Midland States Bancorp, Inc.

Previous wording

Our business and operations are sensitive to business and economic conditions in the United States generally and the state of Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area in particular. If the national, regional and local economies experience worsening economic conditions, including as a result of recent changes in U.S. trade policy and U.S. and global tariff rates, our growth and profitability could be harmed. Weak economic conditions are characterized by, among other indicators, elevated levels of unemployment, fluctuations in debt and equity capital markets, increased delinquencies on mortgage, commercial and consumer loans, residential and commercial real estate price declines, and lower home sales and commercial activity. All of these factors are generally detrimental to our business. Our business is significantly affected by monetary and other regulatory policies of the U.S. federal government, its agencies and government-sponsored entities. Changes in any of these policies are influenced by macroeconomic conditions and other factors that are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and growth prospects.

Current wording

Our business and operations are sensitive to business and economic conditions in the United States generally and the state of Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area in particular. If the national, regional and local economies experience worsening economic conditions, our growth and profitability could be harmed. Weak economic conditions are characterized by, among other indicators, elevated levels of unemployment, fluctuations in debt and equity capital markets, increased delinquencies on mortgage, commercial and consumer loans, residential and commercial real estate price declines, and lower home sales and commercial activity. All of these factors are generally detrimental to our business. Our business is significantly affected by monetary and other regulatory policies of the U.S. federal government, its agencies and government-sponsored entities. Changes in any of these policies are influenced by macroeconomic conditions and other factors that are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and growth prospects.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2024, our allowance for credit losses on loans as a percentage of total loans was 2.15% and as a percentage of total nonperforming loans was 73.69%. Although management believed, as of such date, that the allowance for credit losses on loans was adequate to absorb losses on any existing loans that may become uncollectible, we may be required to take additional provisions for credit losses on loans in the future to further supplement the allowance for credit losses on loans, either due to management’s decision to do so or because our banking regulators require us to do so. Our bank regulatory agencies will periodica lly review our allowance for credit losses on loans and the value attributed to nonaccrual loans or to real estate acquired through foreclosure and may require us to adjust our determination of the value for these items. These adjustments may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, our allowance for credit losses on loans as a percentage of total loans was 1.59% and as a percentage of total nonperforming loans was 105.71%. Although management believed, as of such date, that the allowance for credit losses on loans was adequate to absorb losses on any existing loans that may become uncollectible, we may be required to take additional provisions for credit losses on loans in the future to further supplement the allowance for credit losses on loans, either due to management’s decision to do so or because our banking regulators require us to do so. Our bank regulatory agencies will periodically review our allowance for credit losses on loans and the value attributed to nonaccrual loans or to real estate acquired through foreclosure and may require us to adjust our determination of the value for these items. These adjustments may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2024, approximately 63.3% of our loan portfolio was comprised of loans with real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral. As a result, adverse developments affecting real estate values in our market areas could increase the credit risk associated with our real estate loan portfolio. The market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time as a result of interest rate levels and by market conditions in the area in which the real estate is located. Adverse changes affecting real estate values and the liquidity of real estate in one or more of our markets could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio, significantly impair the value of property pledged as collateral on loans and affect our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure without a loss or additional losses, which could result in losses that would adversely affect profitability. Such declines and losses could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and growth prospects.

Current wording

At December 31, 2025, approximately 68.4% of our loan portfolio was comprised of loans with real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral. As a result, adverse developments affecting real estate values in our market areas could increase the credit risk associated with our real estate loan portfolio. The market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time as a result of interest rate levels and by market conditions in the area in which the real estate is located. Adverse changes affecting real estate values and the liquidity of real estate in one or more of our markets could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio, significantly impair the value of property pledged as collateral on loans and affect our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure without a loss or additional losses, which could result in losses that would adversely affect profitability. Such declines and losses could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and growth prospects.

