GLACIER BANCORP, INC. (GBCI) FY 2023 MD&A

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion is intended to provide a more comprehensive review of the Company’s operating results and financial condition than can be obtained from reading the Consolidated Financial Statements alone. The discussion is expected to provide investors an enhanced view of the Company from management’s perspective. The information includes 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 future 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,” “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 insurance rates and assessments or increased banking and consumer protection regulations, that may adversely affect the Company’s business;

•risks related to overall economic conditions, including the impact on the economy of an elevated interest rate environment, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical instability, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East;

•risks, costs and other difficulties 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 technologies 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 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

24

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.

________________________

n/m - not measurable

25

______________________________

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.

26

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 COMPARED TO DECEMBER 31, 2022

Highlights and Overview

The banking industry experienced significant pressures during the current year with historic increases in interest rates during the last eighteen months and three notable bank failures in 2023. These events led to higher cost deposits and customers’ prioritizing the safety of their deposits. The Company was not immune to the impact of these events during 2023 and had the greatest pressure on its deposit costs and the resulting net interest margin. While the Company experienced an overall decline in net income during the year, the Company strategically navigated through the current year, which the Company believes will contribute to its long-term success.

The Company ended the year at $27.743 billion in assets, which was a $1.107 billion, or 4 percent, increase over the prior year end and was driven by the increase in the loan portfolio and cash liquidity that more than offset the decrease in debt securities. Loan growth was $951 million, or 6 percent, during 2023 with increases in all loan categories. During the year, the Company focused on its diversified deposit and repurchase agreement product offerings resulting in a slight decline of $108 million, or 50 basis points, during the year. The Company also focused on maintaining a strong liquidity position and ended the current year with available liquidity of $15.0 billion including cash, borrowing capacity, and unpledged securities. Stockholders’ equity increased $177 million, or $1.57 per share, which was the combined result of earnings retention and the decrease in the unrealized loss on AFS debt securities in 2023. The Company declared quarterly dividends totaling $1.32 per share during 2023 and 2022.

The Company had net income for the current year of $223 million, which was a decrease of $80.3 million, or 26 percent, over the prior year net income of $303 million, which was driven by the increase in cost of funds outpacing the increase in interest income. Diluted earnings per share for the year was $2.01, a decrease of 27 percent, from the 2022 diluted earnings per share of $2.74. The Company's net interest margin for 2023 was 2.73 percent, a 54 basis points decrease from the net interest margin of 3.27 percent from 2022, which was primarily driven by the volatile interest rate environment and the higher cost of funds. The Company was successful in controlling costs during the current year with an $8.5 million, or 2 percent, increase in non-interest expense which was primarily driven by a $6.0 million FDIC special assessment and the FDIC uniformly increasing all depository institutions premiums during 2023. Excluding the increase in regulatory assessment and insurance, non-interest expense decreased $7.3 million, or 2 percent, during the current year which was driven by increased operating efficiencies, a decrease in performance related compensation and a decrease in staffing levels.

The Company’s credit quality remains strong, ending the current year with $26 million in non-performing assets compared to $33 million at prior year end. Net charge-offs for 2023 remained low at 0.06 percent of loans compared to 0.05 percent of loans during the prior year. The Company also continues to maintain adequate reserves at 1.19 percent of loans at year end 2023 compared to 1.20 percent at the prior year end.

During 2023, the Company announced an agreement to acquire Community Financial Group, Inc., the parent company of Wheatland Bank, a leading eastern Washington community bank headquartered in Spokane with total assets of $728 million, total loans of $469 million and total deposits of $623 million as of December 31, 2023. The acquisition was completed on January 31, 2024. For additional information on the acquisition and subsequent event, 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.

27

Financial Highlights

28

Financial Condition Analysis

Assets

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

Total debt securities of $8.288 billion at December 31, 2023 decreased $734 million, or 8 percent, from the prior year end. The Company utilized the cash flow from its securities portfolio to primarily fund loan growth and maintain a strong cash position during the year. The Company ended the current year with a strong cash position of $1.354 billion at December 31, 2023, which was an increase of $952 million over the prior year end. Debt securities represented 30 percent of total assets at December 31, 2023, compared to 34 percent at December 31, 2022. The loan portfolio of $16.198 billion increased $951 million, or 6 percent, from the prior year end with the largest dollar increase in commercial real estate loans, which increased $506 million, or 5 percent.

