulatory conditions change, we may be unable to grow organically or successfully compete for, complete, and integrate potential future acquisitions at the same pace as we have achieved in recent years, or at all. We have historically used our strong stock currency and capital resources to complete acquisitions. Downturns in the stock market and the market price of our stock, changes in our capital position, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and changes in our regulatory standing could each have a negative impact on our ability to complete future acquisitions.

Growth through future acquisitions could, in some circumstances, adversely affect profitability or other performance measures.

In the past, we have been active in acquiring banks and bank holding companies, and we may in the future engage in selected acquisitions of additional financial institutions. There are risks associated with any such acquisitions that could adversely affect profitability and other performance measures. These risks include, among other things, incorrectly assessing the asset quality of a financial institution being acquired, discovering compliance or regulatory issues after the acquisition, encountering greater than anticipated costs and use of management time associated with evaluating potential acquisitions and integrating acquired businesses into our operations, and being unable to profitably deploy funds acquired in an acquisition.

In addition, acquisitions may lead to business disruptions that cause the Bank to lose customers or employees to competing financial institutions. Further, acquisitions may also disrupt the Bank's ongoing businesses or create inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures, and policies that adversely affect relationships with employees, clients, customers, and depositors. If we are unable to manage associated risks, acquisitions may have negative impacts on our operating results and financial condition, which could be material.

We anticipate that we will issue capital stock in connection with future acquisitions. Acquisitions and related issuances of stock may have a dilutive effect on earnings per share, and book value per share, and will in any event reduce the percentage ownership of current shareholders. In acquisitions involving the use of cash as consideration, there will be an impact on our capital position.

If goodwill recorded in connection with acquisitions becomes impaired, it could have an adverse impact on earnings and capital.

Accounting standards require us to account for acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting. Under acquisition accounting, if the purchase price of an acquired company exceeds the fair value of its net assets, the excess is carried on the acquirer’s balance sheet as goodwill. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), goodwill is not amortized but rather is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that a potential impairment exists. Our goodwill was not considered impaired as of December 31, 2024 and 2023; however, there can be no assurance that future evaluations of goodwill will not result in findings of impairment and write-downs, which could be material. Since we have $1.051 billion in goodwill, representing 33 percent of our shareholders' equity, impairment of goodwill could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, even though it is a non-cash item, significant impairment of goodwill could subject us to regulatory limitations, including limits applicable to dividends on our common stock.

There can be no assurance we will be able to continue paying dividends on our common stock at recent levels.

We may not be able to continue paying quarterly dividends commensurate with recent levels given that our ability to pay dividends on our common stock depends on a variety of factors. The payment of dividends is subject to government regulation in that regulatory authorities may prohibit banks and bank holding companies from paying dividends that would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice. Our ability to pay dividends is heavily based on our earnings and capital levels. Current guidance from the Federal Reserve provides, among other things, that dividends per share should not exceed earnings per share measured over the previous four fiscal quarters. In certain circumstances, Montana law also places limits or restrictions on a bank’s ability to declare and pay dividends. As a result, our future dividends will generally depend on the level of earnings at the Bank.

Credit and Asset Quality

The allowance for credit losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses, which could adversely affect earnings.

The Bank maintains an allowance for credit losses (“ACL” or “allowance”) in an amount that it believes is adequate to provide for losses in the loan portfolio. While the Bank strives to carefully manage and monitor credit quality and to identify loans that may become non-performing, at any time there are loans included in the portfolio that will result in losses, but that have not been identified as non-performing or potential problem loans. With respect to real estate loans and property taken in satisfaction of such loans (“other real estate owned” or “OREO”), the Bank can be required to recognize significant declines in the value of the underlying real estate collateral quite suddenly as values are updated through appraisals and evaluations (new or updated) performed in the normal course of monitoring the credit quality of the loans. There are many factors that can cause the value of real estate to decline, including declines in the general real estate market, changes in methodology applied by appraisers, and/or using a different appraiser than was used for the prior appraisal or evaluation. The Bank’s ability to recover on real estate loans by selling or disposing of the underlying real estate collateral is adversely impacted by declining values, which increases the likelihood the Bank will suffer losses on defaulted loans beyond the amounts provided for in the ACL. This, in turn, could require material increases in the Bank’s provision for credit losses and ACL. By closely monitoring credit quality, the Bank attempts to identify deteriorating loans before they become non-performing assets and adjust the ACL accordingly. However, because future events are uncertain, and if difficult economic conditions occur, there may be loans that deteriorate to a non-performing status in an accelerated time frame. As a result, future additions to the ACL may be necessary beyond the levels commensurate with any loan growth. Because the loan portfolio contains a number of loans with relatively large balances, the deterioration of one or a few of these loans may cause a significant increase in non-performing loans, requiring an increase to the ACL. Additionally, future significant additions to the ACL may be required based on changes in the mix of loans comprising the portfolio, and changes in the financial condition of borrowers, which may result from changes in economic conditions, or changes in the assumptions used in determining the ACL. Additionally, federal and state banking regulators, as an integral part of their supervisory function, periodically review the Bank’s loan portfolio and the adequacy of the ACL. These regulatory authorities may require the Bank to recognize further provision for credit losses or charge-offs based upon their judgments, which may be different from the Bank’s judgments. Any increase in the ACL could have an adverse effect, which could be material, on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Bank’s loan portfolio mix increases the exposure to credit risks tied to deteriorating conditions.

The loan portfolio contains a high percentage of commercial, commercial real estate, real estate acquisition and development loans in relation to the total loans and total assets. These types of loans have historically been viewed as having more risk of default than residential real estate loans or certain other types of loans or investments and tend to be larger in size. In fact, the FDIC has issued recent pronouncements highlighting the increased risk associated with commercial real estate loans, including with respect to the higher vulnerability of these credits to elevated interest rates and stressed market conditions in many large metropolitan areas, and alerting banks to its concern about banks with a heavy concentration of commercial real estate loans. Because the Bank’s loan portfolio contain commercial and commercial real estate loans with relatively large balances and nonperforming loan balances are very low, the deterioration of the credit quality of a few loans or the loan category may cause a significant increase in non-performing loans. An increase in non-performing loans would result in a loss of earnings from these loans and an increase in the provision for credit losses, and could lead to an increase in charge-offs, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

The Bank has a high concentration of loans secured by real estate, so a deterioration in the real estate markets could require material increases in the ACL and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Bank has a high degree of concentration in loans secured by real estate. Any future deterioration in the real estate markets could adversely impact borrowers’ ability to repay loans secured by real estate and the value of our real estate collateral, thereby increasing the credit risk associated with the loan portfolio. The Bank’s ability to recover on these loans by selling or disposing of the underlying real estate collateral would be adversely impacted by any decline in real estate values, which increases the likelihood that the Bank will suffer losses on defaulted loans secured by real estate beyond the amounts provided for in the ACL. This, in turn, could require material increases in the ACL which would adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Non-performing assets could increase, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Bank may experience increases in non-performing assets in the future. Non-performing assets (which includes OREO) adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations in various ways. The Bank does not record interest income on non-accrual loans or OREO, thereby adversely affecting its earnings. When the Bank takes collateral in foreclosures and similar proceedings, it is required to mark the related asset to the then fair value of the collateral, less estimated cost to sell, which may result in a charge-off of the value of the asset and lead the Bank to increase the provision for credit losses. An increase in the level of non-performing assets also increases the Bank’s risk profile and may impact the capital levels its regulators believe are appropriate in light of such risks. Further decreases in the value of these assets, or the underlying collateral, or in these borrowers’ performance or financial condition, whether due to economic and market conditions beyond the Bank’s control or not, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, perhaps materially. In addition to the carrying costs to maintain OREO, the resolution of non-performing assets increases the Bank’s loan administration costs generally, and requires significant commitments of time from management and our directors, which reduces the time they have to focus on profitably growing our business.

A decline in the fair value of the Bank’s investment portfolio could adversely affect earnings and capital.

The fair value of the Bank’s debt securities could decline as a result of various factors, including changes in market interest rates, tax reform, decreases in credit quality and related credit ratings, lack of market liquidity and other economic conditions. For debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company may be required to record an allowance for credit losses or write down the security depending on the type of security and the circumstances. Any such impairment charge would have an adverse effect, which could be material, on our business, results of operations and financial condition, including capital and shareholders’ equity.

While we believe that the terms of our debt securities have been kept relatively short, we are subject to elevated interest rate risk exposure in the current elevated rate environment as compared to recent years. Further, debt securities present a different type of asset quality risk than the loan portfolio. While we believe a relatively conservative management approach has been applied to the investment portfolio, there is always potential loss exposure under changing economic conditions.

The Bank is subject to environmental liability risk associated with our lending activities.

We hold an interest in real estate as collateral for a significant portion of our loan portfolio, and we could become subject to environmental liabilities with respect to one or more of these properties. During the ordinary course of business, we may foreclose on and take title to properties securing defaulted loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous conditions or toxic substances are found on these properties, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage, civil fines and criminal penalties regardless of when the hazardous conditions or toxic substances first affected any particular property. Environmental laws may further require us to incur substantial expenses to address unknown liabilities and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase our exposure to environmental liability. Although we have policies and procedures to perform an environmental review before initiating any foreclosure on nonresidential real property, these reviews may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on us.

We face competition from technologies used to support and enable banking and financial services.

Emerging technologies and advances and growing market acceptance of e-commerce have lowered geographic and monetary barriers to other financial institutions, made it easier for non-depository institutions to offer products and services that traditionally were banking products and services, and allowed non-traditional financial service providers and technology companies to compete with traditional financial service companies in providing electronic and internet-based financial solutions and services, including marketplace lending, financial data aggregation and payment processing, including through real-time payment platforms and electronic securities trading. Further, clients may choose to conduct business with other market participants who engage in business or offer products in areas we deem speculative or risky, such as cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens, and other digital assets. Increased competition may negatively affect our earnings by creating pressure to lower prices or credit standards on our products and services requiring additional investment to improve the quality and delivery of our technology and/or reducing our market share, or affecting the willingness of our clients to do business with us.

Interest Rates, Operations and Risk Management

Fluctuating interest rates can adversely affect profitability and shareholders’ equity.