Previous wording

Commercial loans represented 82.3% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2024. Commercial loans are often larger and involve greater risks than other types of lending. Because payments on such loans often depend on the successful operation or development of the property or business involved, repayment of such loans is often more sensitive than other types of loans to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the general business climate and economy. Accordingly, a downturn in the real estate market and a challenging business and economic environment may increase our risk related to commercial loans, particularly commercial real estate loans. Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from their employment and other income and which are secured by real property, the value of which tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial loans typically are made on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the commercial venture. Our operating commercial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the collateral underlying the loans. Most often, this collateral consists of accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. Inventory and equipment may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. If the cash flow from business operations is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Due to the larger average size of each commercial loan as compared with other loans such as residential loans, as well as collateral that is generally less readily-marketable, losses incurred on even a small number of commercial loans could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Commercial loans represented 87.5% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2025. Commercial loans are often larger and involve greater risks than other types of lending. Because payments on such loans often depend on the successful operation or development of the property or business involved, repayment of such loans is often more sensitive than other types of loans to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the general business climate and economy. Accordingly, a downturn in the real estate market and a challenging business and economic environment may increase our risk related to commercial loans, particularly commercial real estate loans. Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from their employment and other income and which are secured by real property, the value of which tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial loans typically are made on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the commercial venture. Our operating commercial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the collateral underlying the loans. Most often, this collateral consists of accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. Inventory and equipment may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. If the cash flow from business operations is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Due to the larger average size of each commercial loan as compared with other loans such as residential loans, as well as collateral that is generally less readily-marketable, losses incurred on even a small number of commercial loans could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

In addition, we have provided an aggregate of $230.2 million of financing to the two third-party buyers that purchased participation interests in consumer loans that were originated through GreenSky's consumer loan origination platform. The ability of each of these buyers to repay the obligations to us will depend significantly on the performance of the consumer loans.

Current wording

In addition, we have provided an aggregate of $162.3 million of financing to the two third-party buyers that purchased participation interests in consumer loans that were originated through GreenSky's consumer loan origination platform. The ability of each of these buyers to repay the obligations to us will depend significantly on the performance of the consumer loans.

Previous wording

Real estate construction loans comprised approximately 5.8% of our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024, and such lending involves additional risks because funds are advanced upon the security of the project, which is of uncertain value prior to its completion, and costs may exceed realizable values in declining real estate markets. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs and the realizable market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation of real property, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. As a result, construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If our appraisal of the value of the completed project proves to be overstated or market values or rental rates decline, we may have inadequate security for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project. If we are forced to foreclose on a project prior to or at completion due to a default, we may not be able to recover all of the unpaid balance of, and accrued interest on, the loan as well as related foreclosure and holding costs. In addition, we may be required to fund additional amounts to complete the project and may have to hold the property for an unspecified period of time while we attempt to dispose of it.

Current wording

Real estate construction loans comprised approximately 6.6% of our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2025, and such lending involves additional risks because funds are advanced upon the security of the project, which is of uncertain value prior to its completion, and costs may exceed realizable values in declining real estate markets. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs and the realizable market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation of real property, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. As a result, construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If our appraisal of the value of the completed project proves to be overstated or market values or rental rates decline, we may have inadequate security for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project. If we are forced to foreclose on a project prior to or at completion due to a default, we may not be able to recover all of the unpaid balance of, and accrued interest on, the loan as well as related foreclosure and holding costs. In addition, we may be required to fund additional amounts to complete the project and may have to hold the property for an unspecified period of time while we attempt to dispose of it.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had $4.9 million of other real estate owned. Our other real estate owned portfolio consists of properties that we obtained through foreclosure or through an in-substance foreclosure in satisfaction of loans. Properties in our other real estate owned portfolio are recorded at the lower of the recorded investment in the loans for which the properties previously served as collateral or the “fair value,” which represents the estimated sales price of the properties on the date acquired less estimated selling costs.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, we had $0.6 million of other real estate owned. Our other real estate owned portfolio consists of properties that we obtained through foreclosure or through an in-substance foreclosure in satisfaction of loans. Properties in our other real estate owned portfolio are recorded at the lower of the recorded investment in the loans for which the properties previously served as collateral or the “fair value,” which represents the estimated sales price of the properties on the date acquired less estimated selling costs.