29

Liabilities

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

________________________

n/m - not measurable

During the current year, the Company experienced unprecedented fluctuations in deposit balances and higher deposit rates, primarily due to the volatile and increasing interest rate environment. As a result of the Company’s focus on diversified deposit and repurchase agreements, core deposits and retail repurchase agreements decreased $108 million, or 50 basis points, from the prior year end. Non-interest bearing deposits represented 30 percent of total core deposits at December 31, 2023 compared to 37 percent at December 31, 2022.

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, 2023, the Company had available liquidity of $15.0 billion including cash, borrowing capacity from the FHLB and Federal Reserve facilities, unpledged securities, brokered deposits, and other sources.

Stockholders’ Equity

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

Tangible stockholders’ equity of $2.003 billion at December 31, 2023 increased $187 million, or 10 percent, from December 31, 2022, which was primarily due to earnings retention and a decrease in net unrealized losses (after-tax) on AFS debt securities. Tangible book value per common share of $18.06 at the current year end increased $1.66 per share, or 10 percent, from the prior year end.

30

Results of Operations

In this section, the Company’s results of operations are discussed for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. For a discussion of the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, 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, 2022.

Income Summary

The following table summarizes income for the time periods indicated:

Net Interest Income

Net-interest income of $692 million for 2023 decreased $96.7 million, or 12 percent, over 2022 and was primarily driven by increased interest expense. Interest income of $1.018 billion for 2023 increased $188 million, or 23 percent, from the prior year and was primarily attributable to the increase in the loan portfolio and an increase in loan yields. The loan yield was 5.19 percent for 2023, an increase of 53 basis points from the prior year loan yield of 4.66 percent.

Interest expense of $326 million for 2023 increased $285 million, or 690 percent, over the same period in the prior year and was the result of increased borrowings and higher interest rates on borrowings and deposits. Core deposit cost (including non-interest bearing deposits) was 0.77 percent for 2023 compared to 0.07 percent for the prior year. The total funding cost (including non-interest bearing deposits) for 2023 was 1.35 percent, which was an increase of 117 basis points over the prior year funding cost of 0.18 percent.

The net interest margin as a percentage of earning assets, on a tax-equivalent basis, during 2023 was 2.73 percent, a 54 basis points decrease from the net interest margin of 3.27 percent for the prior year. The core net interest margin, excluding discount accretion, the impact from non-accrual interest and the impact from the Paycheck Protection Program loans, was 2.71 percent for 2023, which was a 49 basis points decrease from the core margin of 3.20 percent in the same period of the prior year. The decline in the margin from the prior year occurred steadily during the current year, before slowing in the fourth quarter, and the Company ended the year with a fourth quarter net interest margin of 2.56 percent.

Non-interest Income

Non-interest income of $118 million for 2023 decreased $2.7 million, or 2 percent, over the same period last year and was primarily due to the decrease in gain on sale of residential loans, which was partially offset by the increase in service charges and other fees. Miscellaneous loan fees of $16.9 million, increased $1.6 million for 2023, or 10 percent, which was primarily driven by increased credit card interchange fees due to increased activity. Gain on sale of residential loans of $12.2 million in 2023 decreased by $7.8 million, or 39 percent, over the prior year, primarily as result of a reduction in residential purchase and refinance activities as mortgage rates significantly increased during 2023. 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.

31

Non-interest Expense

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

Total non-interest expense of $527 million for 2023 increased $8.5 million, or 2 percent, over the same period in the prior year. Compensation and employee benefits expense of $309 million in 2023 decreased $10.3 million, or 3 percent, over the prior year and was driven by a decrease in performance-related compensation including real estate loan commissions. Regulatory assessments and insurance of $28.7 million for 2023 increased $15.8 million, or 123 percent, over the prior year and was primarily due to the $6.0 million FDIC special assessment pursuant to a systemic risk determination and the FDIC uniformly increasing all depository institutions premiums during 2023. Other expenses of $87.0 million for 2023 decreased $530 thousand, or 1 percent, from the prior year and included changes in several miscellaneous categories. Acquisition-related expenses included in other expenses were $1.3 million in 2023 compared to $10.0 million in 2022.

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:

The provision for credit loss expense was $14.8 million for 2023, a decrease of $5.2 million, or 26 percent, over the same period in the prior year. The provision for credit loss expense for 2023 included provision for credit loss expense of $20.8 million on the loan portfolio and credit loss benefit of $6.0 million on the unfunded loan commitments. Net charge-offs during 2023 were $10.3 million compared to $7.8 million during 2022.