The Bank’s profitability is dependent to a large extent upon net interest income, which is the difference (or “spread”) between the interest earned on loans, investment securities and other interest earning assets and interest paid on deposits, borrowings, and other interest-bearing liabilities. Because of the differences in maturities and repricing characteristics of interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, changes in interest rates do not produce equivalent changes in interest income earned on interest earning assets and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities. Accordingly, fluctuations in interest rates could adversely affect the Bank’s interest rate spread, and, in turn, profitability. The Bank seeks to manage its interest rate risk within well-established policies and guidelines. Generally, the Bank seeks an asset and liability structure that insulates net interest income from large deviations attributable to changes in market rates. However, the Bank’s structures and practices to manage interest rate risk may not be effective in a highly volatile rate environment. The Federal Reserve decreased the federal funds target rate three times in 2024, with the most recent decrease occurring in December 2024. The Federal Reserve has communicated that the economic outlook continues to be uncertain, and while it has stated that rates may continue to decrease in 2025, there can be no assurance of the timing or amount of any future rate adjustments. Further, there can be no assurance regarding any forecasts or predictions about the effect that any future rate adjustments may have on our results of operations. Elevated interest rates could negatively impact deposit growth and mix, the value of our investments, shareholders’ equity, and the Bank’s profitability.

Our business is subject to the risks of earthquakes, floods, fires, and other catastrophic events.

With Bank branches and customers located in Montana, Idaho, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada, our business could be affected by natural catastrophes such as droughts, fires, earthquakes, or other natural disasters that affect these regions. The occurrence of any of these events may result in a prolonged interruption of our business and the businesses of our customers and could disrupt the insurability of our assets or the assets of our customers that may be material to their ability to repay or provide collateral for our loans, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our future performance will depend on our ability to respond timely to technological change.

The financial services industry continues to experience rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services by both other regulated entities and by companies that are not subject to the extensive regulations applicable to banks. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Our future success will depend upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience and additional features, as well as create additional efficiencies in our operations. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products or services, or be successful in marketing these products and services. Additionally, the implementation of technological changes and upgrades to maintain current systems and integrate new ones may cause service interruptions, transaction processing errors and system conversion delays and may cause us to fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully manage the risks associated with increased dependency on technology.

A failure in or breach of the Bank’s operational or security systems, or those of the Bank’s third-party service providers, including as a result of cyber attacks, could disrupt business, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase costs and cause losses.

In the normal course of its business, the Bank collects, processes and retains sensitive and confidential customer and consumer information. Despite the security measures we have in place, our facilities and systems may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming or human errors, attacks enhanced or facilitated by artificial intelligence (“AI”) and other similar events.

Information security risks for financial institutions such as the Bank have increased recently in part because of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies (including mobile devices) to conduct financial and other business transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, foreign actors, hackers, perpetrators of fraud, terrorists and others. In addition to cyber attacks or other security breaches involving the theft of sensitive and confidential information, hackers have engaged in attacks against financial institutions designed to disrupt key business services such as customer-facing web sites. National and international economic and geopolitical conditions may also increase the number of cyber security threats the Bank may face. We may not be able to anticipate or implement effective preventative measures against all security breaches of these types. Although the Bank employs detection and response mechanisms designed to contain and mitigate security incidents, early detection may be thwarted by sophisticated attacks and malware designed to avoid detection, which continue to evolve.

Additionally, the Bank faces the risk of operational disruption, failure, termination or capacity constraints of any of the third parties that facilitate its business activities, including third-party service providers, vendors, exchanges, clearing agents, clearing houses or other financial intermediaries. Such parties could also be the source of an attack on, or breach of, the Bank’s operational systems.

Any failures, interruptions or security breaches in our information systems could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, result in a violation of privacy or other laws, or expose us to civil litigation, regulatory fines or losses not covered by insurance.

See “Item 1C. Cybersecurity” for additional information regarding our efforts to detect, identify, assess, manage, and respond to risks from cybersecurity threats.

The Company’s business may be materially affected by the emergence of disruptive new technologies or approaches enabled by the rapid pace of innovation unfolding in the artificial intelligence space.

The safe and responsible integration of AI functionality as it rapidly evolves presents emerging ethical and legal challenges, and the use of such technologies may result in diminished brand trust and reputational harm. As with many innovations, AI presents risks and challenges that could significantly disrupt our business model. In addition, the use of AI by bad actors presents increasingly complex and sophisticated security threats to our confidential customer, employee, and Company data, and we must make additional efforts to maintain network security.

The regulatory landscape surrounding AI technologies is evolving, and the ways in which these technologies will be regulated by governmental authorities, self-regulatory institutions, or other regulatory authorities remains uncertain and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Certain jurisdictions in which we operate are considering or have proposed or enacted legislation and policies regulating AI and non-personal data, such as the recent Executive Order on AI. Such regulations may result in operational costs to modify, maintain, or align our business practices, or constrain our ability to develop, deploy, or maintain these technologies.

We have various anti-takeover measures that could impede a takeover.

Our articles of incorporation include certain provisions that could make it more difficult to acquire us by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest, merger or otherwise. These provisions include a requirement that any “Business Combination” (as defined in the articles of incorporation) be approved by at least 80 percent of the voting power of the then outstanding shares, unless it is either approved by our Board or certain price and procedural requirements are satisfied. In addition, the authorization of preferred stock, which is intended primarily as a financing tool and not as a defensive measure against takeovers, may potentially be used by management to make more difficult uninvited attempts to acquire control of us. These provisions may have the effect of lengthening the time required to acquire control of us through a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and may deter any potentially unfriendly offers or other efforts to obtain control of us. This could deprive our shareholders of opportunities to realize a premium for their common stock in the Company, even in circumstances where such action is favored by a majority of our shareholders.

Regulatory Matters

We operate in a highly regulated environment and changes or increases in, or supervisory enforcement of, banking or other laws and regulations or governmental fiscal or monetary policies could adversely affect us.

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by federal and state banking regulators. In addition, as a publicly-traded company, we are subject to regulation by the SEC. Any change in applicable regulations or federal, state or local legislation or in policies or interpretations or regulatory approaches to compliance and enforcement, income tax laws and accounting principles could have a substantial impact on us and our operations. Changes in laws and regulations may also increase expenses by imposing additional fees or taxes or restrictions on operations. Additional legislation and regulations that could significantly affect powers, authority and operations may be enacted or adopted in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Failure to appropriately comply with any such laws, regulations or principles could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies or damage to our reputation, all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Regulators have significant discretion and authority to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of laws or regulations by financial institutions and bank holding companies in the performance of their supervisory and enforcement duties. Existing and proposed federal and state laws and regulations restrict, limit, and govern all aspects of our activities and may affect our ability to expand our business over time, may result in an increase in our compliance costs, and may affect our ability to attract and retain qualified executive officers and employees. The exercise of regulatory authority may have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including limiting the types of financial services and products we may offer or increasing the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products at lower cost. Additionally, our business is affected significantly by the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and its agencies, including the Federal Reserve.

We cannot accurately predict the full effects of recent legislation or the various other governmental, regulatory, monetary and fiscal initiatives which have been and may be enacted. The terms and costs of these activities, or the failure of these actions to help stabilize the financial markets, asset prices, market liquidity and a continuation or worsening of current financial market and economic conditions could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and the trading price of our common stock.

Increasing regulatory focus on privacy and security issues and expanding laws and regulatory requirements could impact our business models and expose us to increased liability.

We are subject to national data protection, privacy and security laws, regulations and codes of conduct that relate to our various business units and data processing activities, which may include sensitive, confidential, and personal information. These laws, regulations and codes may be inconsistent across jurisdictions and are subject to evolving and differing (sometimes conflicting) interpretations. Government officials and regulators, privacy advocates and class action attorneys are increasingly scrutinizing how companies collect, process, use, store, share and transmit personal data, including the transferring of personal information across international borders. This scrutiny can result in new and shifting interpretations of existing laws, thereby further impacting our business. State laws in the United States on privacy, data and related technologies, as well as industry self-regulatory codes and regulatory requirements, create additional privacy and security compliance obligations and expand the scope of potential liability.

While we have invested in readiness to comply with applicable requirements, the dynamic and evolving nature of these laws, regulations and codes, as well as their interpretation by regulators and courts, may affect our ability to reach current and prospective customers, to respond to individual customer requests under the laws (such as individual rights of access, correction and deletion of their personal information), to implement our business models effectively and to adequately address disclosure requirements. Perception of our practices, products, services or solutions, even if unfounded, as a violation of individual privacy, data protection rights or cybersecurity requirements, subjects us to public criticism, lawsuits, investigations, claims and other proceedings by regulators, industry groups or other third parties, all of which could disrupt or adversely impact our business and reputation and expose us to increased liability, fines and other punitive measures including prohibition on sales of our products, services or solutions, restrictive judicial orders and disgorgement of data.

Non-compliance with the Patriot Act, BSA, or other laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions and limit our ability to get regulatory approval of acquisitions.

The Patriot Act and BSA require financial institutions to develop programs to prevent financial institutions from being used for money laundering and terrorist activities. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or sanctions and limit our ability to get regulatory approval of acquisitions. While we have developed policies and procedures designed to assist in compliance with these laws and regulations, no assurance can be given that these policies and procedures will be effective in preventing violations of these laws and regulations. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

General Risk Factors

National and international economic and geopolitical conditions could adversely affect our future results of operations or market price of our stock.

Our business is impacted by factors such as economic, political and market conditions, broad trends in industry and finance, changes in government monetary and fiscal policies, inflation, and financial market volatility, all of which are beyond our control. National and global economies are constantly in flux, as evidenced by recent market volatility resulting from, among other things, the bank failures involving Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in 2023, the effects of inflation, and the ever-changing landscape of the energy and medical industries.

Although inflationary pressures declined throughout 2024, with the annual inflation rate in the United States decreasing to 2.4% during September 2024 as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, our business may be impacted by periods of high inflation in the future. Small to medium-sized businesses may be impacted more during periods of high inflation as they are not able to leverage economies of scale to mitigate cost pressures compared to larger businesses. Consequently, the ability of our business customers to repay their loans may deteriorate, which would adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, a prolonged period of inflation could cause wages and other costs to the Company to increase, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Nearly all our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates tend to have a more significant impact on our performance than general levels of inflation or deflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or by the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services.

Future economic conditions cannot be predicted, and any renewed deterioration in the economies of the nation as a whole or in our markets could have an adverse effect, which could be material, on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and could cause the market price of our stock to decline.

Significant changes or developments in U.S. laws or policies, and the reactions of the national and global economy to such changes, may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Significant changes or developments in U.S. laws and policies can materially adversely affect our business. There are uncertainties around the legal and regulatory approach that will be taken under the Executive branch Administration, and we cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of changes in law or government regulations that may arise from future legislation or administrative or executive action, either in the United States or abroad.

Our business is heavily dependent on the services of members of the senior management team.

We believe our success to date has been substantially dependent on our executive management team. In addition, our unique model relies upon the Presidents of our separate Bank divisions, particularly in light of our decentralized management structure in which such Bank divisions have significant local decision-making authority. The unexpected loss of any of these persons could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and future growth prospects.