Previous wording

Our nonperforming assets adversely affect our net income in various ways. We do not record interest income on nonaccrual loans or other real estate owned, thereby adversely affecting our net income and returns on assets and equity, increasing our loan administration costs and adversely affecting our efficiency ratio. When we take collateral in foreclosure and similar proceedings, we are required to mark the collateral to its then-fair market value, which may result in a loss. These nonperforming loans and other real estate owned also increase our risk profile and the level of capital our regulators believe is appropriate for us to maintain in light of such risks. The resolution of nonperforming assets requires significant time commitments from management and can be detrimental to the performance of their other responsibilities. If we experience increases in nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets, our net interest income may be negatively impacted and our loan administration costs could increase, each of which could have an adverse effect on our net income and related ratios, such as return on assets and equity.

Current wording

Our nonperforming assets adversely affect our net income in various ways. We do not record interest income on nonaccrual loans or other real estate owned, thereby adversely affecting our net income and returns on assets and equity, increasing our loan administration costs and adversely affecting our efficiency ratio. When we take collateral in foreclosure and similar proceedings, we are required to mark the collateral to its then-fair market value, which may result in a loss. These nonperforming loans and other real estate owned also increase our risk profile and the level of capital our regulators believe is appropriate for us to maintain in light of such risks. The resolution of nonperforming assets requires significant time commitments from management and can be detrimental to the performance of their other responsibilities.

Previous wording

Our success is dependent, to a large degree, upon the continued service and skills of our existing executive management team, particularly Mr. Jeffrey G. Ludwig, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Eric T. Lemke, our Chief Financial Officer.

Current wording

Our success is dependent, to a large degree, upon the continued service and skills of our current executive management team, particularly Mr. Jeffrey G. Ludwig, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Eric T. Lemke, our Chief Financial Officer.

Previous wording

Our business and growth strategies are built primarily upon our ability to retain employees with experience and business relationships within their respective market areas. The loss of Mr. Ludwig, Mr. Lemke or any of our other key personnel could have an adverse impact on our business and growth because of their skills, years of industry experience, knowledge of our market areas and the difficulty of finding qualified replacement personnel, particularly in light of the fact that we are not headquartered in a major metropolitan area. In addition, although we have non-competition agreements with each of our executive officers and with several others of our senior personnel, we do not have any such agreements with other employees who are important to our business, and in any event the enforceability of non-competition agreements varies across the states in which we do business. While our mortgage originators, loan officers and wealth management professionals are generally subject to non-solicitation provisions as part of their employment, our ability to enforce such agreements may not fully mitigate the injury to our business from the breach of such agreements, as such employees could leave us and immediately begin soliciting our customers. The departure of any of our personnel who are not subject to enforceable non-competition agreements could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and growth prospects.

Current wording

Our business and growth strategies are built primarily upon our ability to retain employees with experience and business relationships within their respective market areas. The loss of any of our key personnel could have an adverse impact on our business and growth because of their skills, years of industry experience, knowledge of our market areas and the difficulty of finding qualified replacement personnel, particularly in light of the fact that we are not headquartered in a major metropolitan area. In addition, although we have non-competition agreements with each of our executive officers and with several others of our senior personnel, we do not have any such agreements with other employees who are important to our business, and in any event the enforceability of non-competition agreements varies across the states in which we do business. While our mortgage originators, loan officers and wealth management professionals are generally subject to non-solicitation provisions as part of their employment, our ability to enforce such agreements may not fully mitigate the injury to our business from the breach of such agreements, as such employees could leave us and immediately begin soliciting our customers. The departure of any of our personnel who are not subject to enforceable non-competition agreements could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and growth prospects.