Efficiency Ratio

The efficiency ratio was 62.85 percent for 2023 compared to 54.64 percent for 2022. The increase from the prior year was primarily attributable to the increase in interest expense in the current year that outpaced the increase in interest income.

32

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 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. During the first quarter of 2022, the Company transferred $2.2 billion of available-for-sale securities with an unrealized net loss of $55.7 million into the held-to-maturity portfolio after determining it had the intent and ability to hold such securities until maturity. 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:

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.

33

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.

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

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, 2023. 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.

______________________________

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, 2023, 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, 2023.

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

35

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 I. Item 2. 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 I. Item 2. 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:

The stated maturities or first repricing term (if applicable) for the loan portfolio at December 31, 2023 was as follows:

Residential Real Estate Lending

The Company’s 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.

36

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.

37

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 $479 million and $554 million of loans with remaining interest reserves of $20.7 million and $27.7 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. During 2023 and 2022, the Company extended, renewed or modified 7 loans and 5 loans, respectively, with interest reserves. Such loans had an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $56.0 million and $16.2 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had no construction loans with interest reserves that are currently non-performing or that are designated potential problem loans.

38

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.

39

Non-performing Assets

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

______________________________

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 of $25.6 million at December 31, 2023 decreased $7.1 million, or 22 percent, over the prior year end. Non-performing assets as a percentage of subsidiary assets at December 31, 2023 was 0.09 percent compared to 0.12 percent in the prior year end. Early stage delinquencies (accruing loans 30-89 days past due) of $50.0 million at December 31, 2023 increased $29.0 million from prior year end which primarily occurred during the fourth quarter of 2023. The fourth quarter of 2023 increase included a $13 million loan that was brought current shortly after quarter end. The remaining early stage delinquencies were driven by seasonality and a few isolated loans.

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 $60.6 million at December 31, 2023. 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 2023 was $1.7 million. The fair value of the loan collateral acquired in foreclosure during 2023 was $1.6 million. The following table sets forth the changes in OREO for the periods indicated:

40

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Receivable

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

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

41

The ACL as a percentage of total loans outstanding at December 31 2023 was 1.19 percent which was a 1 basis point decrease from the prior year end. The Company’s ACL of $193 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 of credit losses related to loans. For the periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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 2023, provision for credit losses exceeded the charge-offs, net of recoveries, by $10.5 million. During 2022, provision for credit losses exceeded the charge-offs, net of recoveries, by $9.6 million.

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 environmental 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 which is further segregated by the credit quality indicators. 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 221 locations, including 187 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.”

42

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:

______________________________

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

43

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

44

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

_________________

n/m - not measurable

45

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

46

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:

Total estimated uninsured deposits were $6.081 billion and $7.234 billion at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The following table summarizes the estimated amounts outstanding at December 31, 2023 for uninsured time deposits according to the time remaining to maturity.

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

47

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 calibration 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 offers 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 are 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 current liquidity position. The $2.740 billion in BTFP borrowings will mature in March of 2024. In anticipation of the maturity of the BTFP borrowings, the Company strategically committed to borrowing $1.800 billion in FHLB borrowings that will mature between March of 2025 and March of 2026 at a weighted rate of 4.75 percent and a FHLB dividend adjusted weighted rate of 4.41 percent. The Company plans to pay off all of the BTFP borrowings at maturity through a combination of the committed FHLB borrowings 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, BTFP, 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, 2023. The subordinated debentures outstanding as of December 31, 2023 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.”

48

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 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 2023, the amount of unencumbered securities decreased primarily as a result of pledging securities to collateralize borrowings. 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:

____________________________

1 Total unencumbered debt securities at December 31, 2023, included $441.5 million classified as AFS and $1.4 billion classified as HTM. Total unencumbered debt securities at December 31, 2022, included $3.1 billion classified as AFS, and $3.1 billion classified as HTM.

49

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, 2023 and determined its ACL of $19.3 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. Abundant capital is 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 110,888,942 have been issued as of December 31, 2023. 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, 2023. Conversely, the Company may 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, 2023, 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, 2023:

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 will be phased out of Common Tier 1 capital evenly over the three-year period.

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

50

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, 5.80 percent in Idaho, 4.65 percent in Utah, 4.40 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, 2023 and 2022 was $44.7 million and $67.1 million, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 16.7 percent and 18.1 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 $80.2 million and $80.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Benefits from Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTC”) federal income tax credits were $19.9 million and $15.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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 $14.6 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.

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).

51