We could suffer operational, reputational and financial harm if we fail to properly anticipate and manage risk.

We use models and strategies to forecast losses, project revenue, and measure and assess capital requirements for various credit, market, operational and strategic risks. These models require oversight, ongoing monitoring, and periodic reassessment. Models are subject to inherent limitations due to the use of historical trends and simplifying assumptions, uncertainty regarding economic and financial outcomes, and emerging risks from the use of applications that may rely on artificial intelligence. Our models and strategies may not be adequate due to limited historical data and shocks caused by extreme or unanticipated market changes, especially during severe market downturns or stress events. Regardless of the steps we take to ensure effective controls, governance, monitoring and testing, and implement new risk management tools, we could suffer operational, reputational and financial harm if our models and strategies and other risk management tools fail to properly anticipate and manage the current and evolving risks we face.

Changes in accounting standards could materially impact our financial statements.

Periodically, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. These changes can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. For information regarding the impact of recently issued accounting standards, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Climate change may materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Concerns over the long-term effects of climate change have led to governmental efforts around the world to mitigate those impacts. Consumers and businesses also may voluntarily change their behavior as a result of these concerns. Both the Bank and its customers will need to respond to new laws and regulations as well as consumer and business preferences resulting from climate change concerns. The Bank and its customers may face cost increases, asset value reductions and operating process changes. The impact on our customers will likely vary depending on their specific attributes, including reliance on or role in carbon-intensive activities. Among the impacts to the Bank could be a drop in demand for our products and services, particularly in certain sectors. In addition, we could face reductions in creditworthiness on the part of some customers or in the value of assets securing loans. The Bank attempts to take these risks into account in making lending and other decisions, including by increasing our business with climate-friendly companies, but the bank’s efforts may not be effective in protecting the Bank from the negative impact of new laws and regulations or changes in consumer or business behavior.

Cybersecurity has become a significant issue for financial institutions around the globe, and the Company is no exception. The Company’s management has integrated cybersecurity issues into the Company’s overall risk management system by making cybersecurity risk a key focus of its internal Strategic Technology Committee, Enterprise Risk Management Committee, and Board Risk Oversight Committee. These committees are provided regular updates on the Bank’s cybersecurity risk management program.

The Company has implemented a variety of mechanisms that are designed to detect, identify, assess, manage, and respond to material risks from cybersecurity threats. The Company’s processes for identifying, assessing, and managing cybersecurity risks include:

• a rigorous internal audit process to evaluate the Company’s cybersecurity strategies, with the Audit Committee apprised of risks or control failures that are identified during the audit;
• participation in multiple peer-sharing networks to obtain industry-wide intelligence regarding specific cybersecurity threats and industry best practices to minimize cybersecurity risks;
• participation in simulated cyber-event tabletop exercises designed to test the Company’s incident response capabilities and the robustness of its cybersecurity program;
• an information security program that is regularly reviewed, tested, and updated, and includes vulnerability and patch management programs, incident response planning, security monitoring, employee training, and security awareness testing;
• cybersecurity insurance to mitigate the financial impact of a cybersecurity incident on the Company’s business and financial condition; and
• periodic regulatory examinations that include an assessment of the Company’s cybersecurity management, processes, and controls.

In addition to the internal programs outlined above, the Company engages with external cybersecurity experts to conduct thorough evaluations of the Company’s cybersecurity processes and controls. These third-party consultants conduct periodic comprehensive vulnerability and penetration testing, alongside audits of high-risk technology systems designed to evaluate the efficacy of the Company’s cybersecurity measures. The Company has also retained a third-party cybersecurity firm to assist with the Company’s response to any future cybersecurity breaches.

In order to identify material risks from cybersecurity threats associated with the use of third-party service providers, such as bank operations technology, payroll and benefits administrators, and professional service providers, the Company has established a dedicated department within its Enterprise Risk Management division. This department manages risks of third-parties and evaluates cybersecurity risks associated with the Company’s third-party service providers with the Bank’s Information Technology Department.

The Board's Risk Oversight Committee is responsible for oversight and monitoring of the Company’s cyber risk management profile and related programs. In an effort to ensure transparency and provide appropriate oversight and monitoring, the Chief Risk Officer and Chief Information Security Officer present detailed reports to the Risk Oversight Committee on a quarterly basis. These reports address the current landscape of cybersecurity threats, any notable recent incidents, and a summary of emerging cybersecurity trends. The Board is also regularly furnished with key risk indicators and defined risk parameters with respect to the Company’s cybersecurity program. The Board reviews and approves the Company’s cybersecurity policies at least annually.

Management's role in assessing and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats is an important and multifaceted component of the Company’s cybersecurity. Appropriate members of the Company’s senior management, including the Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”), Chief Risk Officer (“CRO”) and Chief Information Officer (“CIO”), are responsible for assessing and managing cybersecurity risks, which involves an ongoing process of identifying, analyzing, evaluating, and addressing the Company's cybersecurity threats.

The Company employs management and staff members who hold top cybersecurity certifications and have acquired the expertise needed to manage the Company’s cybersecurity program, including a range of technical skills such as intrusion detection, network security control, security incident management, and risk assessment. These management and staff members also participate in structured ongoing training to keep current with industry trends and cybersecurity threats.

The CISO has a degree in Business Administration, Finance, and Risk Management from Washington State University. The CISO has over 24 years of experience in cybersecurity and information security. The CISO has maintained a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification for over 19 years.

The CRO has a degree in Business Administration and Finance from the University of Montana. The CRO has over 24 years of combined experience with financial institution risk management, including prior experience as a bank regulator and a credit risk management consultant.

The CIO has dual degrees in Accounting and Computer Science from the University of Montana. The CIO has over 31 years of experience managing information technology at the Company.

The processes by which the relevant members of management are informed about and manage the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents include conducting cybersecurity risk assessments, establishing network access controls, creating a vulnerability management program, and continuous monitoring for threats.

The Company is not aware of any current cybersecurity threats that are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s business strategy, results of operations or financial condition.

See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for additional information regarding the risks we face from cybersecurity threats.

The following schedule provides information on the Company’s 227 properties as of December 31, 2024:

(Dollars in thousands)

We believe that all of our facilities are well maintained, generally adequate and suitable for the current operations of our business. In the normal course of business, new locations and facility upgrades occur as needed.

For additional information regarding the Company’s premises and equipment and lease obligations, see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

The Company is involved in various claims, legal actions and complaints which arise in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, all such matters are adequately covered by insurance, are without merit or are of such kind, or involve such amounts, that unfavorable disposition would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

The following discussion is intended to provide a more comprehensive review of the Company’s operating results and financial condition from management’s perspective than can be obtained from reading the Consolidated Financial Statements alone. The information includes management’s assessment of material information relevant to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, material events and uncertainties that are reasonably likely to cause reported information not to be indicative of future operating results or financial condition, and material financial and statistical information that the Company believes will enhance the investors’ understanding of the Company and its financial results. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions that are not historical facts, and other statements identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “will,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “should,” “projects,” “seeks,” “estimates” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results (express or implied) or other expectations in the forward-looking statements, including those factors set forth under “Risk Factors” and in other sections in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or the documents incorporated by reference:

• risks associated with lending and potential adverse changes in the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio;
• changes in monetary and fiscal policies, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board, which may continue to adversely affect the Company’s net interest income and margin, the fair value of its financial instruments, profitability, and stockholders’ equity;
• legislative or regulatory changes, including increased FDIC insurance rates and assessments or increased banking and consumer protection regulations, that may adversely affect the Company’s business and strategies;
• risks related to overall economic conditions, including the impact on the economy of an uncertain interest rate environment, inflationary pressures, the potential for significant changes in economic policies in the new administration, and geopolitical instability, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East;
• risks associated with the Company’s ability to negotiate, complete, and successfully integrate any pending or future acquisitions;
• costs or difficulties related to the completion and integration of pending or future acquisitions;
• impairment of the goodwill recorded by the Company in connection with acquisitions, which may have an adverse impact on earnings and capital;
• reduction in demand for banking products and services, whether as a result of changes in customer behavior, economic conditions, banking environment, or competition;
• deterioration of the reputation of banks and the financial services industry, which could adversely affect the Company's ability to obtain and maintain customers;
• changes in the competitive landscape, including as may result from new market entrants or further consolidation in the financial services industry, resulting in the creation of larger competitors with greater financial resources;
• risks presented by public stock market volatility, which could adversely affect the market price of the Company’s common stock and the ability to raise additional capital or grow through acquisitions;
• risks associated with dependence on the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), the senior management team and the Presidents of Glacier Bank (the “Bank”) divisions;
• material failure, potential interruption or breach in security of the Company’s systems or changes in technology which could expose the Company to cybersecurity risks, fraud, system failures, or direct liabilities;
• risks related to natural disasters, including droughts, fires, floods, earthquakes, pandemics, and other unexpected events;
• success in managing risks involved in any of the foregoing; and
• effects of any reputational damage to the Company resulting from any of the foregoing.

Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Please take into account that forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (or documents incorporated by reference, if applicable). Given the described uncertainties and risks, the Company cannot guarantee its future performance or results of operations and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly correct, revise, or update any forward-looking statement if it later becomes aware that actual results are likely to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statement, except as may be required under federal securities laws.

FIVE YEAR SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Selected Financial Data

The selected financial data of the Company is derived from the Company’s historical audited financial statements and related notes. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

n/m - not measurable

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

25

(Dollars in thousands)

1 Non-interest expense before OREO expenses, core deposit intangibles amortization, goodwill impairment charges, and non-recurring expense items as a percentage of tax-equivalent net interest income and non-interest income, excluding gains or losses on sale of investments, OREO income, and non-recurring income items.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 COMPARED TO DECEMBER 31, 2023

Highlights and Overview

The Company continued to experience pressure during 2024 from the historic interest rate increases during 2023. While the Company experienced an overall decline in net income during the current year, the increase in the net interest margin for each quarter of 2024 combined with its two acquisitions in 2024 has provided a solid foundation for improved financial performance.

Net income for the current year was $190 million, a decrease of $32.8 million, or 15 percent, over the prior year net income of $223 million. The decrease in net income during the current year was primarily driven by the significant increase in funding costs, increased operating costs from acquisitions and an $8.6 million increase in acquisition-related expenses. Diluted earnings per share for the year was $1.68, a decrease of 16 percent, from the 2023 diluted earnings per share of $2.01. Net interest income of $705 million for 2024 increased $13.0 million, or 2 percent, over 2023 and was primarily driven by increased interest income which outpaced the increase in interest expense. Non-interest expense of $578 million for 2024 increased $51.1 million, or 10 percent, during the current year and was primarily driven by increased operating expenses from the current year acquisitions and an $8.6 million increase in acquisition-related expenses. The Company’s increase in credit loss expense of $13.5 million during the current year was primarily driven by a $9.7 million provision for credit losses associated with the current year acquisitions.