Previous wording

When we sell or securitize mortgage loans in the ordinary course of business, we are required to make certain representations and warranties to the purchaser about the mortgage loans and the manner in which they were originated. Under these agreements, we may be required to repurchase mortgage loans if we have breached any of these representations or warranties, in which case we may record a loss. In addition, if repurchase and indemnity demands increase on loans that we sell from our portfolios, our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. In addition, we have sold residential mortgage servicing rights to third parties pursuant to customary purchase agreements, under which we could be required to indemnify the purchasers for losses resulting from pre-closing servicing errors or breaches of our representations and warranties, which could affect our results of operations.

Current wording

When we sell or securitize mortgage loans in the ordinary course of business, we are required to make certain representations and warranties to the purchaser about the mortgage loans and the manner in which they were originated. Under these agreements, we may be required to repurchase mortgage loans if we have breached any of these representations or warranties, in which case we may record a loss. In addition, if repurchase and indemnity demands increase on loans that we sell from our portfolios, our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. In addition, we have sold mortgage servicing rights to third parties pursuant to customary purchase agreements, under which we could be required to indemnify the purchasers for losses resulting from pre-closing servicing errors or breaches of our representations and warranties, which could affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

Our operations consist of offering banking and mortgage services, and we also offer trust, wealth management and leasing services to generate noninterest income. Many of our competitors offer the same, or a wider variety of, banking and related financial services within our market areas. These competitors include national banks, regional banks and other community banks. We also face competition from many other types of financial institutions, including savings and loan institutions, finance companies, private credit funds, brokerage firms, insurance companies, credit unions, mortgage banks and other financial intermediaries. In addition, a number of out-of-state financial intermediaries have opened production offices or otherwise solicit deposits in our market areas. Additionally, we face growing competition from so-called “online businesses” with few or no physical locations, including online banks, lenders and consumer and commercial lending platforms, and FinTech companies, as well as automated retirement and investment service providers. Increased competition in our markets may result in reduced loans, deposits and commissions and brokers’ fees, as well as reduced net interest margin and profitability. Ultimately, we may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors. If we are unable to attract and retain banking, mortgage, leasing and wealth management customers, we may be unable to continue to grow our business and our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Current wording

Our operations consist of offering banking and mortgage services, and we also offer trust and wealth management, and other services to generate noninterest income. Many of our competitors offer the same, or a wider variety of, banking and related financial services within our market areas. These competitors include national banks, regional banks and other community banks. We also face competition from many other types of financial institutions, including savings and loan institutions, finance companies, private credit funds, brokerage firms, insurance companies, credit unions, mortgage banks and other financial intermediaries. In addition, a number of out-of-state financial intermediaries have opened production offices or otherwise solicit deposits in our market areas. Additionally, we face growing competition from so-called “online businesses” with few or no physical locations, including online banks, lenders and consumer and commercial lending platforms, and FinTech companies, as well as automated retirement and investment service providers. Increased competition in our markets may result in reduced loans, deposits, and commissions and brokers’ fees, as well as reduced net interest margin and profitability. Ultimately, we may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors. If we are unable to attract and retain banking, mortgage, and wealth management customers, we may be unable to continue to grow our business and our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

During 2022, we invested in the development of a BaaS platform that will enable us to enter into partnerships with financial technology companies through which we will provide banking services to the customers of these companies. We believe that these partnerships will contribute to loan production, deposit gathering, and fee income generation in future years. We intend to be very selective in our approach to developing BaaS partnerships to ensure that any partners that are added meet our high standards for risk management. However, we are subject to compliance and regulatory risk if partners do not follow our servicing policies, lending laws, and regulations. Our bank regulators may hold us responsible for the activities of our BaaS partners with respect to the marketing or administration of their programs, which may result in increased compliance costs for us or potentially compliance violations as a result of BaaS partner activities. In addition, we may not find enough suitable partnerships for the BaaS platform to have a meaningful impact on our overall financial performance.