The Company's net interest margin for 2024 was 2.77 percent, a 4 basis points increase from the net interest margin of 2.73 percent from 2023, which was primarily driven by the increase in earning asset yields which outpaced the increase in funding cost. The earning asset yield of 4.44 percent for the current year increased 45 basis points over the prior year and the total cost of funding yield of 1.79 percent for the current year increased 44 basis points over the prior year.

The Company ended the year at $27.903 billion in assets, which was a $160 million, or 1 percent, increase over the prior year end and was primarily driven by the increase in the loan portfolio which more than offset the decrease in debt securities and interest bearing cash. Loan growth was $1.064 billion, or 7 percent, during 2024 which was driven by both acquisitions and internal loan growth. Total deposits of $20.547 billion increased $618 million, or 3 percent, from the prior year end and was primarily driven by the current year acquisitions. Stockholders’ equity increased $204 million, or $1.19 per share, which was the combined result of earnings retention, $92.4 million of Company common stock issued for an acquisition and the decrease in the unrealized loss on AFS debt securities in 2024. The Company declared quarterly dividends totaling $1.32 per share during 2024 and 2023.

The Company’s credit quality remains strong, ending the current year with $27.8 million in non-performing assets compared to $25.6 million at prior year end. Net charge-offs for 2024 remained low at 0.08 percent of loans compared to 0.06 percent of loans during the prior year. The Company also continues to maintain an adequate allowance for credit losses at 1.19 percent of loans at year end 2024 and year end 2023.

During 2024, the Company acquired Community Financial Group, Inc., the parent company of Wheatland Bank, a leading eastern Washington community bank headquartered in Spokane with total assets of $778 million. In 2024, the Company also acquired six Montana branch locations of the Rocky Mountain Bank division of HTLF Bank with total assets of $403 million. For additional information on the acquisitions, see Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Looking forward, the Company believes its future performance will depend on many factors including economic conditions in the markets the Company serves, interest rate changes, the level of competition for deposits and loans, loan quality and the ability to increase loans, the impact and successful integration of acquisitions, and managing regulatory requirements and expenses.

Financial Highlights

(Dollars in thousands, except per share and market data)

28

Financial Condition Analysis

Assets

The following table summarizes the Company’s assets as of the dates indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)

Total cash of $848 million at December 31, 2024 decreased $506 million, or 37 percent, from the prior year end as excess liquidity was used to fund loan growth and pay down certain borrowings. Total debt securities of $7.540 billion at December 31, 2024 decreased $748 million, or 9 percent, from the prior year end. Debt securities represented 27 percent of total assets at December 31, 2024 compared to 30 percent at December 31, 2023.

The loan portfolio of $17.262 billion at December 31, 2024 increased $1.064 billion, or 7 percent, from the prior year end. Excluding the RMB and Wheatland acquisitions, the loan portfolio increased $342 million, or 2 percent, during 2024. Excluding the acquisitions, the loan category with the largest dollar increase during 2024 was commercial real estate which increased $234 million, or 2 percent, from the prior year end.

Liabilities

The following table summarizes the Company’s liabilities as of the dates indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)

n/m - not measurable

Total deposits of $20.547 billion at December 31, 2024 increased $618 million, or 3 percent, from the prior year end. Excluding the $1.014 billion of deposits from the RMB and Wheatland acquisitions, total deposits decreased $396 million, or 2 percent, from the prior year end and total deposits and repurchase agreements decreased $109 million, or 51 basis points, from the prior year end. Non-interest bearing deposits represented 30 percent of total deposits at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Upon maturity in the first quarter of 2024, the Company paid off its $2.740 billion BTFP borrowings with a combination of $2.140 billion in FHLB borrowings and cash. The Company’s liquidity position remains strong with solid core deposit customer relationships, excess cash, debt securities, and access to diversified borrowing sources. At December, 31, 2024, the Company had available liquidity of $14.3 billion including cash, borrowing capacity from the FHLB, unpledged securities, brokered deposits, and other sources.

Stockholders’ Equity

The following table summarizes the stockholders’ equity balances as of the dates indicated:

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Tangible stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2024 increased $118 million, or 6 percent, compared to the prior year end and was primarily due to $92.4 million of Company common stock issued for the acquisition of Wheatland and a decrease of $67.9 million in unrealized loss on the available-for-sale securities portfolio. The increase was partially offset by the increase in goodwill and core deposits associated with the acquisitions of Wheatland and RMB. Tangible book value per common share of $18.71 at the current year end increased $0.65 per share, or 4 percent, from the prior year end.

Results of Operations

In this section, the Company’s results of operations are discussed for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. For a discussion of the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, please refer to Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Income Summary

The following table summarizes income for the time periods indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)

Net Interest Income

Net interest income of $705 million for 2024 increased $13.0 million, or 2 percent, over 2023 and was primarily driven by increased interest income which outpaced the increase in interest expense. Interest income of $1.140 billion for 2024 increased $122 million, or 12 percent, from the prior year and was primarily attributable to the increases in the loan yields and the average balance of the loan portfolio. The loan yield was 5.61 percent for 2024, an increase of 42 basis points from the prior year loan yield of 5.19 percent.

Interest expense of $435 million for 2024 increased $109 million, or 34 percent, over the prior year and was primarily the result of higher interest rates on deposits and an increase in deposit balances. Core deposit cost (including non-interest bearing deposits) was 1.34 percent for 2024 compared to 0.77 percent for the prior year. The total funding cost (including non-interest bearing deposits) for 2024 was 1.79 percent, which was an increase of 44 basis points over the prior year funding cost of 1.35 percent.

The net interest margin as a percentage of earning assets, on a tax-equivalent basis, during 2024 was 2.77 percent, a 4 basis points increase from the net interest margin of 2.73 percent for the prior year. Excluding the 4 basis points from discount accretion and the 1 basis point from non-accrual interest, the core net interest margin was 2.72 percent in the current year compared to 2.71 percent in the prior year.

Non-interest Income

Non-interest income of $128 million for 2024 increased $10.4 million, or 9 percent, over the prior year. Gain on sale of residential loans of $16.9 million for 2024 increased by $4.7 million, or 38 percent, over the prior year, pimarily due to the increase in volume of loans sold. Other income of $14.0 million for 2024 increased $1.7 million, or 14 percent, over the same period last year and was primarily driven by a $1.2 million gain on the sale of repossessed property during the current year. Included in the 2023 gain on sale of securities was $1.7 million of gain on the sale of all of the Company’s Visa class B shares.

Non-interest Expense

The following table summarizes non-interest expense for the periods indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)

Total non-interest expense of $578 million for 2024 increased $51.1 million, or 10 percent, over the prior year. Compensation and employee benefits expense of $337 million in 2024 increased $27.9 million, or 9 percent, over the prior year and was primarily driven by annual salary increases, increases in performance-related compensation and the acquisitions of Wheatland and RMB. Regulatory assessments and insurance expense of $24.2 million for 2024 decreased $4.5 million, or 16 percent, over the prior year which was principally due to the prior year $6.0 million expense related to the FDIC special assessment which had subsequent $1.0 million accrual adjustment increases in 2024. Other expenses of $104 million for 2024 increased $17.3 million, or 20 percent, from the prior year and was primarily driven by an increase of $8.6 million of acquisition-related expenses and increased costs from the acquisitions of Wheatland and RMB. The increase was partially offset by gains of $5.1 million from the sale of former branch facilities and disposal of fixed assets.

Provision for Credit Losses

The following table summarizes the provision for credit losses on the loan portfolio, net charge-offs and select ratios relating to the provision for credit losses on loans for the previous eight quarters:

(Dollars in thousands)

The provision for credit loss expense was $28.3 million for 2024, an increase of $13.5 million, or 91 percent, over the prior year and was primarily attributable to $9.7 million from the acquisitions of Wheatland and RMB. Net charge-offs for 2024 were $13.9 million compared to $10.3 million in the prior year.

Efficiency Ratio

The efficiency ratio was 66.71 percent for 2024 compared to 62.85 percent for 2023. The increase from the prior year was primarily attributable to increased non-interest expense, including costs associated with the acquisitions of Wheatland and RMB, which outpaced the increase in net interest income.

ADDITIONAL MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Investment Activity

The Company’s investment securities primarily consist of debt securities classified as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Non-marketable equity securities primarily consist of capital stock issued by the FHLB of Des Moines.

Debt Securities

Debt securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at estimated fair value and debt securities classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost. Unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale debt securities are reflected as an adjustment to other comprehensive income. The Company’s debt securities are summarized below:

(Dollars in thousands)

The Company’s debt securities were primarily comprised of U.S. government and federal agency and mortgage-backed securities. State and local government securities are largely exempt from federal income tax and the Company’s federal statutory income tax rate of 21 percent is used in calculating the tax-equivalent yields on the tax-exempt securities. Mortgage-backed securities largely consists of short, weighted-average life U.S. agency guaranteed residential and commercial mortgage pass-through securities and to a lesser extent, short, weighted-average life U.S. agency guaranteed residential collateralized mortgage obligations. Combined, the mortgage-backed securities provide the Company with ongoing liquidity as scheduled and pre-paid principal is received on the securities.

State and local government securities carry different risks that are not as prevalent in other security types. The Company evaluates the investment grade quality of its securities in accordance with regulatory guidance. Investment grade securities are those where the issuer has an adequate capacity to meet the financial commitments under the security for the projected life of the investment. An issuer has an adequate capacity to meet financial commitments if the risk of default by the obligor is low and the full and timely payment of principal and interest are expected. In assessing credit risk, the Company may use credit ratings from Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSRO”) entities such as S&P and Moody’s as support for the evaluation; however, they are not solely relied upon. There have been no significant differences in the Company’s internal evaluation of the creditworthiness of any issuer when compared with the ratings assigned by the NRSROs.

The following table stratifies the state and local government securities by the associated NRSRO ratings. The highest issued rating was used to categorize the securities in the table for those securities where the NRSRO ratings were not at the same level.

(Dollars in thousands)

State and local government securities largely consist of both taxable and tax-exempt general obligation and revenue bonds. The following table stratifies the state and local government securities by the associated security type.

(Dollars in thousands)

The following table outlines the five states in which the Company owns the highest concentrations of state and local government securities.

(Dollars in thousands)

34

The following table presents the carrying amount and weighted-average yield of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2024. Weighted-average yields are based upon the amortized cost of securities and are calculated using the interest method which takes into consideration premium amortization, discount accretion and mortgage-backed securities’ prepayment provisions. Weighted-average yields on tax-exempt debt securities exclude the related federal income tax benefit.

(Dollars in thousands)

1 Mortgage-backed securities, which have prepayment provisions, are not assigned to maturity categories due to fluctuations in their prepayment speeds.

Based on an analysis of its available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2024, the Company determined their decline in value was unrelated to credit loss and was primarily the result of interest rate changes and market spreads subsequent to acquisition. The fair value of the debt securities is expected to recover as payments are received and the debt securities approach maturity. In addition, the Company determined an insignificant amount of credit losses is expected on the held-to-maturity debt securities portfolio; therefore, no ACL has been recognized at December 31, 2024.

For additional information on debt securities, see Notes 1 and 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Equity securities

Non-marketable equity securities primarily consist of capital stock issued by the FHLB of Des Moines and are carried at cost less impairment. The Company also has an insignificant amount of equity securities that are included in other assets on the Company’s statements of financial condition.

Non-marketable equity securities and equity securities without readily determinable fair values are evaluated for impairment whenever events or circumstances suggest the carrying value may not be recoverable. Based on the Company’s evaluation of its investments in non-marketable equity securities and equity securities without readily determinable fair values as of December 31, 2024, the Company determined that none of such securities were impaired.

Lending Activity

The Company focuses its lending activities primarily on the following types of loans: 1) first-mortgage, conventional loans secured by residential properties, particularly single-family; 2) commercial lending, including agriculture and public entities; and 3) installment lending for consumer purposes (e.g., home equity, automobile, etc.). Supplemental information regarding the Company’s loan portfolio and credit quality based on regulatory classification is provided in the section captioned “Loans by Regulatory Classification” included in “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” The regulatory classification of loans is based primarily on the type of collateral for the loans. Loan information included in “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” is based on the Company’s loan segments, which are based on the purpose of the loan, unless otherwise noted as a regulatory classification. The following table summarizes the Company’s loan portfolio as of the dates indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)

The largest category of the Company’s loan portfolio is Commercial Real Estate (“CRE”). An additional breakdown of the Company’s CRE portfolio based on the use of the property follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

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The following table summarizes the Company’s CRE portfolio by geographic location as of the dates indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)

The CRE portfolio is comprised of loans made to purchase, construct and finance commercial real estate properties. On average, the balances are small and geographically disbursed across our eight-state footprint. Specifically, our CRE portfolio has an average loan balance of $778 thousand with an average loan-to-value ratio (“LTV”) of 59% as of December 31, 2024.

Due to the recent trends in the banking industry, there has been increased risk associated with commercial real estate loans, including with respect to the higher vulnerability of these credits to pressure as interest rates remain elevated and market conditions in many large metropolitan areas continue to show signs of stress. The Company has limited exposure to the office building sector in central business districts as the office portfolio is generally diversified in suburban and rural markets with strong occupancy levels. The Company maintains a practice of regular and ongoing loan reviews, stress tests, and sensitivity analyses to assess the level of risk in the loan portfolio. Loan reviews include monitoring past due rates, non-performing trends, concentrations, LTV’s, among other qualitative factors. Loan policies are robust and are updated as needed to meet the strategic and risk mitigation goals of the company.

The stated maturities or first repricing term (if applicable) for the loan portfolio at December 31, 2024 was as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

Residential Real Estate Lending

The Company’s residential lending activities consist of the origination of both construction and permanent loans on residential real estate. The Company actively solicits residential real estate loan applications from real estate brokers, contractors, existing customers, customer referrals, and online applications. The Company’s lending policies generally limit the maximum loan-to-value ratio on residential mortgage loans to 80 percent of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price. Policies allow for higher loan-to-values with appropriate risk mitigation such as documented compensating factors, credit enhancement, and other factors. For loans held for sale, the Company complies with each investor’s loan-to-value guidelines. The Company also provides interim construction financing for single-family dwellings. These loans are supported by a term take-out commitment that may be subject to certain contingencies.

Consumer Land or Lot Loans

The Company originates land and lot acquisition loans to borrowers who intend to construct their primary residence on the respective land or lot. These loans are generally for a term of three to five years and are secured by the developed land or lot with the loan-to-value limited to the lesser of 75 percent of the appraised value or 75 percent of the cost.

Unimproved Land and Land Development Loans

Although the Company has originated very few unimproved land and land development loans since the economic downturn in 2008, the Company may originate such loans on properties intended for residential and commercial use where real estate market conditions show significant strength. These loans are typically made for a term of 18 months to two years and are secured by the developed property with a loan-to-value not to exceed the lesser of 75 percent of cost or 65 percent of the appraised discounted estimated bulk sale value upon completion of the improvements. The projects under development are inspected on a regular basis and advances are made on a percentage-of-completion basis. The loans are made to borrowers with real estate development experience and appropriate financial strength. Generally, the Company requires that a certain percentage of the development be pre-sold or that construction and term take-out commitments are in place prior to funding the loan. Loans made on unimproved land are generally made for a term of five to ten years with a loan-to-value not to exceed the lesser of 50 percent of appraised value or 50 percent of cost.

Residential Builder Guidance Lines

The Company provides Builder Guidance Lines that are comprised of pre-sold and spec-home construction and lot acquisition loans. The spec-home construction and lot acquisition loans are limited to a specific number and maximum amount. Generally, the individual loans will not exceed a one year maturity. The homes under construction are inspected on a regular basis and advances made on a percentage-of-completion basis.

Construction Loans

During the construction loan term, all construction loan collateral properties are inspected at least monthly, or more frequently as needed, until completion. Draws on construction loans are predicated upon the results of the inspection and advanced on a percentage-of-completion basis versus original budget percentages. When construction loans become non-performing and the associated project is not complete, the Company on a case-by-case basis makes the decision to advance additional funds or to initiate collection/foreclosure proceedings. Such decision includes obtaining “as-is” and “at completion” appraisals for consideration of potential increases or decreases in the collateral’s value. The Company also considers the increased costs of monitoring progress to completion, and the related collection/holding period costs should collateral ownership be transferred to the Company.

Commercial Real Estate Loans

Loans are made to purchase, construct and finance commercial real estate properties. These loans are generally made to borrowers who will own and occupy the property, but may include loans to finance investment or income properties. Commercial real estate loans generally have a loan-to-value up to the lesser of 75 percent of the appraised value or 75 percent of the cost and require a minimum 1.2 times debt service coverage margin.

Agricultural Lending

Agricultural lending is conducted on a conservative basis and consists of operating credits, term real estate loans for the acquisition or refinance of agricultural real estate or equipment, and term livestock loans for the acquisition or refinance of livestock. Loan-to-value on equipment, livestock and agricultural real estate is generally limited to 75 percent.

Home Equity Loans

Home equity lines of credit are generally originated with maturity terms of 15 years. At origination, borrowers can choose a variable interest rate that changes quarterly, or after the first 3 or 5 years from the origination date. The draw period for home equity lines of credit usually exists from origination to maturity. During the draw period, the Company has home equity lines of credit where the borrowers pay interest only and home equity lines of credit where borrowers pay principal and interest.

Consumer Lending

The majority of consumer loans are secured by real estate, automobiles, or other assets. The Company intends to continue making such loans because of their short-term nature, generally between three months and five years. Moreover, interest rates on consumer loans are generally higher than on residential mortgage loans.

States and Political Subdivisions Lending

The Company lends directly to state and local political subdivisions. The loans are typically secured by the full faith and credit of the municipality or a specific revenue stream such as water or sewer fees. In general, state and local political subdivision loans carry a low risk of default and offer other complementary business opportunities such as deposits and cash management. The loans are generally long-term in nature and interest on many of these loans is tax-exempt for federal income tax purposes.

Credit Risk Management

The Company is committed to a conservative management of the credit risk within the loan portfolio, including the early recognition of problem loans. The Company’s credit risk management includes stringent credit policies, individual loan approval limits, limits on concentrations of credit, and committee approval of larger loan requests. Management practices also include regular internal and external credit examinations, identification and review of individual loans and leases experiencing deterioration of credit quality, procedures for the collection of non-performing assets, quarterly monitoring of the loan portfolio, semi-annual review of loans by industry, and periodic stress testing of the loans secured by real estate. Federal and state regulatory safety and soundness examinations are conducted annually.

The Company’s loan policy and credit administration practices establish standards and limits for all extensions of credit that are secured by interests in or liens on real estate, or made for the purpose of financing the construction of real property or other improvements. Ongoing monitoring and review of the loan portfolio is based on current information, including: the borrowers’ and guarantors’ creditworthiness, value of the real estate and other collateral, the project’s performance against projections, and monthly inspections by Company employees or external parties until the real estate project is complete.

Monitoring of the junior lien and home equity lines of credit portfolios includes evaluating payment delinquency, collateral values, bankruptcy notices and foreclosure filings. Additionally, the Company places junior lien mortgages and junior lien home equity lines of credit on non-accrual status when there is evidence that the associated senior lien is 90 days past due or is in the process of foreclosure, regardless of the junior lien delinquency status.

Loan Approval Limits

Individual loan approval limits have been established for each lender based on the loan types and experience of the individual. There are four additional loan approval levels: 1) the Bank divisions’ Officer Loan Committees, consisting of senior lenders and members of senior management; 2) the Bank divisions’ advisory boards; 3) the Bank’s Executive Loan Committee, consisting of the Bank divisions’ senior loan officers and the Company’s Chief Credit Administrator; and 4) the Bank’s Board of Directors. Under banking laws, loans-to-one-borrower and related entities are limited to a prescribed percentage of the unimpaired capital and surplus of the Bank.

Interest Reserves

Interest reserves are used to periodically advance loan funds to pay interest charges on the outstanding balance of the related loan. As with any extension of credit, the decision to establish a loan-funded interest reserve upon origination of construction loans, including residential construction and land, lot and other construction loans, is based on prudent underwriting, including the feasibility of the project, expected cash flow, creditworthiness of the borrower and guarantors, and the protection provided by the real estate and other underlying collateral. Interest reserves provide an effective means for addressing the cash flow characteristics of construction loans. In response to the downturn in the housing market and potential impact upon construction lending, the Company discourages the creation or continued use of interest reserves.

Interest reserves are advanced provided the related construction loan is performing as expected. Loans with interest reserves may be extended, renewed or restructured only when the related loan continues to perform as expected and meets the prudent underwriting standards identified above. Such renewals, extension or restructuring are not permitted in order to keep the related loan current.

In monitoring the performance and credit quality of a construction loan, the Company assesses the adequacy of any remaining interest reserve, and whether the use of an interest reserve remains appropriate in the presence of emerging weakness and associated risks in the construction loan.