Current wording

Beginning in 2022, we invested in the development of a BaaS platform that will enable us to enter into partnerships with financial technology companies through which we will provide banking services to the customers of these companies. We believe that these partnerships will contribute to loan production, deposit gathering, and fee income generation in future years. We intend to be very selective in our approach to developing BaaS partnerships to ensure that any partners that are added meet our high standards for risk management. However, we are subject to compliance and regulatory risk if partners do not follow our servicing policies, lending laws, and regulations. Our bank regulators may hold us responsible for the activities of our BaaS partners with respect to the marketing or administration of their programs, which may result in increased compliance costs for us or potentially compliance violations as a result of BaaS partner activities. In addition, we may not find enough suitable partnerships for the BaaS platform to have a meaningful impact on our overall financial performance.

Previous wording

As described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over the risk assessment process for identifying whether third-party loan origination and servicing contracts present unique accounting considerations that should be further evaluated and the financial reporting related to our accounting and financial reporting of third party lending and servicing arrangements. See Item 9A — Controls and Procedures. As a result of these material weaknesses, our independent registered public accounting firm concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. In addition, we restated our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the interim quarterly periods in 2024 and 2023 Any failure to maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting could adversely impact our ability to report our financial position and results from operations on a timely and accurate basis. We can give no assurance that our plans to remediate these material weaknesses will be successful or prevent any future material weaknesses, or that further restatements of financial results will not arise in the future due to a failure to implement and maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting or circumvention of these controls. In addition, our controls and procedures may not be adequate to prevent or identify irregularities or errors, which could affect the fair presentation of our consolidated financial statements.

Current wording

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, management previously identified certain material weaknesses in our internal control over the risk assessment process for identifying whether third-party loan origination and servicing contracts present unique accounting considerations that should be further evaluated and the financial reporting related to our accounting and financial reporting of third-party lending and servicing arrangements. As a result of these material weaknesses, our independent registered public accounting firm concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. In addition, we restated our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, and for the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as the interim quarterly periods in 2024 and 2023.

Previous wording

For example, during the first quarter of 2025, Management determined that a triggering event had occurred at its Banking reporting unit as a result of further deteriorated credit quality coupled with the trends in the stock price. The Company performed a quantitative impairment test on its Banking reporting unit as of March 31, 2025, and engaged a third-party service provider to assist Management with the determination of the fair value. The resulting calculation indicated that the carrying amount exceeded the fair value of the Company's Banking reporting unit. As a result of the assessment, the Company expects to recognize goodwill impairment expense between $135.0 million and $154.0 million in the first quarter of 2025. This non-cash impairment expense did not impact our regulatory capital ratios, tangible common equity ratio nor our liquidity position, and will not result in future cash expenditures. There can be no assurance that our future evaluations of our existing goodwill or goodwill we may acquire in the future will not result in additional findings of impairment and related charges, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

For example, during the first quarter of 2025, Management determined that a triggering event had occurred at our Banking reporting unit as a result of further deteriorated credit quality coupled with the trends in the Company's stock price. The Company performed a quantitative impairment test on its Banking reporting unit as of March 31, 2025, and engaged a third-party service provider to assist Management with the determination of the fair value. The resulting calculation indicated that the carrying amount exceeded the fair value of the Company's Banking reporting unit. As a result of the assessment, the Company recognized goodwill impairment expense of $154.0 million in the first quarter of 2025. This non-cash impairment expense did not impact our regulatory capital ratios, tangible common equity ratio nor our liquidity position, and will not result in future cash expenditures. There can be no assurance that our future evaluations of our remaining existing goodwill or goodwill we may acquire in the future will not result in additional findings of impairment and related charges, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Many aspects of our business and operations involve the risk of legal liability, and in some cases we or our subsidiaries have been named or threatened to be named as defendants in various lawsuits arising from our business activities. For example, some of the services we provide, such as wealth management services, require us to act as fiduciaries for our customers and others. From time to time, third parties make claims and take legal action against us pertaining to the performance of our fiduciary responsibilities. In addition, companies in our industry are frequently the subject of governmental and self-regulatory agency information-gathering requests, reviews, investigations and proceedings. We believe we face an elevated risk of the foregoing proceedings in connection with the matters leading us to restate our financial statements and in connection with LendingPoint's 2023 system conversion and any potential effects on certain loans, as discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Current wording