The ongoing accrual and recognition of uncollected interest as income continues only when facts and circumstances continue to reasonably support the contractual payment of principal or interest. Loans are typically designated as non-accrual when the collection of the contractual principal or interest is unlikely and has remained unpaid for ninety days or more. For such loans, the accrual of interest and its capitalization into the loan balance will be discontinued.

The Company had $388 million and $479 million of loans with remaining interest reserves of $31.3 million and $20.7 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. During 2024 and 2023, the Company extended, renewed or modified 4 loans and 7 loans, respectively, with interest reserves. Such loans had an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $1.5 million and $56.0 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had no construction loans with interest reserves that are currently non-performing or that are designated potential problem loans.

Loan Purchases, Sales, and Servicing

Fixed rate, long-term mortgage loans are generally sold in the secondary market. The Company is active in the secondary market, primarily through the origination of conventional, Rural Development, Federal Housing Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs residential mortgages. The sale of loans in the secondary mortgage market reduces the Company’s risk of holding long-term, fixed rate loans during periods of rising interest rates. In connection with conventional loan sales, the Company typically sells the majority of mortgage loans originated with servicing released. In certain circumstances, the Company strategically retains servicing and in the current year has been more active in retaining the servicing. For the loans that are sold with servicing retained, the Company records a servicing right asset that is subsequently amortized over the life of the loan. The servicing assets are also evaluated for impairment based on the fair value of the servicing asset compared to the carrying value.

The Company has also been active in generating commercial SBA loans, and other commercial loans, with a portion of those loans sold to investors. The Company has not originated any type of subprime mortgages, either for the loan portfolio or for sale to investors. In addition, the Company has not purchased debt securities collateralized with subprime mortgages. The Company does not actively purchase loans from other financial institutions, and substantially all of the Company’s loans receivable are with customers in the Company’s geographic market areas.

Loan Origination and Other Fees

In addition to interest earned on loans, the Company receives fees for originating loans. Loan fees generally are a percentage of the principal amount of the loan and are charged to the borrower, and are normally deducted from the proceeds of the loan. Loan origination fees are generally 1.0 to 1.5 percent on residential mortgages and 0.5 to 1.5 percent on commercial loans. Consumer loans generally require a fixed fee amount. The Company also receives other fees and charges relating to existing loans, which include charges and fees collected in connection with loan modifications.

Appraisal and Evaluation Process

The Company’s loan policy and credit administration practices have adopted and implemented the applicable legal and regulatory requirements, which establishes criteria for obtaining appraisals or evaluations (new or updated), including transactions that are otherwise exempt from the appraisal requirements.

Each of the Bank divisions monitor conditions, including supply and demand factors, in the real estate markets served so they can react quickly to changing market conditions to mitigate potential losses from specific credit exposures within the loan portfolio. Evidence of the following real estate market conditions and trends is obtained from lending personnel and third party sources:

• demographic indicators, including employment and population trends;
• foreclosures, vacancy, construction and absorption rates;
• property sales prices, rental rates, and lease terms;
• current tax assessments;
• economic indicators, including trends within the lending areas; and
• valuation trends, including discount and capitalization rates.

Third party information sources include federal, state, and local governments and agencies thereof, private sector economic data vendors, real estate brokers, licensed agents, sales, rental and foreclosure data tracking services.

The time between ordering an appraisal or evaluation and receipt from third party vendors is typically two to six weeks for residential property depending on geographic market and four to eight weeks for non-residential property. For real estate properties that are of highly specialized or limited use, significantly complex or large, additional time beyond the typical times may be required for new appraisals or evaluations (new or updated).

As part of the Company’s credit administration and portfolio monitoring practices, the Company’s regular internal and external credit examinations review a significant number of individual loan files. Appraisals and evaluations (new or updated) are reviewed to determine whether the timeliness, methods, assumptions, and findings are reasonable and in compliance with the Company’s loan policy and credit administration practices. Such reviews include the adequacy of the steps taken by the Company to ensure that the individuals who perform appraisals and evaluations (new or updated) are appropriately qualified and are not subject to conflicts of interest. If there are any deficiencies noted in the reviews, they are reported to Bank management and prompt corrective action is taken.

Non-performing Assets

The following table summarizes information regarding non-performing assets at the dates indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)

1Amounts represent estimated interest income that would have been recognized on loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis as of the end of each period had such loans performed pursuant to contractual terms.

Non-performing assets as a percentage of subsidiary assets at December 31, 2024 was 0.10 percent compared to 0.09 percent at the prior year end. Non-performing assets of $27.8 million at December 31, 2024 increased $2.2 million, or 8 percent, over the prior year end. Early stage delinquencies (accruing loans 30-89 days past due) as a percentage of loans at December 31, 2024 were 0.19 percent compared to 0.31 percent for the prior year end. Early stage delinquencies of $32.2 million at December 31, 2024 decreased $17.7 million from the prior year end.

Most of the Company’s non-performing assets are secured by real estate, and based on the most current information available to management, including updated appraisals or evaluations (new or updated), the Company believes the value of the underlying real estate collateral is adequate to minimize significant charge-offs or losses to the Company. Through pro-active credit administration, the Company works closely with its borrowers to seek favorable resolution to the extent possible, thereby attempting to minimize net charge-offs or losses to the Company. With very limited exceptions, the Company does not disburse additional funds on non-performing loans. Instead, the Company proceeds to collection and foreclosure actions in order to reduce the Company’s exposure to loss on such loans.

For additional information on accounting policies relating to non-performing assets, see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Modified Loans

If a loan is modified in response to a borrower’s financial difficulties such modification is known as a modification to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty (“MBFD”), and if the underlying loan is characterized as a loan. Each modified loan is separately negotiated with the borrower and includes terms and conditions that reflect the borrower’s prospective ability to service their obligations as modified. The Company discourages the use of multiple loans when modifying loans regardless of whether or not the loans are designated an MBFD. The Company had MBFD loans of $55.0 million and $60.6 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For additional information on MBFDs, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statement in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Other Real Estate Owned and Foreclosed Assets

The book value of loans prior to the acquisition of collateral and transfer of the loans into other real estate owned (“OREO”) and other foreclosed assets during 2024 was $1.2 million. The fair value of the loan collateral acquired in foreclosure during 2024 was $0.9 million. The following table sets forth the changes in OREO for the periods indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Receivable

The following table summarizes the allocation of the ACL as of the dates indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)

42

The following table summarizes the ACL experience for the periods indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)

The following table summarizes net (charge-offs) recoveries as a percentage of average loans for the periods indicated:

The ACL as a percentage of total loans outstanding at December 31 2024 was 1.19 percent which was unchanged from the prior year end. The Company’s ACL of $206 million is considered by management to be adequate to absorb the estimated credit losses from any segment of its loan portfolio based upon management’s best estimate of current expected credit losses within the existing portfolio of loans. Should any of the factors considered by management in making this estimate change, the Company’s estimate of current expected credit losses could also change, which could affect the level of future provision for credit losses related to loans. For the periods ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company believes the ACL is commensurate with the risk in the Company’s loan portfolio and is directionally consistent with the change in the quality of the Company’s loan portfolio. During 2024 and 2023, provision for credit losses exceeded the charge-offs, net of recoveries, by $13.3 million and $13.0 million, respectively.

At the end of each quarter, the Company analyzes its loan portfolio and maintains an ACL at a level that is appropriate and determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Determining the adequacy of the ACL involves a high degree of judgment and is inevitably imprecise as the risk of loss is difficult to quantify. The ACL methodology is designed to reasonably estimate the probable credit losses within the Company’s loan portfolio. Accordingly, the ACL is maintained within a range of estimated losses. The determination of the ACL on loans, including credit loss expense and net charge-offs, is a critical accounting estimate that involves management’s judgments about the loan portfolio that impact credit losses, including the credit risk inherent in the loan portfolio, economic forecasts nationally and in the local markets in which the Company operates, trends and changes in collateral values, delinquencies, non-performing assets, net charge-offs, credit-related policies and personnel, and other factors.

In determining the allowance, the loan portfolio is separated into pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics which are the Company’s loan segments. The Company then derives estimated loss assumptions from its model by loan segment. The loss assumptions are then applied to each segment of loan to estimate the ACL on the pooled loans. For any loans that do not share similar risk characteristics, the estimated credit losses are determined on an individual loan basis and such loans primarily consist of non-accrual loans. An estimated credit loss is recorded on individually reviewed loans when the fair value of a collateral-dependent loan or the present value of the loan’s expected future cash flows (discounted at the loans original effective interest rate) is less than the amortized cost of the loan.

The Company provides commercial banking services to individuals, small to medium-sized businesses, community organizations and public entities from 227 locations, including 194 branches, across Montana, Idaho, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada. The states in which the Company operates have diverse economies and markets that are tied to commodities (crops, livestock, minerals, oil and natural gas), tourism, real estate and land development and an assortment of industries, both manufacturing and service-related. Thus, the changes in the global, national, and local economies are not uniform across the Company’s geographic locations. The geographic dispersion of these market areas helps to mitigate the risk of credit loss. The Company’s model of seventeen Bank divisions with separate management teams is also a significant benefit in mitigating and managing the Company’s credit risk. This model provides substantial local oversight to the lending and credit management function and requires multiple reviews of larger loans before credit is extended.

The primary responsibility for credit risk assessment and identification of problem loans rests with the loan officer of the account. This continuous process of identifying non-performing loans is necessary to support management’s evaluation of the ACL adequacy. An independent loan review function verifying credit risk ratings evaluates the loan officer and management’s evaluation of the loan portfolio credit quality. The ACL evaluation is well documented and approved by the Company’s Board. In addition, the policy and procedures for determining the balance of the ACL are reviewed annually by the Company’s Board, the internal audit department, independent credit reviewers and state and federal bank regulatory agencies.

Although the Company continues to actively monitor economic trends and regulatory developments, no assurance can be given that the Company will not, in any particular period, sustain losses that are significant relative to the ACL amount, or that subsequent evaluations of the loan portfolio applying management’s judgment about then current factors will not require significant changes in the ACL. Under such circumstances, additional credit loss expense could result.

For additional information regarding the ACL, its relation to credit loss expense and risk related to asset quality, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Loans by Regulatory Classification

Supplemental information regarding identification of the Company’s loan portfolio and credit quality based on regulatory classification is provided in the following tables. The regulatory classification of loans is based primarily on the type of collateral for the loans. There may be differences when compared to loan tables and loan amounts appearing elsewhere which reflect the Company’s internal loan segments which are based on the purpose of the loan.