Many aspects of our business and operations involve the risk of legal liability, and in some cases we or our subsidiaries have been named or threatened to be named as defendants in various lawsuits arising from our business activities. For example, some of the services we provide, such as wealth management services, require us to act as fiduciaries for our customers and others. From time to time, third parties make claims and take legal action against us pertaining to the performance of our fiduciary responsibilities. In addition, companies in our industry are frequently the subject of governmental and self-regulatory agency information-gathering requests, reviews, investigations and proceedings. We believe we face an elevated risk of the foregoing proceedings in connection with the matters leading us to restate our prior years' financial statements and in connection with LendingPoint's 2023 system conversion and any potential effects on certain loans, as discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

The results of such proceedings could lead to significant civil or criminal penalties, including monetary penalties, damages, adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restrictions on the way in which we conduct our business, or reputational harm. We are not able to estimate the likelihood of such developments or the likely magnitude or significance of any liability or other outcomes of any such proceedings.

Current wording

The results of such proceedings could lead to significant civil or criminal penalties, including monetary penalties, damages, adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restrictions on the way in which we conduct our business, or reputational harm.

Previous wording

At this time, it is difficult to predict the legislative and regulatory changes that will result from having a new President of the United States. The new administration and Congress may cause broad economic changes due to changes in governing ideology and governing style, included as a result of implementation of proposed policies regarding tariffs, mass deportations and tax regulations. New appointments to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve could affect monetary policy and interest rates, and changes in fiscal policy could affect broader patterns of trade and economic growth. Future legislation, regulation, and government policy could affect the banking industry as a whole, including our business and results of operations, in ways that are difficult to predict. In addition, our results of operations also could be adversely affected by changes in the way in which existing statutes and regulations are interpreted or applied by courts and government agencies.

Current wording

The federal government may cause broad economic changes as a result of implementation of policies regarding tariffs, deportations and tax regulations. New appointments to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve could affect monetary policy and interest rates, and changes in fiscal policy could affect broader patterns of trade and economic growth. Future legislation, regulation, and government policy could affect the banking industry as a whole, including our business and results of operations, in ways that are difficult to predict. In addition, our results of operations also could be adversely affected by changes in the way in which existing statutes and regulations are interpreted or applied by courts and government agencies.

Previous wording

In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, our earnings, capital ratios and growth are affected by the policies of the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve reduced the federal funds rate several times in 2024 based upon improving economic conditions. These recent reductions have resulted in decreases in asset yields and funding costs. Future rate reductions of the Federal Reserve could continue to have positive effects on our business, by increasing loan demand, decreasing our costs of deposits and other sources of funding, improving the value of our securities portfolio, and increasing the earnings of our wealth management business. Lower interest rates can also positively affect our customers’ businesses and financial condition, and the value of collateral securing loans in our portfolio.

Current wording

In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, our earnings, capital ratios and growth are affected by the policies of the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve reduced the federal funds rate several times since late 2024 based upon improving economic conditions. These recent reductions have resulted in decreases in asset yields and funding costs. Future rate reductions of the Federal Reserve could continue to have positive effects on our business, by increasing loan demand, decreasing our costs of deposits and other sources of funding, improving the value of our securities portfolio, and increasing the earnings of our wealth management business. Lower interest rates can also positively affect our customers’ businesses and financial condition, and the value of collateral securing loans in our portfolio.

Previous wording

Factors beyond our control can significantly influence the fair value of securities in our portfolio and can cause potential adverse changes to the fair value of these securities. For example, fixed-rate securities acquired by us are generally subject to decreases in market value when interest rates rise. Additional factors include, but are not limited to, rating agency downgrades of the securities or our own analysis of the value of the security, defaults by the issuer or individual mortgagors with respect to the underlying securities, and continued instability in the credit markets. We may be required to record additional credit reserve charges if our investment securities suffer a decline in fair value that has resulted from credit losses or other factors. If we determine that a significant reserve is needed, we would be required to charge against earnings the credit-related portion, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the periods in which the write-offs occur. In addition, we may determine to sell securities in our available-for-sale investment securities portfolio, and any such sale could cause us to realize currently unrealized losses that resulted from the increases in the prevailing interest rates.

Current wording

Factors beyond our control can significantly influence the fair value of securities in our portfolio and can cause potential adverse changes to the fair value of these securities. For example, fixed-rate securities acquired by us are generally subject to decreases in market value when interest rates rise. Additional factors include, but are not limited to, rating agency downgrades of the securities or our own analysis of the value of the security, defaults by the issuer or individual mortgagors with respect to the underlying securities, and continued instability in the credit markets. Any of the foregoing factors could cause an impairment in future periods and result in realized losses. The process for determining potential impairment requires difficult, subjective judgments about the future financial performance of the issuer and any collateral underlying the security in order to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the security. Because of changing economic and market conditions affecting interest rates, the financial condition of issuers of the securities and the performance of the underlying collateral, we may recognize realized and/or unrealized losses in future periods, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Mortgage production, especially refinancing activity, is adversely affected by high or rising interest rate environments. Though the Federal Reserve reduced the federal funds rate several times in 2024, should interest rates remain elevated, it could adversely affect our mortgage production levels. Because we sell a substantial portion of the mortgage loans we originate, the revenue and profitability of our mortgage banking business also depends in large part on our ability to aggregate a high volume of loans and sell them in the secondary market at a gain. Thus, in addition to our dependence on the interest rate environment, we are dependent upon (i) the existence of an active secondary market and (ii) our ability to profitably sell loans or securities into that market. To the extent we are not able to achieve a high level of mortgage production, our revenue and profitability will depend upon our ability to reduce our costs commensurate with the reduction of revenue from our mortgage operations.

Current wording

Mortgage production, especially refinancing activity, is adversely affected by high or rising interest rate environments. Though the Federal Reserve reduced the federal funds rate several times since late 2024, should interest rates remain elevated, it could adversely affect our mortgage production levels. Because we sell a substantial portion of the mortgage loans we originate, the revenue and profitability of our mortgage banking business also depends in large part on our ability to aggregate a high volume of loans and sell them in the secondary market at a gain. Thus, in addition to our dependence on the interest rate environment, we are dependent upon (i) the existence of an active secondary market and (ii) our ability to profitably sell loans or securities into that market. To the extent we are not able to achieve a high level of mortgage production, our revenue and profitability will depend upon our ability to reduce our costs commensurate with the reduction of revenue from our mortgage operations.

Previous wording

We face significant capital and other regulatory requirements as a financial institution. The Company, on a consolidated basis, and the Bank, on a stand-alone basis, must meet certain regulatory capital requirements and maintain sufficient liquidity. Importantly, regulatory capital requirements could increase from current levels, which could require us to raise additional capital or contract our operations. Our ability to raise additional capital depends on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions and a number of other factors, including investor perceptions regarding the banking industry, market conditions and governmental activities, and on our financial condition and performance. In addition, as a result of the delayed filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, we will not be eligible to register the offer and sale of our securities using a registration statement on Form S-3 until we have timely filed all periodic reports required under the Exchange Act for at least 12 calendar months, which could negatively affect our ability to raise any additional capital in a timely and efficient manner. We cannot assure you that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed or on terms acceptable to us. If we fail to maintain capital to meet regulatory requirements, our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

We face significant capital and other regulatory requirements as a financial institution. The Company, on a consolidated basis, and the Bank, on a stand-alone basis, must meet certain regulatory capital requirements and maintain sufficient liquidity. Importantly, regulatory capital requirements could increase from current levels, which could require us to raise additional capital or contract our operations. Our ability to raise additional capital depends on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions and a number of other factors, including investor perceptions regarding the banking industry, market conditions and governmental activities, and on our financial condition and performance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed or on terms acceptable to us. If we fail to maintain capital to meet regulatory requirements, our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.