The following table summarizes the Company’s loan portfolio by regulatory classification:

(Dollars in thousands)

1 Loans held for sale are primarily 1st lien 1-4 family loans.

The following table summarizes the Company’s non-performing assets by regulatory classification:

(Dollars in thousands)

46

The following table summarizes the Company’s accruing loans 30-89 days past due by regulatory classification:

(Dollars in thousands)

n/m - not measurable

The following table summarizes the Company’s charge-offs and recoveries by regulatory classification:

(Dollars in thousands)

48

Sources of Funds

The Company’s deposits have traditionally been the principal source of funds for use in lending and other business purposes. The Company also obtains funds from repayment of loans and debt securities, securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”), wholesale deposits, advances from FHLB, Federal Reserve facilities, and other borrowings. Loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, while interest bearing deposit inflows and outflows are significantly influenced by general interest rate levels and market conditions. Borrowings and advances may be used on a short-term basis to compensate for reductions in normal sources of funds such as deposit inflows at less than projected levels. Borrowings also may be used on a long-term basis to support expanded activities, match maturities of longer-term assets or manage interest rate risk.

Deposits

The Company has several deposit programs designed to attract both short-term and long-term deposits from the general public by providing a wide selection of accounts and rates. These programs include non-interest bearing deposit accounts and interest bearing deposit accounts such as NOW, DDA, savings, money market deposits, fixed rate certificates of deposit with maturities ranging from three months to five years, negotiated-rate jumbo certificates, and individual retirement accounts. These deposits are obtained primarily from individual and business residents in the Bank’s geographic market areas. Wholesale deposits are obtained through various programs and include brokered deposits classified as NOW, DDA, money market deposits and certificate accounts. The Company’s deposits are summarized below:

(Dollars in thousands)

Total estimated uninsured deposits were $6.544 billion and $6.081 billion at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The following table summarizes the estimated amounts outstanding at December 31, 2024 for uninsured time deposits according to the time remaining to maturity.

(Dollars in thousands)

For additional information on deposits, see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Borrowings

The Company borrows money through repurchase agreements. This process involves the selling of one or more of the securities in the Company’s investment portfolio and simultaneously entering into an agreement to repurchase the same securities at an agreed upon later date, typically overnight. A rate of interest is paid for the agreed period of time. The Bank enters into repurchase agreements with local municipalities, and certain customers, and has adopted procedures designed to ensure proper transfer of title and safekeeping of the underlying securities. In addition to retail repurchase agreements, the Company periodically enters into wholesale repurchase agreements as additional funding sources. The Company has not entered into reverse repurchase agreements.

The Bank is a member of the FHLB of Des Moines, which is one of eleven banks that comprise the FHLB system. The Bank is required to maintain a certain level of activity-based stock in order to borrow or to engage in other transactions with the FHLB of Des Moines. Additionally, the Bank is subject to a membership capital stock requirement that is based upon an annual calculation tied to the total assets of the Bank. The borrowings are collateralized by eligible categories of loans and debt securities (principally, securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S. government and its agencies), provided certain standards related to credit-worthiness have been met. Advances are made pursuant to several different credit programs, each of which has its own interest rates and range of maturities. The Bank’s maximum amount of FHLB advances is limited to the lesser of a fixed percentage of the Bank’s total assets or the discounted value of eligible collateral. FHLB advances fluctuate to meet seasonal and other withdrawals of deposits and to expand lending or investment opportunities of the Company.

During the first quarter of 2023, the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) offered a new Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”) for eligible depository institutions. The BTFP offered loans of up to one year in length to institutions pledging collateral eligible for purchase by the FRB in open market operations such as U.S. Treasuries, U.S. Agency securities, and U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities. These assets were valued at par value. During 2023 the Company borrowed $2.740 billion from the BTFP which enabled the Company to pay off higher rate FHLB advances and support its liquidity position at that time. In the first quarter of 2024, the Company paid off all of the BTFP borrowings through a combination of the FHLB borrowings, cash, and additional sources of liquidity.

Additionally, the Company has other sources of secured and unsecured borrowing lines from various sources that may be used from time to time. For additional information concerning the Company’s borrowings, see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Short-term borrowings

A critical component of the Company’s liquidity and capital resources is access to short-term borrowings to fund its operations. Short-term borrowings are accompanied by increased risks managed by the Bank’s Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”) such as rate increases or unfavorable changes in terms which would make it more costly to obtain future short-term borrowings. The Company’s short-term borrowing sources include FHLB advances, federal funds purchased and retail and wholesale repurchase agreements. The Company also has access to the short-term discount window borrowing programs (i.e., primary credit) of the FRB as well as a line of credit with a large national banking institution. FHLB advances and certain other short-term borrowings may be renewed as long-term borrowings to decrease certain risks such as liquidity or interest rate risk; however, the reduction in risks are weighed against the increased cost of funds and other risks.

Subordinated Debentures

In addition to funds obtained in the ordinary course of business, the Company formed or acquired financing subsidiaries for the purpose of issuing or holding trust preferred securities that entitle the investor to receive cumulative cash distributions thereon. Subordinated debentures were issued in conjunction with the trust preferred securities and the terms of the subordinated debentures and trust preferred securities are the same. For regulatory capital purposes, the trust preferred securities are included in Tier 2 capital at December 31, 2024. The subordinated debentures outstanding as of December 31, 2024 were $133 million, including fair value adjustments from acquisitions. For additional information regarding the subordinated debentures, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Liquidity Risk

In the normal course of business, the Company has commitments that require significant cash availability for customer deposits outflows, repurchase agreements, borrowed funds, lease obligations, off-balance sheet obligations, operating expenses and other contractual obligations. The source of funding for such requirements includes loan repayments, customer deposit inflows, borrowings, revenue from operations, and capital resources. Liquidity risk is the possibility that the Company will not be able to fund present and future obligations as they come due because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding at a reasonable cost.

The objective of liquidity management is to maintain cash flows adequate to meet current and future needs for credit demand, deposit withdrawals, maturing liabilities and corporate operating expenses. Effective liquidity management entails three elements:

1. assessing on an ongoing basis, the current and expected future needs for funds, and ensuring that sufficient funds or access to funds exist to meet those needs at the appropriate time;

2. providing for an adequate cushion of liquidity to meet unanticipated cash flow needs that may arise from potential adverse circumstances ranging from high probability/low severity events to low probability/high severity; and

3. balancing the benefits between providing for adequate liquidity to mitigate potential adverse events and the cost of that liquidity.

The Company has a wide range of versatility in managing the liquidity and asset/liability mix. The Bank’s ALCO meets regularly to assess liquidity risk, among other matters. The Company monitors liquidity and contingency funding alternatives through management reports of liquid assets (e.g., debt securities), both unencumbered and pledged, as well as borrowing capacity, both secured and unsecured, including off-balance sheet funding sources. During 2024, the amount of unencumbered securities increased primarily as a result of pledging securities to collateralize borrowings from 2023 that were released in 2024. The Company evaluates its potential funding needs across alternative scenarios and maintains contingency funding plans consistent with the Company’s access to diversified sources of contingent funding.

The following table identifies certain liquidity sources and capacity available to the Company as of the dates indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)

1 Total unencumbered debt securities at December 31, 2024, included $1.6 billion classified as AFS and $1.6 billion classified as HTM. Total unencumbered debt securities at December 31, 2023, included $441.5 million classified as AFS, and $1.4 billion classified as HTM.

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of business, there may be various outstanding commitments to obtain funding and to extend credit, such as letters of credit and unfunded loan commitments, which are not reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company assessed the off-balance sheet credit exposures as of December 31, 2024 and determined its ACL of $20.4 million was adequate to absorb the estimated credit losses. Such ACL is included in other liabilities. For additional information regarding the Company’s ACL, see “Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Receivable” above.

Off-balance sheet arrangements also include any obligation related to a variable interest held in an unconsolidated entity. The Company does not anticipate any material losses as a result of these transactions. For additional information regarding the Company’s interests in unconsolidated VIEs, see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Capital Resources

Maintaining capital strength continues to be a long-term objective of the Company. High levels of capital are necessary to sustain growth, provide protection against unanticipated declines in asset values, and to safeguard the funds of depositors. Capital is also a source of funds for loan demand and enables the Company to effectively manage its assets and liabilities. The Company has the capacity to issue 234,000,000 shares of common stock of which 113,401,955 have been issued as of December 31, 2024. The Company also has the capacity to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock of which none have been issued as of December 31, 2024. Conversely, the Company may in the future decide to utilize a portion of its strong capital position, as it has done in the past, to repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock, depending on market price and other relevant considerations.

The Federal Reserve has adopted capital adequacy guidelines that are used to assess the adequacy of capital in supervising a bank holding company. The federal banking agencies issued final rules (“Final Rules”) that established a comprehensive regulatory capital framework based on the recommendation of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The Final Rules require the Company to hold a 2.5 percent capital conservation buffer designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. As of December 31, 2024, management believes the Company and Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject and there are no conditions or events subsequent to this date that management believes have changed the Company’s or Bank’s risk-based capital category.

The following table illustrates the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios and the Federal Reserve’s capital adequacy guidelines as of December 31, 2024:

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted the current expected credit losses (“CECL”) accounting standard that requires management’s estimate of credit losses over the expected contractual lives of the Company's relevant financial assets. On March 27, 2020, federal banking regulators issued an interim final rule to delay for two years the initial adoption impact of CECL on regulatory capital, followed by a three-year transition period to phase out the aggregate amount of the capital benefit provided during 2020 and 2021 (i.e., a five-year transition period). The Company has elected to utilize the five-year transition period. During the two-year delay, the Company added back to Common Tier 1 capital 100 percent of the initial adoption impact of CECL plus 25 percent of the cumulative quarterly changes in ACL (i.e., quarterly transitional amounts). Starting on January 1, 2022, the quarterly transitional amounts along with the initial adoption impact of CECL were phased out of Common Tier 1 capital evenly over the three-year period ending at the end of 2024.

For additional information regarding regulatory capital, see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Federal and State Income Taxes

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return using the accrual method of accounting. All required tax returns have been timely filed. Financial institutions are subject to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in the same general manner as other corporations. The federal statutory corporate income tax rate is 21 percent.

Within the Company’s geographic footprint under Montana, Idaho, Utah, Colorado and Arizona law, financial institutions are subject to a corporation income tax, which incorporates or is substantially similar to applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. The corporation income tax is imposed on federal taxable income, subject to certain adjustments. State taxes are incurred at the rate of 6.75 percent in Montana, 5.70 percent in Idaho, 4.55 percent in Utah, 4.25 percent in Colorado and 4.90 percent in Arizona. Washington, Wyoming and Nevada do not impose a corporate income tax. The Company is also required to file in states other than the eight states in which it has properties.

Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $36.2 million and $44.7 million, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was 16.0 percent and 16.7 percent, respectively. The current and prior year’s low effective income tax rates were due to income from tax-exempt debt securities, municipal loans and leases and benefits from federal income tax credits. Income from tax-exempt debt securities, loans and leases was $84.2 million and $80.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Benefits from Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTC”) federal income tax credits were $25.4 million and $19.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The Company has equity investments in Certified Development Entities (“CDE”) which have received allocations of New Markets Tax Credits (“NMTC”). Administered by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (“CDFI Fund”) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the NMTC program is aimed at stimulating economic and community development and job creation in low-income communities. The federal income tax credits received are claimed over a seven-year credit allowance period. The Company also has equity investments in LIHTC’s which are indirect federal subsidies used to finance the development of affordable rental housing for low-income households. The federal income tax credits are claimed over a ten-year credit allowance period. The Company has investments of $11.8 million in Qualified School Construction bonds whereby the Company receives quarterly federal income tax credits in lieu of taxable interest income. The federal income tax credits on these debt securities are subject to federal and state income tax. The Company has investments in historic tax credits that are claimed over a five-year credit allowance period.

Following is a list of expected federal income tax credits to be received in the years indicated.

(Dollars in thousands)

For additional information on income taxes, see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.

Average Balance Sheet

The following schedule provides 1) the total dollar amount of interest and dividend income of the Company for earning assets and the average yields; 2) the total dollar amount of interest expense on interest bearing liabilities and the average rates; 3) net interest and dividend income and interest rate spread; and 4) net interest margin (tax-equivalent).

(Dollars in thousands)

54

Average Balance Sheet - continued

1Includes tax effect of $6.5 million, $5.9 million and $6.3 million on tax-exempt municipal loan and lease income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

2Total loans are gross of the allowance for credit losses, net of unearned income and include loans held for sale. Non-accrual loans were included in the average volume for the entire period.

3Includes tax effect of $8.6 million, $8.9 million and $14.5 million on tax-exempt debt securities income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

4Includes tax effect of $832 thousand, $859 thousand and $0.9 million on federal income tax credits for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

5Includes interest income of $31.2 million, $42.2 million and $1,523 thousand on average interest-bearing cash balances of $594.8 million, $791.5 million and $120.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

6Wholesale deposits include brokered deposits classified as NOW, DDA, money market deposit and certificate accounts with contractual maturities.

Rate/Volume Analysis

Net interest income can be evaluated from the perspective of relative dollars of change in each period. Interest income and interest expense, which are the components of net interest income, are shown in the following table on the basis of the amount of any increases (or decreases) attributable to changes in the dollar levels of the Company’s interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities (“volume”) and the yields earned and paid on such assets and liabilities (“rate”). The change in interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in both volume and rates has been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

(Dollars in thousands)

Net interest income (tax-equivalent) increased $13.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to prior year end. The increase in interest income was primarily attributable to an increase in interest rates with additional benefit from the increase in the loan portfolio, which more than outpaced the increase in interest expense which was primarily driven by an increase in interest rates.

Net interest income (tax-equivalent) decreased $102.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year end. The historic increase in interest rates during the prior year was the reason for the increase in interest expense which outpaced the increase in interest income.

Cyber Risk

A failure in or breach of the Company’s operational or security systems, or those of the Company’s third-party service providers, including as a result of cyber-attacks, could disrupt business, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase costs and cause losses. The Company employs detection and response mechanisms designed to contain and mitigate these risks. The Company maintains a robust information security program that is regularly reviewed, tested, and updated. This includes vulnerability and patch management programs, incident response planning, security monitoring, employee training, and security awareness testing. The Board's Risk Oversight Committee is responsible for monitoring the Company’s cyber risk management profile and related programs. The Board is responsible for approval of related policies.

See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 1C. Cybersecurity” for additional information regarding our cybersecurity program and the risks we face from cybersecurity threats.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP often requires management to use significant judgments as well as subjective and/or complex measurements in making estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The Company considers its accounting policies for the ACL, goodwill and fair value measurements to be critical accounting policies. The application of these policies has a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and financial results could differ significantly if different judgments or estimates were applied. The following describes why the estimates are subject to uncertainty, the estimated change in the reported periods, and the sensitivity of the reported amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying the calculation.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses for loans receivable represents management’s estimate of credit losses over the expected contractual life of the loan portfolio. Determining the adequacy of the allowance is complex and requires a high degree of judgment by management about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Subsequent evaluations of the then-existing loan portfolio, in light of the factors then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the allowance in those future period which is why there is such a high degree of uncertainty. Such factors or assumptions include loan volumes, delinquency status, credit ratings, historical loss experiences, estimated prepayment speeds, weighted average lives and other conditions influencing loss expectations, such as reasonable and supportable forecasts of economic conditions. As a result of the significant size of the loan portfolio, the numerous assumptions in the model, and the high degree of potential change in such assumptions, there is a high degree of sensitivity to the reported amounts. For information regarding the ACL for loans receivable, its relation to the provision for credit losses and risk related to asset quality, and the estimated change during the reported periods, see the section captioned “Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Receivable” included in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Notes 1 and 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Goodwill

The Company is required to assess goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if determined necessary. Goodwill of a reporting unit is tested for impairment if an event is more-likely-than-not to reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Changes in the economic environment, operations of the aggregated reporting units, or other factors could result in the decline in the fair value of the aggregated reporting units which could result in a goodwill impairment in the future. The estimate is considered to have a low amount of uncertainty unless there is an event that significantly lowers the fair value of a reporting unit estimate. Examples of events and circumstances include: significant change in legal factors or in the business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, loss of key personnel, a more likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of, and the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit. There were no changes to the Company’s assessment or reported amounts during 2024. For information on goodwill, see Notes 1 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value measurement estimates are used for certain recorded and disclosed financial instruments on a recurring and non-recurring basis. Such estimates utilize a variety of assumptions which are subject to uncertainty. Certain fair value measurements have a higher degree of sensitivity of the reported amount to the methods, assumptions and estimates underlying the calculation. For information on fair value measurements and the estimated changes during the reporting periods, see Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Authoritative accounting guidance that impacted the Company that became effective during 2024 or 2023 include amendments to:

• FASB ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures
• FASB ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting
• FASB ASC Topic 848, Reference Rate Reform
• FASB ASC Topic 232, Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures

Authoritative accounting guidance that may possibly have a material impact on the Company that is pending adoption at December 31, 2024 includes amendments to:

• FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes

For additional information on the topics and the impact on the Company see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

The disclosures set forth in this item are qualified by the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” included in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market rates/prices such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and equity prices. The Company’s primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the potential for loss of future earnings resulting from adverse changes in the level of interest rates. Interest rate risk results from many factors and could have a significant impact on the Company’s net interest income, which is the Company’s primary source of net income. Net interest income is affected by a myriad of variables, including changes in interest rates, the relationship between rates on interest bearing assets and liabilities, the impact of the interest fluctuations on asset prepayments and the mix of interest bearing assets and liabilities.

Although interest rate risk is inherent in the banking industry, banks are expected to have sound risk management practices in place to measure, monitor and control interest rate exposures. The objective of interest rate risk management is to appropriately manage the risks associated with interest rate fluctuations. The process includes identification and management of the sensitivity of net interest income to changing interest rates.

The ongoing monitoring and management of this risk is an important component of the Company’s asset/liability management process which is governed by policies established by the Company’s Board. The Board delegates responsibility for carrying out the asset/liability management policies to ALCO. In this capacity, ALCO develops guidelines and strategies impacting the Company’s asset/liability management-related activities which are focused on managing earnings, particularly net interest income, relative to acceptable levels of interest rate, liquidity and credit/capital risks. Accordingly, an important goal of the Company’s asset and liability management practices is to manage its existing and prospective levels of net interest income within an acceptable degree of interest rate risk based upon estimated market risk sensitivity, policy limits and overall market interest rate levels and trends.

Net interest income simulation

The Company uses a detailed and dynamic simulation model to quantify the estimated exposure of net interest income (“NII”) to sustained interest rate changes. While ALCO routinely monitors simulated NII sensitivity over rolling two-year and five-year horizons, it also utilizes additional tools to monitor potential longer-term interest rate risk. The simulation model captures the impact of changing interest rates on the interest income received and interest expense paid on all assets and liabilities reflected on the Company’s statements of financial condition. This sensitivity analysis is compared to ALCO policy limits which specify a maximum tolerance level for NII exposure over a one year and two year horizon, assuming no balance sheet growth. The ALCO policy rate scenarios include upward and downward shifts in interest rates for 100 bps, 200 bps, 300 bps, and 400 bps scenarios with instantaneous and parallel changes in current market yield curves. The ALCO policy also includes 200 bps and 400 bps rate scenarios with gradual parallel shifts in interest rates over 12-month and 24-month periods, respectively. Other non-parallel rate movement scenarios are also modeled to determine the potential impact on net interest income. The additional scenarios are adjusted as the economic environment changes and provide ALCO additional interest rate risk monitoring tools to evaluate current market conditions.

The following is indicative of the Company’s overall NII sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 2024. The Company’s NII sensitivity remained within policy limits at December 31, 2024.

The preceding sensitivity analysis does not represent a forecast and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results. Changes in the Company’s core deposit base, updated deposit pricing assumptions, and other balance sheet changes have increased the degree of measured liability sensitivity. It is important to note that these hypothetical estimates are based upon numerous assumptions that are specific to our Company and thus may not be directly comparable to other institutions. These assumptions include: the nature and timing of interest rate levels including, but not limited to, yield curve shape, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits and reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows. While assumptions are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, the Company cannot make any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change. Also, as market conditions vary from those assumed in the sensitivity analysis, actual results will also differ due to prepayment/refinancing levels likely deviating from those assumed, the varying impact of interest rate caps or floors on adjustable rate assets, the potential effect of changing debt service levels on customers with adjustable rate loans, depositor early withdrawals and product preference changes, and other internal and external variables. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis does not reflect actions that ALCO might take in responding to or anticipating changes in interest rates.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the CEO and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that are filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are recorded, processed, summarized and timely reported as provided in the SEC’s rules and forms. As a result of this evaluation, there were no significant changes in the internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as it relates to its financial statements presented in conformity with GAAP. The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes self-monitoring mechanisms and actions are taken to correct deficiencies as they are identified.

There are inherent limitations in any internal control, no matter how well designed, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected, including the possibility of circumvention or overriding of controls. Accordingly, even an effective internal control system can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of an internal control system may vary over time.

Management assessed its internal control structure over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. This assessment was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in the “2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management asserts that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as it relates to its financial statements presented in conformity with GAAP.

Forvis Mazars, LLP, Denver, Colorado, (U.S. PCAOB Auditor Firm ID 686), the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, has issued an audit report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Such audit report expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 and is included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”